Herbal Group Research Articles

Clinical Efficacy of Coptidis Rhizoma for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of herbal medicine on Chemo -Radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis.Methods: Electronic databases were used to search for studies published through 10 years until October 2022, and a randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of herbal medicine on chemo-radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis. Study quality was assessed using the Cochran’s risk bias tool.Results: Two-hundred and three articles were initially searched, and 11 studies (head and neck cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer etc. undergoing radio-chemotherapy were included in analysis. The effect of herbal medicine on chemo-radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis, 9 studies reported that herbal medicine was more effective than the placebo group or conventional treatment. One study reported that the effect of the herbal compound treatment group was similar to that of the conventional herbal medicine, and one study reported that there was no difference in effect between the two herbal medicines and the group without treatment.Conclusion: This study suggests that herbal medicine effectively relieves the symptoms of chemo-radiotherapy -induced oral mucositis. However, there is limited evidence that herbal medicine may relief chemo-radiotherapy -induced oral mucositis, so further investigation is needed.

Effects of dietary supplementation with herbal extract as methionine replacer on growth performance, meat composition, oxidative stability and liver gene expression in broiler chickens

Abstract In the present study, an herbal feed additive was tested for partial-to-complete replacement of synthetic methionine in poultry diets, along with its effects on performance, breast and thigh meat chemical composition, oxidative stability during refrigerated storage and the expression of five target genes in liver. In a 35 days trial, 600 one-day-old male chicks were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 10 replicates. Birds in the control group were fed a regular maize–soybean-based diet that covered DL-methionine needs while the second group (Meth40) was similar to control but contained only DL – Methionine at 40% of control diet. Diet in third group contained DLMethionine at 40% of control and the herbal feed additive Methiorep TMMeth40+Mrep) with extracts of Boerhavia diffusa, Azadirachta indica, Vigna mungo and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Diet of fourth group was formulated to totally replace DL Methionine by Methiorep TM (Mrep). Body weight gain and feed consumption were weekly recorded. At the end of the trial, all birds were slaughtered and 2 chickens per pen were selected for meat and liver sampling. The liver was tested for the expression of five target genes, namely Methionine synthase (MTR), Tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), Spermidine synthase (SMS), Methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSRB1) and Betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT). The results showed that the Meth40 group had reduced body weight compared to the Meth40+Mrep group while the Control and Mrep groups had comparable weights. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ among the experimental groups. Carcass, breast and thigh meat yield were higher in the Mrep and the Control compared to Meth40 and Meth40+Mrep groups. Also, meat oxidation was significantly lower in herbal groups compared to the control group. After normalization to β-actin expression, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed an induction in the expression of MTR and SMS genes in the liver of both herbal treated groups. No changes were observed for the TAT, MSRB1and BHMT genes in the herbal treated groups compared to the control or the Meth40 group. In conclusion, herbal feed additives with specific plant extracts may be able to improve both growth performance and antioxidant activity of broiler chickens, phenolic content; yet, they may also support in amino acid efficient use of broiler.

The Comparison of Antimicrobial Effect of New Herbal with Standard Toothpaste with Their Influence on Gingival Health Indexes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis are considered the most common oral and dental health problems in different parts of the world. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity, plaque index, and gingival index determination of herbal toothpaste compared with standard toothpaste. Methods: The present study is a randomized clinical trial on 60 participants of 18 - 28 years and a minimum of 24 healthy teeth at Birjand Dental School that were randomly divided into two groups, herbal and standard toothpaste (n = 30 each group); only participants were blind. All subjects brushed their teeth for 3 minutes 2 times a day for seven months. The plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) for each participant also, saliva samples were taken from the subjects for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp., colony count at the onset of the study, and 3, 5, and 7 months after toothpaste usage. Results: This study was conducted on 60 patients in two study groups. No significant statistical difference was observed between age and gender in the two studied groups. Our study showed that the mean number of S. mutans in the two groups was not significantly different (P > 0.05), but the mean number of Lactobacillus spp. in the group of herbal toothpaste at three months (P = 0.02) and seven months (P = 0.002) was significantly less than standard toothpaste. Also, the mean PI and the GI indices in the herbal toothpaste group after use for five months (P = 0.02) (P = 0.03) and seven months (P < 0.001) (P = 0.03), respectively, were significantly lower than standard toothpaste. Conclusions: Throughout the 7-month trial, herbal toothpaste showed higher antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus spp. than standard toothpaste, effectively reducing dental plaque and gingivitis. Furthermore, no undesirable reactions to toothpaste were reported during the trial. Therefore, it was concluded that possibly novel herbal toothpaste could be an alternative for controlling dental plaque and gingivitis. Further studies are needed.

