Medicinal Claims Research Articles

Investigation of nanoparticles present in biochemic tissue salt Kalium phosphoricum in different potencies

BackgroundBiochemic tissue salts are defined as essential inorganic salts needed to maintain homoeostasis within living tissue. Kali phosphoricum is one of the twelve biochemic tissue salts. Nanomedicine is an expanding field, in which nanoparticles play an integral part and are known to exist in the natural world and can also be manufactured by scientists. This study sought to determine whether Kali phos included nanoparticles and whether may help to mitigate brain problems. Material and methodTo investigate whether potassium phosphate nanoparticles were present in Kali phos, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used. To analyze the biochemical parameters, the homogenate of brain was incubated with lactose powder (control group), different potencies of Kali phos and K2HPO4. 25 % homogenate of normal brain tissue was made with the help of ice cold 0.02 M Tris-Cl (pH 7.4) buffer. Different antioxidant enzymes and glycolytic enzyme activities were measured. ResultsIt may be concluded from this investigation, utilizing these chosen potencies, that the biochemic tissue salt Kali phos does contain nanoparticles of potassium phosphate, adding to the development of the nanomedicine field. Lower potency remedies were more effective in modulating the level of antioxidant and glycolytic enzymes. ConclusionAlthough there is clearly a body of scientific evidence, mainstream medicine claims that there is simply an inadequate amount of such evidence. These results may expand the range of use and applications of biochemic tissue salts, lay the groundwork for the creation of empirical homoeopathic evidence, and bring innovative research avenues.

Development and characterization of Abutilon indicum (Indian mallow) leaf extract loaded electrospun nanofibres

Herbal functionalized nanofibres are widely used in wound healing, tissue engineering, and air filters due to their efficient antimicrobial properties. Spinning nanofibres using herbs requires initial studies to check the compatibility of the herb, nanofibre formation, and spinnability. Efforts are being made to spin nanofibres using Abutilon indicum. Nanofibres produced using electrospinning techniques excel in unique structural and functional properties. Their structure aids in encapsulating active substances and controlled release of these substances. Abutilon indicum, also known as Indian mallow or Thuthi leaf, is a plant with various medicinal claims and antimicrobial properties. The current study focuses on developing nanofibres using the electrospinning technique with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) polymer and Indian mallow extract (IME). Nanofibres were developed with PVA/IME in different proportions. The developed nanofibres were characterized for surface morphology, Fourier-transform infrared spectrum, material thickness, swelling ratio, tensile strength, and antimicrobial property. The addition of IME to PVA did not affect the spinnability of the nanofibres. Among the samples developed with different ratios, the 50:50 PVA/IME sample was observed to have enhanced antimicrobial activity due to the higher proportion of IME within the polymer.

LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis of Anodendron parviflorum (Roxb.) leaves extract and exploring its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potential

BackgroundTraditional medicine claims that Anodendron parviflorum has benefits for treating various human diseases. The present study seeks to understand better the phytochemical and LC–MS/MS-QTOF profiling of A. parviflorum's ethanolic extract and to investigate the properties of the different solvents of A. parviflorum for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, toxicity, and cytotoxic effects.ResultsThe quantitative methods exhibited higher total phenolics (327.16 ± 2.4 mg GAE/g dw), total flavonoid (109.82 ± 1.9 mg QE/g dw), and total alkaloid (14.13 ± 0.09%) content in ethanol extract. In contrast, a higher total extraction value (22.8 ± 0.6%) and total terpenoid (57.23 ± 0.06 mg LL/g dw) content was shown in the methanol extract of A. parviflorum. LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis of its ethanolic extract revealed a notable occurrence of phenols and flavonoids. The ethanolic extract of A. parviflorum exhibited significant antioxidant activities with lower IC50 values in DPPH, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating and reducing power assay. The methanolic extract of A. parviflorum had the more significant anti-inflammatory property (94.55 ± 0.1%) in the bovine serum albumin assay. The extracts also demonstrated a higher inhibition zone against pathogenic bacteria. The ethanolic extract of A. parviflorum demonstrated substantial cytotoxicity against A549 cells.ConclusionConsequently, these findings validate the use of A. parviflorum in traditional medical practices due to its bioactive compounds, which may have potential therapeutic value in various biomedical applications.HighlightsA. parviflorum leaves extract showed the presence of significant levels of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids.LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis revealed notable bioactive compounds of A. parviflorum.The different extracts showed remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.The extracts exhibited less hemolytic and higher thrombolytic activities.It demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against A549 cell lines.Graphical abstract

