Herbal Mixture Research Articles

Assessment of the Effects of TiwanTiwa Herbal Mixture Drink on Oxidative Stress Markers

Introduction: The use of herbal medicine and its effect on health has been established. Recently, there is much interest in therapeutic potential of herbal therapy use as antioxidant in reducing free radical-induced oxidative stress. Method: This study was aimed to determine the effect of herbal mixture on acetaminophen induced oxidative stress in male albino wistar rat. This is an experimental study comprising of total of forty-two (42) wistar rats divided into seven (7) groups of six (6) animals each. The seven groups were Group 1, control group fed with top feed and water only, Group 2 administered with 3000 mg acetaminophen and top feed, Group 3 with 3000 mg of acetaminophen and 140mg sylimarine, Group 4 with 3000 mg of acetaminophen and 50 mg tiwantiwa extract, Group 5 with 3000mg of acetaminophen and 100 mg tiwantiwa extract, Group 6 with 3000mg of acetaminophen and 200 mg tiwantiwa extract and Group 7 with 100 mg of tiwantiwa extract only. The treatment was given daily and lasted for 21 days, animals were sacrificed, and blood sample collected were assayed for oxidative stress; CAT, SOD, and MDA. Result obtained was analyzed with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: The result obtained depicts significant increase in CAT and SOD of group 5 (100mg of the extract) when compared to group 2 which is the toxic group induced with 3000mg Acetaminophen. There was also a significant decrease in MDA of group 5 (100mg of extract) when compared to group 2 (p<0.05). This implies that dose level (100 mg) of Tiwantiwa herbal mixture in group 5 exhibited the capacity to alleviate 3000 mg of acetaminophen toxicity at a minimal level. This is attributed to phytochemicals present in this extract such as phenolic compounds. Conclusion: 100 mg dose level of Tiwantiwa herbal mixture has a significant effect in alleviating 3000 mg of acetaminophen toxicity, acting as strong antioxidant as evidenced in the study with results shown in CAT, SOD and MDA bioassays. This is attributed to the presence compounds such as Phenols and Alkaloids which are potent phytochemical constituents in Tiwantiwa herbal mixture with antioxidant property.

Public Health and Microbiological Analysis of Herbal Mixtures Sold at Various Locations of Owerri and its Metropolis: A Case Study of Common Practice among the Populace in the Study Area

Public Health and Microbiological Analysis of Herbal Mixtures Sold at Various Locations of Owerri and its Metropolis: A Case Study of Common Practice among the Populace in the Study Area

Nematicidal efficacy of Cymbopogon nardus, Pelargonium graveolens essential oils and Annona squamosa extract against Meloidogyne incognita and M. graminicola

A crude hexane extract of seed kernel was processed into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) using methanolic-sulfuric acid. Herbal mixtures (seed extracts of A. squamosa and essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus (citronella) and Pelargonium graveolens (geranium)) were evaluated against root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp). The mortality of J2s of M. incognita in hexane and methanol extracts (AHE+AME) of A. squamosa with geranium oil (GO) ranged from 50.75-89.75% to 71.50-99.00% at 31.25 to 1000 μgmL-1 in 24 to 96 hours. The number of galls after CO+AHE+AME treatment was 4.0 ± 0.0 and 5.67 ± 0.58 galls/seedling and were recorded at 1000 and 500 μgmL-1 treatments on 30 days after inoculation, compared to carbofuran (3.0 ± 0.0 and 4.3 ± 0.6 galls/seedling) at 1000 and 500 μgmL-1 and velum prime (3.6 ± 0.6 and 4.6 ± 0.6 galls/seedling) at 1000 and 500 μgmL-1. The maximum shoot length of brinjal seedlings was recorded in CO+AHE+AME treatment compared to carbofuran (47.3 ± 0.6cm) and velum prime (48.7 ± 0.6 cm) at 1000 μg mL-1 in soil drenching application. Methanol and hexane extracts (AHE+AME) obtained from Annona squamosa seeds were investigated for their nematicidal properties. M. graminicola in direct-seeded rice at the nursery level and M. incognita in brinjal (eggplant) were controlled for up to sixty days when treated with these mixtures.