ARTISTIC EXAMINATION OF TRADITIONAL PESHKIR SAMPLES REGISTERED IN A.R. İZZET KOYUNOĞLU MUSEUM

Handicrafts have always existed from the earliest times of humanity. Handicraft is an extensive area that includes several techniques, types, materials, and products. Especially Anatolia is a rich geography of art where the weaving culture is intensive and there is a high demand for handicraft products. The peshkirs (Towels), which contain very beautiful examples of handicraft products, appeared especially after the 18th century. In this study, 16 peshkir crafts in A.R. Izzet Koyunoğlu Museum were examined. In this direction, the official permissions required from the museum were taken, and the inventory records were searched. These crafts were discussed according to their technical, material, color, motif, and composition features. The common and different features of the peshkirs are referred to. In general, we see that there are samples where stylized flower and plant motifs are used in the patterns of the towel, and the weaving is self-patterned. It is determined that there are motifs in the herbal, geometric, figured, and symbolic groups. he samples examined were also grouped in accordance with embroidery techniques. It has been observed that techniques such as calculation craft, chinese needle, rolling with thread breaking, and bartın craft are used in embroidery. Obtained data are shown in tables.

Effects of Chinese herbal residues of Huang Huo oral liquid coupled with cow dung on the growth, reproduction and gene expression of earthworms

This study aims to solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by dung and herbal residues left after the extraction of the effective components of Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal residues of Huang Huo oral liquid, Astragalus membranaceus and Epimedium coupled with cow dung were used in breeding earthworms. Earthworm growth and reproduction indices were recorded and transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes was carried out between earthworms in control group and herbal residues groups. The results showed that herbal residues promoted the growth and reproduction performance of earthworms. The differentially expressed genes in earthworms after the addition of herbal residues of Huang Huo oral liquid were associated with glucose fat and protein metabolic pathways, AMPK signaling pathway and oxytocin signaling pathway. In group D (control group), the up-regulated, differentially expressed genes inhibit glycogen, fatty acid and protein synthesis processes as well as cell growth processes. In group A, among the mostly down-regulated differentially expressed genes, the function of genes with transcript numbers Cluster-2829.0 and Cluster-30676.1 relates to the oxytocin signaling pathway in earthworms. The analysis showed that the gene expression of energy metabolism-related signaling pathway and oxytocin signaling pathway in earthworms was changed and the growth and reproduction function of earthworms was enhanced after the addition of 30% herbal residues of Huang Huo oral liquid. • Residues of Huang Huo Oral Liquid promote growth and reproduction of earthworms. • Three metabolic pathways modulate growth and reproduction of earthworms. • Oxytocin signaling pathway affects the growth and reproduction of earthworms.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study of nine bioactive components in osteoarthritis rat plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after single and combined oral administration of Epimedii Folium and Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts.

The herb pair Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma (EF-CR), derived from the classical traditional Chinese medicine 'Xian Ling Pi San', has a distinctive compatibility therapeutic profile and is clinically safe and effective. This study aimed to investigate and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of nine analytes in osteoarthritis (OA) rat plasma after the oral administration of EF, CR or a combination of these two herbs. We developed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with quadrupole linear ion-trap mass spectrometry to simultaneously quantify and assess the pharmacokinetics of icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariside I, icariside II, ferulic acid, ligustilide and senkyunolide A of the EF-CR pair in the plasma of osteoarthritic rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that the absorption of multiple components was significantly enhanced and residence time was prolonged in the EF-CR group (P < 0.05) compared to the single-herb group. These parameters revealed that the combination of EF and CR exhibited synergistic effects of the nine bioactive components, suggesting the potential application of the EF-CR combination for the treatment of OA.

