History Of Medicine Research Articles

Development situation and trends of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma industry in China

Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is a unique traditional Chinese herbal medicine in China, with a long medicinal history, unique healthcare effects, and a profound cultural value. The development of the Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma industry has practical and symbolic significance for the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry. Under the new situation, China's Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma industry has faced new development opportunities and also internal and external challenges. It is urgent to deeply analyze the practical problems and explore the solutions. This article systematically reviews the current situation of China's Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma industry from the industrial chain and analyzes the current problems and development trends of this industry, aiming to provide reference and a decision-making basis for the high-quality development of this industry.

Sedative and hypnotic effects with cortical EEG sleep-wake profiles of Millingtonia hortensis dried flower aqueous in mice

The ethnopharmacological relevance of the Millingtonia hortensis (M. hortensis) flower's aqueous extract lies in its traditional use as a herbal remedy in Southeast Asia. With a rich history in folk medicine, this aqueous has been esteemed for its purported sedative and anxiolytic properties. Our research delves into the scientific basis of these traditional claims, exploring the potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects of M. hortensis flower's aqueous extract on sleep promotion and mood regulation. This study aimed to explore the sleep-promoting effects of M. hortensis dried flower in mice, using an aqueous concentration equivalent to a human concentration of 2.7 mg/mL. Anxiolytic and antidepressant properties were evaluated using behavioural tests, while electroencephalography (EEG) analysis probed the neural mechanisms underlying sleep promotion post-consumption. The aqueous extract of M. hortensis dried flower administered to mice showed a decrease in immobility in the forced swimming test, demonstrating antidepressant-like effects. Moreover, mice treated with M. hortensis aqueous exhibited increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep duration, corroborating sleep-promoting potential. EEG analysis of mice treated with M. hortensis aqueous revealed heightened beta oscillations in the frontal and parietal cortex, while pre-treatment with M. hortensis aqueous or diazepam enhanced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep after thiopental administration. Interestingly, M. hortensis aqueous pre-treatment augmented delta frequency ranges in the frontal cortex. Overall, these findings indicate that M. hortensis dried flower's aqueous extract, at a human-equivalent dosage, exerts significant behavioural and neural effects specifically, sedative and hypnotic aspects in mice, corroborating its potential as a natural remedy to promote sleep and regulate mood.

This Month in Aerospace Medicine History: August.

This Month in Aerospace Medicine History: August.

This Month in Aerospace Medicine History: September.

This Month in Aerospace Medicine History: September.

The Australian Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) hospital study: effect of a collaborative medication review on the number of current regular medicines for older hospital inpatients.

Potentially harmful polypharmacy is a growing public health concern. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction (AusTAPER) framework. We recruited patients at metropolitan hospitals for a randomised controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up. The intervention included a comprehensive medicines history, multidisciplinary meeting and medicines review prior to discharge, with engagement with the participants' general practitioner extending after discharge. The primary outcome was the change in the number of regular medicines used at 12 months from baseline. A cost consequence was performed to estimate costs per participant during the study period. There were 98 participants enrolled in the study. The number of regular medicines was significantly reduced from baseline in both groups (-1.7 ± 4.3, t = 2.38, P = 0.02 in the control group vs -2.7 ± 3.6, t = 4.48, P = 0.0001 in the intervention group), although there was no statistical difference detected between the two groups (1.0 (SE 0.9), t = 1.03, P = 0.31). The intervention was estimated to cost AU$644.17 and was associated with cost savings of AU$552.53 per participant in sustained reduced medicines cost. Health outcomes and healthcare costs were similar in both groups. Medicines were significantly reduced in both groups, with a trend to a larger reduction in medicines at 12 months in the intervention group. The intervention cost was approximately offset by sustained reduced medicines cost, although these results should be regarded cautiously because of the absence of significance in the differences in outcomes between groups.

Jean-Nicolas Marjolin (1780-1850): An ulcer, an anthrax, and a rose.

Jean-Nicolas Marjolin was a 19th century French anatomist and surgeon. Although not strictly speaking a pivotal figure in history of medicine, he deserves to be known for at least three reasons. He (more or less accurately) described a type of ulcer which is nowadays referred to as Marjolin's ulcer (1828); he had the privilege of operating on the world-famous Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord for an anthrax (1838); and a rose has been named after him since 1860.

