Herbal Formula Research Articles

Improvement effects of a novel Chinese herbal formula in imiquimod and IL-23-stimulated mouse models of psoriasis

BackgroundPsoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin disease. A novel herbal formula containing nine Chinese herbal medicines, named Inflammation Skin Disease Formula (ISDF), has been prescribed in clinics for decades.AimsTo investigate the efficacy and action mechanisms of ISDF on psoriasis using imiquimod (IMQ) and Interleukin-23 (IL-23)-induced models in mice and reveal the pharmacokinetics profile of ISDF in rats.MethodsTopical administration of IMQ and intradermal injection with IL-23 respectively induced skin lesions like psoriasis on the dorsal area of Balb/c and C57 mice. The mice's body weight, skin thickness, and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were assessed weekly. SD rats were used in the pharmacokinetics study and the contents of berberine and baicalin were determined.ResultsThe PASI scores and epidermal thickness of mice were markedly decreased after ISDF treatment in both models. ISDF treatment significantly decreased the contents of IL-17A and IL-22 in the serum of IMQ- and IL-23-treated mice. Importantly, ISDF markedly downregulated IL-4, IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene expression, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, JNK, ERKs and MAPK p38 in IMQ-treated mice. The protein phosphorylation of Jak1, Jak2, Tyk2 and Stat3 was significantly mitigated in the ISDF-treated groups. The absorption of baicalin and berberine of ISDF through the gastrointestinal tract of rats was limited, and their distribution and metabolism in rats were also very slow, which suggested ISDF could be used in the long-term application.ConclusionsISDF has a strong anti-psoriatic therapeutic effect on mouse models induced with psoriasis through IMQ and IL-23, which is achieved by inhibiting the activation of the Jak/Stat3-activated IL-23/Th17 axis and the downstream NF-κB signalling and MAPK signalling pathways. ISDF holds great potential to be a therapy for psoriasis and should be further developed for this purpose.

Integrated spatial metabolomics and network pharmacology to explore the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanism of Radix ginseng-Schisandra chinensis Herb Couple on Alzheimer's disease.

Radix ginseng and Schisandra chinensis have been extensively documented in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for their potential efficacy in treating dementia. However, the precise mechanism of their therapeutic effects remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, air flow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI) and network pharmacology are used to investigate the pharmacodynamics and mechanism underlying the herbal combination consisting of Radix ginseng-Schisandra chinensis (RS) in a rodent model for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain histopathological findings suggested that RS attenuates hippocampal damage in AD mice, making this combination a potential AD treatment. Twenty-eight biomarkers were identified by spatial metabolomics analysis, which are intricately linked to neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, energy deficiency, oxidative stress, and aberrant fatty acid metabolism in AD. The total extract of RS (TE) affected 22 of these biomarkers, with the small molecule components of RS (SN) significantly influencing 19 and the large molecule components of RS (PR) impacting 14. Nine small molecule components are likely to dominate the pharmacodynamics of RS. We constructed a target interaction network based on the corresponding bioactivities that revealed relationships amongst 11 key biomarkers, 8 active ingredients and 12 critical targets. This research illustrates the immense potential of spatial metabolomics and network pharmacology in the study of TCM, revealing the targets and mechanisms underlying herbal formulas.

Reporting characteristics and quality of randomized controlled trial protocols in traditional Chinese medicine: a cross-sectional study.

The impact of the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SPIRIT-TCM) Extension 2018 statement on the reporting quality of randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocols in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is not clear. This review aimed to assess the reporting characteristics and quality of RCT protocols involving interventions such as Chinese herbal medicine formulas (CHMF), acupuncture, and moxibustion published in the last 3years. We conducted an extensive search among multiple databases, including All EBM Reviews, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), Embase, Ovid MEDLINE(R), PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov for publications in English from 1 January 2020 to 10 August 2023. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of the publications, extracted predetermined information, and evaluated the reporting based on the SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 checklist. Of the 420 eligible protocols (comprising 163 studies on CHMF, 239 on acupuncture, and 18 on moxibustion), the average reporting compliance rate was only 35.4%. Approximately half of the assessed items fell into the category of poorly reported, demonstrating a compliance rate below 65%. Notably, reporting compliance in acupuncture and moxibustion interventional studies exhibited higher scores than compliance in CHMF studies. Continued, concerted, and coordinated efforts are required by journals, editors, reviewers, and investigators to improve the application and promotion of the SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 reporting guideline.

Exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the long-term management of postoperative ovarian endometriotic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ovarian endometriotic cysts (OEC) represent the primary manifestation of endometriosis, constituting a hormonally dependent inflammatory disorder in gynecology. It significantly affects the quality of life and reproductive health of women. It is worth noting that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), has been widely applied in mainland China due to its unique therapeutic system and commendable clinical efficacy, bringing new hope for preventing and managing OEC. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM in the management of postoperative OEC. Simultaneously, it seeks to explore the medication laws, therapeutic principles, and specific treatment mechanisms of CHM. Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception to 01 November 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the therapeutic effects and safety of CHM for postoperative OEC were included. The risk of bias for each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE profiler 3.2. Additionally, we extracted formulation from the included studies, conducting a thorough analysis. (ⅰ) Twenty-two RCTs involving 1938 patients were included. In terms of the primary efficacy outcome, the CHM group demonstrated a potentially lower recurrence rate compared to both control (odds ratio (OR) = 0.25; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.10-0.64) and conventional western medicine (CWM) (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.65) groups. Furthermore, the joint application of CHM and CWM resulted in a significant reduction in the recurrence rate (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.17-0.40). (ⅱ) Regarding secondary efficacy outcomes, (a) Total clinical efficacy rate: CHM showcased an augmentation in clinical effectiveness compared to both the control (OR = 4.23; 95% CI: 1.12-15.99) and CWM (OR = 2.94; 95% CI: 1.34-6.43) groups. The combined administration of CHM and CWM substantially enhanced overall clinical effectiveness (OR = 3.44; 95% CI: 2.37-5.00). (b) VAS Score: CHM exhibited the capacity to diminish the VAS score in comparison to surgery alone (Mean difference (MD) = -0.86; 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.71). Nevertheless, no substantial advantage was observed compared to CWM alone (MD = -0.16; 95% CI: -0.49 to 0.17). The integration of CHM with CWM effectively ameliorated pain symptoms (MD = -0.87; 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.65). (c) Serum Level of Cancer antigen 125 (CA125): the CHM group potentially exhibited lower CA125 levels in comparison to CWM alone (MD = -11.08; 95% CI: -21.75 to -0.42). The combined intervention of CHM and CWM significantly decreased CA125 levels (MD = -5.31; 95% CI: -7.27 to -3.36). (d) Pregnancy Rate: CHM exhibited superiority in enhancing the pregnancy rate compared to surgery (OR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.60-9.74) or CWM alone (OR = 3.31; 95% CI: 1.40-7.83). The combined utilization of CHM and CWM demonstrated the potential to enhance pregnancy rates compared to CWM (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.28-6.98). Concerning safety outcome indicators, CHM effectively decreased the overall incidence of adverse events and, to a certain extent, alleviated perimenopausal symptoms as well as liver function impairment. (ⅲ) Most of CHMs were originated from classical Chinese herbal formulas. Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (Taoren), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui), Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Chishao), and Corydalis yanhusuo W.T.Wang (Yanhusuo) were most frequently used CHM. CHM may be a viable choice in the long-term management of postoperative OEC, with the potential to enhance clinical efficacy while decreasing recurrence and adverse effects.

Cow Urine Mediated Poly Herbal Formulation Preparation, Characterization, and Assessment of Antiglycation and Anti-Diabetic Activity

present study has the objective of preparing, characterizing, and evaluating the antiglycation and antidiabetic activity of polyherbal formulations mediated by cow urine. The formulations were prepared using various herbs, and their phytochemical constituents were characterized using standard methods[1]. The formulations' ability to prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was assessed by evaluating their antiglycation activity.[2,3], The antidiabetic activity was assessed by measuring their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The findings revealed that the polyherbal formulations formulated with cow urine exhibited notable antiglycation and antidiabetic properties compared to the control groups. The study concludes that polyherbal formulations mediated by cow urine hold potential therapeutic applications in the management and treatment of diabetes. [1].