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments in West Shewa community, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Plants have formed the basis of traditional medicine (TM) systems, which have been used for thousands of years. According to reports, one-quarter of the commonly used medicines contain compounds isolated from plants. This study aims to identify and document the plants for ethno-pharmacological use by the indigenous communities of West Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to November 2021 in West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The ethnobotanical data was collected from Ejere District, Ada Berga District, Dandi District, Ambo District, Ambo Town, Toke Kutaye District, and Bako Tibe District. A descriptive statistical method (percentage and/or frequency) was employed to summarize ethnobotanical data. Moreover, the informant consensus factor was computed. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software (Microsoft Corporation, 2016) and SPSS (version 25) were used to organize and analyze the data. Result: In the study area, a total of 51 families of medicinal plants with 108 Species were identified. Fabaceae 8 species, Asteraceae, Solanaceae and Lamiaceae each with 6 species and Cucurubitacieae 5 species were the frequently reported medicinal plants. The leaf (57.2%) was the most widely used medicinal plant parts, and oral administration (56.5%) was the most cited route of administration. In the present study, most of the medicinal plants were used fresh, which was (75%) and the most common disease the healers treated was gastrointestinal disease, followed by skin disease and febrile illness. The major threat to medicinal plants in the study area was agricultural expansion, which was reported by 30.6% of the respondents. The study area was rich in medicinal plants, Fabaceae which commonly used family. Conclusion: Most of the medication prepared by the traditional healers was taken orally and derived from the leaf part of the medicinal plant. Since this research is a preliminary study which will be used as a base for further study. The efficacy and safety of the medicinal plant claim should be studied in the future.

Antibacterial Activity and Metabolite Content of Water and Methanolic Extracts of Purple and White Bougainvillea sp.

Bougainvillea sp. is a common ornamental plant grown all over Malaysia with several medicinal claims including the treatment for bacterial infection. This study investigated the extraction of the bracts and leaves of purple and white Bougainvillea sp. using methanol and water, tested the extracts' antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, and identified the metabolites using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The extraction yields of the extracts ranged from 9.6% to 31.3% with the highest yield observed in purple Bougainvillea sp. methanolic leaf extract. No significant differences were observed between water and methanol extraction of the bract samples, while in leaf samples, significantly higher extraction yield can be achieved using 80% aqueous methanol. All the extracts exhibited mild antibacterial activities against E. coli and B. cereus and especially higher in the methanolic extracts of bracts of white and leaves of purple Bougainvillea sp. A total of 71 volatile compounds were identified using GC/MS, in which 55 and 60 compounds were identified in bract and leaf extracts, respectively. The two extracts with the highest antibacterial activities shared six similar metabolites which are pyridine, benzoic acid, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, methyl hexadecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and phytol. These compounds are known to possess antibacterial as well as other bioactivities. In conclusion, the metabolite identification and profile provide more insight into the antibacterial activity of the leaf and bract extracts of Bougainvillea sp., which might be further explored as a potential natural antibacterial agent source.

The usage and costs of national drug price-negotiated anticancer medicines in a first-tier city in Northeast China: a study based on health insurance data