Use of ginger and cinnamon oils mixture as a natural alternative to antibiotics in quail feed

This study was explored to study the role of ginger oil (GO) and cinnamon oil (CO) oil mixture as natural alternatives to antibiotics in improving quail growth, meat yield, and blood chemistry. One hundred eighty one-week-old quails were haphazardly divided into 4 groups. The experimental groups were: control: basal diet; antibiotic (Ant); GCO0.5: basal diet + 0.25 ml GO + 0.25 ml CO/kg diet; and GCO1.0: basal diet + 0.50 ml GO + 0.50 ml CO/kg diet. Chicks that received 0.25 ml GO plus 0.25 ml CO/kg diet had higher live body weight (LBW) and body weight gain (BWG) compared with those received either 0.5 g antibiotic/kg diet or control diet, but not significantly differed from GCO1.0. FCR was improved in the chicks fed 0.25 ml GO + 0.25 ml CO/kg diet. Carcass, dressing and gizzard were improved by dietary oil supplementation. All the herbal oil groups had lower (P < 0.01) than the control. Values of super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were higher in all herbal oil groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. The lower (P < 0.01) values of malondialdehyde (MDA) were given by the herbal oil groups. From the results above, a conclusion could be drawn that combining 0.5 ml cinnamon oil + 0.5 ml ginger oil could act as a good alternative to antibiotics (colistin) in growing Japanese quail diets for health and growth aspects.

Understanding the tonifying and the detoxifying properties of Chinese medicines from their impacts on gut microbiota and host metabolism: a case study with four medicinal herbs in experimental colitis rat model

BackgroundChinese medicines (CMs) have emerged as an alternative therapy for ulcerative colitis through reinforcing the vital qi and/or eliminating the pathogenic factors according to the traditional Chinese medicinal theory. Presystemic interactions of CMs with gut microbiota and the associated metabolic network shift are believed to be essential to achieve their holistic health benefits in traditional oral application.MethodsThis study first employed 16S rDNA-based microbial profiling and mass spectrometry-based urinary metabolomics to simultaneously evaluate four single CMs frequently prescribed as main constituent herbs for alleviating UC, the tonic ginseng and Astragali Radix (AR) and the detoxifying Scutellaria Radix (SR) and Rhubarb, on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rat model, with aims to understanding the tonifying or detoxifying properties of CMs through clinical phenotypes, the common features and herb-specific signatures in gut microbial alterations and the associated host metabolic shifts. Colitis was induced in rats receiving 5% DSS for consecutive 7 days. Control group received water alone. Herbal groups received 5% DSS and respective herbal preparation by gavage once daily. Body weight, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding were recorded daily. Feces and urine were freshly collected at multiple time points. On day 7, blood and colon tissues were collected to determine anti-/pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathologic alterations.ResultsGut microbiome was more prone to herb intervention than metabolome and displayed increasing associations with metabolic dynamics. Although both the tonic and the detoxifying herbs alleviated colitis and caused some similar changes in DSS-induced microbiome and metabolome disturbance, the tonic herbs were more effective and shared more common microbial and metabolic signatures. The detoxifying herbs elicited herb-specific changes. Rhubarb uniquely affected phenylalanine metabolism and established high correlations between Akkermansia muciniphila and Parasutterella and hydroxyphenylacetylglycine and phenylbutyrylglycine, while SR caused significant elevation of steroidal glucuronides dehydropregnenolone glucuronide and estriol glucuronide, both displaying exclusive correlations with genus Acetatifactor.ConclusionBoth tonic and detoxifying herbs tested ameliorated experimental colitis and elicited alternative microbial and host metabolic reprogramming. The findings highlight the importance of presystemic interactions with gut microbiota to host metabolic shifts and promote modern translation of tonic and detoxifying properties of CMs.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Qi-Invigorating Effects in Traditional Medicine: Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Unique Functions of Qi-Invigorating Herb Group.

Qi-invigorating herbs (QIHs) are a group of herbs that invigorate Qi, the most vital force for maintaining the physiological functions of the human body in traditional medicine. However, the mechanism underlying the Qi-invigorating effects remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the unique mechanisms of QIHs based on unique compounds, using a network pharmacology approach. QIHs and their compounds were identified using existing literature and the TCMSP database, respectively. Subsequently, a method was proposed to screen for unique compounds that are common in QIHs but rare in other traditional herbs. Unique compounds’ targets were predicted using the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Finally, enriched GO and KEGG pathways were obtained using DAVID to uncover the biomolecular functions and mechanisms. Thirteen unique compounds, mainly including amino acids and vitamins that participate in energy metabolism and improve Qi deficiency syndrome, were identified among the eight QIHs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that these compounds commonly participate in neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction and the metabolism of amino acids, and are related to the components of mitochondria and neuronal cells. Our results appropriately reflect the characteristics of traditional Qi-invigorating effects; therefore, this study facilitates the scientific interpretation of Qi functions and provides evidence regarding the treatment effectiveness of QIHs.

