Herbal Research Articles

Prevalence of Antidepressant Prescription in Adolescents Newly Diagnosed with Depression in Germany.

Depression is the most common mental illness in the world, found in nearly three in ten adolescents globally. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of antidepressant prescriptions and the types of antidepressant therapy administered among adolescents diagnosed with depression in Germany. This retrospective cohort study, based on data provided by 30 child and adolescent psychiatrists, included adolescents aged 13-17 years with an initial diagnosis of depression between 2010 and 2022 (index date) documented in the IQVIATM Disease Analyzer database. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to investigate the one-year cumulative incidence of antidepressant prescriptions stratified by age, sex, and depression severity. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between age, sex, depression severity, co-diagnoses, and antidepressant drug prescription. A total of 6338 adolescents (mean age: 16 years, 67% female, 59% with moderate depression) were available. The cumulative incidence of antidepressant prescriptions was 61% and increased with age from 13 years old to 17 years old. Fluoxetine was the most prescribed drug, followed by Sertraline, Escitalopram, Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, herbal medications, and Mirtazapine. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders were found to be significantly associated with antidepressant prescriptions within the spectrum of co-diagnosed conditions. Higher age, depression severity, and a co-diagnosis of an obsessive-compulsive disorder or eating disorder were significantly positively associated with antidepressant prescriptions in adolescents. Fluoxetine was the most frequently prescribed drug for depression.

Antidepressant Herbal Plants: An Updated Review

The symptoms of this illness include mood swings, protracted melancholy, disinterest, and diminished cognitive performance. These symptoms give the patient discomfort and have a substantial negative impact on their capacity to function and lead fulfilling personal, social, and professional lives. Depression treatment has to be comprehensive and involve medicine. For several centuries, herbal chemicals have been the subject of scientific inquiry, and ongoing studies are being conducted to explore their possible medical benefits. Herbs used in traditional medicine have been shown to be highly beneficial in lowering depression and its symptoms as well as enhancing patient function. Plants are used in biology and medicine in a variety of ways. They are an excellent resource for the creation of innovative drugs due to their high levels of safety, accessibility, availability, tolerance, and low levels of toxicity. Depression is caused by a multitude of variables, such as inflammation, brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, and 5-HT). Herbal medicines have gained a lot of attention lately since they are less costly and have less adverse effects than traditional depression treatments. Recent years have seen a significant amount of study on the possible application of sedative and antidepressant plants. The primary emphasis of this review has been herbal medications with antidepressant properties. Keywords: Depression, herbal medications. Herb, antidepressant plants

Enhanced Antidiabetic Effects of Gymnema sylvestre and Probiotics in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract Introduction/Objective Introduction: Gymnema sylvestre is a well-known herbal remedy for diabetes, with its anti-diabetic properties attributed to gymnemic acids isolated from its leaves. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, have also shown potential in managing diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the combined antidiabetic effects of G. sylvestre and probiotics in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods/Case Report Methods: Experimental rats were divided into seven groups: negative control, untreated diabetic control, L. acidophilus-treated, L. casei-treated, G. sylvestre-treated, a combination of L. casei and G. sylvestre-treated, and a combination of L. acidophilus and G. sylvestre-treated. Blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and reduced glutathione levels were measured, and histopathological examination of pancreas and kidney tissues was performed. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: In the third week of the experiment, the combined administration of G. sylvestre and probiotics showed the most significant reductions in glucose levels (250 mg/dL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (613.3 U/L), urea (31 U/L), serum creatinine (0.77 U/L), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (854.7 UMOL). G. sylvestre alone exhibited the lowest levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) (30 U/L), cholesterol (41 mg/dL), triglycerides (101.3 mg/dL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (22.9 mg/dL), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (119.3 U MOL/SEC). Probiotic treatment alone resulted in the lowest levels of uric acid (UA) (4.4 U/L) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (95.06 mg/dL). G. sylvestre demonstrated the highest level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (44 mg/dL), while probiotics exhibited the highest catalase (CAT) activity (92 UMOL/SEC). Histopathological examination revealed the preservation of normal pancreatic and renal tissue morphology with G. sylvestre treatment. Conclusion Conclusion: The combination of G. sylvestre and probiotics enhances the antidiabetic activity compared to G. sylvestre alone in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggest a potential synergistic effect of combining herbal and probiotic therapy for diabetes management.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Healing Properties of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam) Pers of the Togolese Flora

