Herbal Tea Research Articles

Elemental and Radiological Characterisation of Arbutus unedo L. Leaves and Tea: Impact of Preparation Method on Nutritional Risk/Benefit.

The aim of this study was to characterise the elemental and radiological composition of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves and tea preparations and compare it with commercial Uvin H herbal mixture, widely used in treatment of urinary tract infections. The concentration of 17 elements and the activity concentration of selected radionuclides were measured in strawberry tree leaves/Uvin H herbal mixture, as well as in herbal tea prepared by infusion or decoction of leaves for 5 or 10 min. In both leaves and tea preparations, Ca, K, Mg, and Na were the most abundant elements, while the lowest levels were measured for As, Co, Mo, and Se. Only 137Cs and 40K were detected in analysed leaves/herbal mixture, while the activity of radionuclides in tea preparations was below the detection limit. The maximum possible health benefits can be obtained by a 10-min decoction of leaves, which resulted in the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and levels of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, and Se in comparison to the other preparation methods evaluated in this study. The calculated intake of potentially toxic elements and radionuclides does not represent a health risk to consumers.

Impact of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation on (Poly)Phenolic Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Herbal Infusions.

Recently, the development of functional beverages has been enhanced to promote health and nutritional well-being. Thus, the fermentation of plant foods with lactic acid bacteria can enhance their antioxidant capacity and others like anti-inflammatory activity, which may depend on the variations in the total content and profile of (poly)phenols. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of fermentation with two strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum of several herbal infusions from thyme, rosemary, echinacea, and pomegranate peel on the (poly)phenolic composition and whether lacto-fermentation can contribute to enhance their in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on human colon myofibroblast CCD18-Co cells. HPLC-MS/MS analyses revealed that fermentation increased the content of the phenolics present in all herbal infusions. In vitro analyses indicated that pomegranate infusion showed higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, followed by thyme, echinacea, and rosemary, based on the total phenolic content. After fermentation, despite increasing the content of phenolics, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via reduction pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8 and PGE2) were similar to those of their corresponding non-fermented infusions, with the exception of a greater reduction in lacto-fermented thyme. Overall, the findings suggest that the consumption of lacto-fermented herbal infusions could be beneficial in alleviating intestinal inflammatory disorders.

Efek Temperatur dan Waktu Seduh terhadap Karakteristik Kimia dan Sensori Liang Teh Pontianak

<em>Liang tea Pontianak consists of herbal ingredients (Dicliptera chinensis leaves, Tradescantia spathacea leaves, Origanum vulgare Wilder leaves, Pandanus amarillifolius leaves and skin of Aloe vera chinensis) and tea ingredients (Caesalpinia sappan wood). Technological developments for preparing tea burrows in fresh form have turned into dry ingredients so that they are practical in preparation. The process of serving liang tea Pontianak by brewing, but currently it is not known when and the brewing temperature that produces the best physicochemical characteristics of the burrow has not been studied. The target of this research was to obtain the temperature and brewing time that produces the best chemical and sensory characteristics of Liang tea Pontianak. This study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of 2 treatment, namely the brewing temperature of 70±3°C, 85±3°C and 100°C while the second factor was the length of brewing, consisting of 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. The results of this study found that the chemical and sensory characteristics of Liang tea Pontianak were brewed at 100°C for 20 minutes. The physicochemical characteristics of Liang teh Pontianak have antioxidant activity of 73.81%, total phenol content of 97.58 mg GAE/g and flavonoid content of 217.28 mg QE/g. Based on sensory characteristics, the best brewing Liang Teh Pontianak was 70±3°C for 20 minutes with color attribute values of 4.28, aroma 3.80, and taste 3.64. Determination of the best treatment using the value of the effectiveness index.</em>

Abstract RF02-04: A phase III study comparing trastuzumab emtansine with trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel in older patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. (JCOG1607 HERB TEA study)