Purslane Leaf Extract (Portulaca oleracea) as a Cholesterol Control Herbal Tea Mixture

Cholesterol is one of the essential molecules in humans. An imbalance in cholesterol levels in the body, such as high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or total cholesterol, can contribute to one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia. Diseases caused by high cholesterol levels include cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke [6,9,14]. As a result, additional intake from sources like omega-3-rich supplements or herbal remedies is recommended. Historically, plant-based treatments have been used as pharmacological therapies. Researchers have explored the use of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) leaves, which contain unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, offering cardiovascular benefits. The researchers utilized purslane extract as an herbal tea blend, serving as a natural alternative to supplements in capsule form, which may be more expensive. In extract form, purslane leaves are hygienically processed and mixed with herbal tea, creating a convenient health drink for daily consumption. The purslane leaf extract was obtained through method maceration using 96% food-grade ethanol. Proximate tests were conducted to assess total energy, energy from fat, ash content, moisture content, carbohydrates (by difference), total fat, and protein content [5,24]. Sensory evaluation was conducted by semi-trained panelists to assess the color, aroma, and taste of herbal tea blends containing purslane leaf extract. This evaluation aimed to collect subjective feedback from potential consumers regarding the organoleptic characteristics of the product.

Histological Determination of Cinnamon and Olive Oil Extract on Traumatic Oral Ulcer in Laboratory Rabbit

Background: The mucosa of oral cavity is the mucous membrane which covers the tissues of the mouth cavity. In order to repair damage from a local aggressor, many cell strains and their byproducts work together throughout the vital physiological process of wound healing. This process culminates in tissue repair and starts relatively early in the inflammatory phase. . The supplements of cinnamon and olive oil can dramatically raise blood levels of antioxidants while lowering those of inflammatory indicators like C-reactive protein. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the local histological effect of topical application of cinnamon and olive oil extract on the rabbit oral mucosa Patients and Methods: 20 adult male rabbits that weight about 700-900 Kg and age about (6-8) months where used in this experimental study. Ulcer induction: Prior to the creation of the ulcers, rats were fixed on their backs and all animals were anaesthetized and induction the ulcer with round filter papers 5.5 mm in diameter were soaked in 15 ml of 50% acetic acid. In order to create round ulcer, an acid-soaked filter paper was pressed onto the right buccal mucosa for 60 seconds. Then divided the groups according to the healing time with 10 rabbits as a control group left healed normally and 10 rabbits as an experimental group that daily used mixture of cinnamon extract and olive oil ready extract topically applied on the traumatic ulcer. The animals were sacrificed along three- and seven-days healing periods and then prepared H&E stain for analyzed the results. Results: In comparison to the control group, the histological results of oral ulcers that were created and treated with a daily application of a herbal mixture consisting of cinnamon extract and olive oil extract showed greater epithelization, reduced inflammation, and increased angiogenesis, all of which sped up the healing process. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy distinction in the formation of extracellular matrix and collagen fiber synthesis between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: Topical treatment using ready herbal extracts of olive oil and cinnamon was more successful in facilitating the recovery of traumatic ulcers.

Haematological Indices of Male Albino Rats Given Oral Doses of Energy 3000 Herbal Mixture

The study aimed to investigate the effect of Energy 3000 herbal mixture on some haematological indices in male albino rats. The study was conducted using twenty male albino rats which were divided into four groups of five rats per group. Group 1 served as control and was given feed and water only. Groups 2 to 4 were administered 0.2, 0.4, 0.8ml/kg body weight (bw) of the herbal mixture. This treatment was done for 28days, after which blood samples were collected for the measurement of haematological indices. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. The results obtained show that energy 3000 herbal mixture at the dose of 0.8ml/kg bw significantly (P<0.05) increased the WBC (from 5.0 to 10.0) 109/L, Hb (from 11.7 to 12.2) g/dl and platelets (from 200.1 to 224.5) 109/L when compared to the control. The result suggests that energy 3000 herbal mixture caused significant changes in haematological changes in haematological indices of male albino rats.

