Traditional Medicine Formulation Research Articles

Accurate medical information recommendation system based on big data analysis

In order to solve the problems of low recommendation accuracy and long response time in traditional medical information recommendation system, a medical information accurate-recommendation system based on big data analysis is proposed. The system is designed as medical information data acquisition module, medical information storage module and medical information accurate-recommendation module. In the medical information data acquisition module, crawler technology is used to obtain medical information data, and association rule algorithm is used to mine the medical information data. In the medical information storage module, personalised configuration is set. In the medical information accurate-recommendation module, the user interest model is quantified by vector space method, and BP algorithm and SOM algorithm are introduced to complete the accuracy of medical information recommend. The experimental results show that: the highest accuracy rate of medical information recommendation is 98.8%, and the shortest retrieval response time is 20 ms.

Gut microbiota and metabolic changes towards improved gut health with supplementation of Woodfordia fruticosa, a medicinal plant: An in vitro study

Woodfordia fruticosa flowers are used as an important component in various fermentation-based traditional medicinal formulations for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. In the study, extract of flowers (WfE) was evaluated for its gut microbiota (GM) modulatory properties using in vitro fermentation experiments. WfE supplementation (0.5 and 1 mg/mL) led to significant changes in GM composition by increasing beneficial populations (8–44%) of genus Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia and Lactobacillus while decreasing pathogenic forms (35–91%) such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Alistipes. Functional pathway prediction indicated upregulation of gluco-related metabolism, vitamin production, decrease in insulin resistance and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Metabolomics (1H NMR) revealed significant increase in butyric acid (≥48%) and other SCFAs (17–49%) and glycerylphosphorylcholine (55–85%), with decrease in trimethylamine (4–9%), and trimethylamine oxide (31–38%). Results indicated WfE to be a novel source of functional food ingredient/ supplement and its potential application in an unexplored area of “food phytoceuticals” for maintenance of gut homeostasis. Industrial relevanceMedicinal plants with a long history of use in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases could be novel sources of functional food ingredients that can have application in gut health. WfE was effective in modifying the gut microbial environment constructively by increasing beneficial microbial populations, suppressing opportunistic pathogenic forms, and also generating key metabolites associated with gut protective functions. WfE has potential industrial application as a functional food ingredient/supplement particularly in decreasing pathogenic populations reported to be involved in manifestation of inflammation, IBD, IBS, and metabolic syndrome.

Determination of Chestnut Honey Consumption Characteristics as a Traditional Treatment Method and Its Effect on Protection from COVID-19

Background: Chestnut honey plays a positive role in strengthening the immune system as it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It, moreover, has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. Objectives: This study aimed to examine how people consume chestnut honey as a form of traditional medicine and how it might protect them from COVID-19. Methods: This study was carried out on 177 people (who had been snowball sampled) from a province in Turkey where chestnut honey is widely produced. The data was collected using a 20-open/closed-question online questionnaire form that asked the participants to report their sociodemographic details, how they consume chestnut honey, and about COVID-19. Results: 41.8% of the participants reported that they used chestnut honey to protect themselves against COVID-19, 40.7% believed that chestnut honey helped to make them immune against COVID-19, and 37.3% felt that chestnut honey could treat COVID-19. However, there was no significant relationship between the participants consuming chestnut honey and their either being tested for COVID-19 (p > 0.05, χ² = 1.080) or testing positive for COVID-19 (p > 0.05, χ² = 0.793). Conclusions: This study revealed that chestnut honey is a widely used remedy in Turkey for treating different health problems and for maintaining health. In contrast, it also demonstrated that consuming chestnut honey has no effect on protecting the participants from COVID-19.

Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali Regulates Differentially Expressed Genes and Proteins in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice Liver

As a chronic non-infectious disease, severely affecting human quality and health of life, diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have gradually developed into a major global public health problem. Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali have been used as a traditional medicinal formulation in diabetic patients for a long time, whose combination is usually found in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, due to the unclear synergistic mechanism of them for DM, the changes of differential genes and proteins in the liver tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were analyzed, and then the potential synergistic mechanism of them in anti-diabetes was investigated in our research. Compared with the diabetic model group, there were 699 differentially expressed genes and 169 differentially expressed proteins in the Mulberry Leaf and Radix Astragali treated group, and there were 35 common specific genes both in the transcriptome and the proteome. These common genes participated mainly in the pathways, such as retinol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR() and Western blot results speculated that the synergistic effect on anti-diabetes was mainly through regulating the expression of Tap1, Ncoa4, and Alas2, by down-regulating Fabp2 and Hmox1 and up-regulating Hmgcr, Cyp7a1. All these genes would affect bile acid secretion, alleviate the occurrence of iron death, promote the metabolism and synthesis of glycolipid substances, and ultimately maintain the body’s glucose homeostasis.

