Published in last 50 years
Articles published on Diverse Health Conditions
- New
- Research Article
- 10.2174/0115680266377646250527075042
- Nov 1, 2025
- Current topics in medicinal chemistry
- Lakhyajit Borah + 4 more
Genistein, a natural isoflavonoid found predominantly in legumes and soy-based foods, has garnered significant attention due to its multifaceted mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Chemically, genistein is a 4',5,7-Trihydroxyisoflavone having a molecular formula of C15H10O5, which enables its interactions with diverse biological targets. The main objective of this review is to summarize the pharmacological effects of genistein, elucidating its potential mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the review emphasizes genistein's impact on human health when used as a dietary supplement. The authors have gone through a vast number of article sources from various scientific databases like Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science. Genistein exhibits antioxidant properties by countering free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation. Genistein's anti-inflammatory effects involve inhibiting proinflammatory pathways and cytokine production. Notably, it shows anticancer potential against various malignancies by promoting apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and hindering metastasis. Moreover, genistein has antidiabetic properties, enhancing insulin secretion, protecting β-cells, and improving glucose tolerance. Its antiviral and antibacterial actions contribute to inhibiting pathogen growth and viral replication. Genistein accelerates wound healing by minimizing oxidative stress, facilitating reepithelialization, and suppressing inflammation. Its potential in peptic ulcer treatment is supported by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Hepatoprotective activities include inhibiting lipid peroxidation, bolstering antioxidant defences, and modulating metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, genistein positively impacts the immune response, influencing cytokine levels, lymphocyte proliferation, and interferon production. Genistein's multifaceted pharmacological activities render it a promising dietary supplement with implications for diverse health conditions, warranting further comprehensive research to optimize its clinical utility.
- Research Article
- 10.2174/0118756921379904250930154603
- Oct 15, 2025
- Current Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine
- Gaurav Tiwari + 6 more
Introduction: The gut microbiome plays a critical role in health and disease, influencing metabolic, gastrointestinal, and immune functions. With growing evidence supporting the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, personalized biotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics tailored to individual microbial profiles are emerging as a novel approach in precision medicine. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using studies published between January 2019 and January 2024 from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials, systematic reviews, or metaanalyses involving personalized biotic interventions in humans. Data extraction included intervention types, populations, outcomes, and study design. Results: Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Personalized probiotics showed up to a 30% reduction in inflammatory symptoms in IBD patients and improvements in metabolic and mental health markers. Selective prebiotics demonstrated a 25% decrease in obesity-related biomarkers and supported microbial diversity. Postbiotics exhibited stable immunomodulatory effects with better safety and storage profiles. However, challenges include high costs, methodological heterogeneity, and lack of standardization. Discussion: Personalized biotics show promising therapeutic potential across diverse health conditions, particularly were microbiome variability impacts treatment response. Emerging technologies such as metagenomics and biomarker profiling support the feasibility of individualized approaches. Conclusion: Personalized biotics represent a transformative step in gut health and precision medicine. Ongoing clinical validation and standardization are essential to translating this approach into routine healthcare.