Assessment of nutritionality and normative indicators of granulated vitamin-herbal four for agricultural animals, prepared in the conditions of the Vologda region

Feed analysis was carried out in a chemical laboratory using the equipment of the Center for Agricultural Research and Biotechnology at the Voluntary Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The testing procedure for most agricultural feeds is established by GOST 50817-95. To determine the crude protein content using the Kjeldahl method using a semi-automatic analyzer UDK 159 (VELP, Italy), GOST 13496.4-2019 was used, GOST 31675-2012 was used to determine the crude fiber content using an automatic analyzer FIBE-6, GOST 13496.15-2016 was used to determine crude fat content using the Soxhlet apparatus., GOST 32933-2014 is used to determine the crude ash content. An evaluation test of herbaceous unnaturally dried feed according to the quality class was carried out in the following sequence: when more characteristics were agreed upon for any one class, vitamin-grass meal (VHM) was assessed according to this class. When studying the energy nutritional value, the amount of dry matter in granulated vitamin-herbal flour was established within the range of 867.00–917.69 g, metabolic energy – 9.25–10.57 MJ/kg, digestible protein – 69.9–119.6 g/kg and feed units – 0.71–0.85 kg. Thus, checking the usefulness of the samples that were selected and sent to us showed that feed from alfalfa and clover helps to obtain high-quality nutritious feed that is easily absorbed by the body and corresponds to class II–III indicators. The quality of prepared flour from vetch-oat grass and a mixture of herbs leaves much to be desired. As a result of studying the quality of these artificially dried grass feeds, we can conclude that their nutritional value is not high enough, as a result of the low content of the main characteristics: such as metabolic energy (9.25–9.39 MJ/kg) and protein (11.69–12.83 %), which is necessary take into account when organizing proper feeding of cattle. The quality of feed is a fundamental condition on which productivity depends.

Phytochemical Study and Clinical Evaluation of Herbal Formula as Obesity Management

Objective: Obesity is a significant global public health issue, affecting 39% of overweight and 13% of obese adults, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of this study was included preliminary screening of main active compounds with clinical evaluation of herbal formula used in traditional medicine for obesity management. Methods. The methods for this study were included investigation of main active compounds in extracts of line seeds (Linum usitatissimum L.), Celery seeds (Apium graveoleus L.) Husk seeds (Plantago ovata L.) and marshmallow flower (Althea officinalis L.) Also this study contained the clinical evaluation of effects of herbal formula for obesity. The study involved two groups of participants who were given a herbal formula capsule for a duration of 8 weeks. The dosage consisted of one capsule (500mg) taken three times a day after meals. The second group was simultaneously treated with metformin, with a dosage of one tablet (500mg) provided twice daily after meals. Results: The results were referred to flavonoids glycosides which presented in all plants extracts, while other active compounds distributed differently among plants. The results of clinical study were referred to significant reduction in weight, BMI, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL – C and VLDL with significant increasing of HDL. Conclusion: The herbal mixture may exert beneficial effects on both body mass index and serum lipids profile in humans, which can be linked to its flavonoids and antioxidant components.

The Herbal Blend of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana Reduces Adiposity in High-Fat Diet Obese Mice.

