Folk Medicine Research Articles

Apple cider vinegar in folk and modern medicine: a historical review and current scientific evidence.

Introduction and Aim of the Study: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries in various cultural and medical contexts globally. This study seeks to explore ACV's traditional and contemporary applications, evaluating scientific evidence for its efficacy and safety. Material and Methods: This review synthesizes information from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific sources. Key search terms included "apple cider vinegar," "apple cider vinegar medical use," "apple cider vinegar antimicrobial effect," "apple cider vinegar lipid profile," "apple cider vinegar glucose level," "apple cider vinegar preparation," and "apple cider vinegar historical use." Results: Research supports ACV's traditional role as a disinfectant, demonstrating effectiveness against a range of bacteria and fungi. Both animal and human studies suggest ACV may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting HDL cholesterol. Evidence indicates ACV can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels, offering benefits for type 2 diabetes management. ACV shows antioxidant properties, potential for lowering blood pressure, and use in certain skin diseases, though further research is needed to confirm these effects. Conclusions: The historical use of ACV in traditional medicine finds partial support in modern scientific research. Its antimicrobial, lipid-modulating, and glucose-regulating properties are documented, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health, weight management, and metabolic regulation. Nonetheless, the evidence for its cosmetic applications and impact on muscle cramps remains less definitive. Additional research involving larger, diverse populations is necessary to fully validate ACV's benefits and establish safe usage guidelines.

LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis of Anodendron parviflorum (Roxb.) leaves extract and exploring its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potential

BackgroundTraditional medicine claims that Anodendron parviflorum has benefits for treating various human diseases. The present study seeks to understand better the phytochemical and LC–MS/MS-QTOF profiling of A. parviflorum's ethanolic extract and to investigate the properties of the different solvents of A. parviflorum for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, toxicity, and cytotoxic effects.ResultsThe quantitative methods exhibited higher total phenolics (327.16 ± 2.4 mg GAE/g dw), total flavonoid (109.82 ± 1.9 mg QE/g dw), and total alkaloid (14.13 ± 0.09%) content in ethanol extract. In contrast, a higher total extraction value (22.8 ± 0.6%) and total terpenoid (57.23 ± 0.06 mg LL/g dw) content was shown in the methanol extract of A. parviflorum. LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis of its ethanolic extract revealed a notable occurrence of phenols and flavonoids. The ethanolic extract of A. parviflorum exhibited significant antioxidant activities with lower IC50 values in DPPH, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating and reducing power assay. The methanolic extract of A. parviflorum had the more significant anti-inflammatory property (94.55 ± 0.1%) in the bovine serum albumin assay. The extracts also demonstrated a higher inhibition zone against pathogenic bacteria. The ethanolic extract of A. parviflorum demonstrated substantial cytotoxicity against A549 cells.ConclusionConsequently, these findings validate the use of A. parviflorum in traditional medical practices due to its bioactive compounds, which may have potential therapeutic value in various biomedical applications.HighlightsA. parviflorum leaves extract showed the presence of significant levels of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids.LC–MS/MS-QTOF analysis revealed notable bioactive compounds of A. parviflorum.The different extracts showed remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.The extracts exhibited less hemolytic and higher thrombolytic activities.It demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against A549 cell lines.Graphical abstract

Heavy metal contents in water extracts of selected medicinal plants used in the folk medicine of Jordan