- Research Article
- 10.1093/clinchem/hvaf086.472
- Oct 2, 2025
- Clinical Chemistry
- Louyin Zhu
Abstract Background Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is a global health concern requiring precise measurement for diagnosis and management. Current CLIAs, including DiaSorin, Roche, Abbott, and Beckman-Coulter, are widely used but face challenges such as standardization issues, inter-laboratory variability, and interference from metabolites and binding proteins, emphasizing the need for improved assays. Methods This study assessed the analytical performance of the Mindray CL-900i® 25-OH VitD Total assay, comparing it with DiaSorin and Roche to evaluate its suitability as an alternative for clinical VitD quantification. A total of 345 serum samples, spanning a wide range of VitD levels and diverse health conditions (pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis), were analyzed using DiaSorin, Roche, and Mindray. Diagnostic metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV), were calculated. Bland-Altman and Spearman’s rank correlation analyses were performed. Results All assays showed strong correlations. DiaSorin-Roche achieved r=0.92, AUC=0.96. Mindray-DiaSorin and Mindray-Rochecorrelations were r=0.92 and r=0.80 with AUCs of 0.97 and 0.90, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed acceptable mean biases: Roche-DiaSorin (5.72± 8.71 ng/mL), Mindray-DiaSorin (5.32±11.0 ng/mL), and Mindray-Roche (11.0±15.9 ng/mL). The best cut-off for Mindray, derived from Youden’sindex, was >32 ng/mL, while DiaSorin’s was >30 ng/mL. Mindray demonstrated high specificity (99% vs. DiaSorin; 98% vs. Roche) and PPV (98% vs. both), ensuring robust identification of VitD sufficiency and reliable deficiency diagnoses when flagged positive. Conclusion The Mindray CL-900i® assay aligns closely with reference methods, particularly DiaSorin, offering a reliable alternative for clinical VitD quantification.
- Research Article
- 10.1128/mbio.01904-25
- Sep 25, 2025
- mBio
- Matthew K Wong + 10 more
Composition and function of the gut microbiome are associated with diverse health conditions and treatment responses. Human microbiota-associated (HMA) mouse models are used to establish causal links for these associations but have important limitations. We assessed the fidelity of HMA mouse models in recapitulating ecological responses to a microbial consortium using stools collected from a human clinical trial. HMA mice were generated using different routes of consortium exposure, and their ecological features were compared to human donors by metagenomic sequencing. HMA mice resembled other mice more than their respective human donors in gut microbial composition and function, with taxa including Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides spp. enriched in mouse recipients. A limited repertoire of microbes was able to engraft into HMA mice regardless of route of consortium exposure. In publicly available HMA mouse data sets from four distinct health conditions, we confirmed our observation that a taxonomically restricted set of microbes reproducibly engrafts in HMA mice and observed that stool microbiome composition of HMA mice was more like other mice than their human donor. Our data suggest that HMA mice are limited models for assessing the ecological impact of microbial consortia, with ecological effects in HMA mice being more strongly associated with host species than donor stool ecology or ecological responses to treatment in humans. Comparisons to published studies suggest this may be due to comparatively large host-species effects that overshadow ecological effects of treatments in humans that HMA models aim to recapitulate.IMPORTANCEHMA mice are models that better represent human gut ecology compared to conventional laboratory mice and are commonly used to test the effects of the gut microbiome on disease or treatment response. We evaluated the fidelity of using HMA mice as avatars of ecological response to a human microbial consortium, Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutic 4. Our results show that HMA mice in our cohort and across other published studies are more similar to each other than the human donors or inoculum they are derived from and harbor a taxonomically restricted gut microbiome. These findings highlight the limitations of HMA mice in evaluating the ecological effects of complex human microbiome-targeting interventions, such as microbial consortia.
- Research Article
- 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf165
- Sep 9, 2025
- Nutrition reviews
- Amitha Shetty + 7 more
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including punicalagin, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and urolithins, which contribute to its broad pharmacological potential. This review summarizes evidence from in vitro and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical studies, highlighting pomegranate's therapeutic effects in inflammation, metabolic disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, microbial infections, and skin conditions. Mechanistic insights show modulation of pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Notably, punicalagin exhibits antifungal activity via sterol 14-demethylase P450 (CYP51) inhibition, supported by molecular docking studies. While evidence supports the promising bioactivity of pomegranate compounds, their clinical application is hindered by low and variable bioavailability, inconsistent dosing and formulations, and limited data on adverse effects largely due to interindividual differences in gut microbiota metabolism of punicalagin into urolithins. Although pomegranate demonstrates an excellent safety profile with minimal reported adverse events, further long-term, well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate its efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and enable standardized therapeutic use. This review contributes to the discourse on the medicinal value of pomegranate, offering a comprehensive understanding of its role in addressing diverse health conditions and highlighting the importance of integrating medicinal plants such as pomegranate into modern nutrition and clinical practice.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.pec.2025.109180
- Sep 1, 2025
- Patient education and counseling
- Oriol Yuguero + 5 more
Integrating patient voices in digital health research design: The ProPacient Decalogue.