Natural herbal remedies have always been important in the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to limited access to pharmaceuticals and the affordable cost of herbal products. K. Pinnata is a plant used as a medicinal herb by almost all traditional medicines in tropical Africa. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the antioxidant and healing properties of K. pinnata (Lam) pers extract from Togolese flora. The hydroethanol extract of K. pinnata (Lam) pers was subjected to in vitro antioxidant activity screening models, such as molybdate reduction, iron reduction assay (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging assay. A 1.5 cm diameter excision wound model was also used to assess the plant's healing activity. Wistar rats were treated after excision by topical application of vaseline, vaseline supplemented with 3% (EHKP 3%) and 10% (EHKP 10%) hydroethanol extract of K. pinnata (Lam) pers leaves, sulfadiazine (reference), or no treatment (negative control). Total antioxidant activity by the molybdate reduction method was 0.12 ± 0.01 µg EAA/mg EL, while the iron reduction assay (FRAP) showed an antioxidant capacity of 4.21 ± 0.04 mol Eq FeS04/ g extract and 10.17 ± 0.03 mol Eq FeS04/ g extract respectively for extract concentrations of 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml. In addition, the extract showed a dose-dependent ability to trap the DPPH radical. Results showed a significant reduction in wound surface area in animals treated with 10% EHKP. The hydroxyproline assay showed a significant difference in collagen production in animals treated with 10% EHKP, compared with the control group (P < 0.001) and the vaseline group (P < 0.01) on the last day. Histological analysis showed rapid re-epithelialization in animals treated with the extracts. Keywords: K. pinnata, Antioxidant activity, Healing activity, Hydroxyproline

Controle de qualidade da droga vegetal Calendula officinalis L. disponível na cidade de Ponta Grossa (PR)

Introduction: Calendula officinalis L. is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family that contains flowers as parts used to obtain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, and dermoprotective effects. Objective: The objective of the present work was to analyze and characterize samples of C. officinalis, sold in Ponta Grossa (PR), and verify their compliance with current legislation, presenting the quality control provided for by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (2019). Method: After selecting the selections, tests were carried out on the quality control of the herbal drug by checking the packaging and labeling, macroscopic and microscopic identification, purity tests, analysis of loss due to desiccation and total ash, thermal analysis, profile of the aqueous extract in thin layer chromatography, and source of flavonoids from secondary metabolites. Results: All samples were identified as C. officinalis and were approved in the chromatographic profile and flavonoid content; however, sample B did not meet the pharmacopoeia purity requirements. Conclusion: Medicinal plants with quality deviations may suffer a significant reduction in their therapeutic effect, in addition to generating possible side and toxic effects.

A RANDOMIZED, OPEN LABELLED, CONTROLLED EQUIVALENCE PILOT DRUG TRIAL TO EVALUATE EFFECT OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATIONS, EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF MODIFIED PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT PLAN OBETOX IN PATIENTS WITH OBESITY (MEDOROG).

A chronic complex diseases with excessive fat deposition is called as Obesity. It an lead to many metabolic disease like Type II diabetes, heart diseases, thyroid, hypertension, increased bloos cholesterol level, liver disease, sleep apnoea and certain cancers. It can lead to increase the risk of co morbid conditions specially heart diseases. Weight loss can improve or prevent many health issues related to Obesity. Ayurveda says that Obesity is Vikrita Vriddhi (Abnormal increase) of Medodhatu (Fatty Tissue).Aims and Objective- This study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment Tab Mednil, Tab Suhruday & Obetox Treatment Plan in the treatment of Obesity (Medorog) and to assess the change in various biochemical markers.Method- This is a proof-of-concept study in which a sample size of 60 participants (30 in each group) was considered sufficient to achieve the study objectives. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups according to a computer-generated randomization list.Results- The results show that participants observed a lighter body image, more energy and enthusiasm, and a reduction in obesity-related complications, in terms of weight, H/W ratio, BMI and lipid profile.Conclusion- Obetox protocol along with herbal remedies gives significant results in the Obesity.

