Folk Medicine Research Articles

Distinguishing Sanghuangporus from sanghuang-related fungi: a comparative and phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomes

The Chinese medicinal fungi “Sanghuang” have been long recognized for their significant and valued medicinal properties, as documented in ancient medical literature. However, in traditional folk medicine, various macrofungi sharing similar appearance, habitat, and therapeutic effects with Sanghuang were erroneously used. These Sanghuang-like fungi mainly belong to the Porodaedalea, Phellinus, and Inonotus genera within the Hymenochaetaceae family. Despite the establishment of the Sanghuangporus genus and the identification of multiple species, the emerging taxonomic references based on morphological, ITS, and mycelial structural features have been inadequate to differentiate Sanghuangporus and Sanghuang-like fungi. To address this limitation, this study presents the first comparative and phylogenetic analysis of Sanghuang-related fungi based on mitogenomes. Our results show that Sanghuangporus species show marked convergence in mitochondrial genomic features and form a distinct monophyletic group based on phylogenetic analyses of five datasets. These results not only deepen our understanding of Sanghuang-like fungi but also offer novel insights into their mitochondrial composition and phylogeny, thereby providing new research tools for distinguishing members of the Sanghuangporus genus.Key points• Sanghuangporus, Inonotus, and Porodaedalea are monophyly in sanghuang-like species.• Mitogenome-based analysis exhibits high resolution in sanghuang-like genus.• The mitogenomes provide strong evidence for reclassifying Phellinus gilvus S12 as Sanghuangporus vaninii.

Essential Oils of Laurus nobilis L.: From Chemical Analysis to In Silico Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity by Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) Inhibition

Laurus nobilis L. is commonly used in folk medicine in the form of infusion or decoction to treat gastrointestinal diseases and flatulence as a carminative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, the essential oil (EO) composition of wild-grown L. nobilis L. leaves collected from seven different altitudinal locations in the Molise region and adjacent regions (Abruzzo and Campania) was investigated. EOs from the leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS, and 78 compounds were identified. The major oil components were 1,8-cineol (43.52–31.31%), methyl-eugenol (14.96–4.07%), α-terpinyl acetate (13.00–8.51%), linalool (11.72–1.08%), sabinene (10.57–4.85%), α-pinene (7.41–3.61%), eugenol (4.12–1.97%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.33–1.25%). Chemometric techniques have been applied to compare the chemical composition. To shed light on the nutraceutical properties of the main hydrophobic secondary metabolites (≥1.0%) of laurel EOs, we assessed the in vitro antioxidant activities based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity and the reducing antioxidant power by using a ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay. Furthermore, we highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of seven EOs able to interfere with the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid cascade, in concentrations ranging from 16.5 ± 4.3 to 8062.3 ± 580.9 mg/mL. Thanks to in silico studies, we investigated and rationalized the observed anti-inflammatory properties, ascribing the inhibitory activity toward the disclosed target to the most abundant volatile phytochemicals (≥1.0%) of seven EOs.

Effect of Liposomal Protium heptaphyllum (Alb.) March Extract in the Treatment of Obesity Induced by High-Calorie Diet

Obesity, a chronic disease, resulted from excessive consumption of high-calorie foods, leading to an energy imbalance. Protium heptaphyllum (P. heptaphyllum) was used in folk medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. The association of the extract from P. heptaphyllum with nanotechnology was innovative for combining high technology with active ingredients that are easily accessible in the Amazon region. This study evaluated the effect of liposomes containing the ethyl acetate fraction of the crude extract of P. heptaphyllum leaves on obesity. Male Wistar rats treated with a high-calorie diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity received treatment with the liposome formulation containing P. heptaphyllum extract (1 mg/kg/day, via gavage) for 14 days. Morphological, metabolic, redox status, immunological, and histological parameters were evaluated in the adipose and liver tissue of the animals. The groups were divided as follows: C: control; P: liposomes containing extract; O: obese, and OP: obese + liposomes containing extract. The obesity model resulted in increases in body weight, caloric intake, body fat weight, and in the lipid profile. In adipose tissue, P decreased SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity in obese animals. In the liver, a positive modulation of the extract was observed in relation to glucose, amino acids, lactate, hepatoprotective action, and anti-inflammatory activity, with a decrease in interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in obese animals. The results showed an improvement in the functional and inflammatory aspects, but the treatment was not effective in alleviating general changes related to obesity, such as weight gain, fat, glucose, triglycerides, and inflammation in adipose tissue, highlighting the complexity of responses in different organs during obesity and treatment with P. heptaphyllum.