- Abstract
- 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.1289
- Aug 26, 2025
- European Psychiatry
- Y Fu + 3 more
IntroductionThe pandemic exacerbated existing mental health support disparities faced by ethnic minorities in the UK. Many ethnic minorities entered care through crisis pathways, receiving more severe diagnoses than their white British counterparts. Additionally, they were 40% more likely to access mental health services via the criminal justice system. Despite these challenges, research on their evolving experiences with mental health services remains limited.ObjectivesTo explore the interactions between ethnic minorities and mental health services. By understanding their engagement and coping strategies, we aimed to capture how these experiences have impacted their mental health and well-being.MethodsThis study was conducted in Northern England, a region with high mental health needs but limited research activity. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were held with a purposive sample of ethnic minority adults with diverse mental health conditions (ethical approval 22/WS/0164).Two independent researchers conducted interviews remotely or in person between March and September 2023, with consent confirmed before each interview. The topic guide, co-produced and piloted with an advisory group of ethnic minority individuals, carers, and clinicians, focused on service engagement, support experiences, coping strategies during the pandemic, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analysed using a framework approach, with themes and subthemes categorized in a matrix for each transcript. Two researchers independently double-coded a sample of interviews to ensure validity, with the team and advisory group reviewing and finalizing the analytical framework.ResultsThirty-two ethnic minority individuals were interviewed, revealing five key themes: barriers to managing mental health; limited engagement with health services; preference for community support; reliance on community support during service interruptions in the pandemic; and the need for service-community collaboration. Cultural stigma often led to fear and reluctance to seek support, and participants struggled with non-culturally sensitive health services. Instead, they preferred community-based support, which persisted during the pandemic despite service disruptions. Participants advocated for collaboration between mental health services and ethnic minority communities to enhance cultural understanding and patient-centred care.ConclusionsEthnic minorities with mental health conditions face significant challenges in accessing and engaging with services. Addressing these issues requires integrating culturally sensitive approaches into existing frameworks, achieved through collaborations with ethnic minority communities to better understand their unique contexts. Incorporating cultural considerations into service delivery can enhance engagement and improve outcomes for diverse populations.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12889-025-24144-7
- Aug 16, 2025
- BMC public health
- Snehaa Ray + 8 more
Behavioral interventions aiming to modify dietary habits and physical activity have been less effective in achieving clinically significant weight loss in Black adults. Inequities exist in both representation and weight loss outcomes in among Black men and women compared to White men and women. While there have been some research efforts focused on weight loss in Black women, participation rates of Black men in weight loss interventions are lower. This may perpetuate the development of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. This qualitative study investigated the barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and physical activity and the weight loss desires among Black adults with overweight or obesity. 24 Black adults mainly from New England states were recruited for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Black males and females who self-reported being overweight or obese. Preferences for weight loss specific to each gender, barriers, and facilitators for weight-related behaviors such as diet and physical activity, were examined by gender to inform development of a culturally relevant behavioral weight loss intervention. The sample consisted of Black adults from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Black females (n = 16) and Black males (n = 8) were mostly non-Hispanic Black Americans. Key themes that emerged were: (1) the creation of a weight loss program for Black adults, (2) healthy eating barriers, (3) physical activity barriers, (4) healthy living facilitators, and (5) social support. Distinctive