BackgroundThe National Drug Price Negotiation (NDPN) policy has entered a normalisation stage, aiming to alleviate, to some extent, the disease-related and economic burdens experienced by cancer patients. This study analysed the use and subsequent burden of anticancer medicines among cancer patients in a first-tier city in northeast China.MethodsWe assessed the usage of 64 negotiated anticancer medicines using the data on the actual drug deployment situation, the frequency of medical insurance claims and actual medication costs. The affordability of these medicines was measured using the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) incidence and intensity of occurrence. Finally, we used the defined daily doses (DDDs) and defined daily doses cost (DDDc) as indicators to evaluate the actual use of these medicines in the region.ResultsDuring the study period, 63 of the 64 medicines were readily available. From the perspective of drug usage, the frequency of medical insurance claims for negotiated anticancer medicines and medication costs showed an increasing trend from 2018 to 2021. Cancer patients typically sought medical treatment at tertiary hospitals and purchased medicines at community pharmacies. The overall quantity and cost of medications for patients covered by the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) were five times higher than those covered by the Urban and Rural Resident Medical Insurance (URRMI). The frequency of medical insurance claims and medication costs were highest for lung and breast cancer patients. Furthermore, from 2018 to 2021, CHE incidence showed a decreasing trend (2.85–1.60%) under urban patients’ payment capability level, but an increasing trend (11.94%–18.42) under rural patients’ payment capability level. The average occurrence intensities for urban (0.55–1.26 times) and rural (1.27–1.74 times) patients showed an increasing trend. From the perspective of drug utilisation, the overall DDD of negotiated anticancer medicines showed an increasing trend, while the DDDc exhibited a decreasing trend.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that access to drugs for urban cancer patients has improved. However, patients’ medical behaviours are affected by some factors such as hospital level and type of medical insurance. In the future, the Chinese Department of Health Insurance Management should further improve its work in promoting the fairness of medical resource distribution and strengthen its supervision of the nation’s health insurance funds.

Mental health-related service and medicine use among a cohort of urban Aboriginal children and young people: Data linkage study.

The objective was to describe mental health service and psychotropic medicine use among a cohort of Aboriginal young people and quantify their relation to sociodemographic, family and health factors. In a prospective cohort study with data linkage, 892 Aboriginal children aged 0-17 years living in urban and regional areas of New South Wales, Australia, were included. We assessed mental health-related service use, paediatric service use and psychotropic medicine dispensing claims covered by the Australian Government Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from July 2012 to June 2017. Most children (71%) did not have a record of mental health service or psychotropic medication use. 18.7% had ⩾1 mental health-related service claim; 26.7% had ⩾1 paediatric service claim; and 20.3% had ⩾1 psychotropic medicine dispensing claim. General practitioner services were the most accessed mental health-related service (17.4%) and 12.7% had been dispensed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines. Child characteristics associated with treatment included emotional and behavioural problems (prevalence ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval = [1.46, 2.64] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 2.87, 95% confidence interval = [2.07, 3.96] for medicines) and risky behaviour (prevalence ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval = [1.12, 2.16] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval = [1.54, 3.37] for medicines). Parent-related factors included chronic illness (prevalence ratio: 1.42, 95% confidence interval = [1.03, 1.95] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 2.00, 95% confidence interval = [1.49, 2.69] for medicines) and functional limitations (prevalence ratio: 1.61, 95% confidence interval = [1.16, 2.24] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 1.86, 95% confidence interval = [1.34, 2.59] for medicines). Most Aboriginal children and young people did not have claims for mental health services or medicines. Aboriginal children with emotional and behavioural problems, or parents with health problems were more likely to have mental health service or medicine claims.

The importance of the team in small animal CPR

This review draws on evidence from human medicine to assess the team factors most relevant to small animal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is increasingly being recognised that leadership, team building, communication and situational awareness all impact both the team's experience and clinical outcomes. Leadership training, nurse-led teams, debriefing, closed-loop communication and cognitive aids have all been shown to improve CPR performance and thus deserve consideration alongside the practical elements of arrest and resuscitation. There is limited primary evidence to support this claim in veterinary medicine. However, the mental models underpinning clinical human factors are largely seen as transferable, with veterinary governing bodies supporting their inclusion in practice culture and training.

Predicting Adverse Outcomes Following Catheter Ablation Treatment for Atrial Flutter/Fibrillation

To develop prognostic survival models for predicting adverse outcomes after catheter ablation treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or atrial flutter (AFL). We used a linked dataset including hospital administrative data, prescription medicine claims, emergency department presentations, and death registrations of patients in New South Wales, Australia. The cohort included patients who received catheter ablation for AF and/or AFL. Traditional and deep survival models were trained to predict major bleeding events and a composite of heart failure, stroke, cardiac arrest, and death. Out of a total of 3,285 patients in the cohort, 177 (5.3%) experienced the composite outcome-heart failure, stroke, cardiac arrest, death-and 167 (5.1%) experienced major bleeding events after catheter ablation treatment. Models predicting the composite outcome had high-risk discrimination accuracy, with the best model having a concordance index >0.79 at the evaluated time horizons. Models for predicting major bleeding events had poor risk discrimination performance, with all models having a concordance index <0.66. The most impactful features for the models predicting higher risk were comorbidities indicative of poor health, older age, and therapies commonly used in sicker patients to treat heart failure and AF and AFL. Diagnosis and medication history did not contain sufficient information for precise risk prediction of experiencing major bleeding events. Predicting the composite outcome yielded promising results, but future research is needed to validate the usefulness of these models in clinical practice. Machine learning models for predicting the composite outcome have the potential to enable clinicians to identify and manage high-risk patients following catheter ablation for AF and AFL proactively.

