Folk Use Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, toxicity, and phytochemical analysis of Beaumontia grandiflora Wall.

Preliminary pharmacological studies revealed that the EtOAc fraction (BGEA) might be the main active fraction with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in Beaumontia grandiflora Wall. Further assays on BGEA at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg using four animal models showed that it could inhibit the xylene-induced ear edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and acetic acid-induced writhing and prolong the latency time in the hot-plate test. ELISA analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of BGEA might be associated with the decrease of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and the increase of the IL-10 level. The acute toxicity test showed that except for the n-BuOH fraction, the LD50 values of the extract and other three fractions were higher than 2000 mg/kg bw. Finally, 14 compounds were identified from BGEA by LC-MS. This research provides some basis for the folk use of B. grandiflora in the treatment of inflammation and pain-related diseases.

Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

Antinociceptive Effect of Dillenia indica (Linn.) Mediated by Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems: Pharmacological and Chemical Studies.

Dillenia indica (Linn.) has been reported by several biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, anticholinesterase, and antimicrobial. In Brazilian traditional medicine, the fruits of D. indica have been used to treat general topical pain and inflammation, but with no scientific validation. Thus, aiming to study its chemical constitution and antinociceptive properties, the crude extract (CE) and fractions obtained from the fruits of D. indica were submitted to an in vivo pharmacological evaluation and a dereplication study by LC-MS/MS analysis, assisted by the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The oral antinociceptive activity of the fruits of D. indica and the possible participation of the opioid and cannabinoid systems were demonstrated in the formalin-induced nociception model. The chemical dereplication study led us to identify several known chemical constituents, including flavonoids, such as caffeoylmalic acid, naringenin, quercetin, and kaempferol. According to literature data, our results are compatible with significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the flavonoid constituents of the fruits of D. indica are probably responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects mediated by both opioid and cannabinoid systems, confirming its folk use in the treatment and relief of pain.

From Primary Data to Ethnopharmacological Investigations on Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson as a Remedy against Gastric Ailments in Valmalenco (Italy).

(1) Background: Within the framework of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE & Heritage project (2018-2022), this study originated from a three-year ethnobotanical survey in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Italy). Following a preliminary work published by our group, this research further explored the folk therapeutic use of Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (Asteraceae) for dyspepsia disorders, specifically its anti-inflammatory potential at a gastrointestinal level. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed. The bitter taste was investigated through molecular docking software (PLANTS, GOLD), while the anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic extract, infusion, and decoction was evaluated based on the release of IL-8 and IL-6 after treatment with TNFα or Helicobacter pylori. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bacterial adhesion on the gastric epithelium were evaluated. (3) Results: In total, 401 respondents were interviewed. Molecular docking highlighted di-caffeoylquinic acids as the main compounds responsible for the interaction with bitter taste receptors. The moderate inhibition of IL-6 and IL-8 release was recorded, while, in the co-culture with H. pylori, stronger anti-inflammatory potential was expressed (29-45 μg/mL). The concentration-dependent inhibition of H. pylori growth was recorded (MIC = 100 μg/mL), with a significant anti-adhesive effect. (4) Conclusions: Confirming the folk tradition, the study emphasizes the species' potentiality for dyspepsia disorders. Future studies are needed to identify the components mostly responsible for the biological effects.

Sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) exerts anti‐ulcerative colitis effects through gut microbiota modulation