preferences for weight loss were expressed by Black females and males Community and personalization were preferred by Black females while Black males preferred personalized diet and exercise regimes for diverse health conditions, not limited to weight loss. While both genders referred to digital devices and apps for recording weight, diet and physical activity as a major facilitator to adopting healthy habits, social support in the form of culturally relevant information from healthcare providers was highly desired to be incorporated into the intervention. The findings of this study hold relevance for designing and developing of weight loss programs that promote behavior change for Black adults and help reduce obesity-related health inequities within this population.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/ph18081170
- Aug 8, 2025
- Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
- April Kennedy + 3 more
Background/Objectives: Medication discontinuation attributable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and/or inefficacy remains a concern of psychotropic medications among children and adolescents. Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing has been proposed to individualize treatment, although its utility remains uncertain. We retrospectively evaluated whether PGx testing of two key metabolism genes (i.e., CYP2C19 and CYP2D6) explains reported episodes of ADRs and treatment inefficacy experienced by children and adolescents with diverse mental health conditions. Methods: PGx testing of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 was conducted for 100 participants before, during, or after the use of psychotropic medication(s) that have clinical practice guidelines supporting PGx-guided dosing. The theoretical impact on medication dosing was reviewed in the context of clinical guidelines. We then evaluated whether the PGx-inferred metabolizer phenotype was consistent with reported ADR and/or treatment inefficacy. Results: If PGx testing had been performed before the start of treatment, 43% (35/82) of participants would have been recommended dose adjustments or alternative therapy of at least one medication. PGx test results corroborated 8% (6/76) of ADR events and 3% (2/61) of inefficacies. However, no single participant had all prior reported ADRs or inefficacies explained by the results of CYP2C19 nor CYP2D6 testing. Conclusions: Reactive testing of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 provided limited insight into isolated incidents of psychotropic medication intolerance in this population. No individual's PGx test results explained all episodes of ADR or suboptimal response. Variation in drug metabolism genes alone does not provide an explanation for multiple episodes of inefficacy or adverse reaction. In the setting of child and adolescent psychiatry, PGx testing is best suited for preemptive use to complement clinical decision making.
- Research Article
- 10.1177/08901171251365366
- Aug 6, 2025
- American journal of health promotion : AJHP
- Akanksha Nagarkar + 9 more
ObjectiveTo examine storytelling interventions as health promotion tools in underserved populations across disease states, including hypertension, diabetes, overall chronic disease, obstetric care, and preventative health to assess intervention design and cultural tailoring and analyze reported quantitative and qualitative health outcomes.Data SourceA comprehensive literature search was performed in PUBMED.Study Inclusion and Exclusion CriteriaStudies were included if they implemented a storytelling intervention to promote health knowledge, behavior change, or health-related outcomes. Excluded studies lacked an evaluated intervention or reported outcomes. Reviews, commentaries, editorials, protocols without outcome data, and duplicate publications without novel findings were excluded. Only English-language studies were included due to reviewer fluency.Data ExtractionTwenty-five studies were included and categorized based on disease focus.Data SynthesisA narrative synthesis and inductive content analysis was performed. Studies were grouped by disease state and analyzed for population demographics, intervention development and delivery, cultural tailoring, storytelling theory, and measured outcomes.ResultsStorytelling, in digital and oral formats, improved health knowledge, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors. Several methods were employed to culturally tailor interventions. Interventions were based on multiple behavioral theories.ConclusionsWhen culturally tailored and rooted in theory, regardless of delivery format, storytelling can foster behavior change across diverse health conditions.