Innovative Formulations of Glycyrrhizaglabra Extract: a Comprehensive Review

Glycyrrhizaglabra (Licorice) has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases. It is used as traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis and asthma. This article highlights the wide range of pharmaceutical properties of licorice and its derivatives, opening up new avenues for studying and creating pharmaceutical treatments derived from this ancient plant. Glycyrrhetic acid, isoliquiritin, isoflavone, and other chemicals make up Glycyrrhizaglabra chemical composition. Their derivatives have been documented in a number of therapeutic uses, including expectorant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic. These phytochemicals hold great potential for the development of novel herbal medications, and their derivatives are being produced in order to assess their potential for application in pharmaceutical research in the future. Natural goods are frequently taken on a daily basis and are a major source of treatment for many disorders. They offer a significant defense against a range of conditions.

Maganin Gargajiya: Assessing the Benefits, Challenges, and Evidence of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, traditional medicine, commonly called "Maganin Gargajiya,"holds a significant place in the healthcare system and is widely used due to its cultural relevance, accessibility, and perceived efficacy. This review seeks to evaluate whether traditional medicine is a net benefit or risk to public health. It will explore the pros, such as the care provided by traditional healers, and the cons, including delays in seeking conventional treatment and the potential health risks associated with unregulated herbal remedies. This article synthesizes existing studies on traditional medicine in Nigeria, evaluating both the benefits and risks associated with its use, based on secondary data analysis. The review aims to provide a balanced perspective on the role of traditional medicine in Nigeria, examining whether it should be integrated into, regulated alongside or divorced completely from modern healthcare to improve overall patient outcomes and safety.

ANTI-MALARIAL ACTIVITY OF AMENTOFLAVONE ISOLATED FROM LEAF OF CALOPHYLLUM TOMENTOSUM WEIGHT.

Calophyllum tomentosum belonging to Clusiaceae family is an Indian medicinal plant used as folklore medicine to cure various kinds of diseases reported in Ayurveda, and the leaves of the plant are also used as an active ingredient for the preparation of a botanical medicine known as 'Punnaga', 'Surapunnaga' and 'Tamoil' among other common names. Chemical profiling of the methanol extract of the defatted leaf revealed the presence of amentoflavone as one of the constituents along with coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, and apetalic acids. Structural determination of these amentoflavone has been conducted by chemical, spectral, and spectrometric methods in comparison with spectral values available in the literature and confirmed by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Amentoflavone (1) and its derivative (2-5) tested to check the efficacy of anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Amongst them, only tetra methoxy amentoflavone, (2) exhibited moderate anti-malarial activity with IC50 value 1.99 ± 0.42 µM against Plasmodium falciparum in comparison with artemisinin as control, whereas the other products possessed almost negligible activity although their structural skeletons are identical with little variation of number and nature of substituents. The structure activity relationship (SAR) of the active constituent and its derivatives is reported herein.

Experimental and real-life effectiveness of the herbal drug Sinupret® extract in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis in the context of the strategy for the rational use of antibacterial drugs