Results of the RVA Breathes randomized controlled trial.

This study tested a randomized controlled trial of RVA Breathes, a community asthma program, in reducing asthma-related healthcare utilization among children living in an area with a high poverty rate. Participants included 250 caregivers (78% African American/Black; 73.3% household income<$25,000/year) and their children with asthma (5-11 years). Inclusion criteria included an asthma-related emergency department (ED) visit, hospitalization, unscheduled doctor's visit, or systemic steroids in the past 2 years. Families were randomized to a full active intervention (asthma education with community health workers [CHWs], home remediation with home assessors, and a school nurse component; n = 118), partial active intervention (asthma education and home remediation; n = 69), or a control group (n = 63) for 9 months. Measures on healthcare utilization and asthma-related factors were collected. Follow-up assessments occurred across a 9-month period. Although we did not find any significant effects, there was a trend toward significance for a group by time effect with objective healthcare utilization as the outcome (F4,365 = 2.28, p = .061). The full intervention group experienced a significant decrease from baseline to 9-month follow-up compared with the other groups (p < .001). Only the full intervention group experienced a significant increase in reported asthma action plans across time (no significant group effect). In the context of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a substantial global decrease in healthcare utilization, the study's main hypotheses were not supported. Nevertheless, findings support the benefit of community asthma programs that integrate care across multiple settings and connect families with CHWs.

Phytochemical study of the leaves of Coelocaryon klainei Pierre ex Heckel (Myristicaceae)

The present study deals with the phytochemical study of the leaf extract of C. klainei, a plant used in folk medicine to treat diabetes, venereal diseases, hypertension, malaria, cough and hemorrhoids. The liquid-liquid extraction and chromatographic separation of the dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) extract of this plant led to the isolation of eleven (11) known compounds identified from the analysis of their spectroscopic and physical data, and in comparison, with data from the literature. These compounds were identified to hentriancontane (1), β-sitosterol (2), stigmasterol (3), β-amyrin (4), betulinic acid (5), sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), diosmetin (7), iristectorigenin A (8), gallic acid (9), bergenin (10) and scyllitol (11) respectively. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was discussed.

Investigating the Involvement of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and NF-κB/MAPK Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Gouty Arthritis: Insights from Irradiated and non-irradiated Trifolium alexandrium L. Extracts and Some Metabolites

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrifolium alexandrinum L. (TA), has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties against hyperuricemia and gout. However, the specific mechanisms of action of TA have not been thoroughly studied. Aim of the workThis study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of irradiated (TR25) and non-irradiated (TR0) Trifolium alexandrinum L. aqueous extract (TAAE), along with two isolated compounds, caffeine (CAF) and saponin (SAP), in a rat model of acute gouty arthritis (GA). Materials and MethodsThe GA model was established by injecting a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the knee joint. Synovial tissue pathology was assessed, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NF-κB, mTOR, AKT1, PI3K, NLRP3, and ASC were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK was detected using qRT-PCR, and Caspase-1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Knee swelling, uric acid levels, liver and kidney function, and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. ResultsTAAE analysis identified 170 compounds, with 73 successfully identified using LC-HR-MS/MS, including caffeine citrate and theasapogenol B glycoside as the main constituents. The studied materials demonstrated significant protective effects against GA. TR25 administration significantly mitigated knee joint circumference compared to other treatments. It demonstrated potential in alleviating hyperuricemia, renal and hepatic impairments induced by MSU crystals. TR25 also alleviated oxidative stress and reduced levels of IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Weak Caspase-1 immune-positive staining was observed in the TR25 group. TR25 decreased NLRP3 and ASC expression, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in GA. It effectively inhibited the PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways, promoting autophagy. Additionally, TR25 suppressed ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK gene expression in synovial tissue. These effects were attributed to various components in TAAE, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenes. ConclusionImportantly, irradiation (25 KGy) enhanced the antioxidant effects and phtchemical contents of TAAE. Additionally, TR0, TR25, CAF, and SAP exhibited promising protective effects against GA, suggesting their therapeutic potential for managing this condition. These effects were likely mediated through modulation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and ERK/JNK/p-38 MAPK signaling pathways, as well as regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize their clinical applications.

