Use Of Herbal Remedies Research Articles

2304. Incidence and Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster among Diabetes Patients at Siriraj Hospital; Results from a 10-year Cohort

BackgroundHerpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of well-known risk factors for HZ. Nowsday, the knowledge on the incidence of and risk factors for HZ among Thai DM patients is limited.MethodsWe conducted a nested case–control study of DM patients who attended the Siriraj DM clinic for ≥6 consecutive months during 2005–2014. Eligible subjects were identified through the DM clinic registry database (n = 1,427). Cases were those who had ≥1 episode of HZ while controls were those without evidence of HZ during the study period. We captured 40 cases and randomly sampled 175 controls (1 case: 4 controls). All data were obtained via chart-review, the ICD-10, pharmacy and laboratory databasesResultsDuring the 10-year study period, the cumulative incidence and the incidence rate of HZ were 0.28% [95% CI: 0.20–0.38%] and 3.96 [95% CI: 2.90–5.28] per 1,000 person-years. The most common sites were trunk (27.5%), followed by herpes opthalmicus (22.5%). Thirty-five percent had post-herpetic neuralgia and only 1 case required hospitalization. Independent risk factors for HZ [adjusted odd ratio; 95% CI; P-value] identified from multivariate analysis included underlying hypertension [3.48; 1.28–9.43; P = 0.01], number of hypoglycemic drug used [1.46; 1.03–2.08; P = 0.04] and previous use of herbal remedies [3.83; 1.06–13.84; P = 0.04]. Furthermore, higher body mass index was an independent protective factor [0.89;0.81–0.98; P = 0.02].ConclusionThe incidence rate of HZ among DM patients at our institute was comparable to other Asian countries. Risk factors for HZ can be used to identify patients who would benefit the most from preventive interventions.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Comparative Study of Punica granatum Gel and Triadent Oral Paste Effect on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, a Double Blind Clinical Trial.

Statement of the Problem: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common oral lesion, and the use of herbal remedies containing tannin and flavonoid has been reported to be effective in treating aphthous stomatitis. Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Punica granatum muco-adhesive gel on controlling the oral recurrent aphthous stomatitis and its comparison with Triadent oral paste. Materials and Method: In this double-blind clinical trial, 60 patients with minor aphthous stomatitis were enrolled. These patients had no systemic diseases and were not on any medications. The patients were randomly treated with Punica granatum formulated gel, Triadent oral paste and placebo. The time of pain elimination and the time of complete healing were recorded and the pain degree was assessed and recorded by each patient. The data were analyzed using survival analysis and ANOVA test. Results:The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that pain relief time in Punica granatum group was lower than placebo group (p= 0.002), even so, it caused no significant difference with the Triadent group in comparison with the placebo group (p= 0.08). The survival analysis also indicated that the wound healing time in Punica granatum group was significantly lower than the other two groups (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Punica granatum gel has a successful effect in controlling and treating recurrent aphthous stomatitis. It can be considered as an affordable and inexpensive treatment.

The use of herbal remedies in the prevention and treatment of pathology of the respiratory tract

Respiratory diseases are a widespread group of pathological processes that affect people of different ages. Inflammatory changes of various etiologies on the surface of the respiratory epithelium are accompanied by a violation of mucociliary clearance, and therefore the rate of evacuation of the secret decreases, its production increases, and the rheological properties of the mucin change. Significant accumulation of thick mucus is a clinical feature of many respiratory diseases, including acute rhinosinusitis. Appointment to patients with pathology of the respiratory system of drugs that affect the evacuation, properties and production of mucus, is pathogenetically justified. Phytopreparations GeloMirtol® and GeloMirtol® forte are effective in treating patients with rhinosinusitis of various ages, including children from 6 and 10, respectively. The active component of these drugs - Myrtle standardized - distillate eucalyptus oil (main ingredient - 66% of the total), myrtle, sweet orange and lemon, has a complex mechanism of action, has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic effect, helps clean the respiratory tract and restore normal mucous function shell. GeloMirtol® and GeloMirtol® forte simultaneously affect several parts of the development of the pathological process, increasing the results of complex treatment of respiratory diseases.

Forest Fevers: traditional treatment of malaria in the southern lowlands of Laos.