Aim. To substantiate the clinical and experimental effectiveness of the herbal medicine Sinupret® extract for acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), with an emphasis on the strategy of rational use of antibiotics. Materials and methods. A meta-analysis of clinical studies ARhiSi-1 (EudraCT No. 2008-002794-13) and ARhiSi-2 (EudraCT No. 2009-016682-28), which included 676 patients, was performed. The main focus was on reducing Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) scores and improving Sinus Osteopathy Test (SNOT-20) scores with Sinupret® extract. In addition, a retrospective cohort study involving 203,382 patients was conducted to compare the real-world effectiveness of Sinupret® extract in reducing ARS-related side effects with antibiotics and other conventional treatments. Results. The use of the drug Sinupret® extract contributed to the improvement of symptoms of ARS, which was reflected in a decrease in the average score on the CVS by 1.9 points (p0.0001) and an improvement in the quality of life (QoL) of patients according to the SNOT-2 test, by 3.5 points (p=0.001) compared to placebo. In patients with moderate and severe symptoms, the effect of Sinupret® extract was even more significant (PVS -2.3 points; p0.0001; SNOT-20 -4.9 points; p=0.0158). Moreover, the use of the drug Sinupret® extract showed equal or greater effectiveness in reducing the risk of adverse outcomes associated with ARS, such as prescription of antibiotics, prolongation of illness by ≥7 days or the need to visit a doctor, especially compared with antibiotics. Conclusion. Sinupret® extract is a safe and effective treatment for ARS, which may help reduce the overuse of antibiotics.

Pain after Licorice or Sugar-Water Gargling in Patients Recovering from Oropharyngeal Surgery-A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

Glycyrrhiza glabrata (licorice) is used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies and reduces sore throats consequent to intubation, but whether it is protective for more intense pain after oropharyngeal surgery remains unclear. We thus tested the joint hypothesis that gargling with licorice, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reduces postoperative pain and morphine consumption. We enrolled patients having elective oropharyngeal surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to gargle with either 1 g licorice or a sugar placebo before and for up to three days after surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain along with morphine consumption was evaluated every 30 min during the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and then three times daily for three days. We pre-specified that licorice gargling would be deemed better than sugar gargling only if found non-inferior on both morphine consumption and pain score and superior on at least one of the two. 65 patients were randomized to the licorice group and 61 to placebo. We found noninferiority (NI) in pain scores with an estimated mean difference of -0.09 (95.2% CI: -0.88, 0.70; p = 0.001; NI delta = 1) between licorice and placebo gargling. There were no adverse events reported in either group that required treatment discontinuation. Gargling with licorice did not significantly or meaningfully reduce postoperative pain or morphine consumption in patients recovering from oropharyngeal surgery. While higher doses might prove more effective, our results suggest that other topical analgesics should be considered.

Professor YANG Jun's experience in treatment of neuropathic tinnitus with acupuncture and moxibustion based on disease elements

Based on Chinese medicine classics, combined with clinical experience and modern research findings, Professor YANG Jun deepens the analysis on the etiology and pathogenesis of neuropathic tinnitus, and has summarized the TCM elements of this disease, including "qi and blood stagnation" and "shen (spirit) hidden and orifices closed". The multiple therapies are used in combination, such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needling, borneol-moxibustion and herbal medication. The different acupoints are combined according to individuals, especially the application of Tinggong (SI 19) and Yamen (GV 15). The comprehensive treatment overlaps the dose effects, co-acts on activating blood circulation in meridians, calming-down the spirit and opening the orifices so that the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion can be improved on this disease.

A Comprehensive Review of Self-Nanoemulsifying Systems in the Delivery of Herbal Drugs.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are an isotropic mixture of oils, co-surfactants, and surfactants and can form fine O/W Nanoemulsions in aqueous media. These components are advantageous in terms of improved solubility and bioavailability. Limited permeability, solubility, and bioavailability remain a significant challenge in developing herbal drugs. This review explores the potential of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) as a promising strategy to overcome this problem. The SNEDDS is considered a novel technique for the delivery of low water-soluble drugs. It can bypass the first-pass metabolism, resulting in steady and sustained drug levels in the systemic circulation. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of the SNEDDS formulation of herbal drugs. It includes their composition, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted in various disease conditions, and pharmacokinetic studies.

Isolation, Development and Validation of Chromatographic Methods for the Estimation of Linoleic Acid from Different Parts of Euphorbia Neriifolia Linn.