AbstractTraditional Chinese medicinal books have noted that sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) may effectively manage inflammation‐linked conditions. The folk use of sea bass during pregnancy as nutritional care is also popular in China. However, scientific verification of health benefits of sea bass remains a lack of report. Our previous studies have proven that sea bass has therapeutic benefits for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a further investigation on the interacted mechanism among sea bass, UC, and gut microbiota has still not been fully explored and clarified. Hence, gut microbiota as the crucial mechanism of UC was evaluated. Gut ecosystem was analyzed by 16sRNA sequencing. The potential microbial biomarker was found through LEfSe analysis. Flow cytometry was then further applied to verify the identified biomarker. Results revealed that sea bass could effectively recover the abundance of UC‐mediated microbiota. LEfSe analysis found that Christensenellaceae could be identified as the potential biomarker for sea bass‐mediated gut microbiota in UC. Further in vitro study conjointly confirmed that the identified bioactive constituent of sea bass could significantly promote the growth of Christensenella minuta. Sufficient results derived that sea bass could ameliorate UC through gut microbiota modulation. C. minuta was identified as the promising microbial biomarker for the mechanism of sea bass in treating intestinal inflammation. It provided further elucidation on the pharmacological mechanism of sea bass in alleviating UC through gut microbiota modulation. It is a crucial driving force for the progress of scientific research on the dietary therapy of sea bass.

Medicinal plants for digestive disorders: Areview of ethnobotanical studies conducted in southern Brazil

This review focuses on plant species traditionally used in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná states (southern Brazil) for the relief of digestive disorders. Fifty ethnobotanical studies were compiled, resulting in 384 species mentioned, of which those cited in common to every state were selected. The search retrieved 63 native species used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, distributed in 21 botanical families, mainly Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. The most cited species include Achyrocline satureioides(82%), Eugenia uniflora(70%), Baccharis crispa(46%), Psidium cattleyanum(36%), Solanum paniculatum(36%) and Monteverdia ilicifolia(34%). Scientific studies have corroborated their popular use for the relief the gastrointestinal disorders, but most of them are preclinical and mainly exploratory. In conclusion, the folk use of medicinal species with therapeutic purposes is widespread in southern Brazil, but further studies are needed to guarantee their efficacy and safety.

Antiarthritic activity of Physalis peruviana fruit extract via inhibition of inflammatory mediators: Integrated in vitro, in vivo and in silico study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceP. peruviana fruit, native to Andean region, is cultivated worldwide for its adaptability to various soil natures and climatic conditions. It is increasingly consumed for its high nutritional profile and history of ethnomedical uses including treatment of arthritis. Little pharmacological evidences support this folk use except for previous in vitro study that reported significant inhibition of protein denaturation. Aim of the studyThe study aims at providing new in vivo evidence on antiarthritic activity of P. peruviana fruits in vivo that justifies its traditional use through mechanism-based experiment. Material and methodsInhibition of inflammatory mediators is considered one of the key treatments to alleviate painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed against COX-1 and COX-2 activity in vitro.Serum TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 were traced using in vivo model of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Gross/inflammatory changes in rat paw, relative mass indices of spleen and liver were further investigated together with joint tissue histoarchitecture. Seven metabolites from different phytochemical classes, that were previously reported in P. peruviana fruit, were evaluated in silico against TNF-α target protein (PDB ID: 2AZ5) to assess their inhibitory effect. This was followed by assessment of their drug-likeness based on Lipinski's rule according to their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. ResultsHigh dose of extract (E−1000 mg) improved adjuvant-induced cachexia and attenuated immune-inflammatory responses in paw and serum parameters, with equipotent effect to MTX, in addition to minimal side effect profile on spleen and liver. Histopathological study of knee joint tissues confirmed dose-dependent improvement in arthritic groups treated with P. peruviana fruit extracts. The insilico study recommended steroidal lactones withaperuvin E/C and hydroxywithanolide E as promising lead compounds for inhibiting TNF enzyme as evidenced by docking scores of 6.301, 5.488 and 5.763 kcal/mol, respectively, fitting as well the Lipinski's rule of drug likeness. ConclusionThe study provided novel approach that rationalize folk use of P. peruviana fruit in treatment of arthritis.

Performing Piano Works Inspired by Folk Dances: “Wu Kui” and “My Spirit Is Dancing”

The piano work "Wu Kui" (1983) was composed by Chinese composer Zhou Long, inspired by the Manchu folk dance "Da Wu Kui," and "My Spirit is Dancing for Solo Piano" (2010) was composed by Malaysian composer Yii Kah Hoe, inspired by the Balinese baris dance. Both piano works are based on folk dances and use Western compositional techniques to innovate the language of folk music. The author takes these two piano works inspired by folk dances and analyses the performance difficulties of these two to enable the performer to better interpret the piano works and make the performance more convincing.