Malaria is still a highly challenging public health issue in southern Lao PDR, with increasing cases of artemisinin resistance and Plasmodium vivax infections which are more complicated to treat. Traditional medicine has a long history of use in Laos, and is primarily practised by traditional village healers, who possess unique bodies of transmitted knowledge focused on herbal prescriptions, including those for the treatment of malaria. Villagers also use plants for healthcare in the home. The aim of the study is to document local fever concepts and use of herbal remedies, and examine whether they may have potential as complementary treatments against malaria. The study took place in Champasak province in the far south of Laos, in primarily lowland areas. First, 35 traditional healers across the 10 districts of the province were interviewed to elicit details about knowledge and treatment of fevers. Second, a household survey was conducted in a village in a malaria-endemic area; 97 households were interviewed on fever incidence, differentiation, treatment-seeking behaviour and knowledge of plant-based remedies for fevers. Plants indicated by both healers and villagers were collected and voucher specimens deposited in the herbarium of the National University of Laos for identification. Malaria is a well-known pathology among the healers and villagers of lowland Champasak province; biomedical treatments are preferentially used, but traditional medicine is a popular complementary method, especially in chronic cases with additional symptoms. 30 different fever types were recorded, which were usually named symptomatically, and grouped into 12 categories. Some were described as forms of malaria, which was conceived as a dynamic, changing pathology affecting many body systems. Healers formulate treatments based on symptoms and the person's constitution, and with the intention of creating specific pharmacological actions associated with temperature or flavours. 11 of the healers gave prescriptions for malaria (27 in total), including 47 identified plant species. The most-used plants (4 or more use-reports) were also the most cited in the literature for use against malaria, demonstrating a correspondence between Lao healers and other traditional medical systems. Furthermore, some of these species show promising results for future research, especially Amorphophallus paeniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson and Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don. Traditional healers are important actors in the treatment of malaria in southern Laos, and herbal remedies should be evaluated further by the use of reverse treatment outcome trials, especially those which may be of use as complementary remedies in treating P. vivax. Initiatives on knowledge transmission, medicinal plant conservation and healthcare integration are also urgently needed.

Biochemical and Oxidative Changes in High Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats Treated with Metformin and the Polyherbal Diawell

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic, with a huge disease burden on the patients. This has led to an increase in the use of herbal remedies and combination therapies to reduce this burden.&#x0D; Aim: This study evaluates the biochemical and oxidative changes in type 2 diabetic rats, treated with metformin and the polyherbal drug diawell.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 35 male Wistar albino rats weighing between 120-220 g were used for this study. The rats were placed on high fat diet, and diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg body wt). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Fasting plasma insulin (FPI), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were quantitatively determined by a rat-specific sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was determined by the ratio of TOS to TAS. Phytochemical analysis was also done on the herbal tablet.&#x0D; Results: Mean FPG levels were significantly lower (p˂0.05) in all groups, except the group administered diawell, which was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05), compared to the diabetic control. Mean FPG levels were significantly higher (p˂0.05) in the metformin group, diawell group, but showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the combination group, compared to the negative control. HOMA-IR was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The metformin and diawell groups had significantly higher (p˂0.05) HOMA-IR values, whereas the combination (metformin + diawell) showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) when compared to the negative control. TOS was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the diabetic control compared to the negative control and treatment groups. The metformin and diawell groups had significantly higher (p˂0.05) TOS values, whereas the combination (metformin + diawell) showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) when compared to the negative control. There was significantly lower (p˂0.05) TAS levels in the diabetic and treatment groups, compared to the negative control. OSI values were significantly lower (p˂0.05) in all groups when compared to the diabetic control. Also, OSI values were significantly higher (p˂0.05) in the treatment groups compared to the negative control.&#x0D; Conclusion: There was depletion of antioxidant parameters and an increase in oxidative stress in the diabetic rats. Administration of metformin and the polyherbal tablet diawell individually, were not effective in correcting the pathological and biochemical changes associated with diabetes. However, the combination treatment produced a better glycaemic response and attenuated the oxidant status in the rats. Antioxidant therapy should be incorporated in diabetes management, and anti-diabetic herbals properly evaluated.

Comparative effects of quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract of Otostegia persica boiss with atorvastatin on atherosclerosis complication in male wistar rats.