A review on: Medicinal properties of ginkgo biloba

Traditional medicine and medicinal plants, as well as their study of modern chemical principles, may lead to the development of newer, less expensive medications. Ginkgo Biloba is well-known for curing a variety of ailments and is utilized in a variety of traditional medicinal formulations. Scientists and researchers from all over the world have spent decades studying the chemical composition of the entire Ginkgo Biloba plant, as well as its biological and pharmacological functions. These investigations established Ginkgo Biloba's medicinal potential in modern medicine and as a prospective drug discovery candidate. The current paper provides an overview of Ginkgo Bilobaethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity.

THE FREQUENCY OF CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF TONGUE, PULSE AND SYNDROMES ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN ASTHMA PATIENTS

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, which is usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is a global disease that is not only life - threatening to patients but financial burden to family as well as the society. According to Traditional Medicine, Asthma is related to the scope of wheezing and dyspnea. There is a variety of symptoms and syndromes in this disease. However, the classification of symptoms and clinical forms of traditional medicine from different literature sources is not really the same. Objectives: To survey the frequency of occurrence of the tongue and pulse symptoms, syndromes clinical according to traditional medicine and Determine some factors related to the occurrence of clinical presentation in patients with Asthma. Materials and method: A cross sectional study 102 patients has been diagnosed with asthma and treatment at the Department of General Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and at the Department of Endocrinology - Neurology - Respiratory, Hue Central Hospital from 7/2020 đến 3/2021. Results: The symptoms of the tongue: About the tongue color: 27.5% pale tongue. About the tongue shape: 27.9% enlarged tongue. About the tongue fur: 56.7% white fur; 18.3% dry fur; 41% thick fur. The symptoms of the pulse: 72.1% sunken pulse, About frequency pulse: 25% rapid and a little rapid. The syndromes: lung qi deficiency is dominant in Asthma which accounts for 41.2%, kidney yang deficiency 25.5%, spleen deficiency 3.9%. Conclusion: Symptoms have high rate such as pale red tongue, white fur, moist fur thick fur, moderate pulse, sunken pulse. Symptoms have low rate such as wet fur, exfoliated fur. Lung qi deficiency and kidney yang deficiency have high rate and spleen deficiency have low rate. There were significant relationships between syndromes and tongue color, tongue fur color, and pulse frequency (p < 0.05). Key words: frequency, symptoms of tongue, symptoms of pulse, syndrome, asthma, traditional medicine.

REVIEW ON HERBAL LOZENGES PREPARED FOR COLD AND FLU.

Traditional medicine and herbal formulation have been used by mankind for the care and treatment of various diseases and disorder. Throat infections are most common diseases in today’s world. However it is not taken too seriously by people long term throat infection can lead to severe throat problems pharyngitis and also cancer. The polyherbal lozenges are solid preparation that contains one or more medicaments usually during a flavored, sweetened base that are intended to dissolve or disintegrate slowly within the mouth. The benefits of they medicated lozenges is that they increase a retention time of the dosage form in mouth which increases bioavailability, reduces gastric irritation and bypasses first pass metabolism. 
 Keywords: polyherbal lozenges, pharyngitis

MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL DISORDER PATIENTS (ADHIATMIKA DHUKA) IN BALI PROVINCE HOSPITALITY