Antibacterial Effects of Chewing Stick Extracts on Streptococcus Mutans

Background: Streptococcus mutans is considered as a major microorganism causing tooth decay, affecting individuals globally. Different types of chewing sticks possess anti cariogenic properties, traditionally been consumed in maintaining dental hygiene. Usage of these sticks can be economical in developing and rural regions where dental caries is a major health concern. 
 Objective: The current study aims to evaluate antibacterial action of different type of chewing sticks extract on Streptococcus mutans. 
 Methods: Aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica (Neem), Melia azedarach (Bakain), Mangifera indica (Mango), Salvadora persica (Peelu), Terminalia chebula (Harhar), Dalbeigia sissoo (Tali) and Juglans regia (Akhrot) plants which have justified folk use were prepared in Punjab University College of Pharmacy, Punjab University. Next, in vitro antimicrobial activity was studied by broth dilution method in Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as well as the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were quantitatively evaluated on basis of turbidity index.
 Results: There is a significant effect of aqueous extracts of plants on the bacterial inhibition. MIC and MBC values were in the range of 6.125 to 100 mg/mL against S. mutans. The notable effect occurred with aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica showing MIC and MBC values as 6.25mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. Alternatively, Salvadora persica demonstrated 8.33mg/mL and 16.66 mg/mL values of these parameters 
 Conclusions: Each plant studied exhibited moderate to high antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strain. However, Azadirachta indica and Salvadora persica aqueous extracts showed promising effect against Streptococcus mutans

Investigation of the Potential Antidiabetic Effect of Zygophyllum Sp. by Studying the Interaction of its Chemical Compounds with Alpha-Amylase and DPP-4 Enzymes using a Molecular Docking Approach

Background: Diabetes type II is one of the most serious metabolic diseases in the world attracting the attention of many researchers who predict that diabetes will be one of the top major causes of disability or death in the coming few decades. To tackle this disease several classes of synthetic molecules were developed to target certain enzymes that are involved in sugar metabolism. Herbal extracts targeting diabetes have witnessed renascence in the last few decades with the introduction of highly effective herbal remedies that effectively regulate sugar levels in the blood. Methods: In this work, we studied the interaction of molecules from the Zygophyllum sp. with the main enzymes involved in sugar metabolism (alpha-amylase and DPP-4) using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) as a molecular docking technique. The choice of Zygophyllum sp. was based on an ethnopharmacological local survey. Results: The calculated scores of molecules from Zygophyllum sp. were better than those calculated with the known inhibitors. The results demonstrated that many molecules showed good affinity to two important enzymes involved in type II diabetes, suggesting that these molecules may possess potential hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects. These results added further scientific evidence supporting the folk use of Zygophyllum sp. in targeting diabetes and suggested its potential as a valuable source of antidiabetic drug leads. Conclusion: The calculated scores of molecules from Zygophyllum sp. were better than those calculated with the known inhibitors. The results demonstrated that many molecules showed good affinity to two important enzymes involved in type II diabetes, suggesting that these molecules may possess potential hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects. These results added further scientific evidence supporting the folk use of Zygophyllum sp. in targeting diabetes and suggested its potential as a valuable source of antidiabetic drug leads.