The use of herbal remedies is significantly considered in the atherosclerosis treatment, reduction of fatty elements, and prevention of activity of oxidative stress factors. The present study was conducted on 48 rats in 6 groups. The experimental and sham groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 40 days; and experimental groups were separately treated by atorvastatin, quercetin, and hydroalcoholic extract for 4 weeks. After treatment procedure, some serum factors such as low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Serum levels of LDL, TC, MDA, and ROS were significantly lower in experimental groups than sham group (p < .01). There was a significant decrease in serum MDA levels of these two groups in comparison with the atorvastatin‐treated group (p < .05). Blood pressure parameters were decreased in treated with quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract in comparison with the sham group (p < .05). Quercetin and hydroalcoholic extract similar to atorvastatin could decrease serum lipids [except high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)], oxidative stress factors, aorta contraction, weight gain, and blood pressure. These reagents improved the vascular structure and prevented the plaque formation.

MON-248 HERBAL BITTER: A RARE CAUSE OF ACUTE TUBULOINTERSTITIAL NEPHRITIS

Acute interstitial nephritis is an immunologically driven condition characterised by an inflammatory infiltrate in the renal interstitium. The use of herbal remedies has increased globally and has been described as a risk factor for the development of kidney injury, causing a variety of renal syndromes. We present a unique case of biopsy-proven acute interstitial nephritis following ingestion of an herbal bitter health drink, which was associated with a skin rash and eosinophilia. A 72-year-old-man presented with a 1-week history of general malaise, rash and fevers. His physical examination revealed a widespread maculopapular rash and pitting oedema to the knees but otherwise a normal examination including vital signs. His blood pressure on admission was 124/70. Four days into admission, his renal function deteriorated with a serum creatinine level rising to 411μmol/L (baseline of 98 μmol/L). One week into admission, he had a peak serum creatinine of 651 and was also oligouric. A renal biopsy revealed an interstitial infiltrate with a rich population of eosinophils. The findings were diagnostic of tubulointerstitial nephritis; the presence of eosinophils supporting a drug-induced cause. He had no recent alteration to his medications. On further questioning, the patient noted that one month prior to admission, he had started consuming an herbal bitter health drink. He was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and a tapering dose of prednisolone, with the patient’s kidney function returning to baseline four weeks after the commencement of steroids. The herbal health drink ingested by the patient in this case, comprised of a combination of bitter herbs, consisting of a blend of seven herbal bitters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of biopsy-proven acute interstitial nephritis induced by this multi-herbal health drink. This case report highlights the importance of taking a thorough medical history including establishing the use of over-the-counter medication and herbal remedies in the drug history. Furthermore, the importance of a prompt histological diagnosis in the form of a kidney biopsy is warranted, particularly in the case of drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis, as the mainstay of treatment involves cessation of the causative agent.

Evaluation of the Sylimarin Effect on IL-10 and IL-17 Production in Blood Samples of Chronic HCV Infected Patients

Background: The use of herbal remedies, either in combination with conventional drugs or as an alternative, is accepted worldwide. Silymarin derived from Milk thistle has evidence-based therapeutic potency for wide spectrum of liver diseases. The current work aimed to study the immune-modulating activity of Silymarin in HCV-infected patients by measuring the effect of pure Silymarin solution on the production of IL-17 and IL-10. Materials and Methods: Nine HCV-1a infected patients and three healthy controls were entered in this study. The mean age of patients and healthy controls were 45.53 (± 10.21) and 39.9 (±10.88), respectively. The PBMCs were isolated, cultured in 96-well plate and incubated with Silymarin solution (5µg/ml) for 24 hours. The cells and cell culture supernatant of three groups including patients treated with Silymarin, non-treated patients, and healthy controls were then subjected to Real Time PCR and ELISA to measure the levels of inflammatory and non-inflammatory cytokines including IL-17 and IL-10, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 20.0. Results: According to Real Time PCR and ELISA results, the level of IL-17 was significantly reduced in patients treated with Silymarin while the expression of IL-10 was remarkably increased in these patients. Conclusion: The results of this study approved the immunomodulatory properties of Silymarin in HCV-infected patients. Hepatoprotective, antiviral, as well as immunomodulatory properties of the Silymarin make it a potential therapeutic option in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Systematic Overview of Aristolochic Acids: Nephrotoxicity, Carcinogenicity, and Underlying Mechanisms.