Pengembangan usaha kelompok perempuan pengolahan herbal (rempah) melalui pelatihan pengemasan dan pelabelan di Koperasi Simpan Usaha (KSU) Munyai Mekhawan, Pekon Labuhan Mandi, Pesisir Barat, Lampung (Business development of herbal processing women's group through packaging and labeling training in Munyai Mekhawan Small Business Cooperatives (KSU), Labuhan Mandi Village, Pesisir Barat, Lampung)

This community service aims to carry out a business assistance program for women's groups at the Munyai Mekhawan Village Savings and Business Cooperative (KSU) in Labuhan Mandi Village, Pesisir Barat Regency, Lampung Province. The community service program is carried out through a mentoring method organized by the Faculty of Economics, Sang Bumi Ruwa Jurai University, with the target of KSU Munyai Mekhawan members, Labuhan Mandi Village. The contribution given is in the form of making herbal medicines for women's herbal processing business groups (spices) in the form of packaging and labeling training activities. The results of the service activities showed that the implementation of the training received a positive and high enthusiasm response from the KSU Munyai Mekhawan member group due to the increased knowledge possessed by the business group, which has the potential to be developed and become additional household income. In conclusion, these activities can increase the knowledge possessed by business groups and have the potential to be developed and become additional household income. Based on the activities carried out, the servant hopes that there will be other community service programs that can increase people's revenue through household businesses.

Acrid and Bitter Chinese Herbs in Decoction Effectively Relieve Lung Inflammation and Regulation of TRPV1/TAS2R14 Channels in a Rat Asthmatic Model.

Background Shegan Mahuang decoction (SGMHD) was widely used as a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma. However, there is no research on the acrid and bitter Chinese herbs in the SGMHD to treat asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SGMHD and its acrid-bitter Chinese herbs composition on airway inflammation and the expression of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 genes and proteins in asthmatic rats. Methods SD (Sprague Dawley) rats of asthma were induced by ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, then randomly divided into the Normal group, Model group, SGMHD group, Dexamethasone (Dex) group, Guilongkechuangning (GLKC) group, The Acrid Chinese Herbs group (ACH), and The Bitter Chinese Herbs group (BCH). The rats were given intragastric gavage after 21 days for 4 weeks. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and the levels of IL-4, IL-13, nerve factors SP, CGRP, PGE2, and serum of IgE were determined by ELISA. Pathological changes in the lungs were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 in the rat lung group was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The expression levels of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 were measured using western blotting. The mRNA levels of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 were measured using RT-qPCR. Results The levels of serum IgE in treated rats and the cytokines IL-4, IL-13, SP, CGRP, and PGE2 were all decreased. HE-staining showed that significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue. IF-staining showed the expression levels except those of the normal group were enhanced. Acrid Chinese herbs inhibited TRPV1, and bitter Chinese herbs activated the gene and protein expression of TAS2R in the lung. Conclusion The acrid Chinese herbs regulate TRPV1, and bitter Chinese herbs regulate the gene and protein expression of TAS2R14, through nerve and immune-inflammatory factors, reduced airway inflammation, reduced airway reactivity, promoted airway remodeling, and the combination of acrid-bitter Chinese herbs can enhance the above effects. This will lay a foundation for further in vivo study of specific compounds of acrid-bitter Chinese herbs.

The Effectiveness of Herbal Versus Non-Herbal Mouthwash for Periodontal Health: A Literature Review.

Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms that present naturally on the exposed tooth surface; it is the main etiological factor for many periodontal conditions and other oral health issues and its regular removal from the oral cavity can prevent many periodontal problems. Despite several experiments using herbal oral care products to reduce dental plaque or gingivitis, the findings remain inconclusive. We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) dating from 2001 up to and including the year 2021. The keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms comprised combinations of the following: herbal, clove oil, peppermint oil, ginger, basil, ajwain, betel leaf extract, neem, lavender, non-herbal, chlorhexidine, fluorides, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen fluoride, stannous fluoride, and mouthwashes. Each of the titles that the search elicited was screened and duplicates were removed from the gathered results. The full-text versions of the remaining articles were downloaded and examined by title and abstract. Handsearching was not carried out. We initially identified 21 studies; 14 studies, which did not fulfill the selection criteria, were excluded. All the included studies reported a reduction in plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) scores in both herbal and non-herbal groups. Two studies reported the superiority of the non-herbal mouthwash over the herbal one while five of the studies showed no significant difference in PI and GI scores between herbal and non-herbal mouthwash, implying equal efficacy of both, i.e., Triphala, aloe vera, tea tree, and polyherbal groups like Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Calendula officinalis, and chlorhexidine. Current research suggests that herbal mouthwashes are as effective as non-herbal mouthwashes for reducing dental plaque in the short term; however, the evidence is based on low-quality trials.

Comparison of antimicrobial efficacy of chemical mouthwash and herbal mouthwash

Background: The use of mouth rinse for oral hygiene maintenance has been advocated as an adjuvant to mechanical aids of plaque removal. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of herbal and chemical mouth rinse on bacterial accumulation on orthodontic arch wires. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 15 numbers of 0.016 Nickel Titanium (NiTi) arch wires removed from patients' mouths, which were split into three segments of 1 cm each. Wires were dipped in solutions of Chlorhexidine (Group A), Befresh Herbal (Group B) and Distilled water (Group C) individually for 30 seconds and then in normal saline for one minute. 0.5microlitre of this saline solution was inoculated in a Brain heart infusion medium (BHI) for 24 hours and then examined for bacterial count. The obtained results were subjected to One-way ANOVA, Bonferroni and post hoc tests for statistical analysis. Results: Group A showed the maximum reduction in the bacterial colony forming units (CFU) after 24 hours with a mean value of 65.67cfu. Group B showed a mean value of 336.87cfu. There was a statistically significant difference between the Chlorhexidine group and the Control group.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of 498 cases with drug-induced liver injury

Objective: To determine the risk factors, clinical characteristics and treatment prognosis, so as to provide reference for clinicians to diagnose, treat and prevent drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Methods: Data of 712 confirmed DILI cases were collected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University between 2013 to 2019. Among them, 498 cases were included in the study. All patients medical history, clinical manifestations and classification, laboratory parameters, disease severity, and mortality rate were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test/Pearson χ2 test/Fisher's exact test or Spearman's rank test. Results: Among the suspicious drugs causing DILI, single medication accounted for 89.56%, mainly including traditional Chinese medicine (56.43%), anti-tumor and immunomodulatory agents (8.03%), anti-infective drugs (4.42%), antipyretic and analgesic drugs (4.22%) %), etc., while combination medication accounted for 10.44%. The clinical classification was dominated with hepatocyte injury (63.05%), and there was a statistically significant difference in clinical classification among age groups (P<0.001). Age, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and total bile acid (TBA) had statistically significant difference among different suspicious drugs in DILI caused by different drug (P<0.001, 0.003, 0.001, <0.001 and <0.001). Laboratory test results showed that there were statistically significant differences in ALT, AST, ALP, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), TBA, international normalized ratio (INR), and eosinophils (P<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.018, 0.003 and 0.019, respectively). Chronic hepatitis was more common in the 54 cases who completed histopathological examination of the liver biopsy. Fibrosis degree was higher in the Western medicine group than Chinese herbal medicine group (P<0.05), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). 96.99% of DILI patients were cured or improved, and 3.01% of patients were uncured. Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that GGT and INR were independent predictors of poor prognosis. Conclusions: Suspicious drugs for DILI are herbal/dietary supplements, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory, anti-infective, and antipyretic and analgesic. The most common clinical classification is hepatocyte injury. Most patients with DILI have a good prognosis after drug withdrawal and GGT and INR are independent predictors of poor prognosis.

Effects of Chinese Herbal Formula on Immune Function and Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Patients.