ANTIOXIDANT AND Alfa-AMYLASE INHIBITION ACTIVITIES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS ARE TRADITIONALLY USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIGESTIVE DISORDERS IN THE NEAR EAST REGION

Medicinal plants have been used for longtime for treatment of many illnesses. Many plants were described in folk heritage to have anti-inflammatory activity to treat digestive diseases. In this study, thirteen plants commonly used by Jordanian folks to treat digestive disorders were investigated to find a connection between their contents and activities and their relationship with their assigned folk use. The ethanolic extracts of the plants were tested for their Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Tannin Content (TTC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and their antioxidants activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). In addition to α-Amylase inhibitory activity of the plant extracts was determined. Correlations between TPC, TFC, TTC, protein content with the antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS), α-amylase inhibition were determined using Pearson correlation. The phenolic content and flavonoid content showed a high correlation with ABTS activity. The studied plants varied from activation to inhibition of α-Amylase, this may benefit people with hypoglycemia. This diversity of values directs people to which plant to use in case of multi-case disease.

Loquat fruit peel extract regulates lipid metabolism and liver oxidative stress in mice: In vivo and in silico approaches.

In Moroccan traditional medicine, fresh or dried loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit peels infused in water and taken for 45 days are used as natural remedies against hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. This is the first experimental study approving the folk medicinal use of loquat fruit peels originated from eastern Morocco. The study aims to investigate the effect of loquat fruit peel extract on lipid metabolism and liver oxidative status in mice as well as to predict the possible mechanisms. The study was carried out using high fat/fructose diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice model treated with the loquat peel extract for 45 days at two doses (100 and 200mg/kg/day) in comparison to fenofibrate drug. The plasma, tissue, fecal and biliary lipids and blood glucose were analyzed using enzymatic methods. The liver oxidative status was evaluated and the polyphenol profiling was conducted using the HPLC-DAD method. Possible mechanisms involved in the observed pharmacological effects were predicted by in silico method. The extract at a dose of 200mg/kg possessed higher effect than at 100mg/kg. It significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and plasma glucose (-36%, -45%, -45%, -82%, -87%, 58%, respectively), while the HDL-cholesterol was increased (+172%). Moreover, the extract reduced TC and TG in the liver and adipose tissue by increasing their excretion in bile and fecal matter. It prevented the liver oxidative stress and decreased body weight and organ relative mass. The extract appears to be nontoxic (LD50>5000mg/kg) and contains five polyphenols including ferulic acid (32.74±0.71mg/g), caffeic acid (21.48±0.32mg/g), 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (112.15±1.86mg/g), chlorogenic acid (42.05±0.92mg/g) and quercetin (32.69±0.68mg/g). These phenolics and/or their circulating metabolites presented differential interaction capacities with the potential enzymes and transcription factors implicated in lipid homeostasis such as HMG-CoA reductase, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, Cyp7a1, ABCG, PPARs, RXR, FXR and RAR. Our findings justify the traditional use of loquat fruit peels and suggest that their aqueous extract could be used as substrate to produce phytotherapeutic drugs or dietary supplements to prevent hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and related cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Bromelain on Chronic Unpredictable Stress-induced Behavioral, Biochemical, and Monoamine Changes in Wistar Albino Rat Model of Depression.

Bromelain is a complex mixture of protease enzyme extract from the fruit or stem of the pineapple plant and it has a history of folk medicine use. It is known to have a wide range of biological actions and it is most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent, though scientists have also discovered its potential as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent, it has been reported to have positive effects on the respiratory, digestive, circulatory systems and potentially on the immune system. This study was designed to investigate the antidepressant potential of Bromelain in the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression. We studied the antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective effect of Bromelain by analyzing the fear and anxiety behavior, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter levels, and also by analyzing the histopathological changes. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups, Control; Bromelain; CUS; CUS + Bromelain, CUS + fluoxetine. Animals of the CUS group, CUS + Bromelain group, and CUS + Fluoxetine group were exposed to CUS for 30 days. Animals of the Bromelain group and CUS + Bromelain group were treated orally with 40mg/kg Bromelain throughout the period of CUS whereas, the positive control group was treated with fluoxetine. Results showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress marker (lipid peroxidation), and the stress hormone cortisol, in Bromelain-treated CUS-induced depression. Bromelain treatment in CUS has also resulted in a significant increase in neurotransmitter levels, which indicates the efficacy of Bromelain to counteract the monamine neurotransmitter changes in depression by increasing their synthesis and reducing their metabolism. In addition, the antioxidant activity of Bromelain prevented oxidative stress in depressed rats. Also, hematoxylin and eosin staining of hippocampus sections has revealed that Bromelain treatment has protected the degeneration of nerve cells by chronic unpredictable stress exposure. This data provides evidence for the antidepressant-like action of Bromelain by preventing neurobehavioral, biochemical, and monoamine alterations.