BackgroundContamination of medicinal plants with heavy metals from environmental sources may severely impact the quality and safety of botanical products. The consumption of botanicals that are contaminated with heavy metals represents a severe health-threatening danger. Study designThe present toxicological study was conducted to determine the heavy metal concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, As, and Cu in selected medicinal plants and their water extracts (infusions) of Achillea santolina L., Amygdalus communis L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Crataegus aronia L., Viscum cruciatum Sieb., and Nepeta involucrata (Bunge) Bornm. collected from different regions in the south of Jordan, including Birkhdad (site 1), Al-Rashadihya (site 2), and Ain-Lahda (sites 3 and 4). MethodsHeavy metal concentrations in the medicinal herbs and their infusions were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometric Analysis (ICP-OES). The correlation between the content of heavy metals in the studied plants, their water extracts, and the surrounding soil environment was also studied. ResultsHigh concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Cu were detected at all investigated sites of soil. They were in the ranges of 8.46 ± 0.02 to 18.36 ± 0.02 ppm (for Ni), 9.47 ± 0.02 to 24.97 ± 0.06 ppm (for Cr), and 9.53 ± 0.01 to 17.05 ± 1.32 ppm (for Cu), respectively. The high levels of Ni, Cr, and Cu are mainly due to the presence of a highway road that is nearby site 3 and the location of a cement factory that is nearby site 2. The potentially toxic elements of Cd, Pb, and As were non-detectable, and very low concentrations of Hg were observed in the range of 0.17 ± 0.01 to 1.82 ± 0.25 ppm in Artemisia herba-alba collected from all studied locations. High Cu concentrations (20.53 to 23.80 ppm) were detected in A. herba-alba collected from sites 1, 2, and 3 and were higher than the reported normal range of (4 to 15 ppm). On the other hand, the raw materials of all studied plants had low Ni, and Cr concentrations within the range of 0.38 (± 0.01) to 4.05 (± 0.16) ppm and 0.35 (± 0.01) to 2.82 (± 0.01) ppm, respectively. Cd and As were non-detectable in all water extracts of all studied plants. The highest Cu contents were observed in the water extracts of A. herba-alba collected from sites 2 and 3 at concentrations of 64.54 ± 6.41 ppm and 62.43 ± 1.85 ppm, respectively. ConclusionsThe heavy metal contamination in a panel of herbal samples was below the legal limit values, except for those plants harvested close to a highway with heavy traffic or a cement factory. This points to the necessity to selecting suitable locations to culture medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. We recommend monitoring the herbal quality concerning heavy metal contamination on a routine basis to assure the safety of herbal products for the sake of patients in Jordan and elsewhere.

When assisted reproductive technology (ART) opens the door for inclusivity in a highly charged cultural milieu: an exploration of news articles on the establishment of ART clinics in Zimbabwe

The study focuses on how infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) have been portrayed in the Zimbabwean print news media, specifically looking at articles related to the country’s two private fertility clinics established in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Through thematic analysis of 35 news articles, seven prominent themes were developed: infertility as an undesirable and stigmatised condition; stress and the feminisation of infertility; the impact of societal and familial pressure to have children; ART as a ray of hope for infertile couples; growing acceptance of ART; availability, accessibility and affordability of ART; and the use of alternative medicines to cure infertility. The research highlights the coexistence of traditional medicine and ART in Zimbabwe, as well as the impact of stigma, pressure, and gender dynamics on infertile couples. Study findings signal how costly ART treatments may drive individuals towards potentially harmful traditional remedies. They also underscore the need for increased awareness of infertility, efforts to reduce stigma, and addressing barriers to ART access, particularly for men. Overall, findings shed light on the complexities surrounding infertility in Zimbabwe and the importance of addressing these issues in pursuit of better reproductive healthcare outcomes.

A Bridge Between East and West: Dr. Johan Louis Schlimmer's Medical Contributions in Qajar Iran (1819-1881).

Dr. Johan Louis Schlimmer (1819-1881), a Dutch physician, played a transformative role in the development of modern medicine in Qajar-era Iran. Arriving in Iran driven by a deep passion for Eastern culture, Schlimmer's contributions extended far beyond the confines of traditional medical practice. His work in medical education, particularly at the prestigious Dar al-Fonun, laid the foundation for the modernization of Iranian healthcare. Schlimmer's efforts to bridge the gap between Western and Iranian medical knowledge are epitomized by his collaboration on the Persian medical dictionary, commonly known as Schlimmer's Dictionary, and his seminal work, Terminologie Médico-Pharmaceutique et Anthropologique Française-Persane. These texts not only expanded the Persian medical lexicon but also integrated contemporary Western medical concepts with traditional Iranian practices. Schlimmer's approach, which emphasized the indigenization of medical knowledge, made complex medical phenomena accessible to Iranian practitioners and laid the groundwork for the advancement of public health in Iran. His legacy, marked by a commitment to cultural and scientific exchange, continues to resonate in the field of Iranian medical history. This article explores the multifaceted contributions of Dr. Schlimmer, highlighting his enduring impact on the evolution of healthcare in 19th-century Iran.