Obesity is swiftly becoming a global epidemic, leading to numerous metabolic disorders and substantial socio-economic burdens. Investigating natural bioactive compounds is crucial to support the use of traditional anti-obesity medications while mitigating the adverse effects. This study posited that a combination of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana (Meratrim) could prevent fat accumulation in obese mice. We used 4-week-old C57BL/6NTac mice, dividing them into six groups: (1) normal diet (ND); (2) high-fat diet (HFD, 45% kcal from fat); (3-5) Meratrim150, Meratrim300, and Meratrim450 (HFD with 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg bw of Meratrim); and (6) Metformin (HFD with 150 mg/kg bw of metformin). Meratrim was administered orally each day for 20 weeks. The group receiving 450 mg/kg of Meratrim showed a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass without changes in food consumption. The Meratrim450 group had markedly lower triglyceride levels in both serum and liver. Importantly, Meratrim-supplemented mice improved lipid homeostasis by inhibiting hepatic de novo lipogenesis and activating energy catabolic pathways such as non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the herbal mixture of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana (Meratrim) is a promising natural anti-obesity agent, owing to its efficacy in reducing body fat and enhancing lipid homeostasis.

Assessment of bacterial and fungal contamination of herbal mixture vended within Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

The consumption of herbal mixtures among Nigerians have been on the increase in recent years. Many herbal mixtures sold to the general public are likely to be contaminated by a diverse range of potentially pathogenic microorganisms due to lack of good manufacturing practices (GMPs). Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the bacterial and fungal profile of herbal mixtures sold within the Kaduna metropolis. A total of twenty samples of herbal mixtures were randomly purchased fromfour distinct locations within the Kaduna metropolis. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis using standard methods. Bacterial genera isolated from the herbal mixture samples include Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp. while the fungal genera were Aspergillus sp., Saccharomyces sp., Fusarium sp. and Penicillium sp. Herbal mixture obtained from Mandao and Malali district had the highest (9.68±1.70×105CFU/ml) and lowest (6.60±0.43×105CFU/ml) bacterial load while the corresponding fungal load involved samples obtained from Central market (1.48±11.25×104 CFU/ml) and Tudun Wada (1.48± 3.11 ×103 CFU/ml), respectively. Bacillus sp. (60%) and Aspergillus sp. (45%) were the dominant bacterial and fungal genera, respectively. Given the substantial microbial contamination of herbal mixtures and the potential pathogenicity of certain isolates, it is imperative to ensure that herbalists are wellinformed about the principles and implementation of GMPs. It is recommended that regular microbiological monitoring of herbal mixtures should be conducted.

Perspectives of Nursing Mothers in Ibadan Markets Regarding Management of Childhood Diarrhoea: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day or more frequently than a normal individual should have. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), varying from mild to severe. Aim: The study aimed to explore the perspectives of nursing mothers in Ibadan North East local government markets regarding childhood diarrhoea management. Method: A qualitative study was conducted among mothers of children between 0-59 months at Ibadan, precisely Ibadan Northeast Local Government. The study was conducted in selected Ibadan North East Local Government markets. The selection of these markets for the study was based on their high population of women with children and the moderate commercial activities. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 29 nursing mothers who were interviewed until data saturation was reached. Data was analysed using the QSR NVIVO 12 software program. Verbatim transcription was conducted while listening to the recording. The thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: This study revealed that a significant diarrhoea management pattern is using herbal mixtures and several concoctions. The primary determinant factor for this management is the strong cultural belief of the Yoruba in this herbal mixture, and Yorubas were the most populous in this research setting. Subthemes that emerged include management options and the mother's level of knowledge, traditional management of different types of childhood diarrhoea and actions taken during managing childhood diarrhoea. Conclusion: This study shows that the majority of nursing mothers in Ibadan markets have a wrong perspective of childhood diarrhoea management, and this could be linked to their age, culture, education, and financial capability. Hence there need for further research on Intervention studies to identify bad behavioral practices performed by those Nursing motherand in the market and to render proper health Education on those practices.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Ayurvedic Formulation -Chaturbhadra Kwatha Churna

In recent times, there has been an increasing need for products derived from plants in the fields of medicine, nutrition, and beauty. This rise demands the creation of dependable methods for ensuring product quality, which involves blending age-old techniques with contemporary analytical tools. It's essential to standardize the production of herbal medicines to guarantee their quality, which requires a thorough assessment of different aspects such as sensory evaluation, chemical composition analysis, and examination of microbial content. In the realm of Ayurveda, where the use of plant extracts is fundamental, establishing standards is key to confirming the product's genuineness and effectiveness. This is demonstrated through the example of Chaturbhadra Kwatha Churna, a complex herbal mixture designed to treat various health issues. By conducting a detailed analysis, this research seeks to lay a solid groundwork for consistent quality and performance, building trust in Ayurvedic therapies globally.