Objectives: This is the first report on the development and validation of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-densitometric methods for the identification of linoleic acid (LA) in petroleum ether extract (PEE) of Euphorbia neriifolia (EN) stem (ST), latex (LX), and bark (BA). Methodology: Chromatographic analyses were performed on silica gel-G and silica gel 60 F254 plates and the antioxidant activities of isolated compounds were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) spectrophotometric assay. Results: The chromatographic analyses revealed better spots and well-separated peaks of LA with retention factor (Rf) values at 0.54 (ST), 0.40 (LX), and 0.64 (BA), respectively. The linearity of the calibration curve ranges from 10-50 ng/spot (ST), 10-100 ng/spot (LX), and 50-200 ng/spot (BA). The proposed method was characterized by better accuracy, better robustness, and good precision, ranging from 0.173 to 0.372% (intra-day) and 0.185 to 0.205% (inter-day). The value of the limit of detection and quantification equal to 1.04 and 3.16 ng/spot in ST, 0.87 and 2.64 ng/spot in LX, and 0.177 and 0.53 ng/spot in BA determined the sensitivity of the method. In the obtained chromatogram, no peak was observed other than the LA which determined the specificity of the method. The % RSD of < 2% after periods of 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h determined the stability of standard LA. Conclusion: Thus, the fingerprinting method is valuable in determining the adulterants and in routine quality control of formulations and herbal drugs.

Atractylodes Lancea and Its Constituent, Atractylodin, Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease via AMPK Activation.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma, is a growing global health concern associated with insulin resistance. Since there are limited treatment options for MASLD, this study investigated the therapeutic potential of Atractylodes lancea, a traditional herbal remedy for digestive disorders in East Asia, and its principal component, atractylodin, in treating MASLD. Following 8 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, mice received oral doses of 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg of Atractylodes lancea. In HFD-fed mice, Atractylodes lancea treatment reduced the body weight; serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase levels; and hepatic lipid content. Furthermore, Atractylodes lancea significantly ameliorated fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance levels in response to HFD. Additionally, a glucose tolerance test demonstrated improved glucose homeostasis. Treatment with 5 or 10 mg/kg atractylodin also resulted in anti-obesity, anti-steatosis, and glucose-lowering effects. Atractylodin treatment resulted in the downregulation of key lipogenic genes (Srebf1, Fasn, Scd2, and Dgat2) and the upregulation of genes regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α. Notably, the molecular docking model suggested a robust binding affinity between atractylodin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Atractylodin activated AMPK, which contributed to SREBP1c regulation. In conclusion, our results revealed that Atractylodes lancea and atractylodin activated the AMPK signaling pathway, leading to improvements in HFD-induced obesity, fatty liver, and glucose intolerance. This study suggests that the phytochemical, atractylodin, can be a treatment option for MASLD.

Characterizing the Patterns of Cervical Cancer Symptom Recognition, Symptom Response, and Associated Factors Among Patients Treated in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

Cervical cancer is a major global health issue and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana. This study aimed to explore and characterize the patterns of symptom recognition associated with cervical cancer and the symptom responses among women in Ghana. A descriptive qualitative design utilizing 20 individual semistructured interview sessions was used. The study was conducted in one of Ghana's major cancer treatment centers. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews. The data were analyzed using NVivo 12 and presented as themes and subthemes. Data analysis revealed 2 main themes: barriers to symptom recognition and response and facilitators of early symptom recognition and symptom response. Barriers included deficient knowledge about cervical symptoms, spiritual attributions of symptoms, preference for herbal remedies for symptoms, misdiagnosis, and seeking help through multiple facility visits. Facilitating factors of symptom response include perceived severity/identification of additional symptoms, quick referrals with some navigation within the healthcare system, and advice from women's microcommunity. The study emphasizes the need for continuous educational efforts on cervical cancer and its symptoms. Healthcare providers, patients, and the public have a part to play in the awareness and early detection of cervical cancer. Initiatives that educate women about the early symptoms of cervical cancer and the importance of screening can help with early recognition. Educating communities about cervical cancer empowers individuals to take charge of their health and encourages supportive environments for women to seek care.