Abstract Background A combination of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel (HPD) is recommended as first-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. For older patients, it is difficult to maintain a relative dose intensity, which often impairs their quality of life. A new standard treatment option for older patients is required with less toxicity and non-inferior efficacy compared to HPD. Methods The eligibility criteria were as follows: age 65 years and older, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, no previous systemic treatment with chemotherapy and anti-HER2 targeted drugs, ECOG PS 0–2 for 65–74 years or 0–1 for 75 years or older, and adequate organ function. Treatment consisted of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) 3.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks or HPD (trastuzumab 8 mg/kg, then 6 mg/kg, pertuzumab 840 mg, then 420 mg/body, and docetaxel 60 mg/m2, could be escalated to 75 mg/m2 if there were no unmanageable toxicity) every 3 weeks after a 1:1 ratio randomization. The trial was designed to achieve 70% power to confirm the non-inferiority of T-DM1 to HPD at a one-sided alpha of 5% with a non-inferiority margin of 1.35 in terms of the hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint. With a median OS of 30 months in both arms, 6.5 years of accrual, and 5 years of follow-up, the planned sample size was 250. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), adverse events, cumulative breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM), safety, and deterioration of activities of daily living. (Clinical Trial Information: UMIN000030783). Results In total, 148 patients were enrolled between January 2018 and March 2023. A total of 135 patients were assessed in the preplanned first interim analysis. The median patient age was 72 years (range 65-88) in the T-DM1 arm and 71 (65-84) in the HPD arm. The proportion of estrogen receptor-positive (10%) patients was well balanced between both arms (49.3 and 55.6%, respectively). Of these patients, 64.8% had stage IV disease and 35.2% had recurrent disease. T-DM1 was not non-inferior to HPD (HR 1.487; 99.9% CI, 0.288 to 7.678) in terms of OS. The median PFS was 9.8 months in the T-DM1 arm and 18.4 months in the HPD arm (HR 1.749; 95%CI, 1.124-2.723). Response rates were lower in the T-DM1 arm than that of the HPD arm (52.7% [95% CI, 38.8-66.4] and 76.8% [95% CI, 63.6-87.0], respectively) (p=0.099). BCSM was higher in the T-DM1 arm than that of the HPD arm (HR 1.617; 95% CI, 0.764-3.425). Grade 3 and higher neutropenia were less common in the T-DM1 arm than in the HPD arm (0 vs. 30.4%); however, thrombocytopenia was more common in the T-DM1 arm than in the HPD arm (16.9 vs. 0%). Grade 3 or more non-hematological adverse events were less common and lower in the T-DM1 arm (35.2%) than in the HPD arm (58.6%), including fatigue (5.6% vs. 22.9%), diarrhea (0% vs. 11.4%), appetite loss (8.5% vs. 11.4%), and febrile neutropenia (0% vs. 10.0%), which reduced the quality of life in older patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Conclusion T-DM1 was not non-inferior to HPD in terms of OS. However, T-DM1 showed better tolerability in terms of frequency and severity of adverse events. HPD will continue to be the standard of care as the first-line treatment for older patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Older patients with breast cancer have heterogeneous health conditions. A subset analysis according to age or geriatric assessment may identify the subpopulation of older patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer for whom T-DM1 is an optional treatment. Citation Format: Akihiko Shimomura, Kenji Tamura, Keita Sasaki, Ryo Sadate, Akihiko Suto, Masataka Sawaki, Naohito Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Yoshiyama, Takako Hayashi, Eriko Tokunaga, Takashi Yamanaka, Chikako Shimizu, Tadahiko Shien, Hiroji Iwata. A phase III study comparing trastuzumab emtansine with trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel in older patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. (JCOG1607 HERB TEA study) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr RF02-04.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes for phenolic acid biosynthesis in Polygonum chinense L.

Polygonum chinense L. (synonym: Persicaria chinensis) was considered a medicinal food homology plant, which was often used in herbal tea. This plant is rich in phenolic acid compounds that possess antibacterial, antioxidant, and other pharmacological properties. Although phenolic acids of P. chinense have been investigated pharmacologically, the genetic basis of phenolic acid biosynthesis in this plant is unknown due to the lack of a reference genome. In this study, we employed a combination of transcriptomics and bioinformatic analysis to construct a transcriptome database for three tissues (flowers, leaves, and stems) of P. chinense, and extracted genes related to the biosynthesis of phenolic acids. In total, 90,635 unigenes with a mean length of 1224 bp were obtained, 70,915 of which were functionally annotated. Seventy-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the phenolic acid biosynthetic pathway were identified, with five DEGs (CL4812–1, CL7291–1, CL5600–1, CL6332–3, and Unigene12384) being singled out as candidate genes putatively involved in the regulation of phenolic acid biosynthesis through correlation analysis. A comprehensive sequence analysis of these candidate genes was subsequently performed. The phylogenetic tree and the structural model were constructed, and molecular docking studies were conducted for the 4-coumarate-CoA ligase. Additionally, the expression levels of 12 unigenes encoding key enzymes involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis were validated using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Our study provides candidate genes at the transcriptional level for further investigation of the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis, as well as a scientific basis for the development of P. chinense as a food-medicine dual-purpose plant.