Development of selected performance, dressing and meat quality traits of Pekin ducks in relation to genotype and phytogenic feed additives

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the genetic origin of ducks and the use of phytogenic additives in their feeding on performance indices, slaughter value and dressing percentage, as well as meat quality. The experimental material consisted of three genetic groups of Pekin ducks: Polish Pekin P-33 (P), Dworka D-11 (D) and Star 53 H.Y. (S). A 7-week experimental rearing of 216 commercial hybrids (3 × 72 animals) was carried out. Within each genetic line, three feeding groups were established, differing in the use of plant-based additives in the feed mixture (5% herb mixture or 5% black cumin seed). To assess slaughter value and meat quality of the ducks, 18 birds from each group were selected, including 9 males and 9 females. It was shown that the basic performance and slaughter value traits of Pekin ducks depend (p≤0.05) on their genetic origin. The most favourable (p≤0.05) rearing efficiency and slaughter value (body, carcass and meat weight) were found for commercial Star 53 HY ducks. Their breast muscles were characterized by higher (p≤0.05) cooking loss and lower (p≤0.05) collagen content. The genetic origin of the ducks was shown to influence (p≤0.05) economic efficiency of rearing, dressing percentage and chemical indicators of meat (except for water content in breast muscles) and some physical characteristics (pH24, cooking loss, colour lightness of leg muscles and electrical conductivity in breast muscles). Supplementation of the standard diet of ducks with phytogenic additives (mixture of herbs, black cumin seeds) at a level of 5% had (p≤0.05) a negative effect on body, carcass and meat weight, and a positive effect on the physical characteristics of meat related to water loss (pH24 and cooking loss).

Herbal Companion Crops as an Example of Implementation of Sustainable Plant Protection Practices in Soybean Cultivation

This study aimed to assess the effect of using selected herbs as companion crops in soybean cultivation on the yield and overall health of soybeans. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications, where the primary experimental variable was the sowing method. The innovative cropping system involved cultivating soybeans alongside different companion herbs, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), and a herbal mixture referred to as ‘MIX’. The study showed that cultivation of soybean with fennel improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield, with a significant increase in seed yield (on average by 0.27 t ha−1) as well as protein (7.67%) and oil yield (8.57%) compared to the pure soybean crop. The following fungal diseases were identified during the three-year study period (2021–2023): Cercospora leaf blight, Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, and downy mildew. Cultivation of soybean with herbs as companion crops was implemented to improve the health of soybean to a varied extent. Borage, marigold, and calendula companion crops reduced infection of soybean by the fungi C. kikuchii and F. oxysporum. Cultivation with fennel and marigold was also beneficial for soybean health. On the other hand, cultivation with sweet alyssum and a mixture of herbs increased the occurrence of the fungus A. sojaecola. Cultivation of soybean in association with herbs is legitimate and requires further research given the priorities facing 21st-century agriculture.