A Review on Ashwagandha and Triphala for Treatment of Cataract

This article's goal is to review the available data about triphala's therapeutic use and efficacy. One of the earliest forms of medicine seen in conventional medical systems like Ayurveda is the use of herbs. A staple of gastrointestinal and restorative treatments is triphala, a popular and highly effective polyherbal herbal drug composed of the fruit of the botanical different species Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Terminalia chebula (Haritaki).Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, as well as Terminalia belerica combine to form Triphala (TP). The goal of the current investigation was to evaluate its anti-cataract efficacy using both in vitro and in vivo tests in an experimental model of cataract caused by selenite.

Calendula Flowers (Calendulae officinalis flos): Methods to Obtain Fractions of Biologically Active Substances

INTRODUCTION. The pharmaceutical industry aims at developing sustainable resource-saving technologies for manufacturing medicines. Approaches to the effective use of herbal drugs include applying technologies yielding compounds with various pharmacological effects in one production cycle. To date, no standardised herbal drug processing technology has been designed to produce calendula flower-based medicinal products with various pharmacological effects. The Member States of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) process calendula flowers by extraction methods yielding one fraction of biologically active substances per cycle (either only flavonoids or only carotenoids).AIM. This article aimed to investigate the possibility of stepwise processing of calendula flowers to obtain biologically active substances with different polarities (carotenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides) per cycle.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The authors extracted carotenoids using hexane. The study included additional thermal pretreatment of the herbal drug. Carotenoids and flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometry, and polysaccharides were quantified by gravimetric analysis. After hexane removal, the dry oily residue was dissolved in oil with mechanical stirring to obtain the oil extract. The study included a three-step processing method that comprised hexane extraction (extraction of carotenoids with a low-polarity organic solvent), extraction with a water–organic solvent system (extraction of flavonoids), and aqueous extraction (precipitation of polysaccharides).RESULTS. The lipophilic extracts obtained by single hexane extraction or by single hexane extraction and heat treatment had the maximum carotenoid content (~4%), which was 10 times the carotenoid content in the extracts obtained using a water– organic solvent system. Oil extracts were prepared from the dry residue left after removing hexane by distillation at its boiling point. The content of biologically active substances in the oil extracts was comparable to that in the intact herbal drug. Water–organic solvent extraction yielded 68.5% more flavonoids from the herbal drug extracted with hexane than from the intact herbal drug. In contrast, aqueous extraction applied to the intact herbal drug yielded 1.7 times the amount of flavonoids obtained by aqueous extraction preceded by hexane extraction. The water-soluble polysaccharide fraction extracted from the intact herbal drug had 10 times the flavonoid content observed in the fraction extracted from the processed herbal drug. Each subsequent processing step decreased the total polysaccharide content and the content of individual polysaccharide fractions and increased their purity. The ratio of polysaccharide fractions remained unchanged across all processing methods tested.CONCLUSIONS. Stepwise processing of calendula flowers ensured that one processing cycle provided three fractions containing increased amounts of carotenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Relative to the intact herbal drug, there was a 3.3-fold increase in the yield of carotenoids, and the yields of flavonoids and polysaccharides increased by 44.8 and 41.3%, respectively. The resulting product had a higher degree of purity than the products obtained by pretreatment and double hexane extraction or by using the intact herbal drug. The stepwise processing method is advisable for the production of medicines that are enriched with a specific group of biologically active substances or contain smaller amounts of impurities.