<p>This research is focused on the discussion of (1) integration between traditional and conventional medicine in the RSJ (Mental Hospital) of Bali, (2) the form of a combination of traditional medicine with conventional medicine for mental disorder patients at Mental Hospital of Bali, (3) the impact of integrating traditional medicine and conventional in mental patients at Mental Hospital of Bali. The theory used in analyzing the three problem formulations in this study, namely: (1) psychoanalytic theory, (2) ethnomedicine theory, and (3) perception theory. This research uses the method of documentation, literature study, observation and interviews. The results of this study indicate the following points. First, the factors that cause psychiatric rehabilitation patients at RSJ Bali integrate traditional and conventional medicine consisting of internal factors, e.g., beliefs, needs for holistic nursing care, religion, social, and culture, and also external factors, e.g., state legitimacy towards traditional medicine and western biomedical weakness. Second, the form of traditional medicine for mental illness patients at RSJ Bali Province consists of traditional forms, e.g., diagnosis (nengerin), peruwatan (bhuta Yajna) and spells, speech, dharma wacana (spiritual ceremony), prayer, and text-based handling (manuscripts) of medicine and a combination of traditional and modern techniques, and also conventional forms of treatment for psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral approaches (cognitive behavior), humanistic approaches, and other types of therapy. The form of combining traditional and modern techniques consists of diagnosis, improvement of mental development, the use of drugs, and treatment by spiritual means. Third, traditional and conventional treatments for mental patients at RSJ Bali have an individual impact, social impact, psychological impact on patients, the impact of power, and the impact of community culture.</p>

Inovasi Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Pada UKM Jamu Rumah Herbal Mak Nyak di Kabupaten Jember

The current pandemic condition raises the need to always maintain health and body immunity to be of utmost priority. Herbal medicine as a form of traditional medicine plays an important role in the treatment of population in developing countries, especially Indonesia. The majority of traditional herbal medicine businesses are carried out by home-based business groups, such as traditional herbal medicine businesses carried out by groups of women in Dasa Wisma Aster Dahlia who are domiciled at Tegalbesar Village, Kaliwates District, Jember Regency, produced among others: Jamu Temulawak, Jamu Kunci Sirih, Jamu Kunyit Asem and Jamu Beras Kencur, the herbal medicine which is produced is made from “empon empon” as the base ingredient which is quite abundant in Jember Regency. Herbal medicine business has a very good potential to be developed, because the market demand is very high so that if it is pursued more seriously, it can be used to support the economy of Dama's members. Team acts as: (1) Presenters of socialization, initiator and signing of the MOU document between the two parties, (2) Trainer or assistant for production, monitoring and evaluation (monev) ) post production, packaging and labeling of the final product. Delivering material in the form of lectures, discussions and questions and answers, practice and supervision, continuous monitoring and evaluation to achieve self-sufficiency in production with good product quality. Dama’s members as a socialization participant, also acts as a training participant and mentors the production, marketing, packaging and labeling of the final product.

Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches to COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) approaches to COVID-19 represent a paradigm shift from Western medicine, in that TCIM emphasizes prevention, encouraging wellness, and supporting health and recovery. A wide range of TCIM approaches exist: whole medical systems (such as traditional Chinese medicine), mind-body approaches, biological therapies, body-based treatments, and energy therapies. TCIM is used to help people resist infection, but people with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms often relied on integrative approaches using both traditional and Western medicine. It is estimated that over 90% of the infected population in Hubei China had used some form of traditional medicine to treat COVID. Ayurvedic medicine promotes immune-boosting strategies. Among biologically based therapies, there are vitamin therapies and “immune-nutrition” as well as traditional botanical treatments. Energy therapies have been promoted by the Chinese government to treat COVID-19 which may cause a loss of qi energy and an imbalance with too much yang energy in relation to yin. In many ways, it is difficult to apply Western approaches of clinical trials to TCIM, where most treatments are preventive, restorative, and highly individualized. However, the role of TCIM in COVID-19 was significant and underscores the value of TCIM approaches not just in this pandemic but for other infectious diseases as well. This is a narrative review rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis.