- Research Article
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0329796
- Aug 4, 2025
- PLOS One
- Tasneem Alhamad + 12 more
Background/ObjectivesVitamin D deficiency is a significant global health concern, requiring accurate diagnosis. This study evaluates the performance of four chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) platforms; Snibe, Roche, DiaSorin, and Architect for vitamin D measurement.MethodsA total of 345 serum samples, selected to represent a broad range of vitamin D levels and diverse health conditions, including pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis, were analyzed using four platforms. Diagnostic metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, and overall percent agreement (OPA), were calculated. Spearman’s rank correlation and bias assessment were performed to evaluate inter-assay agreement.ResultsSpearman’s rank correlations were strong to very strong across the platforms, ranging from r = 0.924 to r = 0.969, reflecting high inter-assay concordance. Pairwise comparisons indicated that Snibe demonstrated high specificity (98–99%) and strong agreement with DiaSorin (κ = 0.91), while DiaSorin maintained a favorable balance between sensitivity (86–98%) and specificity (94–99%). Roche showed consistent diagnostic characteristics, with sensitivity ranging from 93–99% and specificity from 85–96%. Architect exhibited high sensitivity (97–99%) but relatively lower specificity (81–92%).ConclusionsAll platforms demonstrated robust diagnostic performance. Snibe showed notably high specificity, while DiaSorin offered balanced sensitivity and specificity. These findings underscore the relative strengths of each platform and support their use in clinical evaluation of vitamin D status.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jcv2.70034
- Aug 1, 2025
- JCPP Advances
- Rory T Devine + 2 more
Abstract BackgroundMental health and neurodevelopmental conditions are a leading cause of disability in school‐aged children and are associated with adverse social outcomes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the extent to which mentalizing (also called ‘theory of mind’), the ability to reason about others' mental states is associated with specific mental health and neurodevelopmental symptoms or with a general vulnerability to psychopathology (the ‘P‐ Factor’) and whether mentalizing might explain why children with diverse mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions experience adverse social outcomes.MethodsIn a pre‐registered study using a transdiagnostic dimensional approach, we collected direct assessments of mentalizing, multi‐informant measures of social adjustment at school, and teachers' ratings of mental health and neurodevelopmental symptoms from a diverse community sample of 1020 8‐ to 13‐year‐old children (54.5% girls).ResultsHigh scores on the P‐Factor (a general vulnerability to mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions) were negatively associated with children's mentalizing, = −0.154, 95%CI [−0.219, −0.089]. Once the P‐Factor was considered, there were no unique associations between P‐free symptom factors (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, attention deficit/hyperactivity traits, or autism traits) and mentalizing or social adjustment. Mentalizing partly explained the association between P‐Factor scores and poor social adjustment at school, = −0.072, 95%CI [−0.116, −0.028].ConclusionsThe results indicate that theory‐of‐mind difficulties are transdiagnostic and underscore the need for longitudinal work examining whether mentalizing explains links between mental health, neurodiversity and social adjustment.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s12152-025-09609-1
- Aug 1, 2025
- Neuroethics
- Christi J Guerrini + 7 more
The societal benefits from sharing and reusing data collected in human neuroscience studies are widely appreciated. However, there are persistent barriers to data sharing as well as privacy concerns related to unauthorized access, misuse, and reidentification of deidentified data. Thus far, few studies have been conducted with neuroscience research participants to understand their data sharing priorities and concerns. We conducted a survey utilizing an experimental design with N=52 participants in neuroscience studies funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health representing diverse neurotechnologies and health conditions. Respondents prioritized sharing practices that maximize reuse of data to benefit patients and reduce the possibility of misuse of shared data. Most believed that both advancing research as quickly as possible and protecting their privacy are important. However, when forced to choose between these objectives, two-thirds of respondents believed that advancing research is most important. Reflecting on specific secondary use scenarios, the largest proportion of respondents were concerned about the possibility their shared brain data might be used to discriminate against them. On balance, respondents were less concerned about sharing their health information, including their brain imaging results, than sharing their online, spending, and location histories. The results affirm that data sharing with secondary researchers with the goal of helping patients by advancing research should remain a top priority and provide empirical support for legislation to prevent harms from misuse of sensitive personal data.
- Research Article
- 10.2174/0109298673330437240816150736
- Aug 1, 2025
- Current medicinal chemistry
- D K Gokul Raj + 2 more
Tyrosol (Ty) and its derivatives have gathered considerable attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the current understanding of the therapeutic potential of Ty and its derivatives in combating various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and obesity. This review highlights the multifaceted properties of Ty, including its pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacological actions, which contribute to its efficacy against these prevalent health conditions. Moreover, the antimicrobial and wound-healing effects of Ty are explored, elucidating its potential for broader therapeutic utilization. While existing studies provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of Ty, gaps remain in our understanding of its molecular mechanisms of action and the exploration of novel derivatives. Future research efforts are thus critical for unraveling the full therapeutic potential of Ty and its derivatives. Moreover, the synthesis of novel derivatives with enhanced efficacy and improved bioavailability shows potential for addressing unmet medical needs. This review emphasizes the necessity for ongoing research into Ty and its derivatives, providing valuable insights into their potential as essential therapeutic agents for addressing diverse health conditions.