Chemical analysis of Alliin-Rich Allium sativum (Garlic) extract and its safety evaluation in Drosophila melanogaster

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties attributed to the presence of organosulfur compounds. Despite its benefits, concerns about herbal extract toxicity have arisen, necessitating safety assessment. This study was designed to evaluate the chemical analysis and safety profile of Alliin-Rich Garlic Extract (ARGE) using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The ARGE was extracted from garlic cloves (Allium sativum Linn: UIH-23262) using a microwave-assisted method and characterized using UPLC-ESI-MS, 1H NMR, HPLC and IR. Its safety evaluation was determined using D. melanogaster (Harwich strain), and various assays were conducted on 1–3-day-old flies. Toxicological markers and oxidative stress were assessed to understand the impact of ARGE on the flies. Chemical profiling of ARGE using UPLC-ESI-MS, confirmed the presence of alliin (S-ally-L-cysteine-S-oxide), L-arginine, γ-glutamylmethionine, S-(2-carboxypropyl) glutathione, N-γ-glutamyl-S-(1-propenyl) cysteine, N-γ-glutamyl-S-(2-propenyl) cysteine, N-γ-glutamylphenylalanine, S-(allylthio) cysteine, γ-glutamyl-S-allylthiocysteine and eruboside B. HPLC confirmed an alliin content of 0.073 mg/g. Toxicological assessment in D. melanogaster revealed that ARGE enhanced antioxidant defenses by increasing total thiol levels and GST activity, while reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. No significant alteration was observed in catalase activity and cellular metabolic rate. Histological examination revealed no alterations in the histoarchitecture of the brain, fat body or gut of D. melanogaster. The study demonstrated the safety of ARGE in D. melanogaster, supporting its potential as a safe herbal remedy.

Wild-grown medicinal plants used by the Asháninka people from the Tambo River, Peruvian Amazonia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Asháninka people are the largest Peruvian Amazonian group, yet the knowledge of their medicinal plants is scarce. This study on Asháninka herbal medicine offers an insight into the Asháninka aetiological system, resting within the wider ontological framework of animism, and cultural expressions of the biomedical understanding of illnesses. Aim of the studyTo document wild-grown (non-cultivated) plant species in current use by the Asháninka people and look closer at their herbal practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study examines whether the knowledge and use of medicinal plants is gendered in this society. It also compares the findings with available literature concerning the Arawakan groups from Peruvian Amazonia. Material and methodsThe fieldwork was conducted in 13 native communities of the Asháninka people along the Tambo River (Selva Central), Peru, between 2016 and 2018 and in 2022. The main field technique were guided walks in the forest with 27 female and 28 male participants, during which voucher specimens were collected and relevant information was recorded. Semi-structured interviews were performed with specialists in Asháninka traditional medicine and with lay Asháninka people to better understand Asháninka illness aetiologies. The analysis of medicinal plants included medicinal categories and uses, modes of preparations, the frequency of use and the knowledge about the plants between the genders. It also presents and discusses detailed testimonies of herbal remedies during the Covid-19 pandemic. The list of recorded plants was compared with ethnobotanical studies of other Arawakan groups from Peruvian Amazonia. ResultsAltogether, 169 wild-grown medicinal plant species were documented. Our findings highlight the importance of the Piperaceae and Acanthaceae botanical families in the Asháninka pharmacopoeia. The plants were used for 23 medicinal categories, of which dermatological disorders, digestive problems and venomous bites were the most prevalent. Over 70% of recorded plants were commonly and moderately known by the study participants. More exclusive species were found among the men than women; however, 64 % of all recorded plants were known to both genders. Sixty-one percent of recorded plants were not mentioned by any other study of medicinal plants among other Arawakan groups in Peruvian Amazonia. During the Covid-19 pandemic, nobody in the native communities at the Tambo River died directly due to the virus, which was attributed, amongst others, to effective and culturally-appropriate prophylaxis and treatments with medicinal plants. ConclusionTo this day, the Asháninka people at the Tambo River conserve the knowledge and practices related to medicinal plants which meet the daily needs of dwelling in subtropical forest; these are deeply rooted in animistic ontology, with the emphasis on spirit predation and retaliation. And yet, numerous applications of plants are compatible with the biomedical notion of illness and symptoms. Plant knowledge is shared between the genders, although specific plants exist for men and women, which are related to their gendered social and family roles. Some overlap and consensus exists with other studies regarding medicinal uses, which reflects the rich and diverse knowledge of medicinal plants among the Arawakan groups in Peruvian Amazonia, and this deserves further study.