Effects of a Chinese herbal medicine mixture on growth performance, immune response, and gene expression in Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), known for their safety, low toxicity, and minimal impact on the environment, are often used as a natural feed additive in aquaculture to prevent or control diseases of aquatic animals. However, their effect on cell responses of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) remains unexplored. In this study, the extract mixed with four Chinese herbs of Astragalus membranaceus, Lycium barbarum, Rhizoma polygonati and Codonopsis pilosula in proportions (7:8:3:2) was used as a feed additive for 60 days to study their effects on the growth performance and immune response of P. sinensis in greenhouse mode. Results showed that the weight gain rate and the specific growth rate in the CHMs group were 46.63 % and 0.64 %, which were 1.13- and 1.15-fold of that in the control group, respectively. Besides, CHMs could significantly improve the survival rate by 76.94 % after artificial infection of Aeromonas hydrophila. The CHMs group also exhibited significant increases in the activities of total superoxide dismutase (27.76 %), catalase (41.28 %), glutathione peroxidase (14.62 %), and glutathione sulfur transferase (36.75 %) compared to the control group. Conversely, malondialdehyde concentration was reduced to 67.82 % of that in the control group. Moreover, the concentration of lysozyme and complement C3, as well as the activity of acid phosphatase, rose by 16.43 %, 24.30 %, and 27.68 %, respectively. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that growth, immunity, and lipid metabolism-related pathways are involved in the response to CHMs. Among these, the two pathways of the cell cycle and the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction may play important roles in the growth and immunity of P. sinensis. SMOX, STAT3, and HMGCS1 may serve as key genes in CHMs-stimulated immune response in P. sinensis; GADD45B, ARG1, ACVR1C, and BMP7 may be crucial genes in promoting the growth of P. sinensis. This study provides a theoretical and practical basis for the green and efficient culture of P. sinensis.

Evaluation of pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction of diabecon and losartan by UHPLC-MS/MS

The diabecon is an ayurvedic herbal formulation that contains a mixture of herbs traditionally used as antidiabetic which is reported in the ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India and Indian Materia medica. The diabetic population has a common co-morbidity of hypertension for which losartan drug is commonly used for the treatment of hypertension. However, there is a lack of research on the pharmacokinetics interaction between diabecon and losartan. This research aims to investigate the influence of diabecon on the pharmacokinetics of losartan drugs in rats by establishing a highly sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method. The method was validated according to the USFDA guidelines and was applied for the pharmacokinetic study. The lowest concentration of losartan detection in rat plasma was found to be 1 ng/mL and the accuracy and precision were within the linear range (1–1500 ng/mL). The results revealed that after 28 days of dosing diabecon, it has altered the pharmacokinetic parameters like area under the curve (AUC0-t), drug clearance (Cl/F), and rate of elimination (Ke) of losartan, which may happen due to enzyme induction. Although there was a change in the pharmacokinetic parameters of losartan when administered in the presence of diabecon, it was found to be nonsignificant in rats (p > 0.05). According to the best of our knowledge, this is the first article that discusses the pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction between diabecon and losartan.

Biosynthetic pathway analysis combined with feature-based molecular networking to comprehensively characterize the chemical constituents in seeds of Sterculia lychnophora.

The seeds of Sterculia lychnophora Hance, commonly known as Pangdahai (PDH) in Chinese, have found extensive use in both culinary and traditional medicinal practices. However, a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition of PDH has been lacking. This study proposes a strategy that integrates biosynthetic pathway analysis with feature-based molecular networking (FBMN), aiming for a thorough and global characterization of the chemical compositions of PDH. The FBMN map reveals potential compounds with structural similarity, and the MS/MS fragments could be annotated based on library matches, which could predict the plausible biosynthetic pathways in PDH, accomplishing the annotation of compounds clustered in FBMN by integrating biosynthetic pathways. Consequently, 126 compounds were plausibly or unambiguously identified, including 37 phenolic acids and glycosides, 20 flavonoids and glycosides, 12 procyanidins, 21 alkaloids, 22 lipids, and 14 others. Leveraging the information, 40 compounds, including 1 unique isoquinoline alkaloid and 2 rare linear furocoumarins, were isolated and confirmed. This study not only demonstrates a highly effective approach for identifying compounds within complex herbal mixtures but also establishes a robust foundation for the further development of PDH.