- Research Article
- 10.2174/0125899775370658250713030329
- Jul 23, 2025
- Current drug research reviews
- Junmoni Nath + 2 more
This review focuses on the various natural and synthetic antioxidants which affect cellular signalling and mitochondrial dynamics for managing diabetes and its complications including other variety of diseases or traumas. Information in the current review was gathered from electronic scientific resources like google scholar, science direct, springer link and via the PubMed website using the Boolean Method and a variety of keywords. The results of the present study revealed that a number of 110 antioxidants have been identified to improve mitochondrial health, offering potential treatments for diabetes and a spectrum of other diseases. Naturally occurring antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids present in fruits and plants, have demonstrated the ability to attenuate oxidative stress and enhance mitochondrial performance thereby helps in the management of diabetes and various other health complications. From among the polyphenol's resveratrol, mitoQ, quercetin and curcumin has been discussed in the review. The analysis indicates a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and mitochondrial function, underscoring their role in disease prevention and therapy. These antioxidants not only reduce oxidative damage but also regulate signalling pathways involved in inflammation and energy metabolism. Their dual action makes them promising agents in managing diabetes and potentially other chronic diseases. The conclusion offers a concise yet comprehensive overview for researchers and industries in highlighting the therapeutic promise of antioxidant interventions in addressing diverse health conditions through enhanced mitochondrial function.
- Research Article
- 10.51583/ijltemas.2025.140600094
- Jul 21, 2025
- International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science
- Dr Mohit Bhadla + 1 more
Abstract—Plant health management in vertical farming can undergo a revolution through the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision for real-time detection of nutrient deficiencies and diseases in lettuce plants. To tackle this challenge, this study delves into state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) models, encompassing VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, EfficientNetB0, MobileNetV3, and Xception. These models underwent meticulous training and fine-tuning, harnessing transfer learning techniques to heighten accuracy and convergence despite limited data. The significance of this endeavor lies in its capacity to elevate and refine vertical farming practices. Manual assessment of plant health proves labor-intensive and error-prone, impinging on yield and resource efficiency. By automating diagnostics via AI-driven models, this work aspires to alleviate these hurdles and optimize crop production. This study's dataset encompasses an all-encompassing array of lettuce images, capturing diverse health conditions, nutrient scarcities, and disease indications. The methodological approach adopted here guarantees reproducibility by illuminating model selection, training protocols, and dataset curation. The study unveils findings that underscore the precision and resilience of AI-based diagnostics. The seamless integration of these models into vertical farming systems could potentially chart the course for sustainable and robust crop cultivation, curtailing losses and maximizing yields through well-timed interventions.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/fsn3.70674
- Jul 1, 2025
- Food science & nutrition
- Mahathir Mohammad + 9 more
Colocasia esculenta Linn., an annual herbaceous plant from the Araceae family, has long been utilized in traditional medicine throughout tropical and subtropical regions for the treatment of diverse health conditions. This research explored the impact of the methanolic extract derived from C. esculenta flowers (CEF-ME) on mice, examining various physiological, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral responses. Behavioral assessments for anxiolytic activity included the Elevated Plus Maze, Hole-Board Test, and Light-Dark Box Test. Sedative properties were evaluated using the Open-Field Test and Hole-Cross Test, while potential antidepressant effects were analyzed via the Tail-Suspension Test and Forced-Swimming Test. The administration of CEF-ME led to observable changes in organ-to-body weight ratios, most notably a significant increase in liver size, which may indicate an upregulation of metabolic or detoxification functions. Biochemical tests revealed a hepatoprotective trend, characterized by decreased levels of ALT, ALP, bilirubin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Yet, elevations in AST and creatinine at higher doses suggested potential hepatic and renal strain. Hematological profiles showed enhanced immune activity and red blood cell production, though the drop in platelet counts raised concern for thrombocytopenia. Behavioral evaluations revealed the extract's anxiolytic, sedative, and antidepressant properties, with effects comparable to diazepam and fluoxetine. The therapeutic potential of CEF-ME was evident; however, its administration at high doses triggered toxicity concerns, particularly impacting the hepatic and renal systems. These observations highlight a pressing need for further studies to investigate its prolonged safety, pharmacological mechanisms, and optimal therapeutic range.