Platelet enhancement by Carica papaya L. leaf fractions in cyclophosphamide induced thrombocytopenic rats is due to elevated expression of CD110 receptor on megakaryocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCarica papaya leaf juice/decoction has been in use in folk medicine in Srilanka, Malaysia and in few parts of India for enhancing the platelet counts in dengue. In Siddha medicine, a traditional form of medicine in India, papaya leaf juice has been used for increasing the platelet counts. Papaya leaf has been reported to enhance blood volume in ancient Ayurveda books in India. Carica papaya leaf is well known for its platelet enhancement activity. Although many preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of papaya leaf juice for platelet enhancement, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Aim of the studyThe study is aimed at identifying the key ingredients of papaya leaf extract and elucidate the mechanism (s) of action of the identified potent component in mitigating thrombocytopenia (Thp). Materials and methodsC. papaya leaf juice was subjected for sequential fractionation to identify the anti-thrombocytopenic phytochemicals. In vivo, stable thrombocytopenia was induced by subcutaneous injection of 70 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (Cyp). After induction, rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight papaya leaf juice and with identified fractions for 14 days. Serum thrombopoietin level was estimated using ELISA. CD110/cMpl, a receptor for thrombopoietin on platelets was measured by western blotting. ResultsAdministration of cyclophosphamide for 6 days induced thrombocytopenia (210.4 ± 14.2 × 103 cells/μL) in rats. Treating thrombocytopenic rats with papaya leaf juice and butanol fraction for 14 days significantly increased the platelet count to 1073.50 ± 29.6 and 1189.80 ± 36.5 × 103 cells/μL, respectively. C.papaya extracts normalized the elevated bleeding and clotting time and decreased oxidative markers by increasing endogenous antioxidants. A marginal increase in the serum thrombopoietin (TPO) level was observed in Cyp treated group compared to normal and treatment groups. Low expression of CD110/cMpl receptor found in Cyp treated group was enhanced by C. papaya extracts (CPJ) and CPJ-BT. Furthermore, examination of the morphology of bone marrow megakaryocytes, histopathology of liver and kidneys revealed the ability of CPJ and fractions in mitigating Cyp-induced thrombocytopenia in rats. ConclusionC. papaya leaf juice enhances the platelet count in chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia by increasing the expression of CD110 receptor on the megakaryocytes. Hence, activating CD110 receptor might be a viable strategy to increase the platelet production in individuals suffering from thrombocytopenia.

The Effects of Extraction Conditions on Extraction Yield and Syringin Content in Producing Standardized Tinospora crispa Aqueous Extract with High Antioxidant Activity

The herbal plant known as Tinospora crispa is reported to have many beneficial effects on health and has great potential in future to be developed as a health product either in the form of traditional medicine, food supplements or in pharmaceutical preparations. However, so far knowledge on processing procedures to produce quality standardized extracts of this plant to be used in product development has still not widely reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal extraction conditions for producing a standardized T. crispa aqueos extract (STCAE) with high extraction yield and high syringin content. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of various extraction conditions involving temperature (25–100 ° C), extraction time (0.5–6 hours) and liquid (water) to solid ratio (5: 1–25: 1 ml of solvent per g stem dry). Using optimized conditions obtained, the extract was standardized based on syringin and was further investigated on its antioxidant activity through DPPH, FRAP and TBA bioassays. Results revealed that the optimum extraction conditions were found to be 1 h extraction time and 15:1 ml g−1 liquid-to-solid ratio. For the extraction temperature, 60°C was found to be the best. STCAE was produced on the basis of the extract to contain with at least 0.4 wt% of syringin. STCAE was found to possess high antioxidant activities through DPPH, FRAP and TBA bioassays.

Interface between orthodox and traditional medicine and alternative paradigm for integrating orthodox and traditional health care in Nigeria

Traditional medicine refers to the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement of physical and mental illness. Herbal treatments are the most form of traditional medicine and 70 – 80% of the African region has used a form as primary health care. There is little doubt that the use of herbal medicines is growing and one of the most problems found in medicinal plants is the absence of clinical, toxicological and pharmacological studies. Many African countries depend on herbal medicines because of their efficacy, affordability and availability. The future of African traditional medicine is bright if view in the context of service provision, increase of health care coverage, economic potential and poverty reduction. Formal recognition and integration of traditional medicine into conventional medicine would be of good advantage.

Sedative effects of inhaled Perilla frutescens essential oils on mice

Perilla frutescens is an ingredient for cooking and for Japanese traditional medicine formulations. Essential oils extracted from P. frutescens are classified according to their composition, which are genetically regulated. Here, we extracted five types of essential oil from P. frutescens and studied their sedative activities. We grew P. frutescens strains that give oils of type PK, PA, PP, EK, and C, and extracted the essential oils by hydrodistillation. We then measured the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice who had inhaled the oils in an open field test. All types of essential oil except the PK type decreased the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice. The effective doses were 4.0 × 10-3 to 4.0 × 10-2mg/cage (PA type), 4.0 × 10-4mg/cage (PP type), 4.0 × 10-5mg/cage (EK type), and 4.0 × 10-5 to 4.0 × 10-3mg/cage (C type). Our results show that the essential oils of type PA, PP, EK, and C have a sedative effect.