Advancements of the 21st century and Their Implications on Medical Research and Diagnosis

Throughout the 20th century, new research and new demands have led to an increased amount of technology used in medicine. These methods have led to early detection, better context of conditions, increased efficiency, and brighter prospects for the future of medical diagnosis. However, the increasing use of AI and genetics in medicine has called for checks and further clinical trials to determine how ethical these practices might be. The debate surrounding the integration of Artificial Intelligence has created further controversy—that is, what technologies should be used and what technologies should not be used. To determine a solution, certain factors should be considered including the comfort of patients during treatments including advanced technology, the risk factor of integrating AI into procedures, and the efficiency of technology compared to traditional medical practices. For example, imaging technologies such as X-ray and sonography are found to be more comfortable for patients due to their long-standing familiarity, yet their precision and accuracy fall short in comparison to advanced Imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, and PET scans. There has also been discussion of the use of genetic testing such as chromosomal microarrays. Advances in genetic testing have led to the ability to detect conditions in embryos which can be beneficial, but the manipulation of the embryos could raise ethical concerns. Past ethical grey areas, there have been amazing prospects for the future of medicine and these innovations, such as the use of non-invasive testing which is an emerging alternative to traditional surgical methods. Through extensive literary research, this paper considers the multiple aspects that should contribute to deciding to implement technological advancements brought in the 21st Century. By investigating previous integrations of innovations within medicine, this research could envision a risk-free and more ethical approach to advancing medicine with technology.

Avoiding Invasive Measures: Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block as a Substitute for Epidural Blood Patch in Post-dural Puncture Headache: A Case Report

Introduction: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well-known consequence of neuraxial anesthesia that can impede patient recovery and delay early discharge. Traditional remedies include hydration and the administration of simple analgesics for symptom relief. When symptoms persist despite conservative interventions, an epidural blood patch (EBP) is typically recommended. However, this invasive procedure carries risks and complications. Our case report aims to explore a potential alternative treatment for PDPH. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 22-year-old female who experienced PDPH following spinal anesthesia. Despite initial attempts at conservative management, her symptoms persisted. She then opted for a trans-nasal sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block, which resulted in remarkable pain relief and eliminated the need for an EBP. Conclusions: The SPG block emerges as a minimally invasive option for treating PDPH. Multiple studies have demonstrated that patients undergoing SPG block therapy did not require EBP.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetes in Ghana: Analyzing the Growing Health Challenge

The rising prevalence of diabetes in Ghana presented significant challenges for public health and healthcare delivery. This article examined the implications of the diabetes epidemic on the healthcare system, economic stability, and public health strategies in Ghana. It discussed the strain placed on healthcare resources, particularly in rural areas, and the economic burden of managing diabetes and its complications. Public health challenges, including the need for effective prevention strategies and increased awareness, are highlighted, alongside the importance of improving healthcare delivery through enhanced primary care and training for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the article explored the integration of traditional and modern healthcare practices as a means to improve diabetes management. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of existing literature and data on diabetes prevalence, risk factors, and healthcare delivery in Ghana. This analysis underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to address the growing diabetes crisis in Ghana, with an emphasis on improving access to care, raising awareness, and integrating traditional and modern medical practices. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Ghana, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Public Health.

Antilipidemic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Aloe barbadensis Gel, Cymbopogon citratus Leaves and Its Combination on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

This research sought to investigate the antilipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of Aloe barbadensis, Cymbopogon citratus leaves and its equal combination on induced-alloxan diabetic rat. Plants like Aloe barbadensis and Cymbopogon citratus are commonly used as home remedies for some diseases such as diabetes thereby making them alternative medicines. Ethanolic extract of both plants was extracted using 70% ethanol. The effect of glibenclamide, ethanolic extract of A. barbadensis gel, C. citratus leaves and its combination after 21 days experimental study showed a significantly increased (P<0.05) high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the induced rats when in comparison with the normal control and diabetic untreated rats. The low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly showed a (P<0.05) decrease in the rats treated with A. barbadensis gel, C. citratus leaves and its combined extract compared with those treated with standard drug. The serum total cholesterol (TCHOL), triglyceride (TG) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) significantly showed a (P<0.05) decrease in the rats treated with A. barbadensis gel, C. citratus leaves and its combined extract compared with diabetic untreated rats. This research revealed that ethanolic extract of A. barbadensis, C. citratus and its combination has antilipidemic effects and holds potential as an alternative therapy for its management.

The Cytotoxic Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Hyptis rhomboidea Mart. et Gal.