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of Cissus quadrangularis extract via regulation of gluconeogenesis in type 2 diabetic db/db mice

Introduction:Cissus quadrangularis is a vining plant widely used as a traditional herbal remedy for various ailments. In this study, the therapeutic effects of C. quadrangularis extract (CQR-300) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated in a leptin receptor-mutated db/db mouse model.Methods: CQR-300 was orally administered to db/db mice (n = 6/group) at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance were assessed using the AccuCheck glucometer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to evaluate insulin and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in the blood of db/db mice. Liver and pancreatic tissues from db/db mice were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;amp;E) and immunohistochemical staining. The protein levels of gluconeogenesis-, lipogenesis-, and oxidative stress-related factors were evaluated using western blotting.Results and discussion: CQR-300 treatment effectively reduced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels. HbA1c levels were increased by leptin receptor mutation. Additionally, in the oral glucose tolerance tests, the CQR-300 treated group had a faster blood glucose recovery rate than the db/db group. H&amp;amp;E and Oil red-O staining of the liver showed decreased lipid accumulation in the CQR-300 treated group than the db/db group. Western blot analysis confirmed that CQR-300 effectively inhibited gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and oxidative stress-related factors. Our findings suggest that CQR-300 has the potential to be used as a T2DM supplement.

Tagetes erecta L.: A traditional medicine effective in inflammatory process treatment

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as Aztec Marigold, is used in folk medicine to treat several ailments including inflammatory processes. Despite its historical use, the specific mechanisms through which it may modulate inflammation, particularly its effects on neutrophils and macrophages activation, have not yet been completely investigated. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from T. erecta flowers, focusing on its role in the regulation of neutrophil and macrophage functions. Material and methodsThe production of TNF, IL-6, CXCL-1, IL-1β, IL-10 (ELISA) and NO (Griess reaction), adhesion molecule expression (CD62L, CD49d and CD18, flow cytometry), and chemotaxis were analyzed in vitro using oyster glycogen-recruited peritoneal neutrophils or macrophages (RAW 264.7) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with the extract (1, 10 or 100 μg/mL). The resolution of inflammation was accessed by efferocytosis assay. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Swiss mice orally treated with the T. erecta extract (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg). The leukocyte influx (optical microscopy), secretion of chemical mediators (TNF, IL-6 and IL-1β, ELISA) and protein exudation (Bradford reaction) were quantified in the inflamed exudate. ResultsIn vitro studies demonstrated that the extract inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis and reduced the production and/or release of cytokines (TNF, IL-1β, CXCL1, and IL-6) as well as nitric oxide (NO) by neutrophils and macrophages when stimulated with LPS. Neutrophils treated with LPS and incubated with the extract showed an increase in CD62L expression, which leads to the impairment of neutrophil adhesion. The extract also enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages, which was accompanied by increased IL-10 secretion and decreased TNF levels. In vivo studies yielded similar results, showing reduction in neutrophil migration, protein exudation, and cytokine release (TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β). ConclusionsTogether, the data herein obtained shows that T. erecta flower extract has anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammatory mediators, limiting neutrophil migration, and promoting efferocytosis. The in vivo results suggest that an herbal medicine made with T. erecta could represent an interesting pharmacological tool for the treatment of acute inflammatory condition.

Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunberg—An Ornamental Shrub with Medical Properties

Harlequin glory bower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China. It has esthetic value and in Europe, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its sweet-smelling flowers have a white or pink crown. The calyx turns from green to pink–purple over time, providing an especially decorative touch around surrounding the ripe deep-blue fruits that persist until winter. In the areas of its natural occurrence, the leaves and young shoots of C. trichotomum, and sometimes the roots, flowers and fruits, are used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, sedative, and hypotensive effects. Products based on Harlequin glory are also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, skin inflammation, or asthma. Preliminary research on the composition of raw material suggests that its health-promoting effect is associated with the presence of numerous secondary metabolites, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. This work reviews the current state of knowledge about the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of the extracts and main active components isolated from C. trichotomum. It also indicates that before it can be used in modern medicine, further research is necessary regarding the safety and efficacy of the raw material, its mechanisms of action, and dosage.