An Etiology Report for Burns Caused by Korean Folk Remedies.

Background In this modern era of science-based medicine, some people still accept folk remedies as an alternative form of medicine. However, misinformation and misuse of folk medicines can result in dangerous complications. Among the possible complications of folk remedy use, this study focused on the clinical characteristics of burns caused by folk remedies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who had been treated for burns caused by folk remedies from May 2015 to April 2022. Data were collected on patients' age and gender, type of folk remedy, reason for using the folk remedy, the severity of the burn, the number of wounds, lesion type, and type of treatment. Results We found 59 patients with burns due to folk remedies. Most were female (76.3%) and ≥ 60 years old (72.9%). The most common type of folk remedy was moxibustion (74.6%), followed by the use of glacial acetic acid (20.3%). The reasons for using folk remedies were arthralgia relief (39%), health improvement (18.6%), and treatment of tinea pedis (11.9%). Most patients had multiple wound sites and had burns that were considered severe, requiring surgical treatment (72.9%). The majority of lesions were on the lower extremity, including the foot. Conclusion This study described the risk of burns caused by folk remedies and the clinical characteristics of the wounds. The results emphasize the need for greater public awareness of the risk of burn injuries when using folk remedies.

Ethnobotanical knowledge on native Brazilian medicinal plants traditionally used as anthelmintic agents – A review

Intestinal helminthiasis is a neglected disease that affects a significant portion of the global population, specifically in developing countries, where medicinal plants are widely used for therapeutic purposes. With the purpose to identify the native species used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the management of helminthiasis, ethnopharmacological books edited in Brazil documenting the folk use of medicinal plants were analyzed. The native species cited in at least three studies were selected, and bibliographic research was performed using electronic databases to identify their scientifically validated anthelmintic properties. The search retrieved 133 native species belonging to 88 genera and 43 families from all six Brazilian biomes. Fabaceae (14 Genera and 25 Species) and Asteraceae (7 Genera and 8 Species) were the most frequently cited families. The most reported native species were Baccharis crispa Spreng., Hymenaea courbaril L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Carapa guianensis Aubl., Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl, Annona glabra L., Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne, Spigelia anthelmia L., Simarouba versicolor A.St.-Hil. and Anacardium occidentale L. Bark (19%) and leaves (17%) were the most commonly used plant parts, and decoction (27%) was the most preferred method of preparation. Evidence of the anthelmintic properties of most species was confirmed using in vitro assays for key human and animal parasites, including Haemonchus contortus, Hymenolepis diminuta, Schistosoma mansoni and Trichostrongylus spp. The species S. alata, S. occidentalis, A. occidentale, and S. anthelmia have been the subject of many biological studies, supporting their use as vermicides. The overall results obtained in this review revealed that Brazil is rich in traditional herbal medicines used to manage helminthiasis; however pharmacological investigations are lacking to confirm their therapeutic properties. Thus, this study could serve as a baseline to validate their use and encourage further clinical investigation of their vermifuge potential.