Many naturally occurring chemical metabolites with significant cytotoxic activities have been isolated from medicinal plants and have become the leading hotspot of anti-cancer research in recent years. Hyptis rhomboidea Mart. et Gal is used as a folk medicine in South China to treat or assist in the treatment of liver disease, ulcers, and edema. But its chemical constituents have not been fully investigated yet. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of H. rhomboidea, which was chemically characterized by chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. The results showed that the 95% ethanol extract of H. rhomboidea has marked inhibitory effects on five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MDA-MB-231, and SW480), with IC50 values ranging from 15.8 to 40.0 μg/mL. A total of 64 compounds were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of H. rhomboidea crude extract. Among them, kaempferol, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, squalene, and campesterol were found to be abundant and might be the major metabolites involved to its bioactivity. The cytotoxic characterization and metabolite profiling of H. rhomboidea displayed in this research provides scientific evidence to support its use as medicinal properties.

The Potential Alternative Antibacterial Activity of Falcata (Falcataria Falcata) Leaf Methanolic Extract against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

The Potential Alternative Antibacterial Activity Of Falcata (Falcataria falcata) Leaf Methanolic Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus And Escherichia coli  Laliefe B. Arnan; Katherine Joy S. Escueta; Nor Rashida P. Rashid; Elyca M. Tacbobo; Queenie Rose M. Tinoy  Degree: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy  Thesis Adviser: Junnin Gay L. Garay, RPh, CPh, MS Pharm Falcata is a plant that can be found in the Philippines and is used for the production of wood veneer and plywood. While in Indonesia, it is used as traditional remedy for malaria (Budiarti et al. 2020). They belong to the Fabaceae family, a family known for having great antibacterial effects (Gamo et al. 2015). This study used a percolation extraction method and the percentage yield is calculated to determine the yield from the falcata extract. Disc diffusion method is used for susceptibility testing and determining the zone of inhibition for the different groups. The CLSI guidelines for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli will be used to determine the antibacterial effect of the extract, in terms of resistance, intermediate, and susceptible results. From the results, the percentage yield of the methanolic crude leaf extract of Falcataria falcata is 2.67%. Leaves from the Falcataria falcata plant were extracted and tested against bacteria. The extracts showed promise in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, with 75% concentration as being more effective. However, these bacteria showed some resistance to all extract concentrations: S. aureus (90% - resistant, 75% - intermediate, 50% - resistant, 25% - resistant); E. coli (90% - resistant, 75% - resistant, 50% - resistant, 25% - resistant). Further study is needed to determine the exact antibacterial properties of the plant.

Pharmacological Potentials and Formulation Strategies of Euphorbia hirta

Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as asthma weed or garden spurge, has a rich history in folk medicine, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Its diverse pharmacological properties, stemming from a rich composition of bioactive substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids, have attracted significant attention within the scientific community. Various extraction methods, including solvent extraction, steam distillation, and chromatography, have been used to isolate these compounds, leading to the creation of formulations with significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. This review explores the chemical makeup, traditional applications, and pharmacological prospects of Euphorbia hirta, with a focus on the latest advances in extraction techniques and formulation approaches. It also emphasizes the need for continued research on the plant, suggesting that further studies could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents from this versatile species.

Vaccinium Species-Unexplored Sources of Active Constituents for Cosmeceuticals.

The genus Vaccinium is represented by shrubs growing in a temperate climate that have been used for ages as traditional remedies in the treatment of digestive problems, in diabetes, renal stones or as antiseptics due to the presence of polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins) in their fruits and leaves. Recent studies confirm their marked potential in the treatment of skin disorders and as skin care cosmetics. The aim of this review is to present the role of Vaccinium spp. as cosmetic products, highlight their potential and prove the biological properties exerted by the extracts from different species that can be useful for the preparation of innovative cosmetics. In the manuscript both skin care and therapeutic applications of the representatives of this gender will be discussed that include the antioxidant, skin lightening, UV-protective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties to shed new light on these underestimated plants.