Effect drying process of white turmeric herb (Curcuma mangga) on antioxidant activity

Curcuma mangga is one of the herbal rhizome plants. It has good benefits as Curcuma longa, and it has advantage of having aroma like a mango. This study aims to determine the effect of drying process of Curcuma mangga herb toward antioxidant activity. There are eight drying variations (oven drying at 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90°C, sun drying, room temperature, and freeze drying). Extraction of Curcuma mangga powder was carried out by maceration using aquadest, this study didn’t used organic solvents because the solvent for herbal drink is water (aquadest). Curcuma mangga extract was analysed for its stability in room temperature, FTIR analysis, and antioxidant activity analysis using 0.02% DPPH. The entire process in this research was replicated three times and average results were obtained. Based on the results, it can be seen that Curcuma mangga extracts are not stable at room temperature (maximum at 6 hours). Based on spectra FTIR results, Curcuma mangga extracts have polar functional group because the solvent used for extraction is aquadest which is polar solvent. The best antioxidant activity results (%AA) of Curcuma mangga is vacuum freeze drying process with an IC50 value 106.95 ppm, it was classified as a moderate antioxidant.

How Differences in Herbal Beverage Consumer Decisions Based on Demographic Factors?

For a long time, people have been consuming homemade herbal drinks, which are processed traditionally. However, micro, small, medium, and large-scale businesses are now emerging in the production and marketing of ready-to-consume packaged herbal drinks. Research is needed on whether there are differences in consumer motivation in using homemade and industrial-made herbal beverages in terms of the factors of age, gender, education, occupation, and marital status of consumers, as well as how the simultaneous influence of these five variables on the motivation to consume herbal drinks. This study used a sample of 327 people whose data was collected through a digital questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and multiple linear regression. The results showed differences in consumer decisions based on age, education, occupation, and marital status in the choice of herbal drinks, but not gender differences. Most consumers chose the non-packaged type. Simultaneous testing, age, and occupation factors significantly affected consumer decisions, while gender, education, and marital status were not necessary. The results have implications for the segmentation strategy, targeting, and market positioning of the herbal beverage processing industry and the herbal beverage raw material supply industry, better market understanding, more targeted product development, more effective promotional interventions, increased public awareness of the benefits of herbal drinks, and government policy support for the herbal beverage industry.

Preparation and Phytochemical Analysis of Polyherbal Tea Bag

Abstract: Herb blooms, leaves, seeds, roots, or dried fruit that aren't from the Camellia sinensis tea plant are referred to as herbal tea. Lemongrass, cinnamon, hibiscus, and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) are a few plants that can be used to make herbal teas. The butterfly pea is traditionally used as a culinary coloring to give food its blue color and as an eye medication, brain boosting. As antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory agents, butterfly pea and hibiscus are beneficial and reduce blood pressure. In order to improve the quality of the herbal tea, it is necessary to dry the tea utilizing sunshine throughout the producing process. Organoleptic tests are used to conduct the analysis (color, taste, and scent).

Antibacterial Activity of Herbal Tea Extract from Lotus Leaves (Nelumbo nucifera) Using Different Solvents

This research aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) extract as a basis for herbal tea production. Lotus leaf was chosen as the herbal tea ingredient due to its abundant availability in South Kalimantan and its believed beneficial phytochemical content for health. The research process involved several stages including lotus leaf herbal tea processing, multi-stage maceration extraction using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol solvents, and testing the extract's ability against Escherichia coli bacteria. The research design employed a 2-factor complete randomized design, with the first factor being the extract concentration and the second being the solvent type. Data analysis was conducted using Two-Way ANOVA in IBM SPSS 25. The results revealed that ethanol solvent produced the highest concentration extract with a yield of 10.86%, while hexane solvent yielded the lowest at 1.64%. Subsequent antibacterial activity testing was carried out using direct contact method with lotus leaf extract concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% in all three solvents. The findings indicated that 0.5% and 1% concentration extracts inhibited Escherichia coli growth across all solvents, whereas the 1.5% extract concentration in ethanol was capable of killing Escherichia coli bacteria. It was concluded that lotus leaf extract holds potential as an antibacterial agent, with higher extract concentrations showing greater efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth. The 1.5% concentration (45 μl) exhibited the most effective results in killing Escherichia coli, underscoring the potential of Nelumbo nucifera lotus leaf in the development of antibacterial herbal products.