Aristolochic acids (AAs) are a group of toxins commonly present in the plants of genus Aristolochia and Asarum, which are spread all over the world. Since the 1990s, AA-induced nephropathy (AAN) and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) have been reported in many countries. The underlying mechanisms of AAN and AA-induced UTUC have been extensively investigated. AA-derived DNA adducts are recognized as specific biomarkers of AA exposure, and a mutational signature predominantly characterized by A→T transversions has been detected in AA-induced UTUC tumor tissues. In addition, various enzymes and organic anion transporters are involved in AA-induced adverse reactions. The progressive lesions and mutational events initiated by AAs are irreversible, and no effective therapeutic regimen for AAN and AA-induced UTUC has been established until now. Because of several warnings on the toxic effects of AAs by the US Food and Drug Administration and the regulatory authorities of some other countries, the sale and use of AA-containing products have been banned or restricted in most countries. However, AA-related adverse events still occur, especially in the Asian and Balkan regions. Therefore, the use of AA-containing herbal remedies and the consumption of food contaminated by AAs still carry high risk. More strict precautions should be taken to protect the public from AA exposure.

Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants in Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka harbors over 3000 plant species, and most of these plants have been of immense importance in the traditional systems of medicine in the country. Although there is a rich reserve of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants, in-depth studies have not been pursued yet to compile the ethnoflora with traditional medicinal applications for the scientific community. Thus, as a continuation of our ethnobotanical inventory work in different regions in the country, the present study was carried out in one of the administrative districts in the North Central area of Sri Lanka known as Polonnaruwa district. The information on the significance of medicinal plants as curative and preventive agents of diseases was collected through semistructured and open-ended interviews from 284 volunteers who were randomly recruited for the study. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value (FIV), and use value (UV). Out of the total participants, 53.7% claimed the use of herbal remedies. A total of 64 medicinal plants belonging to 42 plant families were recorded, out of which Coriandrum sativum L. (RFC = 0.163) was the most cited species. Out of the 42 plant families recorded, the FIV was highest in Zingiberaceae. Coscinium fenestratum (Goetgh.) Colebr. was found as the plant with the highest use value. Furthermore, the majority of the nonusers of the herbal remedies were willing to adopt herbal products upon the scientific validation of their therapeutic potential. This study revealed that the indigenous herbal remedies are still popular among the local communities in the study area.

Ladder of life of a modern woman: how to maintain health. Opportunities and prospects of phytotherapy (to help a practitioner)

The article provides a modern view on features of different stages of a woman’s life. It presents information on pathogenetic basis and effectiveness of modern phytotherapy with a use of certified agents for a treatment of main pathological conditions associated with different stages of a woman’s life when the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system’s function is formed, actively functions and then undergoes a gradual involution. The features of the use of herbal remedies in pathological conditions of the reproductive system (premenstrual syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, menopausal syndrome, mastalgia, etc.) are described. The article is illustrated with figures and tables for better understanding by clinicians. It emphasis on the features of herbal therapy, its high acceptability, safety and efficacy in the age aspect.

Health Care Seeking Behavior among Caregivers of Sick Children Who Had Severe Malarial Anaemia

Aims: The western region in Kenya is holoendemic to malaria and experience stable P. falciparum malaria transmission. The use of health care options has a direct influence on the outcome of severe malaria. As such, the current study will assess the health care seeking behavior among caregivers of sick children who had severe malarial anaemia (SMA) in western Kenya.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross section study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Jaramogi Odinga Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) between September 2014 to July 2015.&#x0D; Methodology: It was open to all children ≤10 years (n=271) admitted and diagnosed with SMA (hemoglobin &lt;5.0 g/dl and any density of P. falciparum. Caregivers were interviewed on the health care options before seeking care at a heath facility, when the child started to get sick, if they took child to another health centre/dispensary/private hospital before coming to JOOTRH &#x0D; Results: Majority of the caregivers interviewed, 80.07% (217) had attained Primary education. Majority of the caregivers were in the age category of 19-24 75(27.67%) years and 25-29 years 75 (27.67%). 74.90% (203) of their children were below five years and 25.09% (68) were above 5 years. 61.62% (167. Majority of the caregivers gave some remainder drugs before presenting to a heath facility 32.5% (88). A good number bought drugs at drug stores/pharmacies 27.7% (75). None visited a traditional healer. A minority used herbs 10% (27). There were no statistically significant differences between most of the pre-hospitalization measures taken s with regard to patient’s gender and age, and caretaker’s level of education. Caregivers who chose to give herbs to their sick children took longer in deciding to take their children to hospital. This was however statistically significant between those who used herbs and those who bought drugs only (median 4 days vs. 3 days, respectively, p = 0.0063). There was no significant difference in the delay of child admission at JOOTRH between caregivers who had had primary education only and those with a minimum of secondary education (p = 0.9842).&#x0D; Conclusion: Self-medication is a common practice before seeking care at a heath facility. There is need for community awareness for correct and comprehensive information about drawbacks associated with self-medication practices. Since safety continues to be a major issue with the use of herbal remedies, it becomes imperative, therefore, that relevant regulatory authorities put in place to ensure that all herbal medicines are safe and of suitable quality.