Evaluation of the effectiveness of herbal and non-herbal oral formulations for the prevention of oral diseases in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

No abstract available

Herbal Extracts for Hair Growth and Skin Rejuvenation: A Potential Solution for Hair Fall and Enhancing Skin Glow

Hair loss can have significant psychological and sociological impacts on individuals, affecting how they perceive themselves and are perceived by others. Globally, there has been a rise in the proportion of both men and women experiencing hair loss or thinning hair. Dermatological disorders, including alopecia, are common causes of hair loss, leading to a constant search for natural products that may promote hair growth. Several factors contribute to hair loss, including stress, major illnesses, medication use, depression, autoimmune diseases, family history, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. In India, approximately 50% of the population is experiencing hair loss at an accelerated rate, partly due to the use of inferior hair products in the beauty industry. Various herbs have been identified for their potential to promote skin renewal and hair development. These include Ficus religiosa, Ficus bengalensis, coriander seeds, rock sugar, and Chlorophytum borivilianum. These herbs contain nutritional components that can help manage hormonal imbalances and stimulate hair growth. Herbal formulations offer a natural and potentially effective solution for hair loss management. They can be tested for quality control and evaluation to ensure their safety and efficacy. These formulations may serve as immunoboosters or highly nutritious compositions, providing additional health benefits beyond hair care. Importantly, such remedies are typically associated with minimal or no negative side effects, making them a preferred option for individuals seeking natural approaches to address hair loss and related concerns.

Creating, Developing, and Evaluating Herbal Lipstick Utilising “Beta Vulgaris”

Herbal lipsticks are made from natural ingredients like plant extracts and oils, often avoiding synthetic chemicals. They're popular for their nourishing properties and sometimes offer subtle tints. Beetroot extract is prized for its rich colour and potential benefits for the lips, like hydration and nourishment. The cosmetics industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards natural and sustainable beauty products, driven by consumer demand for safer alternatives. In response, this study explores the formulation and evaluation of herbal lipstick utilising Beta Vulgaris, commonly known as beetroot, as a natural colourant. Beetroot extract, rich in betacyanins, not only imparts vibrant hues but also offers potential skincare benefits due to its antioxidant properties. This report outlines the formulation process, detailing the extraction of colourant from Beta Vulgaris and its integration into lipstick bases. Through the exploration of Beta Vulgaris as a natural colourant for herbal lipstick formulations, this research contributes to the advancement of natural cosmetics and underscores the potential of plant-based ingredients in meeting the growing demand for clean beauty products. Herbal lipstick formulations typically include a combination of pigments, perfumes, waxes, preservatives, antioxidants, oils, and colours. The advantages of herbal lipstick lie in its safety, cost- effectiveness, non-toxicity, and utilisation of pigments sourced from readily available plants and vegetables. Given the prevalence of side effects associated with synthetic formulations, this study sought to develop and evaluate herbal lipstick formulations using natural colourants. The evaluation parameters included colour intensity, pH levels, skin irritation potential, perfume stability, solubility, surface anomalies, and ageing stability. The findings of this study indicate that herbal lipstick formulations utilising natural colourants exhibit fewer or no side effects compared to synthetic alternatives. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance consumer acceptance due to the incorporation of diverse natural ingredients and harmless colourants.

Effects of modified Danggui Sini Decoction as adjuvant therapy for angina pectoris in coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials.

This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of the Chinese herbal formula modified Danggui Sini Decoction as an adjunctive treatment for angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease. We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of modified Danggui Sini Decoction in combination with conventional Western medication on angina pectoris in coronary artery disease, published up to July 2023 across eight databases, including China Knowledge International Literature screening and data extraction were performed by two researchers following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1, and meta-analysis was executed via RevMan 5.4 software. Thirteen studies encompassing 1,232 participants were incorporated. The meta-analysis revealed that combining modified Danggui Sini Decoction with conventional Western medication significantly enhanced overall clinical efficacy, reduced the duration of angina attacks, decreased the Chinese medicine syndrome score, improved inflammatory markers and cardiac function, lowered serum NT-proBNP levels, and elevated the Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores compared to the control group. Modified Danggui Sini Decoction, when used alongside conventional Western medications, shows promise in treating coronary artery disease patients with angina pectoris and may serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy in clinical settings. Nonetheless, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, further high-caliber research is essential to substantiate these findings. https://inplasy.com/? s=202390078, identifier INPLASY 202390078.