Unveiling the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, acute toxicity insight and analgesic effect of Retama dasycarpa stems: An unexplored endemic plant from Morocco

Retama dasycarpa is an endemic shrubby leguminous plant of Morocco used in traditional folk medicine. The plant has never been studied for either its phytochemical or pharmacological properties. This study represents the first investigation of the phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant, the antibacterial, the analgesic effects and the oral acute toxicity of Retama dasycarpa. Watery and hydromethanolic stems plant macerates have been investigated. Secondary metabolites quantitative analysis was achieved through spectrophotometric techniques. Antioxidant effect was explored through DPPH, ABTS and FRAP trials. Antibacterial activity was investigated using a micro-plates dilution assay. Analgesic activity was explored through acetic acid-induced writhing and tail-flick methods. Acute oral toxicity was investigated on mice. Phytochemical analysis was achieved through UHPLC connected to diode array and mass spectrometry detectors.The obtained results showed significant contents in total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins in both extracts especially the hydromethanolic extract whose contents were slighlty higher than the aqueous one resulting in a remarkable antioxidant activity. Compared to the aqueous extract, the H2O:MeOH (1:1) one showed notable antibacterial activity against the tested strains. The acute toxicity in mice revealed the non-toxicity of the extracts along with a promised starting material of central and peripheral analgesics. The UHPLC analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals pertaining to phenolic acids, flavonols, flavones and isoflavones.The obtained results demonstrate the richness of this endemic and unexplored plant in terms of bioactive compounds and their associated activities, making it a promising source of pharmacological ingredients.

DOTTs-Database of Therapeutic Plants against Tuberculosis: Rationalizing traditional medicine for therapeutic applications

IntroductionMycobacterium tuberculosis, a highly resistant superbug causing tuberculosis disease, contributes to one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Improved drug regimens and therapeutics have been extensively studied, but still, none is proven to be fully effective in eliminating the pathogen or its drug-resistant forms. Therefore, alternative and novel therapeutic approaches to address this problem are the need of the hour. Traditional medicine can be vital in managing tuberculosis via codified (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani) and uncodified systems (folk medicine). In recent years, the utilization of medicinal plants for TB therapy has garnered considerable attention. Identifying underexplored plants utilized as a remedy for tuberculosis can aid in developing future treatment strategies. The current study aims to assemble the ethnobotanical literature that provides insight into the undocumented tribal/folk medicinal practices against tuberculosis in one unified platform. MethodsThe medicinal plants with therapeutic properties against tuberculosis were identified manually by screening published literature. The data is represented to the users using a user-friendly web interface developed via the PHP-HTML platform using Bootstrap Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) theme, and the database is managed by MySQL Database Management System (DBMS). ResultsDatabase of Therapeutic Plants against Tuberculosis describes the medicinal plants used traditionally in different forms against tuberculosis by various indigenous tribes and communities in India. A total of 100 plants with their local names, taxonomical classification (order and family), tribe, plant part, and formulations, as well as the anti-tubercular attributes, are provided in the database. Additional information about the plants can be retrieved from the external links provided. ConclusionThe DOTTs database provides the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological data of 100 Indian medicinal plants. This database will help the researchers acquire information about the plants that could be beneficial for further evaluation and discovery of potential leads in TB drug discovery. With proper investigation and advancement, it can be anticipated that TB will no longer be a serious public health risk.

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.

Essential Oils from Phlomis longifolia Boiss. & C.I. Blanche. Aerial Parts (Flowers, Calyxes, Leaves): GC-MS Analyzes and Biological Properties

Objective/Background: Phlomis longifolia Boiss. & C.I. Blanche. is one of the significant medicinal plants extensively utilized in folk medicine in Syria. So, this study aimed to identify the chemical components with potential pharmacological properties of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of the Syrian P. longifolia plant for the first time. Methods: The aerial parts of the plant were collected from a mountainous area in Latakia Province, Syria. Subsequently, the essential oils were obtained using hydrodistillation with a yield of (0.14% for flowers, 0.075% for calyxes, and 0.19% for leaves) using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: A total of 63, 61, and 48 compounds, which represent (98.0%, 97.1%, and 97.9%) of the total oils, were identified for flowers, calyxes, and leaves, respectively. The major compounds identified in the flower's essential oil were: widdrol (29.8%), β-caryophyllene (9.7%), and (E)-nerolidyl acetate (5.8%). While in the calyx's essential oil were: (E)-nerolidyl acetate (8.6%), α-humulene (8.1%), and β-caryophyllene (7.7%). As for the leave's essential oil were: (E)-nerolidyl acetate (11.4%), β-caryophyllene (9.5%), α-amorphene (8.8%), caryophyllene oxide (6.7%), α-humulene (5.3%), and 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one (5.2%). Additionally, the majority of the identified compounds have various biological activities, according to the published literature. Conclusion: In this work, the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of P. longifolia was determined for the first time by GC-MS. Terpenes were the dominant chemical content of essential oils (83.3% for flowers, 72.7% for calyxes, and 80.9 for leaves), and sesquiterpenes had the highest concentration among them (77.3% for flowers, 65.7% for calyxes, and 77.1% for leaves). These compounds are known for their diverse biological activities and promote the use of such plants in phytopharmaceuticals.