In vitro and in vivo studies on anti-malarial activity of Commiphora africana and Dichrostachys cinerea used by the Maasai in Arusha region, Tanzania

BackgroundTraditional medicinal plants are one of the potential sources of anti-malarial drugs and there is an increasing interest in the use and development of traditional herbal remedies for the treatment of malaria and other ailments. This study was carried out with the aim to investigate the phytochemical screening, cytotoxic effect and antiplasmodial activities of Dichrostachys cinerea and Commiphora africana. Both plants are used by the Maasai in Tanzania in suspected malaria and other diseases. No previous work appears to have investigated the potential anti-malarial activity of the two plants.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the in vitro anti-malarial activity of methanol and dichloromethane extracts of the two plants against chloroquine sensitive (D6) and chloroquine resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The anti-malarial property was assessed by the lactate dehydrogenase method (pLDH). The in vivo anti-malarial study was carried out using the Peters’ 4-day suppressive test in Plasmodium berghei in Balb/c mice. Cytotoxic tests were carried out using monkey kidney epithelial cell line in [3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods of analysis.ResultsThe phytochemical screening of plant extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, glycosides and saponins. However, alkaloids were absent in most plant extracts. The dichloromethane extracts of C. africana (stem bark); D. cinerea (stem bark) and methanol extracts of D. cinerea (whole stem) all showed promising in vitro anti-malarial activities. All other extracts did not show any significant anti-malarial activity. The two most promising extracts based on in vitro studies, DCM extracts of C. africana (stem bark) and D. cinerea (stems bark), equally exhibited very significant anti-malarial activities in the mouse model. They exhibited parasite suppression rates of 64.24 and 53.12%, respectively, and considerable improvement in weight and survival rate. Most plant extracts were not cytotoxic except for DCM extract of D. cinerea (whole stem) CC50 (29.44 µg/mL).ConclusionThe findings of this study provide scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of the plants in the treatment of malaria by the Maasai in Arusha region, Tanzania. Consequently, further work including bioassay-guided fractionation and advanced toxicity testing may yield new anti-malarial drug candidates from the two plants.

Dissemination, Health Features, Production and Agriculture of Turkestan Lion Plants in The Territory of Uzbekistan.

The article describes the species of mammalian lion, which is widespread in Uzbekistan and describes its use in folk medicine, chemical composition, the use of herbal remedies in modern medicine, and the ways of preserving the natural resources of cultivating the Turkestan lion.

Dissemination, Health Features, Production and Agriculture of Turkestan Lion Plants in The Territory of Uzbekistan.

The article describes the species of mammalian lion, which is widespread in Uzbekistan and describes its use in folk medicine, chemical composition, the use of herbal remedies in modern medicine, and the ways of preserving the natural resources of cultivating the Turkestan lion.

Medicinal Herbal Plants and Allopathic Drugs to Treat Diabetes Mellitus: A glance

The present study was based on Diabetes Mellitus, its cure using herbal drugs over allopathic drugs. According to the official World Health Organisation (WHO) data, India tops the list of countries with the highest number of diabetics; China, America, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Italy and Bangladesh follow. In the year 2000, the total number of diabetics in India stood at 31.7 million and is expected to rise by more than 100% in the year 2030 to account to a whopping 79.4 million. Despite the use of advanced Allopathic drugs for the treatment, use of herbal remedies is gaining higher importance because of Allopathic drugs have drawbacks and limitations. Natural herbs have been highly esteemed source of medicine throughout the human history. They are widely used today indicating that herbs are a growing part of modern high-tech medicine. The herbal drugs with anti-diabetic activity are extensively formulated commercially because of easy availability, affordability and less side effects as compared to the synthetic anti-diabetic drugs. The WHO has listed 21,000 plants, which are used for medicinal purposes around the world. A list of medicinal herbal plants with proven anti-diabetic and related beneficial effects and of herbal drugs used in treatment of diabetes is compiled. Thus, this review article undertakes the attempt for providing updated information on the type of diabetes and herbal formulations which will enhance the existing knowledge of the researchers.