Ferroptosis: a new mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine for treating ulcerative colitis.

This review summarizes the experimental studies on the targeted regulation of ferroptosis by TCM and its impact on UC in recent years, aiming to provide theoretical basis for the prevention, treatment, and further drug development for UC. Ferroptosis disrupts antioxidant mechanisms in intestinal epithelial cells, damages the intestinal mucosa, and participates in the pathological process of UC. TCM acts on various pathways such as Nrf2/HO-1 and GSH/GPX4, blocking the pathological progression of ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, inhibiting pathological damage to the intestinal mucosa, and thereby alleviating UC. The diverse array of TCM single herbs, extracts and herbal formulas facilitates selective and innovative research and development of new TCM methods for targeting UC treatment. Although progress has been made in studying TCM compound formulas, single herbs, and extracts, there are still many issues in clinical and basic experimental designs, necessitating further in-depth scientific exploration and research.

Efficacy of an herbal formula Guixiong Yimu San in preventing retained placenta and improving reproductive performance in cows

Retained placenta is a common health issue, and appropriate prevention strategies are effective in postpartum health management. This study aimed to evaluate whether early intervention using GYS can prevent retained placenta and puerperal metritis, as well as enhance reproductive outcomes in cows. Each bovine in the GYS group (n = 591) received a single prophylactic dose of GYS (0.5 g/kg body weight) orally within 2 h after parturition, while those in the control group (n = 598) received no intervention. GYS treatment was associated with a decreased incidence of retained placenta (4.6% vs. 12.0%, P < 0.01, OR = 0.335), a lower puerperal metritis risk (8.8% vs. 20.1%, P < 0.01, OR = 0.369), and a reduced need for additional therapeutic antibiotics (11.2% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.01, OR = 0.342). We observed increases in the first service conception rate (59.7% vs. 49.1%, P < 0.01) and conception rate within 305 days postpartum (93.2% vs. 85.5%, P < 0.01) in the GYS group than in the control group. A significant decrease was observed in the number of services per conception (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.1 ± 1.4, P < 0.01) and the calving-to-conception interval (83.6 ± 39.6 vs. 96.6 ± 52.5 days, P < 0.01) between the two groups. Additionally, GYS treatment increased milk yield on days 7, 14, and 28 postpartum without affecting milk fat, milk protein, somatic cell count (SCC), or milk urea nitrogen (MUN) on days 7 and 28 postpartum. Accordingly, the GYS was effective and safe in preventing retained placenta and to improve reproductive performance in cows. Therefore, it could be a prophylactic intervention for superior postpartum fertility in cows.

Phytochemical Identification and Anti-Oxidative Stress Effects Study of Cimicifugae Rhizoma Extract and Its Major Component Isoferulic Acid

Background and Objectives: Cimicifugae Rhizoma, also known as ‘Sheng ma’ in Madeiran, is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine that has several pharmacological qualities, one of which is its antioxidant activity. Isoferulic acid, a prominent phenolic compound found in Cimicifugae Rhizoma, has potent antioxidant properties. This study was aimed to comprehensively analyze the components in Cimicifugae Rhizoma and rat plasma to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid as potential candidates for developing herbal formulations targeting podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy for further clinical utilization. Materials and Methods: UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and HPLC were utilized as analytical tools to identify components of Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract or rat plasma after administrating it. MPC5 cells were cultured with H2O2 and high glucose and subjected to oxidative stress injury. The CXCL12/CXCR4 system plays a crucial role at certain stages of multiple kidney diseases’ injury. Apoptosis-related and target CXCL12/CXCR4/mTOR/Caspase-3 and Cask protein levels were assessed, and the levels of inflammatory-related factors, motility, morphology, ROS level, and apoptosis in podocytes were tested. Results: A total of 82 and 39 components were identified in the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and plasma, and Isoferulic acid content was determined as 6.52 mg/g in the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract. The Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract (1 μg/mL) and Isoferulic acid (10, 25, 50 μM) considerably decreased high glucose and oxidative-stress-mediated toxicity, impaired mobility and adhesion and apoptotic changes in MPC5 cells, and reversed inflammation response. Moreover, the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid down-regulated Cask, mTOR, and Caspase-3, while significantly blocking the overactivation of CXCL12/CXCR4 in podocytes stimulated by oxidative stress and high glucose. Conclusions: These results indicate that the renal protective mechanism of the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid on simulating H2O2-induced podocyte injury involves mainly the of CXCL12/CXCR4 pathways and the inactivation of oxidative-stress-mediated apoptotic pathways after comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and HPLC. These findings provide an important efficacy and ingredient basis for further study on the clinical utilities of Cimicifugae Rhizoma and Isoferulic acid on podocyte and kidney impairment.