Purification, Detoxification, and Incineration Methods of Minerals and Metals in Traditional Medicine Formulations of Sri Lanka.

Background Herbo-mineral therapies are very popular in traditional medical systems and formulations consisting of specific minerals or metals or mixture of both and mixed with organic components derived from plants. Purification/detoxification or incineration procedures play an important role to detoxify these and metals and minerals. Objective In the present review, an attempt was made to gather herbo-mineral formulations which are used commonly in traditional medicinal systems in Sri Lanka and recapitulate the purification/detoxification or incineration techniques. Method Commonly used herbo-mineral formulations are collected from a text book of Vatikaaprakarana. However, the purification/detoxification and incineration techniques for all minerals/metals are not mentioned in Vatikaaprakarana, and these techniques were collected from journal articles published between 1st January 2000 and 1st June 2020 through searching PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, USA), Science Direct (RELX Group, Netherlands), and Semantic Scholar (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, USA). Results Ten herbo-mineral formulations were selected, and purification/detoxification or incineration techniques were described in brief for copper sulphate, aluminum sulfate, borex powder, sulphur, sodium chloride, cinnabar, arsenicals, realgar, orpiment, ammonium chloride, magnesium silicate, zinc, and mercury. Conclusion The review has demonstrated different types of purification/detoxification or incineration techniques of minerals used in herbo-mineral preparations. In addition, there is an urgent need for comprehensive survey or evaluation to check whether purification/detoxification or incineration techniques of metals/minerals are practiced properly in the country.

Pyrolyzed human hair: a review on synthesis, characterization and applications

Human hair, a common biowaste, can be pyrolyzed to prepare many kinds of functional materials. Pyrolyzed hair has been used as in various forms of traditional medicine, sensor, ink, and electrolytes. This review highlights the major structural characteristics of human hair and its pyrolyzed form. It also addresses the characterization techniques used for the structure elucidation of pyrolyzed human hair as well as its potential applications.
 BIBECHANA 18 (2021) 231-239

Metabolite profiling and evaluation of CYP450 interaction potential of ‘Trimada’- an Ayurvedic formulation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrimada is well-known polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation used in Indian Traditional medicine since ancient times. It consisted of three inebriant herbs including “Chitraka” (Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Family- Plumabaginaceae), “Musta” (Cyperus rotundus Linn. Family- Cyperaceae) and Vidanga (Embelia ribes Burm. F. Family- Myrsinaceae) in equal ratios as mentioned in Ayurveda. Trimada is traditionally used to increase the functioning of the digestive system and metabolism. Along with these, it also assists in the reduction of cholesterol as well as reduces stomach aches and chest pain. Aim of the studyThis study is aimed to identify the metabolites present in this polyherbal formulation. Further, the cytotoxicity and interaction potential of the formulation and individual herbs with Cytochrome P450 isozymes (CYP3A4, 2D6, 2C9, 1A2) was evaluated by MTT assay and CYP450 enzyme inhibition. The concentration of heavy metals was also determined. Material and methodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) analysis was performed to detect and identify the phytoconstituents in the formulation. Cytotoxicity of the formulation was evaluated by MTT assay. CYP450 enzyme interaction potential of the individual herbs and the Trimada formulation was carried out through CYP-CO assay and fluorometric high throughput screening (HTS) assay for individual isozymes. The content of heavy metal in the formulation was quantified by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. ResultsTrimada formulation exhibited lower cytotoxicity to human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). CYP-CO assay revealed that the interaction potential of individual herbs and Trimada on the liver microsomes was found to be lesser than the standard inhibitor ketoconazole. Individual herbs and Trimada formulation displayed higher IC50 values than the respective standard inhibitors in the fluorimetric assay. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis showed the presence of a number of active phytoconstituents including sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, benzoquinones, triterpenes and flavonoids. The heavy metal concentration in the traditional medicinal herbal formulation was found within the approved limit. ConclusionsThis study suggested that the individual herbs and Trimada formulation exhibited low cytotoxicity and contributes insignificant interaction with CYP450 isozymes. So, the formulation is considered to be safe for its therapeutic management without any potential drug interaction involving CYP 450 isozymes.