Словотворчество в прикамском частушечном фольклоре: механизмы и функции

The article presents the results of a study on the lexical composition of ditty(chastushka)texts recorded in the Perm region at the end of the 20th–early 21stcenturies. On the material of the Kama folklore tradition (suffering texts, texts of love, dance, military and recruiting, reprobating, and satirical dit-ties), the most productive means and ways of ditty word-creation are considered, the derivational structure of the new formations and their functions are analyzed. The closeness of the ditty word-formation to the oral-colloquial folk word-creation in generalis noted. The ditty genre shows the level of linguistic creativity as-sociated with the ability of anameless author to consciously vary a linguistic utterance in accordance with the artistic task set. The paper studies the semantics of the new formations found in ditties, their lexical-semantic stratification (names and features of the characters, namesof emotional states and relationships, musical instruments, varieties of ditties, etc.). The polyfunctionality of ditty new formations (psychological, expressive, evaluative, play functions) and their focus on creating typical images are shown. Particularatten-tion is paid to the study of the textual role of folklore occasionalisms. The ways of textual actualization of folklore new formations (a strong position in the text, the role of repetitions of various types) are analyzed. The author draws a conclusion about the specific features of occasionalisms as one of the means of ditty po-etics, about the manifestation in folklore word-creation of universal folk naive-linguistic ideas, on which the tradition of folk aesthetic use of language is based. The variety of love naming unitsrevealed in the texts of ditties is associated with their focus on sharpening love collisions. Being the means of indirect speaking, oc-casionalisms express the internal and external manifestation of a love feeling, different degrees of manifesta-tion of emotional experience. The abundance of new formations makes it possible to convey the individual characteristics of a love story, an individual love experience with greater accuracy.

Physalis peruviana L. fruit metabolome profiling via HR-UPLC/MS and its in vitro antiarthritic activity

Physalis peruviana is an edible fruit becoming of increasing economic interest for its nutritional and beneficial health effects that even several countries targeted its cultivation recently to fulfill export demands taking the advantage of its adaptable nature to different soil types. Despite previous reports on its chemical content, little or no studies used metabolomics to reveal its chemical reservoir. Herein, the first comprehensive metabolome profiling of P. peruviana fruits via HR-UPLC/MS in both ionization modes that enabled detection of 71 metabolites including first-time reported compounds belonging to flavonoids, coumarins and withanolides. Additionally, 43 lipoidal compounds were identified via GC/MS and quantification of fat-/water-soluble vitamins was performed via HPLC. New evidence on its crude extract antiarthritic activity is presented as well for the first time using bovine serum albumin as it significantly inhibited protein denaturation at 500µg/ml and 1000µg/ml by 86.5± 0.422 % and 99.49 ± 0.426 %, respectively compared to 78.72 ± 1.23% and 97.80 ± 0.393 % for the standard drug acetyl salicylic acid at the same concentration, respectively, with comparable IC 50 values of 246.35 µg/ml and 229.69 µg/ml for the extract and standard drug, respectively; supporting its folk use in treatment of arthritis. • First metabolome profiling of Physalis peruviana fruit primary and secondary metabolites. • 71 metabolites were detected via HR-UPLC/MS including several first reported compounds that belong to flavonoids, withanolides and coumarins. • Total ethanol fruit extract possesses significant antarthritic activity via inhibition of protein denaturation supporting its folk use in treatment of arthritis.

National Traditions in Military Uniform of Ukraine of the 21st Century on the Example of a Shirt as a Central Element of Ukrainian Folk Costume

The purpose of the work is to explore the role of the most famous component of the folk costume of the Ukrainian people – a shirt in the national military uniform of the beginning of the 21st century, by analysing its use during this and previous historical periods, both in military and folk use. Since the Ukrainian military costume of present times embodies the traditions of previous historical periods dating back to the Cossack era, when it was first presented in the unified form. Therefore, this part of both folk and military costume is of scientific interest within the scope of this study, with a special emphasis on the use of a shirt in the Cossack era and in the modern period. This also determines the chronological limits of the article, starting from the period of the 16th to the 18th centuries (the existence of the Cossack state) and to present times. The research methodology is based on the application of a systemic approach, an analytical method, and cultural analysis. To solve the tasks, a number of scientific methods have been used, including historical method, comparison and generalisation, as well as the method of art analysis. Scientific novelty. For the first time in modern art history, the role of the Ukrainian folk shirt as a component of the modern military costume was studied, types and functions of a shirt in the time of Cossacks were clarified; a comprehensive analysis of the meaning of a shirt for military men of Ukraine at the beginning of the 21st century and during the war between Russia and Ukraine was conducted. Conclusions. A shirt as the most common component of folk clothing was at the same time an integral part of military costume of the Ukrainian Cossacks. Having undergone a series of transformations, this element of clothing has preserved its original artistic image, functionality, regional, and gender specifics to this day.
 Key words: traditional shirt, folk costume, dress, clothing, military uniform, military costume, uniform, Cossacks.