A Comprehensive Review on Trigonella foenum-graecum L. with Special Reference to Unani Medicine.

Trigonella foenum-graecum L., commonly known as Ḥulba or Methi in Unani medicine, is an annual self-pollinating plant belonging to the Leguminosae family. It has been utilized for centuries to treat a wide range of diseases, and modern research has supported its traditional medicinal claims. In this study, the authors have conducted manual and online searches to gather and summarize the scientific literature on Ḥulba. This article seeks to underscore the potential of Ḥulba in addressing a variety of health conditions as identified by esteemed classical Unani scholars, as well as to investigate its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties in contemporary medicine. The authors have utilized electronic databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct, DOAJ, Google Scholar, and Ayush Research Portal to filter published material. According to the gathered literature, Unani physicians have consistently recommended Ḥulba seeds for a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, flatulence, colitis, arthritis, backache, paralysis, headaches, common cold, cough, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, and pityriasis. Additionally, the seeds and green leaves of Ḥulba contain several chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, and amino acids. Furthermore, several pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Ḥulba possesses various properties, including antidiabetic, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic, immunological, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. Based on the available evidence, it can be concluded that Ḥulba has been effectively used in Unani medicine for treating a wide range of diseases. Unani scholars have extensively documented its pharmacological properties, which have been supported by modern research studies. However, further research is necessary to validate some of the claims made in traditional medicine using scientific parameters.

Elevated prevalence and treatment of sleep disorders from 2011 to 2020: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Korea

ObjectivesThis study used National Health Insurance claims data from Korea to report the prevalence of sleep disorders and treatment status, including traditional Korean medicine, in the last 10 years.MethodsThis is...

Aqueous distillate of mature leaves of Vernonia zeylanica (L.) Less. and Mallotus repandus (Rottler) Müll. Arg. cued from traditional medicine exhibits rapid wound healing properties

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSri Lankan traditional medicine uses Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus broadly for the treatment of a multitude of disease conditions, including wound healing. Aim of the studyWe aimed to scientifically validate the safety and efficacy of wound healing of an aqueous distillate of Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus (ADVM) mature leaves, tested on primary human dermal fibroblasts. Materials and methodsHuman dermal fibroblasts isolated from clinical waste from circumcision surgery were characterized by flowcytometry and trilineage differentiation. The MTT dye reduction assay, and the ex vivo wound healing scratch assay established wound healing properties of ADVM using the primary human dermal fibroblast cell line. Upregulation of genes associated with wound healing (MMP3, COL3A1, TGFB1, FGF2) were confirmed by RT qPCR. GC-MS chromatography evaluated the phytochemical composition of ADVM. ResultsCompared to the synthetic stimulant, β fibroblast growth factor, ADVM at 0.25% concentration on the primary dermal fibroblast cell line exhibited significant ex vivo, (i) 1.7-fold % cell viability (178.7% vs 304.3 %, p < 0.001), (ii) twofold greater % wound closure (%WC) potential (47.74% vs 80.11%, p < 0.001), and (iii) higher rate of % WC (3.251 vs 3.456 % WC/h, p < 0.05), sans cyto-genotoxicity. Up regulated expression of FGF2, TGFB1, COL3A1 and MMP3, genes associated with wound healing, confirmed effective stimulation of pathways of the three overlapping phases of wound healing (P < 0.05). GC-MS profile of ADVM characterized four methyl esters, which may be posited as wound healing phytochemicals. ConclusionsExceeding traditional medicine claims, the exvivo demonstration of rapid skin regeneration, reiterated by upregulated expression of genes related to wound healing pathways, sans cytotoxicity, propounds ADVM, cued from traditional medicine, as a potential safe and effective natural stimulant for rapid wound-healing. Additionally, it may serve as an effective proliferative stimulant of dermal fibroblasts for cell therapy, with potential in reparative and regenerative therapy of skin disorders.