The benefits and protective effects of copper nanoparticles green-formulated by Foeniculum vulgare extract on rats with heart failure following myocardial infarction

This study explores the potential of green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (Cu@Fv NPs) derived from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds for treating heart failure after a myocardial infarction. Fennel boasts a rich history in traditional medicine, and this research leverages its properties for a novel approach to nanomedicine. We successfully synthesized Cu@Fv NPs with well-defined spherical morphology and an average size of 48.46 nm, as confirmed by advanced characterization techniques. In vivo studies on rats with induced heart failure demonstrated the protective effects of Cu@Fv NPs. Notably, oral administration of Cu@Fv NPs at specific doses significantly reduced the lung/body weight ratio, inhibited neurohormonal activation, and led to a remarkable decrease in infarct size. Additionally, Cu@Fv NPs treatment resulted in improved cardiac function, evidenced by increased +/−dp/dt(max) and decreased LVEDP. These findings unveil the promising potential of Cu@Fv NPs as a biocompatible and potentially superior therapeutic strategy for managing heart failure post-myocardial infarction. This green synthesis method offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional nanoparticle production, paving the way for further exploration in nanomedicine.

γCyclodextrin-assisted Aqueous Extract of Cinnamon for Cancer and Stress Management.

Our goal was to investigate the use of Cyclodextrin in creating an aqueous extract of Cinnamon with a high content of its bioactive ingredients, validated by cell-based assays. Due to their safety and cost-effectiveness, natural compounds have garnered attention for cancer therapy, which often faces challenges related to drug toxicity and resistance. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum; also known as Ceylon Cinnamon) is a commonly used spice with a history in folk medicine for treating various ailments. However, its active ingredients suffer from poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability, which limits its use and benefits. We prepared γCyclodextrin (γCD)-assisted aqueous extract of Cinnamon (CD-CIN) and compared its activity with the DMSO extract (DM-CIN). The cells were exposed to CD-CIN and DM-CIN extracts under normal and stressed (oxidative, metal, and hypoxic) conditions and then analyzed for stress and cancerous phenotypes using various molecular assays. We found that CD-CIN possesses considerable anticancer activity that involves the activation of tumor suppressor proteins and DNA damage response. Low, non-toxic concentrations of DM-CIN and CD-CIN caused comparable inhibition of migration and invasion capability of cells, supported by molecular marker analyses. Furthermore, protection against oxidative, metal, and hypoxia stress, as well as induction of differentiation, was recorded in both DM-CIN and CD-CIN treated cells, as compared to the control. We report CD-CIN as a new economic and easy Cinnamon-derived resource that possesses considerable anticancer and antistress activities and hence warrants further chemical, in vitro, and in vivo studies.

Introduction to Special Issue: New Histories of Health Insurance, Medicine, and Society in East and Southeast Asia

Introduction to Special Issue: New Histories of Health Insurance, Medicine, and Society in East and Southeast Asia

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress: practical considerations for therapeutic application-a review.

Existential distress is commonly experienced by patients diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This condition has been shown to adversely impact quality of life and is correlated with increased suicidal ideation and requests for hastened death. While palliative care teams are experienced in treating depression and anxiety, existential distress is a distinct clinical condition for which traditional medications and psychotherapy approaches demonstrate limited efficacy or duration of effect. Psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), in conjunction with psychotherapy have been shown to produce rapid and sustained reductions in existential and psychiatric distress and may be a promising treatment for patients facing existential distress in palliative care settings. In this narrative review article, we describe the history of psychedelic medicine including early studies and the modern wave of research over the past 20 years, which includes high quality clinical trial data. This review outlines specific considerations for therapeutic application of psilocybin including pharmacokinetics, patient selection, dosing, protocol designs, and safeguards to reduce potential adverse effects to help guide future psychedelic practitioners. With growing public interest and evolving state level policy reforms allowing access to psychedelic treatments, it is critical for palliative care providers to gain familiarity with the current state of science and the potential of psilocybin assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of existential distress.