Background Chinese herbal formulas have certain effects on patients with breast cancer (BC). This article discussed the effect of Buqi Yangxue decoction on the immune function and nutritional status of BC patients and provided an evidence for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to improve the quality of life and curative effect of BC patients. Methods 66 cases of BC patients were divided into control group (n =33) and Chinese herbal formula group (n =33). The control group was received with TE chemotherapy, and the Chinese herbal formula group was received with Buqi Yangxue decoction combined with TE chemotherapy. Nutritional status, immune function, TCM symptom quantitative score, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results There was no difference in all indexes between the two groups before intervention. After 4 weeks, the nutritional indexes ALB, PA, TRF, and TP in Chinese herbal formula group were higher than those in control group, except HGb. CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ in both groups were sharply higher than before treatment, while CD8+ was dramatically lower, and the changes in Chinese herbal formula group were more obvious than those in control group. In Chinese herbal formula group, the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM were sharply increased compared with control group. The TCM syndrome scores in both groups were decreased significantly after treatment, especially in Chinese herbal formula group. In addition, nausea and vomiting, inappetence, liver function impairment, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in both groups. There was no clear difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between Chinese herbal formula group and control group. Conclusion Buqi Yangxue decoction can effectively improve the nutritional status and immune function of BC patients, which has important clinical significance for the later comprehensive treatment.

Pharmaceutical development of polyherbal Kushthaghna Mahakashaya lotion with FTIR and HPTLC characterization

Introduction: Kushthaghna Mahakashaya is a traditional herbal group of ten medicaments (dashemani) explained in classical texts and administered in the form of kashaya (decoction) indicated for the management of Kushtha (skin ailments). In the present scenario, based on disadvantages of the kashaya like lesser shelf-life, cumbersome, difficult to prepare and administer on a daily basis. Furthermore, if it is administered by an external route then, it may avoid first-pass metabolism and thereby enhancing the drug’s bioavailability and causing its rapid action. So, the present study is an attempt to prepare and analyze the modified dosage form of Kushthaghna Mahakashaya Kwatha in the form of Kushthaghna Mahakashaya Lotion. Materials and methods: Kushthaghna Mahakashaya Churna, Ghana, and Lotion were all prepared. Lotion was made by mixing the aqueous and oil phases together at the same temperature. It was stabilized with Carbopol and neutralized with Triethanolamine to improve the sample's stability. Different trials were conducted to check the excipient ratio in the formulation, and samples were evaluated according to standards. Organoleptic parameters, physico-chemical analysis, FTIR, HPTLC, and microbiological specification tests were all performed on the Ghana and Lotion. Results: All the tests and observations were carried out on Kushthaghna Mahakashaya Ghana and Lotion samples, and the results were recorded. Conclusion: Kushthaghna Mahakashaya Lotion can be prepared from Kushthaghna Mahakashaya Kwatha. The prepared lotion will be light brown in colour, characteristic smell and semi-liquid in consistency with good spreadibility.

A randomized placebo-compared study on the efficacy of classical ayurvedic pharmaceutical form versus aqueous alcoholic extracts of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. Plus Sida cordifolia Linn. in patients of diabetic sensory polyneuropathy

BackgroundIn routine, Ayurveda practitioners prefer classical pharmaceutical form of herbal medicines in compare to modern extracts. ObjectiveTo explore the difference of efficiency between whole drug powder of Phyllanthus niruri plus root decoction of Sida cordifolia and modern extracts of the same in compared to placebo in patients of diabetic poly-neuropathy. Material and methodsA randomized, partly-double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of two different pharmaceutical forms of herbal medicines over placebo in 90 patients (30 in each group) of diabetic sensory polyneuropathy for first three weeks period. After three weeks, active herbal medication groups were continued with their assigned medicaments for next 5 weeks period and all placebo-patients were randomized again into 2 groups of active medication and treated for next 8 weeks. Patients were assessed with Neuropathy Total Symptom Score 6 and sensation thresholds. ResultsSignificant effect of both form of herbal medicines over placebo was found in aching pain [F (2, 49) = 6.79, p = 0.002], allodynia [F (2, 59) = 6.74, p = 0.002], burning pain [F (2, 82) = 14.66, p < 0.0001], numbness [F (2, 77) = 16.37, p < 0.0001] and pricking pain [F (2, 50) = 14.23, p < 0.0001]. After the 8 weeks period, no significant difference was identified between the effect of both the herbal treatment on aching pain (U = 220, p = 0.03), allodynia (U = 421.5, p = 0.29), burning pain (U = 881.5, p = 0.846), numbness (U = 778, p = 0.92) and pricking pain (U = 260, p = 0.15). ConclusionBoth herbal groups have significant effect to reduce NTSS-6 score in compare to placebo. No significant difference found between the effect of two different pharmaceutical forms of Phyllanthus niruri and S. cordifolia.