The therapeutic effects of Lagopsis supina (Steph. ex Willd.) Ikonn.-Gal. fractions in trauma-induced blood stasis model rats

BackgroundLagopsis supina (Steph. ex Willd.) Ikonn.-Gal. has been a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of blood stasis, inflammation, and diuresis. Moreover, Huo Xue Li Shui theory was an important TCM theory that used to treat many ailments. Nevertheless, the scientific connotation of this theory has not been clearly elucidated so far. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to explore the scientific connotation of Huo Xue Li Shui with promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBS), anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects in trauma-induced blood stasis model (TBSM) rats, taking microporous adsorption resin with water (LSB) and 30% ethanol (LSC) elution fractions from L. supina as a classical demonstration. Materials and methods48 rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 8/group): the control group, the model group, and model groups treatment with LSB or LSC. The biochemical parameters and protein expression were measured using kit method and Western blot assay, respectively. ResultsBoth LSB and LSC were effective in elevating body weight, food consumption, and water intake in model rats. In PBCRBS efficacy evaluation, LSB and LSC remarkably improved histopathological tissues. On the other hand, LSB and LSC prominently decreased the contents of plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, thromboxane B2, thromboxane B2/6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1), PAI-1/tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and PAI-1/u-PA, while significantly enhanced the contents of antithrombin III, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and t-PA. In parallel, LSB and LSC obviously down-regulated the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8, and remarkably up-regulated the level of IL-10. In determining diuretic activities, LSB and LSC prominently elevated urinary excretion volume and the level of atriopeptin, and remarkably reduced the levels of angiotensin II, anti-diuretic hormone, aldosterone, aquaporin 1 (AQP1), AQP2, and AQP3. In addition, LSB and LSC clearly suppressed protein expressions of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3. Finally, LSB and LSC did not caused urinary pH, Na+, and Cl− electrolytes and had minor effects on K+ and Ca2+ concentrations. ConclusionsLSB and LSC exhibited prominent PBCRBS, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects in TBSM rats, thereby supported the traditional folk use of L. supina. This study successfully provided an experimental basis for the scientific connotation of Huo Xue Li Shui.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Antidiabetic Properties and Mechanisms of Ficus tikoua Bur.

In folk medicine, Ficus tikoua (F. tikoua) has been used to treat diabetes for a long time, but there is a rare modern pharmacological investigation for its antidiabetic effect and mechanisms. Our study aimed to evaluate its hypoglycemic effect using in vitro and in vivo experimental models and then explore the possible mechanisms. In the ethanol extracts and fractions of F. tikoua, n-butanol fraction (NBF) exhibited the most potent effect on inhibiting α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 0.89 ± 0.04 μg/mL) and promoting glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Further animal experiments showed that NBF could play an antidiabetic role by ameliorating random blood glucose, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, HbA1c level, and islets damage in diabetic mice. Then, the activities of the five subfractions of NBF (NBF1-NBF5) were further evaluated; NBF2 showed stronger α-glucosidase inhibition activities (IC50 = 0.32 ± 0.05 μg/mL) than NBF. Moreover, NBF2 also possessed the ability to promote glucose uptake, which was mediated via P13K/AKT and AMPK pathways. This study demonstrated that F. tikoua possesses antidiabetic efficacy in vitro and in vivo and provided a scientific basis for its folk medicinal use. NBF2 might be potential natural candidate drugs to treat diabetes mellitus. It is the first time the antidiabetic activity and the potential mechanisms of NBF2 were reported.