Addition of Fresh Herbs to Fresh-Cut Iceberg Lettuce: Impact on Quality and Storability

The aim of this study was to develop ready-to-eat vegetable–herb mixes with high nutritional and sensory values as well as good storability. In this regard, the suitability of fresh herbs (peppermint, oregano, green basil, red basil, and parsley) was tested for their use in mixes with fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. Lettuce–herb mixtures were stored for 6 days at 5 °C. The reason for the decrease in the appearance of the salads was the browning of the cut surface of the lettuce, as well as discoloration on the cut herbs. Comparing the storage abilities of the cut herbs, red basil and parsley retained the best appearance for 6 d at 5 °C. A small addition of herbs to fresh-cut iceberg lettuce caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the contents of pro-health ingredients such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, and polyphenols in the mixes. There were large discrepancies in the sensory quality of the mixes, but the highest quality and consumer acceptance were found for salads with parsley (5% and 10%) and red basil (5%). After harvest, the fresh herbs were more contaminated by molds than the iceberg lettuce. Bacterial, yeast, and mold contamination increased during storage, but the rate of mold growth was much lower in the mixes with parsley compared to lettuce alone. In conclusion, the addition of parsley and mint contributed the most to the health-promoting and microbiological properties of iceberg lettuce salads. However, according to sensory evaluation, parsley and red basil contributed the most to improving the acceptability of the product in terms of best taste and shelf life.

Effect of Rearing Technology on Production Performance, Selected and Blood Parameters and Welfare Levels of Broiler Chickens During the Summer Production Cycle

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of rearing technology (rearing system and dietary supplementation with a mixed herbal extract) on the production results, selected physiological and blood parameters, and welfare of broiler chickens during the summer production cycle. In the CON and HE groups, broiler chickens were kept on litter without access to free range; additionally, in the HE group, birds from 22 to 42 days of rearing received a mixed herbal extract (50% Melissa officinalis L. and 50% Urtica dioica L.) in the amount of 2 ml/l of water to drinkers with water. In the AP group, birds were reared on litter with access to pasture. During the experiment, production performance and body temperature of the birds were monitored. Blood was also taken from birds in each group and the H:L ratio, levels of corticosterone, glucose and thyroid hormones were determined. The application of 2 ml/l of mixed herbal extract to the drinking water did not improve the production results, nor did it affect the physiological indices of the birds studied. The addition of 2 ml/l of mixed herbal extract to the drinking water only resulted in lower corticosterone levels in the blood of the chickens on day 35 of the experiment. The free-range housing system had a negative effect on the slaughter performance of the broiler chickens. However, housing with access to the free range resulted in lower body temperature, lower mortality, as well as lower glucose, corticosterone and a narrower H:L ratio in the blood of the chickens during the period of increasing air temperature. It can therefore be concluded that housing with access to a free range reduces stress levels and thus improves the welfare of broiler chickens during the summer production cycle compared to confined housing. Comparing the rearing technologies used in the study, it was found that the free-range housing system contributed more to improving the comfort of broiler chickens during the summer than dietary supplementation with the tested herbal mixture extract.

Traditional and complementary medicines in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review

Many individuals with diabetes often explore traditional and complementary medicines (TCM) as an alternative, believing in their perceived minimal side effects and enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional treatments for diabetes mellitus. This review aims to conduct a narrative review of TCM approaches for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on diabetic parameters such as glycemic, lipid profiles, weight, and blood pressure. We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect using terms such as "traditional and complementary medicine," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus," "management," and "herbal" over a period of 5 years (2017–2021). The screened articles were based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were then validated and extracted. We included a total of 47 articles that met the criteria in this review and categorized them according to diabetic parameters (adapted from CPG Management of T2DM, 2020). The majority of herbal supplements (e.g., ginger, American ginseng, herbal mixtures), health supplements (e.g., Gingko biloba, zinc, vitamin D), dietary supplements (e.g., wheat germ and camel milk), and practices (e.g., acupuncture and homeopathy) exhibited positive effects, improving diabetic parameters towards their intended targets. This review can serve as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals involved in the management of this condition.