Ethical considerations in the regulation and use of herbal medicines in the European Union.

The regulation and use of herbal medicines is a topic of debate due to concerns about their quality, safety, and efficacy. EU Directive 2004/24/EC on Herbal Medicinal Products was a significant step towards establishing a regulatory framework for herbal medicinal products in the EU, and bridging the gap between conventional and herbal medicines. This Directive allows herbal medicinal products to be marketed in the EU through full marketing authorisation, well-established use, and traditional use of herbal medicinal products. The framework relies on the correlation between the therapeutic claims of herbal medicine and the scientific evidence backing them up: the greater the claims made regarding medicinal benefits, the more evidence is required to substantiate its efficacy and safety. This regulatory framework acknowledges and incorporates traditional knowledge when evaluating herbal medicines, showcasing a balanced approach that values cultural traditions while mandating monographs for traditional herbal medicinal products. Excluding herbal medicines completely limits access to affordable treatment, particularly when they serve as the only alternative for some, and protects consumer autonomy. This EU framework could therefore serve as a practical guidance for the use and regulation of herbal medicines, even outside the EU. In conclusion, it is argued that the same moral imagination and courage shown by regulators in the case of herbal medicines could perhaps be used in the regulatory frameworks of other healthcare products.

Chemical Characteristics and Biotechnological Potentials of Mumio

Mumio is a valuable substance that ranges in color from pale brown to blackish-brown and is obtained from rock layers in various mountain ranges worldwide, particularly in the Tien Shan ranges of Kyrgyzstan. It is also a natural chemical found largely in the Himalayas, created over ages by the progressive degradation of particular plants by bacteria. Mumio is essentially a nutraceutical product with considerable human health advantages. To fully appreciate the predicted impact of mumio use in the medical area, particularly in neurological sciences, more research at both the fundamental biology level and through well-designed clinical trials is required. This involves a thorough examination of the various organic and inorganic elements that contribute to Mumio's therapeutic efficacy.The paper also dives into the results of Mumio's comprehensive biological and biotechnological analyses. These scientific research have revealed the mechanisms of action of this natural chemical and confirmed its medicinal claims. The article seeks to offer a full review of Mumio by merging traditional medicine knowledge, chemical analysis, and scientific assessments, stressing its relevance in traditional medicine and its potential for life science activities.

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

Undue Burden the Medical School Application Process Places on Low-Income Latinos

A comprehensive review on traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Thymus serpyllum.

Thymus serpyllum L. from the Lamiaceae family is an underexplored perennial medicinal shrub with traditional usage in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal issues in the upper foothills of India. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of current knowledge concerning the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of T. serpyllum. The primary objective is to collect updated information on this plant and encourage further in vivo and in vitro research to validate local claims. Notably, the essential oil derived from T. serpyllum has gained significant attention as a plant-derived product due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Ethnomedicinal research revealed a vast scope of T. serpyllum in developing new drugs to address numerous health sector challenges. While T. serpyllum has been used widely, pharmacological studies are not enough. Most studies are either in vivo or in vitro. More studies are required to assess these medicinal claims through well-planned pharmacological experiments. This review will provide the groundwork for future research. While T. serpyllum has been put to considerable conventional use, pharmacological studies are insufficient; most studies are either in vivo or in vitro. More compound isolation, comprehensive pharmacological analysis, and exploration of food applications are vital areas to investigate.

Lost archives and found voices: reconstructing the marketing history of medical marijuana in Austria-Hungary