Herbal Remedies to Treat Malaria in Madagascar: Hype and Hope.

On the island of Madagascar, prior to the arrival of the Europeans, some pathologies including malaria, locally known as tazo (fever), were already described. As part of the Malagasy traditional knowledge, traditional medicine mainly based on the use of herbal remedies is part of the malaria treatment still today. Across the country, hundreds of plants are identified as antimalarial, and some compounds from plants show interesting in vitro activities against human Plasmodium. However, it has become clear that most of the antimalarial herbal remedies traditionally used are not efficient antimalarials. In order to identify authentic antimalarial herbal remedies, methodical approaches should range from plant selection to biological screening. In this paper, we share our point of view based on our experience on antimalarial plants in Madagascar.

Disease Diagnosis and Management: The Experiences of Hemorrhoid Herbal Vendors and Customers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Hemorrhoids (or piles) are an anorectal condition that affects many individuals who do not necessarily seek medical support. Many who suffer from this condition resort to home treatment, especially cultural diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, an herbal remedy, popularly known as &lt;em&gt;jedijedi &lt;/em&gt;drinks, has gained high patronage but with contested effectiveness. Thus, this study explored the diagnosis and use of hemorrhoid herbal remedy. Using a mixed-methods research design, information was elicited from those who used or sold the remedy at the three points of sales: 107 consumer respondents were surveyed and three herbal vendors were interviewed in Ibadan, Oyo Town, and Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Nigeria. The selection of the three herbal vendors was based on their popularity and patronage. Data interpretation included the use of chi-square and qualitative content analysis. Results revealed a high prevalence (71%) of hemorrhoids among respondents who used &lt;em&gt;jedijedi&lt;/em&gt; drinks for curative purposes; 90.7% of respondents claimed to know the risk factors for developing hemorrhoids. Specifically, respondents mentioned sugary and starchy substances (77.8%), sitting for long periods of time (6.1%), and stress (8.1%) as perceived causes of hemorrhoids, and 9.2% asserted that the cause was preternatural. Respondents reported irregular menstrual cycle, an inability to sit or stand for long and erectile dysfunction as symptoms of hemorrhoids. The experience of erectile dysfunction was significantly related (c&lt;sup&gt;2 &lt;/sup&gt;= 6.906) to respondents’ marital status. Herbal vendors reported that the common diagnosis method was vendor–customer oral dialogue that determined the type of herbal remedy prescribed. Findings support the recommendation for public sensitization through mass media to reduce misconceptions about hemorrhoids that affect its management.

Modulating impacts of quercetin/sitagliptin combination on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats

BackgroundSince many diabetic patients require combination therapy, the use of herbal remedies with anti-diabetic activity represents a vital option in diabetes mellitus (DM) management. It has been reported that quercetin has hypoglycemic alongside anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. AimThe present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combining quercetin with sitagliptin; a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, in the management of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MethodsDM was induced by a single injection of STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.) in male adult albino Wistar rats. Diabetic rats were orally treated with sitagliptin (70 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg) or their combination daily for three consecutive weeks. Serum levels of glucose, C-peptide, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor alpha, (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-B, (NF-κB) and adiponectin were estimated. In addition, histopathological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreatic tissues were conducted. ResultsThe combined administration of quercetin and sitagliptin normalized serum C-peptide, MDA, and significantly increased SOD, GSH and decreased NF-κB more than sitagliptin alone. Moreover, this combination normalized Islet number, β-cells' number, area and perimeter alongside restoring the immunostaining intensity of β-cells. ConclusionOur results suggest the use of quercetin/sitagliptin combination for treating DM based on the observed improvements in glycemic control, metabolic profile, oxidative and inflammatory status, islet structure as well as β-cells function compared with either treatment alone.

The Use of Plant Origin Remedies in Children with ARVI

The analysis of the scientific literature and the results of clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of using for respiratory infections components of plant origin and bee products included in the composition of biologically active food supplements — «Propolis with Herbs» marmalade, throat lollipop with honey and Althaea night syrup with honey-line INVAR KIDS. It has been shown that the use of herbal remedies that contain components with established clinical safety and proven efficacy as a symptomatic therapy is reasonable for alleviating the main symptoms of respiratory diseases in children.