Understanding the efficiency of Shodhana, a classical drug detoxification technique that may increase safety in using three varieties of Abrus precatorius L. seeds-a toxic Schedule E1 drug used in various herbal formulations

BackgroundAbrus precatorius L. is a noxious vein native to south east asia and popularly called as Gunja in Ayurveda. The seeds of this plant are considered as a potent raw drug used in various herbal formulations such as Gunjadi tailam, Gunjagarbha rasa etc. and used to treat various ailments such as dermal disorders, cysts, snake poisoning and may other conditions. Before utilizing for the herbal formulations, the seeds are classically processed due to the presence of well reported toxic protalbumin named Abrin with the human fatal dose of 0.1–1 µg/kg. MethodsIn this work three varieties of Abrus precatorius L. seeds (Red, White and Black) were collected from the southern part of India and subjected for the detoxification process in order to analyze the efficiency of technique on different varieties of seeds. For processing the seeds, the classically fermented supernatant of rice gruel named kanjika was prepared and the pH was analyzed. Before and after processing, the seeds were analyzed for phytoconstituents with histochemistry technique and the hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared and qualitatively estimated for phytochemicals. The detoxification efficiency was analysed using HPTLC method by qualitative and quantitative estimation of Abrin levels by comparing with standard marker. Following that, cytotoxicity study was conducted against Vero (Healthy kidney) cell lines to ensure reduced toxicity in in-vitro conditions. ResultsThe process of Shodhana has changed the phytochemical levels in the processed seeds in comparison with unprocessed seeds in all three varieties. In connection to that, the extracts prepared with processed seeds have expressed lesser cytotoxicity and can be used as a drug with lesser side effects in whatever indications applicable. ConclusionIt is concluded that Shodhana with kanjika is efficient in processing all three varieties of Abrus precatorius seeds and is more effective in processing white seeds than the red and black varieties.

Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Huoxiang Zhengqi San in cold and high humidity-induced diarrhea: Insights into intestinal microbiota modulation and digestive enzyme activity

Huoxiang Zhengqi San (HXZQS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, enjoys widespread use in Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome (CDSS), which is induced by exposure to cold and high humidity stress. This study aimed to explore its therapeutic mechanisms in mice, particularly focusing on the intestinal microbiota. Forty male SPF-grade KM mice were allocated into two groups: the normal control group (H-Cc, n = 10) and the CDSS group (H-Mc, n = 30). After modeling, H-Mc was subdivided into H-Mc (n = 15) and HXZQS treatment (H–Tc, n = 15) groups. Intestinal samples were analyzed for enzyme activity and microbiota composition. Our findings demonstrated a notable reduction in intestinal lactase activity post-HXZQS treatment (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus murinus emerged as the main dominant species across most groups. However, in the H-Mc group, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was identified as the exclusive dominant bacteria. LEfSe analysis highlighted Clostridiales vadinBB60 group and Corynebacterium as differential bacteria in the H–Tc group, and Cyanobacteria unidentified specie in the H-Mc group. Predicted microbiota functions aligned with changes in abundance, notably in cofactors and vitamins metabolism. The collinear results of the intestinal microbiota interaction network showed that HXZQS restored cooperative interactions among rare bacteria by mitigating their mutual promotion. The HXZQS decoction effectively alleviates diarrhea with CDSS by regulating intestinal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, and microbiota interaction. Notably, it enhances Clostridium vadinBB60 and suppresses Cyanobacteria unidentified specie, warranting further study.