Ethnopharmacological, phytochemistry and other potential applications of Dodonaea genus: A comprehensive review

Abstract Dodonaea (family Sapindaceae) - a genus of flowering plant (above 70 species recorded) and used for various activities. Dodonaea viscosa, D. angustifolia, D. spatulate, D. polyandra and D. ceratocarpa are well-known species of this genus. In spite of the possible health support, different plant species from this genus are not extensively noticed in the modern medicine system. Dodonaea genus has been traditionally used in the treatment of scurvy, inflammation, kidney pain, sore throat, intestinal parasite, herpes, wounds burn, rheumatism, cough, backache, toothache, skin burn, skin infection, tumor and wound healing. Plant leaves, stem and fruits are occasionally used in the formulation of traditional medicine. In terms of phytoconstituents, flavonoids, flavones and their derivatives, terpenoids and saponins are major isolated compounds. They have shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and anti-plasmodial activities. Plants of Dodonaea genus show insecticide, weedicide, pesticide activity and exhibit allelopathic effect. Further, some isolated bacteria from roots of D. viscosa have been used in other plants as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Additionally, leaf extract has also been used in nanoparticle synthesis. These particles have shown a significant antioxidant activity; and antibacterial activity towards both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Overall, this review paper aims to describe the different aspects of Dodonaea genus such as botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological and agricultural applications of Dodonaea genus. Besides, some other miscellaneous studies and applications have been also reviewed.

Reduction in Chronic Disease Risk and Burden in a 70-Individual Cohort Through Modification of Health Behaviors.

IntroductionHealth risk factors, including lifestyle risks and health literacy, are known to contribute to the chronic disease epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases account for 90% of healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. In the United States, healthcare providers attempt to modulate a limited set of risks. However, chronic diseases continue to proliferate despite expansion of wellness programs and drugs to manage and prevent chronic conditions. Pandemics, exemplified by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), show that people in good health suffer mortality rates at 10% the rate compared to those with pre-existing chronic conditions. Healthcare costs and morbidity rates often parallel mortality rates. New root-cause risk and health tools that accommodate low health literacy and are linked to personalized health improvement care plans are needed to reverse the chronic disease epidemic. Reported here is a study on 70 manufacturing employees in the Midwest US using a personalized and group approach to chronic disease reversal and prevention which may also find utility in pandemic severity and policy decisions.MethodsHealth, lifestyle, behavior, and motivation data were collected on 70 individuals at the beginning of a nine-month disease reversal and prevention program. The data were updated every two to six months over the period. Inputs included information from a novel health risk assessment, serum biomarkers specific for chronic disease, and traditional medical information. Using all these data we generated robust, personalized, and modifiable care plans that were implemented by the participant and guided by a care team including health coaches and medical providers. Periodic renewal of profile data and biomarkers facilitated adjustment of care plans to optimize the path toward health goals set mutually by the participant and the care team.ResultsNinety percent of participants experienced a favorable reduction in chronic disease biomarkers. The reduction in serum biomarkers coincided with a reduction in disease and risk attributes based on medical chart data and before and after interviews. Hemoglobin A1C, for example, lowered in all but one participant concomitant with reported improved energy and reduced need for medications in the majority of participants. Markers of inflammation lowered across the population. Most importantly each individual reported improvement in their overall health.ConclusionsThis simple, inexpensive, root-cause based risk and health approach generates a “do no harm” action plan that guides a care team, including the participant, on a path to improved health. The data demonstrate that changes in a novel risk calculator score coincide with changes in sensitive biomarkers for chronic disease. When the risks of an individual are reduced, the biomarkers reflect that change with self-reported wellbeing also improved. This program and process may be of value to society plagued with escalating levels of chronic disease and merits further study and implementation.

Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants used in the rural areas of Solan District, Himachal Pradesh

A survey for documenting traditional medicinal knowledge was conducted in district Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Intensive exploratory surveys were carried out in the villages and data was collected on use of plants as folk medicines by local communities as enlisted in the paper. The information on 103 plant species belonging to 93 genera and 52 families along with their botanical names, local names, and traditional medicinal formulations for the treatment of various diseases has been documented during the present study. This paper will provide an insight on the associated traditional knowledge of the medicinal plant species used by the rural communities in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh.