Medicine Books Research Articles

Tibetan Medicines for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy.

As an important part of the traditional Chinese medicine system, Tibetan medicine has its unique treatment methods for diabetes mellitus and its complications. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious diabetic microvascular diseases. Tibetan medicine believes that the occurrence of DN is closely related to renal function changes, and it can be effectively prevented and treated by improving renal lesions. In this paper, we consult ancient books of Tibetan medicine and summarize the medicines that treat kidney disease in the Tibetan medicine system. The Chinese name, English name, and Latin name of these drugs were searched as keywords in the online database. Thirty-four drugs were found for the treatment of DN. The most commonly used were Amomum kravanh, Terminalia chebula, and Tribulus terrestris, and we introduced the traditional uses and modern pharmacological activities of these drugs. The results indicate that Tibetan medicines for kidney disease could be used as potential candidate drugs for DN; they would expand the range of medications for DN and provide a new idea for the treatment of DN.

Scientific Life of Hakim Mohammed Azam Khan Rampuri Chashti; Custodian of Indo-Iranian Medicine During the 19th Century Changes of Indian Subcontinent

Indo-Iranian medicine dates back to a couple of centuries ago. The Gurkanies’ movement from Iran and Transoxiana to India introduced the Persian language to India, and the scientific language changed from Arabic and Sanskrit to this language. Iranian medicine has had a remarkable influence on the Indian Subcontinent, a sign of which is the elevated medical literature written in this language. Hakim Mohammad Azam Khan was born in 1813 AD. His ancestors were great sages of Khorasan (in north east of Iran) and then migrated to Afghanistan and India. Since he lived in the late 19th AD century, he had access to many Iranian traditional books. He provided rich sources of traditional medicine for the next generation by publishing traditional medicine books and traditional pharmacology. He wrote great books such as the Exir Azam (a comprehensive medical encyclopedia), Romouz Azam (a general book on medicine), Qarabadin Azam (Pharmacopeia). With his profound 19th century orientalist approach that emphasized safeguarding the Persian language, he created numerous works in the field of medicine, making him the most serious custodian of Indo-Iranian medicine in India. The present study reviews the scientific life of a contemporary famous author of Indo-Iranian medical literature written in Persian Language.

Effects of Afsantin Plant on Liver Diseases From the Perspective of Three Books of Traditional Iranian Medicine (Kitab Al-Hawi, Qanon, and Zakhirah-i Khwarazm Shahi)

Objective: Recent studies have shown the positive effectiveness of Afsantin plant in treatment of liver diseases. Therefore, it may be possible to find new ways in treatment of liver diseases by examining how to use this plant based on the Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) Methods: In this qualitative study, by referring to specialized libraries of TIM books in Iran and using various online resources, the terminology of Afsantin plant was first studied based on TIM. After knowing the different names of this plant, they were searched in various medical books, especially the three famous TIM books of Kitab Al-Hawi, Qanun and Zakhirah-i Khwarazm Shahi. Then, different medical prescriptions related to Afsantin were extracted from these books and different applications of this plant in diseases, especially liver diseases, were recorded and coded in Excel software. Then, articles that reported the medicinal applications of Afsantin plant in treatment of liver diseases were searched in online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, MagIran, Irandoc, IranMedex . The collected data were finally analyzed and compared with the data obtained from the TIM books. Results: Ancient Iranian physicians had described various types of liver disease in their works. The Afsantin plant been used alone or in combination with other substances in three books (Kitab Al-Hawi, Qanon, and Zakhirah-i Khwarazm Shahi) in 179 prescriptions for treatment of different diseases mostly for liver inflammation (23%), jaundice (20%), ascites (19%), and liver disease (18%). The most common form of administration of this plant was oral form (80%) followed by topical form (20%). In combined forms of use, lavender (30.2%), lemongrass (24.6%), anise (17.3%), Chinese rhubarb (17.3%), rose (16.2%), saffron (15.1%), Maghsoul (14.5%) champignon (14%), and Agrimonia eupatoria extract (14%) had been mostly used along with Afsantin to enhance the therapeutic effect of Afsantin or eliminate its negative effects on the body. The examination of modern medicine articles also revealed the sufficient knowledge of the authors of these books about liver diseases. The results of comparison showed that primary liver diseases such as hepatitis and alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases were in the same category as primary diseases and initiators of liver diseases, i.e. bad mazaj, and ascites was equivalent to cirrhosis plus ascites. Conclusion: Considering the frequent use of Afsantin by famous TIM physicians and the consistency of their findings with modern medicine in terms of treating liver diseases, it seems that if the effect of this plant on liver diseases based on TIM be studied more widely and the results of this study be evaluated by the standards of modern medicine, new solutions can be achieved in the treatment of liver diseases.

Historical evolution of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing methods

China has a long history of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing with multiple methods available. The pre-sent study collated and summarized the Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing methods recorded in 23 related herbal medicine books, all editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the 1988 edition of National Regulations for Processing of Chinese Medicine, and 20 current local processing specifications and standards. The results demonstrated various processing methods of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, such as removing residual part of stem, plantlet, or soil, smashing, filing, cutting, decocting, washing with wine, soaking in wine, and stir-frying with wine or blood from pig heart, while raw and wine-processed products are mainly used in modern times. Due to the lack of unified standards, the phenomena of multiple methods adopted in one place and different methods in different places have led to uneven quality of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces, even affecting the safety and effectiveness of its clinical medication. This study is expected to provide a reference for the development of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma processing and its rational medication.

Syrische Astrologie und das syrische Medizinbuch by Stefanie Rudolf

In her book entitled Syrische Astrologie und das syrische Medizinbuch, Stefanie Rudolf tackles a Syriac encyclopaedia known as the Book of Medicines, which was edited and translated into English for the first time by William Budge in 1913. Budge’s edition was based on a reading of the manuscript BL 9360, which was, in Budge’s estimation, copied in 1894 in the city of Alqosh from a 12th-century manuscript. Reviewed by: Émilie Villey, Published Online (2021-08-31)Copyright © 2021 by Émilie VilleyThis open access publication is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (CC BY-NC-ND) Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/aestimatio/article/view/37727/28729 Corresponding Author: Émilie Villey,CNRS ParisE-Mail: emilie.villey@cnrs.fr

Study and Experimental Validation of the Functional Components and Mechanisms of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni in the Treatment of Lactation Deficiency.

The function of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (daylily) on promoting lactation is reported in several ancient Chinese medicine books. However, nowadays, there is no conclusive data to support this statement. In this study, we investigated the effect of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni extract (HCE) on lactation insufficiency in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) dams and further explored the mechanism and functional components through network pharmacology. The results showed that HCE could increase the offspring’s weight, serum prolactin (PRL), and oxytocin (OT) level of CUMS dams. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the facilitation of HCE on lactation is the result of the comprehensive action of 62 components on 209 targets and 260 pathways, among this network, quercetin, kaempferol, thymidine, etc., were the vital material basis, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitogen activity protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), tumor protein P53 (TP53), etc., were the core targets, and the prolactin signaling pathway was the core pathway. In addition, verification test results showed that HCE regulated the abnormal expression of the prolactin signaling pathway, including STAT3, cyclin D1 (CCND1), MAPK1, MAPK8, nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 subunit (NFKB1), and tyrosine-protein kinase (JAK2). In conclusion, HCE exhibited a facilitation of lactation insufficiency, in which quercetin, kaempferol, thymidine, etc., were the most important material basis. The mechanism of this promotional effect is mediated by the prolactin signaling pathway in mammary gland.

Analysis the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine in English literature development in modern history.

The large-scale exchange and spread of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the West began in the 17th century. From the first English Chinese medicine book "gout collection" published in London in 1676, the British began to understand the mysterious and ancient oriental medicine of TCM. Britain is one of the earliest countries where TCM began to spread. TCM is an important carrier of China's excellent traditional culture. With the development of the world's medical technology and the continuous improvement of China's cultural soft power, the cross-cultural communication of TCM has become a characteristic business card for China to go to the world. For the research of a work, we must start from the source, so it is very important to first count the history of TCM external communication, and then systematically analyze and study the various phenomena in this history, so as to summarize the experience and inadequacy of TCM external communication process, and provide feasible guidance for future TCM research, And promote the effective development of TCM, and ultimately spread TCM culture to the international community more comprehensively and accurately. Although the greater than 300 hundred years' history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) spreading throughout Britain has been continuously mentioned in literature, studies on the historical development of TCM in Britain are rare. In this paper, the authors gathered information including the chronological statistics and stages of the 300 hundred years' dissemination of TCM in Britain, in order to provide more historical data and research materials for the spread of Chinese medicine in Britain.

Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling: An important molecular mechanism of herbal medicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis via the protection of vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress

IntroductionRecently, Nrf2/HO-1 has received extensive attention as the main regulatory pathway of intracellular defense against oxidative stress and is considered an ideal target for alleviating endothelial cell (EC) injury. ObjectivesThis paper aimed to summarized the natural monomers/extracts that potentially exert protective effects against oxidative stress in ECs. MethodsA literature search was carried out regarding our topic with the keywords of “atherosclerosis” or “Nrf2/HO-1” or “vascular endothelial cells” or “oxidative stress” or “Herbal medicine” or “natural products” or “natural extracts” or “natural compounds” or “traditional Chinese medicines” based on classic books of herbal medicine and scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, GoogleScholar, BaiduScholar, and others. Then, we analyzed the possible molecular mechanisms for different types of natural compounds in the treatment of atherosclerosis via the protection of vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies are discussed. ResultsThese agents with protective effects against oxidative stress in ECs mainly include phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Most of these agents alleviate cell apoptosis in ECs due to oxidative stress, and the mechanisms are related to Nrf2/HO-1 signaling activation. However, despite continued progress in research on various aspects of natural agents exerting protective effects against EC injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, the development of new drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) and other CVDs based on these agents will require more detailed preclinical and clinical studies. ConclusionOur present paper provides updated information of natural agents with protective activities on ECs against oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1. We hope this review will provide some directions for the further development of novel candidate drugs from natural agents for the treatment of AS and other CVDs.

Efficacy Of Bastikarma In Vitiligo

Efficacy Of Bastikarma In Vitiligo

Using Network Pharmacology to Clarify the Therapeutic Mechanism of Hataagqi-19 Hot Compress Therapy in Rats with Lumbar Disc Herniation

Objective: This study aims to determine the primary efficacy of traditional medicine treatment of Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and the effect of Hataagqi-19 hot compress (H19+HC) therapy on LDH rats. Methods: Referencing ancient books of Mongolian medicine, we studied the theoretical basis of Mongolian medicine to treat LDH. We performed operations to establish a model of SD rats with LDH treated with H19+HC. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was detected, serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were measured by ELISA, and immunohistochemical staining was used to measure IL-6, CD68, and IgG. Results: The medicinal properties of the drugs for the treatment of LDH are mainly dry “Xieriwusu,” heat-clearing, and suppressing “Heyi” medicine. The PWT value, serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and tissue IL-6, CD68, IgG of H19+HC was lower than that of the control group. The nucleus pulposus of the H19+HC was significantly smaller than that of the control group. The positive staining result in the main inflammatory cells of the lesion was CD68. Conclusions: Mongolian medicine treatment of LDH is based on the dry “Xieriwusu,” heat-clearing, and suppressing “Heyi” efficacy. The H19+HC therapy follows this efficacy and has the effects of improved abnormal behavior, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and reabsorption of the nucleus pulposus.

Research on Data Mining Method of TCM Prescription Based on Machine Learning

This paper uses conditional random field model to mine TCM data. In order to identify the information of prescriptions in ancient Chinese medicine books, the model firstly cleaned and segmented the original text data, then, labels are added according to the selection of TCM characteristics to mark part of the corpus, and according to the demand divided into two parts, the training corpus was used to adjust the parameters of the custom CRF feature template, and the model was generated after adjusting the parameters. The accuracy of the model for entity recognition was verified by using the test corpus. In the end, the feasibility of the conditional random field model in the identification of TCM prescriptions was verified experimentally.

MO1033URINE EXAMINATION - A CHALLENGE FOR NEPHROLOGISTS FROM ANCIENT TIMES

Abstract Background and Aims Extensive archaeological material indicates that records of the treatment of kidney disease without examining the cause and solely by examining the appearance of urine date back to ancient times. To this day, the basic clinical approach to nephrology patient included an overview of freshly sampled urine from the uncatheterized bladder and monitoring of urine output.The aim of the paper is to analyze the history of the urine analysis. Method Data were collected from books, magazines, encyclopedias and databases. Results The first nephrological experiences and doctrines that connected the clinical picture with diseases of the urinary bladder, kidneys or liver were written down in the opus Corpus Hippocraticium, which contains a total of 53 works. Opus Hippocraticium contains in its work Aphorisms a total of 22 aphorisms dedicated to uroscopy. Such examinations revealed specific changes in urine that were considered important for the onset and maintenance of the disease (Predictions II paragraphs 567,569,571). Galen (Claudios Galenos) is the most famous representative of Roman medicine and a follower of the teachings of Hippocrates. In his work De crisibus (K IX, 550-668) he described in detail the changes in urine.The physicians who marked the first and second centuries with their work on urine specificities were Selius Aurelianus (Tarde Passiones V, 3) and Cornelia Celsus (De Medicina 4:17). The apostate Oribazi (Oribasius of Pergamum; 325-403) wrote a "Medical Collection" which consists of 70 books. The importance of uroscopy for the prognosis of diseases is also described in the texts on secretions in this collection.Etius of Amida wrote (Aetius 502-575) a very semi-paired collection of "Sixteen Books of Medicine". In Book V of his work he wrote 15 chapters on the characteristics of urine. He incorporated the described changes in urine into the theory of four types of body fluids. Due to the advanced approach, this collection became the basis of all subsequent works on uroscopy.Pavle Eginski (625-690) is an Alexandrian student who practiced uroscopy and is the author of seven books entitled "Excerpts from Medicine" in which he introduces new concepts and describes in detail how to collect and examine urine. At that time, the greatest contribution to uroscopy was considered to have been made by Magnus Emesianus with his classification of urine characteristics.The most famous representative of medicine from the Byzantine era is Theophilus Protospatorius (VII century) a physician, monk, and philosopher of the Byzantine period wrote (De Urinis 68-70), a treatise on urine which was translated into Arabic and Hebrew and highly esteemed among the urologists of the time. Serbian medieval medicine was a synthesis of Western European and Byzantine science.Scientific access to treatment and permanent medical education was provided in the monastery hospitals (typical of the Hilandar / Studenica monastery), but very few manuscripts from that period have been preserved. The most extensive and significant medieval medical manuscript in the Serbian language is the "Hilandar Medical Codex".In the "Journal of Uroscopy", 62 paragraphs are dedicated to Byzantine uroscopy-macroscopic examination of changes in urine. Uroscopy has been developed until the introduction of the forerunner microscope for examining urine at the end of the 16th century. The application of microscopy in the examination of urine is constantly being improved, and the first automatic analysis of urinary sediment was done in 1985. Conclusion Although urine analysis has been used since ancient times, today the diagnosis depends a lot on the quality of interpretation of the findings. Despite attempts to standardize urine sediment analysis using various methods as a cheap and non-invasive method, it is still not sufficiently used in differentiating different kidney diseases.

Hippocampus kuda protein hydrolysate improves male reproductive dysfunction in diabetic rats

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing. This disease is associated with many complications including male reproductive dysfunctions and infertility. Seahorse ( Hippocampus kuda) is a marine teleost fish well known for its beneficial effects on the reproductive system in traditional Chinese medicine books. Recently, several studies have been shown that the enzymatic hydrolysate of seahorse has multiple pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the seahorse peptide hydrolysate (SH) ameliorative effects on the diabetic-induced male reproductive dysfunction in rat models. The in vivo studies were carried out with three different doses of SH (4, 8, and 20 mg/kg) and the diabetes condition was induced by administrating with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) and fed a 40% high-fat diet. Seahorse hydrolysate (20 mg/kg) inhibited lipid peroxidation, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and restored seminiferous tubules morphology in testis. Moreover, it improved reproductive dysfunction by increasing the level of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sperm count, and motility. According to these results, we suggested that SH exhibited amelioration effects on the reproductive dysfunction.

Ethnopharmacology, chemodiversity, and bioactivity of Cephalotaxus medicinal plants.

Cephalotaxus is the only genus of Cephalotaxaceae family, and its natural resources are declining due to habitat fragmentation, excessive exploitation and destruction. In many areas of China, folk herbal doctors traditionally use Cephalotaxus plants to treat innominate swollen poison, many of which are cancer. Not only among Han people, but also among minority ethnic groups, Cephalotaxus is used to treat various diseases, e.g., cough, internal bleeding and cancer in Miao medicine, bruises, rheumatism and pain in Yao medicine, and ascariasis, hookworm disease, scrofula in She medicine, etc. Medicinal values of some Cephalotaxus species and compounds are acknowledged officially. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review summarizing the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Cephalotaxus, relevant medicinal phytometabolites and their bioactivities. The research progresses in ethnopharmacology, chemodiversity, and bioactivities of Cephalotaxus medicinal plants are reviewed and commented here. Knowledge gaps are pinpointed and future research directions are suggested. Classic medicinal books, folk medicine books, herbal manuals and ethnomedicinal publications were reviewed for the genus Cephalotaxus (Sanjianshan in Chinese). The relevant data about ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology were collected as comprehensively as possible from online databases including Scopus, NCBI PubMed, Bing Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). "Cephalotaxus", and the respective species name were used as keywords in database search. The obtained articles of the past six decades were collated and analyzed. Four Cephalotaxus species are listed in the official medicinal book in China. They are used as ethnomedicines by many ethnic groups such as Miao, Yao, Dong, She and Han. Inspirations are obtained from traditional applications, and Cephalotaxus phytometabolites are developed into anticancer reagents. Cephalotaxine-type alkaloids, homoerythrina-type alkaloids and homoharringtonine (HHT) are abundant in Cephalotaxus, e.g., C. lanceolata, C. fortunei var. alpina, C. griffithii, and C. hainanensis, etc. New methods of alkaloid analysis and purification are continuously developed and applied. Diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolics, and other components are also identified and isolated in various Cephalotaxus species. Alkaloids such as HHT, terpenoids and other compounds have anticancer activities against multiple types of human cancer. Cephalotaxus extracts and compounds showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, immunomodulatory activity, antimicrobial activity and nematotoxicity, antihyperglycemic effect, and bone effect, etc. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies of Cephalotaxus are increasing. We should continue to collect and sort out folk medicinal knowledge of Cephalotaxus and associated organisms, so as to obtain new enlightenment to translate traditional tips into great therapeutic drugs. Transcriptomics, genomics, metabolomics and proteomics studies can contribute massive information for bioactivity and phytochemistry of Cephalotaxus medicinal plants. We should continue to strengthen the application of state-of-the-art technologies in more Cephalotaxus species and for more useful compounds and pharmacological activities.

Neurosurgery in Egypt from ancient Egyptians to Modern Neurosurgery, African Perspective

Neurosurgery has been practiced for more than 12,000 years worldwide. Cranial and transnasal approaches to the brain have beenpracticed for variable religious, mystical, or therapeutic purposes in ancient civilizations of Africa and specifically in Egypt (1). AncientEgyptian medicine is documented in the paintings on the walls of temples and numerous papyri (figure 1) (2-4).Ancient Egyptian medicine dates to 3500 BC when Athotis (Hor-Aha), the second king of the first dynasty, was found to have in his tombthe first “Book of the Dead” that was later quoted with modifications till it reached “Practical Medicine and Anatomic Book” in Ani’spapyrus (5, 6).

Study on antidepressant mechanism of Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba herb pair by metabonomics combined with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection technology.

Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba (BP), a traditional Chinese medicine herb pair, has treated depression by coordinating the liver in Chinese classical medicine books and modern research. This study aims to verify the antidepressant effect of BP by behavioural examination, and reveal the underlying antidepressant mechanisms of BP. The antidepressant effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) of BP were observed by behavioural indicators and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) metabonomics techniques combined with the related analysis platforms. BP could significantly improve the depressive behaviour of CUMS rats. Compared with the model group, body weight (P < 0.05), the number of crossing (P < 0.001) and rearing (P < 0.01) and sucrose preference rate (P < 0.01) were significantly enhanced, and the immobility time was shortened in the forced swimming test (P < 0.001) of the BP group. In metabonomics study, 35 depression-related metabolites were identified by 1H NMR and UHPLC-MS/MS metabonomics by comparing model and control groups. BP could significantly retrieve 17 depression-related metabolites. Thirteen depression-related metabolic pathways were found through Met-PA and BP could regulate seven metabolic pathways. BP herb pair had significantly antidepressant effect, which provides a basis for further finding drug targets.

Traditional Medicine Centers in the World and Their Architectural Features

Objective: Hospitals and medical centers, as places that provide health services, play an essential role in increasing patient satisfaction, reducing stress, and promoting health in patients, as well as training medical staff. This study aims to identify some traditional medicine centers in the world and assess their architectural features. Methods: This is a review study using descriptive survey method. Information were collected from traditional medicine books and online sources using a library method. While reviewing the design of 4 traditional medicine centers, it tries to propose designs to improve the physical and mental states of patients in these centers. Results: Sufficient light, color, decorations and motifs, natural construction materials, and diversity in creating green space were the important parameters in designing traditional medicine centers. Conclusion: It is possible to control the temperament (Mizaj) balance and find a specific architectural pattern by designing traditional medicine centers based on the mentioned parameters. Due to the importance of these parameters and their psychological impact on patients, they can be used for improvement of mental health in the community.

The Safety of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Vitiligo and Hypermelanosis: A Systematic Review of Use and Reports of Harm.

IntroductionVitiligo is disfiguring and devastating condition that can humans feel stigmatic and devalued. Melasma is a general condition of hyperpigmentation particularly involving the face. The pigmentation disorders of vitiligo (hypopigmentation or de-pigmentation) and melasma (Hypermelanosis) are common among the world’s population (around 1% for vitiligo).ObjectiveThe identification of medicinal plants used in the treatment of vitiligo and hypermelanosis. A systematic literature review on harms associated with the medicinal plants used in the treatment of vitiligo and hypermelanosis. To review and summarize information on reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with these medicinal plants contained in (where access is available) national and global individual case safety report databases.MethodsA systematic review of the literature with special reference to all types of clinical trial and case reports using biomedical databases including Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, International Pharmaceutical s and so forth to identify medicinal plants alone or as an adjuvant with other treatments and their safety/tolerability in the treatment of vitiligo and Hypermelanosis. Other sources of this search were medicinal plants text books, pharmacopoeias and authentic websites discussing possible treatments for vitiligo/hypermelanosis. It also included databases such as VigiAccess containing data from spontaneous reporting schemes for ADRs.ResultsA total of 55 articles (47 clinical trials and 8 case reports) met the inclusion criteria. Some trials did not reported safety information, some did report, but not very well. Reports of blistering, erythema, acute hepatitis and mutagenesis with Psoralea corylifolia. Adverse effects of erythema (mild to severe), phototoxic reactions, mild raise in liver transaminases, gastrointestinal disturbances, burns, itching, scaling, depigmented macules, pruritis, and giddiness with the use of psoralens. Khellin-related erythema, perilesional hyperpigmentation, gastrointestinal disturbances, mild raise in liver transaminases and orthostatic complaints. Infrequent side effects with Ginkgo biloba. Lower grade of erythema and edema reported with the use of Polypodium leucotomos.ConclusionPrimarily the retrieved clinical studies were efficacy oriented and safety parameters were secondary in priority whilst the general protocol of clinical trials requires the screening of drugs/medicinal plants on the basis of safety studies before testing the clinical aspects of efficacy. Thereby it is recommended that efficacy studies may be followed once the safety has been established for a particular medicinal plant in treating vitiligo and hypermelanosis.

Assessment of the Role of Environmental factors and Associated Plants for the Mass Cultivation of Santalum album L in Nepal and India

Sandalwood (White Sandal) is the fragrant heartwood of some species of genus Santalum. The widely distributed and economically important Santalum genus belongs to the family Santalaceae which includes 30 genera with about 400 species, many of which being completely or partially parasitic (John, 1947). The word Sandal has been derived from Chandana (Sanskrit), Chandan (Persian), Savtador (Greek) and Santal (French). There are references of Sandalwood in Indian mythology, folklore and ancient scripts. ‘Chandana’ the Sanskrit name ascribed to Santalum album L. was known and used in India from the earliest historic times and is frequently mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit writings, some of which dated before Christian era. Kautilya’s Arthashastra (320 B.C.) considered Sandal as one of the important forest products to increase royal revenue. Charaka Sanhitha, the major text book of internal medicine in Ayurveda (300 B.C.) quotes uses of Sandal over 160 time in the entire text. In treatment of major diseases like fever, piles, hemorrhagic conditions, diabetes, dropsy, mental disorders, management of poisons &amp; skin disorders wide spread uses of sandal is seen. Susrutha Samhita (150 B.C.) a great text on Indian wisdom on surgical procedures, equally preferred sandal for the management of wounds. Sandal fumigation is indicated in warding off evils and organisms, which contaminate the wounds. Such fumigations hasten the wound healing &amp; surgical wards remain aseptic. Dusting of wounds with sandal for early healing is common. In the Amarkosha (Lexicon 3rd or 4th Century A.D.) sandal is mentioned and it is said that ‘Vina-malayam anyathra chandanam vivarditha’

Manuscripts from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Islands: Information from Colophons of Hebrew Manuscripts from the Thirteenth-Sixteenth Centuries

The article examines the production of books in the islands in the eastern Mediterranean basin in the thirteenth-sixteenth centuries, based on the information contained in the colophons written by the manuscript copyists at the conclusion of their work. The copyists' mention - at times - of the place of the copying teaches of the deployment of the Jewish communities in this region. Books were produced even in the small Jewish communities on these islands, and not only in the relatively large community on Crete. Twenty-nine manuscripts have survived from these locations. This material teaches of the presence of the demand by an educated Jewish population for books in diverse fields, including philosophy, Bible commentary, homiletical literature, medicine, and Kabbalah. Thanks to the efforts of these copyists, classical Jewish writings were preserved for future generations. These works will continue to provide a fertile field of research for scholars, due to their contents and to their being the subject of scholarly research as manuscripts. The colophons that were written by copyists reveal the locations where they received the original texts to be. Someone who copied a book for his personal use, in contrast, did not feel the need to supply such information. Professional copyists were paid for their services; although this is not stated explicitly in the colophons presented in the article, but in many instances we hear of this. Some copyists had to make major efforts in order to obtain the source for their copying, and at times they traveled far and wide for this purpose. The article illustrates the existence of Jewish communities in the small islands around Greece, especially in the thirteenth-sixteenth centuries. Most of the books were copied for the scribe's own use, thereby teaching of the intellectual level of the book readership. The colophons are the "identity card" of the copyist, and also contain the name of the book and details about the author. Colophons virtually disappeared after the invention of the printing press, to be replaced by title pages in printed works.