Efficacy of Shen Cao Gan Jiang Tang on Non-severe COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial.

Background In the face of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic amid shortages of medications and vaccines, a Vietnamese herbal formula known as Shen Cao Gan Jiang Tang (SCGJT) has been put into use for non-severe COVID-19 patients. This study aims to assess its efficacy and safety. Methods A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 300 patients with non-severe COVID-19, randomly assigned into two groups: 150 receiving standard care (control group) and 150 receiving additional SCGJT for 10 days (SCGJT group). Time to resolution of symptoms, symptom severity, disease progression, time to discharge, the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) score, usage of Western drugs, time to viral clearance, and safety outcomes were continuously monitored. Results The SCGJT group exhibited faster symptom resolution (median: 9 vs. 13 days) and improved symptom severity, including cough, fatigue, hypogeusia, muscle aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, compared to the control group. Although there was a lower rate of severe progression in the SCGJT group (0.7% vs. 4.7%), the difference was not statistically significant. The time to discharge was significantly shorter in the SCGJT group (median: 7 vs. 8 days). Changes in the NEWS2 score did not show significant differences between groups. SCGJT has been demonstrated to reduce the need for symptomatic relief medications and hasten SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance. No adverse events were reported, and routine tests showed no significant differences. Conclusions SCGJT is safe and has potential clinical efficacy in non-severe COVID-19 patients. However, data regarding preventing severe progression remains inconclusive. Further studies should be conducted in light of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications of Nanotechnology-mediated Herbal Nanosystems for Ophthalmic Drug.

In recent years, herbal nanomedicines have gained tremendous popularity for novel drug discovery. Nanotechnology has provided several advances in the healthcare sector, emerging several novel nanocarriers that potentiate the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of the herbal drug. The recent advances in nanotechnology with accelerated strategies of ophthalmic nanosystems have paved a new path for overcoming the limitations associated with ocular drug delivery systems, such as low bioavailability, poor absorption, stability, and precorneal drug loss. Ophthalmic drug delivery is challenging due to anatomical and physiological barriers. Due to the presence of these barriers, the herbal drug entry into the eyes can be affected when administered by following multiple routes, i.e., topical, injectables, or systemic. However, the advancement of nanotechnology with intelligent systems enables the herbal active constituent to successfully entrap within the system, which is usually difficult to reach employing conventional herbal formulations. Herbal-loaded nanocarrier drug delivery systems demonstrated enhanced herbal drug permeation and prolonged herbal drug delivery. In this current manuscript, an extensive search is conducted for original research papers using databases Viz., PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, etc. Further painstaking efforts are made to compile and update the novel herbal nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructure lipid carriers, micelles, niosomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, etc., which are mostly used for ophthalmic drug delivery system. This article presents a comprehensive survey of diverse applications used for the preventative measures and treatment therapy of varied eye disorders. Further, this article highlights the recent findings that the innovators are exclusively working on ophthalmic nanosystems for herbal drug delivery systems. The nanocarriers are promising drug delivery systems that enable an effective and supreme therapeutic potential circumventing the limitations associated with conventional ocular drug delivery systems. The nanotechnology-based approach is useful to encapsulate the herbal bioactive and prevent them from degradation and therefore providing them for controlled and sustained release with enhanced herbal drug permeation. Extensive research is still being carried out in the field of herbal nanotechnology to design an ophthalmic nanosystem with improved biopharmaceutical properties.

A ternary correlation multi-symptom network strategy based on in vivo chemical profile identification and metabolomics to explore the molecular basis of Ephedra herb against viral pneumonia.