The “Galenic Question”: A Solution Based on Historical Sources and a Mathematical Analysis of Texts

How many different writers authored the huge number of texts attributed to Galen of Pergamum (129~216 Anno Domini (AD)), medical doctor and philosopher, a giant in the history of medicine? The quest to find out which texts were his and which ones were written by others is known as the “Galenic Question”. We propose a “solution” to it through a multidisciplinary approach based (a) on historical research and (b) on a mathematical analysis of the Greek texts. The historical approach considers historical independent sources and anachronisms. The mathematical approach is based on a mathematical theory concerning deep language variables, rarely consciously controlled by any author, and is therefore capable of giving indications on the similarity of texts, with little or no bias. The multidisciplinary approach has convinced us that at least three authors wrote the texts attributed to Galen. The first two were very likely real historical persons: (a) a certain Galen living between the end of the I century Before Christ (BC) and the second half of the I century AD, and (b) the historical Galen of Pergamum (II–III centuries AD). We believe the third (c) to be represented by several unknown authors hiding under the name Galen, but likely living after Galen of Pergamum’s death.

Antimicrobial activity of curcuma longa and mimosa pudica: a comprehensive review

The active ingredient in turmeric, Curcuma longa, and the traditional medicinal plant, Mimosa pudica, have both been the subject of intensive research due to their wide range of therapeutic applications. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing qualities of Mimosa pudica have long been employed, whereas curcumin is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer benefits. The pharmacological advantages of these two naturally occurring substances are summarized in this article, which also discusses their possible synergistic effects, modes of action, and therapeutic uses. Our goal in examining the complimentary qualities of Mimosa pudica and curcumin is to present a through analysis that bolsters their application in integrative medicine and offers ideas for further research. Curcumin is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Its therapeutic success is related to its capacity to affect numerous cellular pathways, such as inhibiting NF-KB and activating AREs. These pathways play a vital role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Curcumin's antibacterial characteristics make it a promising medicinal agent with broad-spectrum applications. Mimosa pudica, often known as the "sensitive plant" for its quick responsiveness to physical stimuli, has a long history in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurvedic and folk treatments. It is used for wound healing,anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-ulcer properties. The pharmacological actions of Mimosa pudica are primarily due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids,flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids.These compounds collectively contribute to the plant's ability to modulate immune responses, promote tissue regeneration, and inhibit microbial growth.Curcumin and Mimosa pudica have complimentary mechanisms that can lead to synergistic effects. Curcumin modulates intracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors, while Mimosa pudica's bioactive ingredients also interact with extracellular targets and microbial cell walls, indicating a multimodal approach to illness management.

Glances in the History of Medicine

Glances in the History of Medicine

Jurisprudence islamique en matière de prélèvement et de transplantation d’organes

The emergence of organ transplantation as a medical revolution has sparked profound reflection, imbued with moral and religious considerations regarding its compatibility with various spiritual traditions. This medical advancement has engendered significant debate among the ulema, the eminent Islamic jurists, both within each Muslim country and among inter-Islamic institutions. Driven by the duty to interpret Islamic teachings in light of this new medical reality, they have undertaken a rigorous analysis of the religion's doctrinal sources. And after scrutinizing the doctrinal sources of Islam, these ulema - or at least most of them - have converged on a unanimous conclusion: organ donation and transplantation, whether involving corpses or living individuals, are not only justifiable but also in perfect accordance with the fundamental principles of Islam. This conclusion underscores the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence to medical advancements, thereby demonstrating the religion's capacity to evolve while preserving its core values.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Curcuma longa and PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone on paraquat-induced lung injury in rats.

The inhalation of paraquat (PQ), one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, can result in lung injury. Curcuma longa (Cl) has long history in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including respiratory diseases. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the preventive effect of Cl on inhaled PQ-induced lung injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 7), one group exposed to saline (control) and other groups exposed to PQ aerosol. Saline (PQ), Cl extract, (two doses), curcumin (Cu), pioglitazone (Pio), and the combination of Cl-L + Pio and dexamethasone (Dex) were administered during the exposure period to PQ. Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, oxidant and antioxidant indicators in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) levels in the lung tissues, lung histologic lesions score, and air way responsiveness to methacholine were evaluated. WBC counts (Total and differential), malondialdehyde level, tracheal responsiveness (TR), IL-10, TNF-α and histopathological changes of the lung were markedly elevated but total thiol content and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were decreased in the BALF in the PQ group. Both doses of Cl, Cu, Pio, Cl-L + Pio, and Dex markedly improved all measured variables in comparison with the PQ group. CI, Pio, and Cl-L + Pio improved PQ-induced lung inflammation and oxidative damage comparable with the effects of Dex.

Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of Action of Gentiana Veitchiorum Hemsl. Extract in the Treatment of Cholestasis using UPLC-MS/MS, Systematic Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking.

Gentiana veitchiorum Hemsl. (GV) has a long history in Tibetan medicine for treating hepatobiliary disease cholestasis. However, the mechanisms mediating its efficacy in treating cholestasis have yet to be determined. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of GV in the treatment of cholestasis, an integrated approach combining ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis with network pharmacology was established. A comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of GV was achieved by UPLC-MS/MS. Subsequently, a network pharmacology method that integrated target prediction, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene set enrichment analysis, and a component- target-pathway network was established, and finally, molecular docking and experiments in vitro were conducted to verify the predicted results. Twenty compounds that were extracted from GV were identified by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Core proteins such as AKT1, TNF, and IL6 were obtained through screening in the Network pharmacology PPI network. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of the Genome (KEGG) pathway predicted that GV could treat cholestasis by acting on signaling pathways such as TNF/IL-17 / PI3K-Akt. Network pharmacology suggested that GV might exert a therapeutic effect on cholestasis by regulating the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, and the results were further confirmed by the subsequent construction of an LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model. In this study, UPLC-MS/MS analysis, network pharmacology, and experiment validation were used to explore potential mechanisms of action of GV in the treatment of cholestasis.

Cohorte Cantabria - A biomedical research tool open to the world.

The contribution of large population-based study cohorts to the knowledge of disease risk factors and causes is unquestionable. The Framingham Cohort, a paradigm for the population-based studies that changed the history of medicine, emerged after the antibiotic revolution, the decrease in infection-related mortality, and the boom in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Recent Advancements in mRNA Vaccines: From Target Selection to Delivery Systems.

mRNA vaccines are leading a medical revolution. mRNA technologies utilize the host's own cells as bio-factories to produce proteins that serve as antigens. This revolutionary approach circumvents the complicated processes involved in traditional vaccine production and empowers vaccines with the ability to respond to emerging or mutated infectious diseases rapidly. Additionally, the robust cellular immune response elicited by mRNA vaccines has shown significant promise in cancer treatment. However, the inherent instability of mRNA and the complexity of tumor immunity have limited its broader application. Although the emergence of pseudouridine and ionizable cationic lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) made the clinical application of mRNA possible, there remains substantial potential for further improvement of the immunogenicity of delivered antigens and preventive or therapeutic effects of mRNA technology. Here, we review the latest advancements in mRNA vaccines, including but not limited to target selection and delivery systems. This review offers a multifaceted perspective on this rapidly evolving field.

Quiz as an effective technology for forming the professional personality of medical students in the aspect of the basic values of Zhana Kazakstan

The article is devoted to the current problem of the formation of the professional personality of medical students from the point of view of basic values, such as citizenship and responsibility, corresponding to the new demands of society, lying in the plane of the modern Concept of Zhana Kazakhstan. The purpose of the article is to formulate the principle of the effectiveness of using a quiz in classroom and extracurricular work with students of medical specialties. The authors offer a specific scenario for the quiz «Medical Karaganda», and at the same time describe in detail the tasks and the course of the game. The tasks are based on materials on the history of medicine in Karaganda, including unique archival sources, materials collected in museums and other sources. The quiz also involves conducting it in the second language that the students are studying (in this case, Russian for students in groups with Kazakh as the language of tuition). The article analyzes both the effectiveness of individual tasks and the quiz as a whole. The analysis was carried out based on the results of testing a quiz in the classroom (NС JSC «Karaganda Medical University», 1st year students) and as part of the «City Day» event at the private institution «Bolashaq Academy» with students of the specialty «Pharmacy». Analysis of the results obtained during feedback and questioning proved the effectiveness of the quiz in the formation of basic values (patriotism, responsibility, critical thinking) and allowed us to formulate the principle of effectiveness based on a careful selection of tasks and interdisciplinary connections.

Post COVID-19 Industrial Revolution 5.0. The dawn of Cobot, Chipbot and Curbot

The beginning of the new era of Industrial Revolution 5.0 (IR 5.0) is a big question mark amongst the researchers. Since the emergence of Covid 19 pandemic, not only economical, social & medical revolutions are expected but the whole industry will be revolutised to to start an era of IR 5.0 as it's after effects. Novel approach of Triad of IR 5.0 consisting of Cobot, Curbot & Chiobot has been introduced.