Creative Product Development Strategy: Case Study of Acaraki, Kota Tua

This article discusses creative product development strategies in the Acaraki food and beverage industry, Kota Tua, Jakarta. The research method used is qualitative, with a descriptive qualitative approach and SWOT analysis. The data collection techniques used are direct observation, interviews, and literature studies. The formulation of the problem; what are the creative products offered by Acaraki Kota Tua, what is the current development strategy of Acaraki Kota Tua, and why is a development strategy needed for Acaraki Kota Tua. The research objectives are to find out the creative products offered by Acaraki Kota Tua to consumers, analyze the current development strategy of Acaraki Kota Tua, and provide insight into the importance of development strategies for the creative industry, especially in the field of food and beverages. The research findings show that Acaraki has succeeded in presenting innovation in promoting Indonesia's cultural heritage through its main product, namely herbal drinks. Not only herbal drink products, but Acaraki also sells food products and also produces herbal drinks in packaged form. There are several obstacles faced by Acaraki, such as the lack of attracting the attention of the younger generation, inadequate marketing, and limited products packaged for tourists as souvenirs. To overcome these problems, Acaraki can implement appropriate strategies, such as expanding branches, entering international markets, increasing promotions, collaborating with the government, and optimizing the use of information technology.

Karakteristik Teh Jelai (Coix Lacryma-Jobi.L) dengan Perlakuan Waktu dan Suhu Roasting yang Berbeda

Jelai (Coix Lacryma Jobi.L) seeds are grains that have the potential to be processed into herbal teas which are served either hot or cold. Jelai tea can be processed through a high-temperature roasting process to enhance the aroma and taste. Temperature and length of roasting time are factors that affect grain characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature and roasting time on water content, color of barley powder and the effect of temperature and roasting time on pH, total dissolved solids, and organoleptic of jelai tea. The study used a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors: (t) roasting temperature (180oC, 200oC, 220oC) and (f) roasting time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes). The roasting temperature and time reduced the water content of jelai powder from 11.04% to 1.57% (wb), increased the dissolved solids from 0.26 oBrix to 5.16 oBrix, and lowered the pH from 7.04-6.79. The higher the temperature and roasting time, the darker the color of the powder and the barley tea (brown), increase the burning aroma (burn aroma), nutty smelling, burn flavor and the sour taste of jelai tea. The highest results were obtained at 220oC combined roasting time of 10 minutes and 15 minutes. Overall, the level of panelist acceptance of jelai tea was in the rather favorable category for all treatments (2.77 – 3.42).

Vitaherb (perencanaan pengembangan usaha jamu)

Vitaherb is a business operating in the culinary sector that produces and sells herbal drinks. This business offers 3 flavor choise, namely Sour Turmeric, Basil Sour Turmeric, and Saffron Colored Rise. This business is located at Letnan TNI Dr. Ibnu Sutowo street, number 3, Alang-Alang Lebar District, Palembang, South Sumatera 30151. The reason for choosing this business is because there are no herbal drink shop in the Springhil area. Promotion will be carried out using online media and brochures. Based on the business feasibility aspect, Vitaherb is declared feasible top run and has profitable prospect in the future

Pemanfaatan Teh dan Rempah-rempah Khas Indonesia dalam Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Warga di Sumba Timur Menghadapi Pandemi Covid-19

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected nearly 4 million people worldwide. This virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Every day positive cases of Covid-19 are increasing in the world. Experts are still trying to find a vaccine to prevent this virus, one of which is by increasing the body's resistance (immunity). The use of family medicinal plants (TOGA) or tea, a drink that we usually drink every day is believed to increase one's body immunity. The content of natural chemicals in tea such as EGCG and curcumin found in the rhizomes have antioxidant activity and is clinically proven to increase a person's immunity.