Role of Home Remedies and Self-Medication in Late Presentation of Acute Appendicitis and Its Possible Consequences

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Delayed presentation is often attributed to factors like home remedies, self-medication, and misdiagnosis by non-medical professionals. This study aimed to identify the reasons for delayed presentation of acute appendicitis in patients presenting to Northwest General Hospital, Peshawar. This retrospective study was conducted from January 2021 to October 2022, including 120 patients with acute appendicitis. Most patients (61%) were male, with an average age of 45 years. A significant number of patients (48%) presented from remote areas, and 31% delayed seeking medical attention for more than 2 weeks. Common reasons for delay included self-medication (38%), misdiagnosis by non-medical professionals (57%), and fear of surgery. Delayed presentation of acute appendicitis is a significant public health issue in the study area. Factors contributing to delay include limited access to healthcare, self-medication, and misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are crucial to reduce complications and improve outcomes. Raising awareness among the public and healthcare providers about the importance of early presentation for acute appendicitis is essential.

P213 UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN URBAN NEPAL: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background and objective: Hypertension is a critical public health challenge in Nepal, particularly in urban settings, contributing to the high morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Despite the presence of effective treatment options, adherence to antihypertensive medication remains suboptimal. Emerging evidence suggests that social support plays a crucial role in improving medication adherence. This study aims to explore the influence of social support on antihypertensive medication adherence among hypertensive patients in urban Nepalese communities, specifically within the Community-based management of non-communicable disease in Nepal (COBIN cohort) located in the eastern part of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted involving in-depth interviews with 19 hypertensive patients. An individual was eligible if 318 years old, taking antihypertensive medications for 3 two months and living in Lekhnath area of Pokhara. Interviews were conducted by an English-speaking researcher, with support from translator speaking both English and Nepali, using the interview guide. The study utilized a thematic analysis to explore patients’ perceptions and experience related to social support while taking antihypertensive medicines regularly. Results: The findings revealed a complex interplay of positive and negative influences of social support on antihypertensive medication adherence. Positive influence, being reminders from family members and healthcare providers, appeared to improve participants’ self-esteem and self-efficacy on adhering to medications. In contrast, social interactions including suggestions of taking traditional remedies and misinformation about prescribed antihypertensive medications appeared to diminish medication adherence. The role of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) was overall positive, bridging the gap between healthcare services and community needs, however its sustainability needs to be addressed. Conclusion: Social support is perceived to be pivotal in enhancing medication adherence among hypertensive patients in urban Nepal. Strengthening such support through community-based interventions and enhancing the role of FCHVs could significantly improve health outcomes. This study underscored the need for comprehensive strategies that integrate social support into hypertension management programs in low-resource settings.

Milk-Based Ointment Accelerates Wound Healing: A Comparative Study in Rabbits

Background: Wound healing is a multi-stage process that restores tissue integrity following injury. While chemical treatments like phenytoin aid in healing, traditional remedies, such as milk-based applications, remain underexplored. Milk, particularly its proteins, is known for promoting tissue repair and collagen synthesis. This study evaluated the wound-healing efficacy of a milk-based ointment (MO) on open skin wounds in rabbits. Methods: Male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to six groups, including negative controls, placebo (eucerin), and 1% phenytoin, alongside three MO groups (2%, 5%, 10% concentrations). The treatments were applied twice daily for 14 days. Wound healing was assessed through macroscopic analysis, tensile strength measurement, hydroxyproline levels, and histological examination. Results: The 5% MO-treated group exhibited the fastest wound healing, achieving full closure in 15 days, outperforming both controls and the phenytoin-treated group (17 days). Hydroxyproline levels and tensile strength were significantly higher in the 5% MO group, indicating enhanced collagen production and stronger tissue regeneration. Histological analysis further confirmed accelerated epithelialization and granulation in MO-treated groups. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that milk-based ointments, particularly at a 5% concentration, significantly enhance wound healing, suggesting their potential as cost-effective, biocompatible alternatives to conventional chemical treatments like phenytoin. Further research is needed to explore clinical applications in humans.