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the marketing history of medical marijuana cigarettes in the past three decades of Austria-Hungary.Design/methodology/approachThis paper constructs an analytical narrative based on information scattered in historical periodicals.FindingsTowards the end of Habsburg rule, two Ljubljana-based pharmacists, the Trnkóczy brothers, managed to establish themselves as monopolistic suppliers of pre-rolled medical marijuana cigarettes for the entire Austrian part of the dual monarchy. Garnering the support of the regional Carniolan Government, Julius von Trnkóczy successfully argued his wares were not affected by the prohibition passed against imported French medicinal cigarettes. This happened despite medical opposition, suggesting that Trnkóczys could only operate this business because of their elevated social status. In the past decade of the 19th century, Ubald von Trnkóczy took advantage of newly loosened regulation to obtain an official permit by the royal-imperial government in Vienna. This was followed, in late 1909, by an advertising campaign covering mass media throughout the empire. This was enabled, amongst others, by a cutting down on medicinal claims. Their declining price is further indication that the cigarettes were mass marketed, especially as their core ingredient, cannabis, underwent price inflation.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of its later illegality, the research subject was for a long time considered embarrassing, leading to an absence of retrievable documents. Missing archival sources are thus a major limitation, but one which can be overcome by the concurrent reading of historical periodicals – ranging from mass-market newspapers to specialist journals and legal texts. This paper has implications for 21st-century challenges in the marketing of newly legalized medical marijuana.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the marketing history of cannabis, a drug rarely discussed in historical literature outside its medical and regulatory context, and reconstructs previously forgotten case histories.

Potential of Impatiens walleriana Hook.f. as medicinal herb and otherwise - An update

The healing potential and usefulness of plants is known since historic times. Impatiens walleriana Hook.f. (Family - Balsaminaceae) is the most cultivated plant from the genus “Impatiens”. It is explored by floriculture and horticulture industries. It has culinary uses with the potential to be researched by the food industry. Many modern medicines are plant-derived and I. walleriana has the potential to be used as medicine as backed by ethnopharmacological data. I. walleriana finds a number of traditional/folk medicinal claims. All parts of the plant and in varied formulations are used traditionally to treat various ailments. The data reviewed shows its safety in uses and its nontoxic nature. Among the Impatiens species I. walleriana is the less researched one. Few studies pertaining to its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor activities are reported. Phytochemical constituents have been identified and reported by some researchers. Following a detailed study of published information and reported activities current review on the one hand summarizes the research work that has been carried out on the other hand gives food for thought for researchers to undertake more work in the direction of finding its usefulness using scientific methodologies and establishing the ethnic claims.

Potential drug-drug interactions with phentermine among long-term phentermine consumers: A retrospective analysis.

Phentermine is an internationally recognised amphetamine derivative with significant appetite-suppressing properties. The drug is indicated for the short-term management of obesity, as the long-term (LT) use of phentermine may potentially be associated with severe cardiovascular side-effects, abuse and dependence. The LT use hereinafter describes periods exceeding 12consecutive weeks. This use may also be associated with potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs), which may result in adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The literature reports that phentermine is often prescribed LT and for several other off-label indications, increasing the risk for individuals to experience adverse drug events (ADEs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). There are, to our knowledge, no South African (SA) studies investigating the prevalence of co-prescribing LT phentermine with drugs that may potentially cause DDIs. To determine the prevalence of mild, moderate and severe DDIs with phentermine use when the duration of therapy in private healthcare exceeded 12consecutive weeks. A cross-sectional drug utilisation review (DUR) was done by using data obtained from a SA pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company's database. Retrospective data of medicine claims for phentermine, from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019, were extracted for analysis. The number of days phentermine was supplied was used to identify the study population, in other words, those patients who received the drug LT. A drug interaction checker (Drugs.com) was used to identify potential mild, moderate and severe DDIs when using phentermine and co-prescribed drugs concurrently. A total of 889 patients received phentermine LT. The top 20 drugs identified as being frequently co-prescribed in this study population demonstrated no mild PDDI, 15 (75%) moderate PDDIs and 5 (25%) severe PDDIs. The most common co-prescribed drug in the moderate group was dextromethorphan (n=282, 31.72%) and the least co-prescribed was formoterol (n=52, 5.85%). Among the drug group 'severe PDDIs', tramadol (n=416, 46.79%) was most frequently prescribed, whereas phenylpropanolamine (n=69, 7.76%) was the least prescribed to patients in this group. There are patients who receive LT phentermine therapy despite the potential severe consequences that may result. These patients may receive concomitant therapy with phentermine and other pharmaceutical constituents, which may potentially cause DDIs, more specifically, moderate and severe DDIs. As such, these patients are not only confronted with the consequences of DDIs but are also at risk to experience ADRs as the residual effect of PDDIs.

Marketing claims on the websites of leading e-cigarette brands in England

IntroductionExposure to electronic cigarette (EC) marketing is associated with EC use, particularly among youth. In England, the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) regulate EC...