Ephedra herb (EH), an important medicine prescribed in herbal formulas by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, has been widely used in the treatment of viral pneumonia in China. However, the molecular basis of EH in viral pneumonia remains unclear. In this study, a ternary correlation multi-symptom network strategy was established based on in vivo chemical profile identification and metabolomics to explore the molecular basis of EH against viral pneumonia. Results showed that 143 compounds of EH and 70 prototype components were identified in vivo. EH could reduce alveolar-capillary barrier disruption in rats with viral pneumonia and significantly downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Plasma metabolomics revealed that EH may be involved in the regulation of arachidonic acid, tryptophan, tyrosine, nicotinate, and nicotinamide metabolism. The multi-symptom network showed that 12 compounds have an integral function in the treatment of viral pneumonia by intervening in many pathways related to viruses, immunity and inflammation, and lung injury. Further verification demonstrated that sinapic acid and frambinone can regulate the expression of related genes. It has been shown to be a promising representative of the pharmacological constituents of ephedra.

Herbal Hair Serum

Abstract: Cosmetics have gained significant popularity in the daily lives of many individuals, who often use a variety of products to enhance their beauty and elegance, with the aim of achieving a youthful and charming appearance. It is safe to say that cosmetics play a crucial role in human life. In recent times, herbal cosmetics have become increasingly popular due to the perception that they offer fewer side effects and are a safer option. [1] Hair is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s identity, and as such, it is crucial to maintain it through the use of various beauty products. In this regard, it is worth nothing that herbal formulations have demonstrated superior efficacy compared to synthetic ones while exhibiting minimal or no side effects. As such, herbal remedies represent a valuable alternative in hair care, especially for individuals with a proclivity for adverse reactions to conventional hair care products. [2] Promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss is a crucial aspect of hair care. Herbal dyes have been a popular choice among individuals, thanks to their minimal side effects and impeccable safety record. Recently, a study was conducted to develop an herbal hair serum using a variety of sauces for general hair treatment. The resultant oil was subjected to a thorough analysis, including assessments of its organoleptic properties, acid value, saponification value, viscosity, pH, and other parameters. The findings indicated that all criteria were met and fell within the accepted guidelineS

Phenolic profile, and safety evaluation of the Moroccan aqueous polyherbal formulation containing Petroselinum crispum L., Coriandrum sativum L., Apium graveolens L.: Acute and sub-acute toxicity

Medicinal plants harbor numerous natural bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, utilized in the synthesis of various drug formulations. While the diverse benefits of herbal formulations have been extensively researched, a toxicity assessment is crucial to establish a wide margin of safety for the therapeutic application of this polyherbal formulation. The recent study aimed to assess the phytochemical profile and potential toxic effects of an aqueous extract derived from a polyherbal formulation containing Petroselinum crispum L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Apium graveolens L. The investigation involved acute and sub-acute toxicity studies conducted in male and female Swiss albino mice, as well as adult rats. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed a rich composition of phytochemical compounds in the extract. In acute toxicity assessments, oral administration of the extract up to 14 g/kg showed no signs of toxicity or fatalities in mice. However, intraperitoneal administration resulted in dose-dependent toxicity, with a calculated LD50 of 11.8 g/kg. Sub-acute toxicity studies in rats over 28 days showed no significant changes in organ weights, hematological, or biochemical parameters, except for a minor decrease in WBC count. Histopathological examination revealed no morphological disturbances in the liver and kidneys, indicating a wide margin of safety for therapeutic use.

GARLIC: Nature's potent antifungal and antibacterial ally - cream formulation and evaluation

In the pursuit of effective and safe treatments for infectious diseases, herbal remedies have garnered significant attention due to their diverse phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic properties. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical profile and evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of herbal garlic extracts. Traditional natural products continue to be sought after for their bioactive compounds, which offer promising avenues for therapeutic intervention in both human and veterinary medicine. Our investigation not only sheds light on the regional variation of stomach disease occurrence, highlighting the role of dietary factors, but also underscores the importance of herbal preparations in medicinal practice. By combining various plant classes, herbal formulations can exert localized effects upon application, penetrating the skin or mucous membranes to target underlying conditions. The effectiveness of these combined medications may lie in their synergistic mechanisms, offering a comprehensive therapeutic approach. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential of herbal remedies as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional treatments, paving the way for further exploration in infectious disease management and prevention strategies.