Effect of Honey Type on Chemical and Sensory Quality of Kratom Herbal Tea (Mitragyna speciosa)

Indonesia has a lot of large forests with a diversity of plant species. That diversity of plants can potentially be used as medicinal plants. Indonesians have long identified many plants with medicinal benefits as an effort to overcome various health problems, one of the plant is the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Kratom leaves are consumed as tea by brewing it with hot water. Some Kapuas Hulu people use sweeteners such as honey, to reduce the bitterness of kratom. The mixture of kratom herbal tea added with sweet honey is expected to produce sensory and functional attribute which will affect consumers in choosing products. This experiment used a Randomized Block Design (RBD). Statistical analysis of research data using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test with a rate of 5%. The results of the sensory research of kratom herbal tea showed a significant effect on taste, but no significant effect on aroma and color, namely the color value of 2.08, aroma 2.28 and taste 2.25. The addition of honey variations to kratom herbal tea included vitamin C, flavonoids, alkaloids, and antioxidants, which was vitamin C content ranges from 8.9-13.5 mg/100 g, flavonoids 15.2-27.56 mg QE/ml, alkaloids 53.1-55.4% and antioxidant activity 39.1-80.1%.

Evaluation of the Mutagenic Potential of Artavol® Using the Ame’s Test

Background: The worldwide increase in the use of herbal medicinal - products calls for their safety testing to protect the public from unintended hazardous effects. However, most are not tested, putting the public at risk. The modified Ames ISO test is a useful resource for determining the mutagenic potential of medicinal products and was used in this study to determine the safety of an herbal tea like Artavol®. Methods: This study used Ame's Modified ISO test to analyze aqueous extract of Artavol®, in a Level II biosafety cabinet. Artavol® was extracted using the infusion method 1,2, freeze dried, diluted to concentrations of 125µg, 250µg, and 500µg and used in the study. Mutagenicity was tested by culturing Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Results were considered by observing colour change in the wells of the microtitre plates from purple to yellow indicating mutation. Valid results were determined by comparing negative and positive control plates after 3 days of incubation, with positive results showing a color change from purple to yellow. Results: Colour changes were not observed in all wells containing 125µg, 250µg, and 500µg of Artavol® up to day 3, while negative control showed color changes equivalent to 80% for TA98 and 70% for TA100. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Artavol® is not mutagenic. Further safety test such as sub-chronic toxicity study ad teratogenicity studies are recommended to provide more safety data on the product.

Pendampingan pembuatan herbal instan temulawak bagi ibu-ibu UMKM jamu di daerah pesisir pantai Kenjeran

The community is focusing on health drinks which can be utilised as health drinks to achieve community health. However, a number of issues were discovered in partners who produced herbal beverage preparations; as these preparations lack preservatives, they don't survive enough. Making fast herbal preparations that have the same qualities as traditional herbal preparations would help them last longer without sacrificing taste or convenience for users. Partners created instant herbal preparations, examined the flow qualities and flow content, and gained a better understanding of how to produce instant herbs and high-quality herbal medicine as a result of this work.

Potential of Binahong and Ginger Functional Drink as An Alternative Food for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Binahong and ginger are herbal plants with various bioactivities, including antidiabetic and antioxidant. One of the herbal drinks used in therapy for patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) is decoction from binahong leaves. This research used binahong leaves and ginger to make a functional drink rich in antioxidants for DMT2 patients. This research aimed to determine the effect of adding ginger on antioxidant activity and sensory tests and the antioxidant potential of binahong leaves decoction as a functional drink for DMT2 patients. The research design used was a completely randomized design with five formulations, namely F0 (0 grams of ginger), F1 (2 grams of ginger), F2 (5 grams of ginger), F3 (7 grams of ginger), and F4 (10 grams of ginger). The parameters tested were antioxidant activity and organoleptic attributes such as colour, taste, and aroma. The resulting data was then subjected to an ANOVA test at the 5% significance level. The results showed that F3 gave a different value (p<0.05) and gave the highest score to the organoleptic properties of taste (5.02) and aroma (5.03). The F4 formulation gave a different value (p<0.05) and gave the highest score for organoleptic properties of colour (5.45). Apart from that, F3 and F4 showed potent antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 45.18 and 38.83 ppm. Thus, F3 and F4 have the potential to be developed as functional antioxidant drinks for DMT2 patients.