- Research Article
- 10.9734/jocamr/2025/v26i7673
- Jun 26, 2025
- Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research
- Mariyam Jameel + 4 more
Munzij-Mushil therapy, a cornerstone of Unani medicine, focuses on systemic detoxification through concoction (munzij) and purgation (mushil) to restore humoral balance and eliminate morbid substances. This systemic analysis evaluates the efficacy of Munzij-Mushil therapy across 20 published articles on the therapy and related topics and 6 published articles on the related topic of ishal, highlighting its role in chronic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, hemiplegia, and lymphatic filariasis. Findings indicate significant improvements in biochemical markers, symptom relief, and functional recovery, particularly when combined with adjunct therapies like cupping and massage. However, research gaps persist, with limited clinical studies overall and also in exploring its preventive potential in healthy individuals and/or at different stages of disease progression. The therapy’s mechanisms—rooted in humoral modulation and oxidative stress reduction—underscore its holistic approach. Future research should investigate Munzij-Mushil therapy as a preventive regimen, assessing its impact on physiological health, temperament (mizaj), and Asbabe Sitta Zarooria (Six Essential Factors). The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of Munzij-Mushil therapy across various studies, examining its potential to prevent, manage, and treat diverse health conditions. By synthesizing data from multiple sources, the review aims to provide an evidence-based understanding of how Munzij-Mushil therapy can contribute to modern healthcare practices. Bridging traditional Unani principles with modern evidence could enhance integrative healthcare strategies.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.12.019
- Jun 1, 2025
- Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy
- Hong-My Nguyen + 8 more
mRNA-LNPs induce immune activation and cytokine release in human whole blood assays across diverse health conditions.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s11606-025-09401-0
- May 27, 2025
- Journal of general internal medicine
- Wenxing Xue + 4 more
Patient-centered care is a healthcare priority, particularly in diverse settings like the United Arab Emirates. Understanding the factors influencing its delivery is essential for effective care. This study examines the association between cultural sensitivity, technology, and patient empowerment with patient-centered care in UAE rehabilitation healthcare centers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analyses, while qualitative data was explored through thematic analysis to identify key patterns. The study involved 100 healthcare providers (internists, nurses, rehabilitation therapists) working in licensed rehabilitation healthcare centers in the UAE. Additionally, 200 patients recruited through purposive sampling from both inpatient and outpatient settings. Patients, aged 18-54, represented diverse socio-economic backgrounds and health conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and chronic illnesses. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprising 12 items measured on a 5-point Likert scale, focusing on healthcare providers' and patients' perceptions of cultural sensitivity, technology integration, and patient empowerment. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews was transcribed, coded, and analyzed to explore detailed perspectives on how cultural practices, technological tools, and empowerment strategies influence care delivery. Cultural sensitivity demonstrated a strong positive correlation with patient-centered care (PCC) (r = 0.938, p < 0.001), as did patient empowerment (r = 0.965, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that patient empowerment was the most influential factor (B = 0.800, p < 0.001), followed by cultural sensitivity (B = 0.110, p = 0.041). Thematic analysis of qualitative data highlighted the significance of cultural practices, adaptability of technology, and patient-driven strategies in shaping positive care experiences. The findings align with existing research, underscoring the importance of cultural competence, technological integration, and patient empowerment in delivering effective patient-focused care.