A comparative study of Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix &amp; Rhizoma raw material and granule products using chromatographic analysis and antioxidant activity

Granules of herbal extracts are a popular medicinal preparation consumed in traditional Chinese medicine clinical practice. However, their quality and efficacy evaluation are lacking. This study aimed to compare the quality and anti-oxidant activity of Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix & Rhizoma) granule extracts with their herbal extracts. Chromatographic method was used to determine the content of 7 marker compounds in the water extracts of the herb compared to that of 12 granule extracts. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA) distinguished the herbal and granule extracts based on the content of the marker compounds. The antioxidant activities of herbal and granule extracts were evaluated by 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), organic chemical compound 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The herbal extracts group showed significantly higher contents of salvianolic acid B, sodium danshensu and cryptotanshinone compared with that of the granule group. This corresponded to significantly higher ABTS, DPPH and FRAP (P < .05) activities of the herbal extracts. The AHC and PCA analysis distinguished granule extracts from most herbal extracts predominantly by the content of salvianolic acid B. The results confirm the need for the assessment of granule products so that healthcare practitioners and consumers are better informed of their quality and efficacy.

Huayu Sanjie Enema Liquid Relieves Pain in Endometriosis Model Rats by Inhibiting Inflammation, Peripheral Sensitization, and Pelvic Adhesion.

The objective of this study is to observe the effect of relieving pain of Huayu Sanjie enema liquid (HYSJ-EL) on endometriosis model rats and to explore its mechanism of action. Of 24 female Sprague Dawley rats, six were randomly selected as the sham operation group (normal control group). The remaining rats were used to establish rat models of endometriosis through autologous endometrial transplantation combined with estrogen injection. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model, indomethacin (Western medicine group), and HYSJ-EL (Chinese herbs group) treatment groups. The thermal pain threshold of rats was measured, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes after sampling. Serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the protein and mRNA expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the endometrium and endometriotic lesions were measured using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR assays, respectively. Compared to the model group, the heat pain threshold of rats in the HYSJ-EL group was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the serum levels of PGE2, IL-6, MIP-2, PAI-1, and TGF-β were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), as well as the expression of TRPV1 and TNF-α protein and mRNA in the tissue of the ectopic lesion was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the Huayu Sanjie enema liquid exerts analgesic effects on endometriosis by inhibiting inflammation, peripheral nerve sensitization, and pelvic adhesion.

Herbal plants as alternatives for the management of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta

AbstractThe red imported fire ant (RIFA) is one of the most detrimental invasive species, threatening native ecosystems, human health and economic activities worldwide. In the quarantine zone of Taiwan, RIFA re‐infestation frequently occurs despite the intensive application of synthetic pesticides, making its control costly and ineffective. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify eco‐friendly and sustainable alternatives for controlling RIFA populations. This study examined the efficacy and feasibility of planting herbal species for RIFA control. Five herbal species, Tagetes lemmonii, Armoracia rusticana, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus and Chrysopogon zizanioides, were grown in a RIFA‐infested field with local weeds as controls. Bait and pitfall traps and RIFA‐intruded plants were used to compare the ant activity in the control fields and those containing herbal plants. We further evaluated the RIFA repellent activity of the five herbal plants and their basal soil through digging bioassays. Generally, the field surveys showed more ants and intruded plants in the control than the herbal groups; however, the significance varied based on the trap type and plant species. The digging bioassays demonstrated that the aboveground parts of T. lemmonii, C. nardus, C. citratus and the belowground parts of T. lemmonii, C. citratus and C. zizanioides effectively repelled RIFA. The basal soil of T. lemmonii, C. citratus and C. nardus also exhibited deterrent activity towards RIFA. Our results demonstrated that herbal plants are eco‐friendly, sustainable alternatives for controlling and preventing RIFA infestation in severe infested and non‐infested areas.