Insights about the deleterious impact of a carbamate pesticide on some metabolic immune and antioxidant functions and a focus on the protective ability of a Saharan shrub and its anti-edematous property

Abstract In the Algerian desert, individuals often enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea made from Ephedra alata Decne before bedtime; this aids in their relaxation. Our previous and earlier investigations demonstrated the richness of the shrub in terms of polyphenols and flavonoids and their effective medicinal properties. In the light of that fact, our interest has been aroused to check for other types of metabolites and for the protective ability of the shrub crude extract (SCE) regarding chemically induced edema and subacute toxicity (following a formalin-induced paw edema model and using a carbamate pesticide “pirimicarb” as a toxic agent, in Wistar male rats, respectively). Evidently, the SCE was used as a preventive agent. Swelling of formalin-injected foot was measured, and the anti-edematous ability was expressed as a percent of paw edema. At the end of induced subacute toxicity procedure, many investigations were carried, namely, checking for biochemical several parameters (hepatic, renal), hematological parameters, oxidative stress status (OSS), and histological examining of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. The results revealed a remarkable anti-edematous effect. Furthermore, the association of the SCE effect has clearly minimized the OSS, the tissue aberrations, and the disturbance of the other metabolic parameters, along with a reduced immunodepression that was provoked under the effect of pirimicarb. In conclusion, pirimicarb has an important deleterious impact on metabolic and immune functions, and the studied shrub has exhibited an amazing protective potential against chemically induced inflammation and toxicity.

Dissipation, processing factors and dietary risk assessment of the bioinsecticide abamectin in herbal plants belonging to Lamiaceae family from open field to herbal tea infusion

Abamectin, the mixture of avermectin B1a and B1b, is widely used as a bioinsecticide and is an alternative to chemical pest control from insects. To our knowledge, its behaviour is not fully recognized, especially in herbs. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the environmental fate of abamectin in herbal plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, its dissipation in open field studies laboratory processing treatments and dietary risk assessment. Three medicinally and culinary important species of herbs: Melissa officinalis L., Mentha × piperita L. and Salvia L. were treated with single and double dose than recommended on the label during their cultivation (BBCH 11–29). Residues were monitored using the QuEChERS method followed by the LC-MS/MS. The dissipation pattern of the sum of avermectin B1a and B1b and their persistence were observed 14 d after spraying. Abamectin decline was very rapid in plants and followed the first-order kinetics model. The half-life (t1/2) was in the range of 0.96–1.08 d (single dose) and 0.93–1.02 d (double dose). The pre-harvest intervals (decrease to the level of 0.01 mg kg−1) were 7.29–7.92 d at single and 7.99–8.64 d at double dose application. Herbal infusion preparation in previously washed and dried mint, lemon balm and sage leaves was the key processing step in the removal of abamectin residues. The reduction of initial deposits after single dose treatment was noted up to 65% (PF = 0.35–0.67) and up to 79% after double dose application (PF = 0.21–0.72) in herbal tea. Acute risk assessment of children and adults for the highest residues in EFSA PRIMo model at single and double dose expressed as hazard quotients (HQ) were <1, indicating no risk to humans via consumption of the herbal products. The data provide a better understanding of abamectin behaviour in herbal plants and can help assure herbs' safety for consumers.

Heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea in adolescents: A systematic review of self-management strategies, quality of life, and unmet needs.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and dysmenorrhea (DM) are common gynecological problems. To systematically review the needs, quality of life (QOL), and effectiveness of self-management strategies among young women (12-25 years) with DM or HMB. Relevant terms were searched through PubMed, EBSCO, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Ovid between 2010 and 2022. Qualitative and quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals, females aged 12-25, exploring DM or HMB, reporting supportive care needs, quality of life, self-treatment strategies, and/or treatment-seeking behavior. Abstracts were reviewed for eligibility by two researchers. Included studies were extracted and assessed for quality independently by two authors, with discrepancies resolved through consensus or the involvement of a third researcher. Data extracted included study details, menstrual history, symptoms, self-care strategies, and quality of life. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklists were used for quality assessment. The search returned 285 190 studies, of which 55 were eligible for inclusion. Prevalence rates of HMB and DM were in the ranges 4%-63% and 42%-94%, respectively. Over 80% of young women with DM and HMB experienced physical and psychological problems, including pelvic pain, sleep issues, mood disturbance, diarrhea, and nausea. Academic performance and daily activities were severely affected. Most (>62%) named their mothers as their primary source of information, and friends as the secondary source (10%-65%). Few studies explored needs, but they could be inferred and fell under school-related and social needs. QOL was poorer in those who had DM than those who did not. Pain was the most common issue that drove young women to find treatment. More than 70% used medication to reduce pain. More than half chose home remedies (e.g., heat therapy, massages, herbal tea, hot drinks). No studies provided information about the efficacy and dosage of medication and herbal remedies. HMB and DM have a large impact on daily living, with large areas of unmet need. Limited access to information impairs the management of symptoms and consequent QOL.