An in silico-guided Approach for Assessing Herb-Drug Interaction Potential: A Case Study with Cudrania tricuspidata leaf Extracts.

Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extracts (CLEs) have long been utilized as traditional oriental medicines across Asian countries like Korea, China, and Japan. These extracts are renowned for their therapeutic benefits in addressing inflammation, tumors, obesity, and diabetes, maintaining their status as a pivotal folk remedy. Given the rising trend of combining medicinal herbs with conventional medications, it is imperative to explore the potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs). However, there is a dearth of research on evaluating the HDIs of CLEs. Also, the intricate chemical composition of medicinal herbs presents methodological hurdles in establishing causal relationships between their constituents and HDIs. To overcome these challenges, a combined in silico and in vitro workflow was developed and effectively applied to evaluate the potential HDI of CLEs along with the associated chemical factors. In vitro CYP inhibition assays, CLEs exhibited potent inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C8, with quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides identified as the major constituents. In silico analysis based on the prediction tools (ADMETlab2.0 and pkCSM) identified key contributors to CYP inhibition, quercetin and kaempferol. Additionally, molecular docking (MD) analysis validated the binding of ligands (quercetin and kaempferol) to proteins (CYP1A2 and CYP2C8). These findings suggest that CLEs could inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP2C8, aiding in understanding the HDI potential of CLEs for safe clinical application. Furthermore, this approach can be broadly applied to study HDIs of various medicinal herbs, enhancing their therapeutic benefits and reducing adverse reactions by considering chemical profiles relevant to HDI potential in herbal preparations.

An in silico-guided Approach for Assessing Herb-Drug Interaction Potential: A Case Study with Cudrania tricuspidata leaf Extracts.

Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extracts (CLEs) have long been utilized as traditional oriental medicines across Asian countries like Korea, China, and Japan. These extracts are renowned for their therapeutic benefits in addressing inflammation, tumors, obesity, and diabetes, maintaining their status as a pivotal folk remedy. Given the rising trend of combining medicinal herbs with conventional medications, it is imperative to explore the potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs). However, there is a dearth of research on evaluating the HDIs of CLEs. Also, the intricate chemical composition of medicinal herbs presents methodological hurdles in establishing causal relationships between their constituents and HDIs. To overcome these challenges, a combined in silico and in vitro workflow was developed and effectively applied to evaluate the potential HDI of CLEs along with the associated chemical factors. In vitro CYP inhibition assays, CLEs exhibited potent inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C8, with quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides identified as the major constituents. In silico analysis based on the prediction tools (ADMETlab2.0 and pkCSM) identified key contributors to CYP inhibition, quercetin and kaempferol. Additionally, molecular docking (MD) analysis validated the binding of ligands (quercetin and kaempferol) to proteins (CYP1A2 and CYP2C8). These findings suggest that CLEs could inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP2C8, aiding in understanding the HDI potential of CLEs for safe clinical application. Furthermore, this approach can be broadly applied to study HDIs of various medicinal herbs, enhancing their therapeutic benefits and reducing adverse reactions by considering chemical profiles relevant to HDI potential in herbal preparations.

Optimization of Extraction Process of Total Alkaloids from Thalictrum delavayi Franch. and Their Therapeutic Potential on Pulmonary Infection Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli

Bacterial co-infected pneumonia is an acute inflammatory reaction of the lungs mainly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Antibiotics are urgently important but have the disadvantage of antibacterial resistance, and alternative treatments with medicinal plants are attractive. On the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Thalictrum delavayi Franch. (T. delavayi) is an important member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is rich in alkaloids and has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. In this study, the extraction process of total alkaloids from the whole T. delavayi plant was optimized and the extract’s therapeutic potential against pulmonary infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli was investigated. The results showed that the optimum experimental conditions for the total alkaloids (2.46%) from T. delavayi were as follows: hydrochloric acid volume fraction of 0.8%, solid–liquid ratio of 1:12 and sonication time of 54 min. The treatment reduced bacterial counts, white blood cell counts and inflammatory cell classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum in experimental groups. The results in our experimental preliminary work suggested that the total alkaloids from T. delavayi had therapeutic effects on mice with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli mixed infectious pneumonia, providing experimental support for the plant’s therapeutic potential in treating pulmonary infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli.

Investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of Elaeagnus an-gustifolia L. through enzyme inhibition assays

Elaeagnaceae family, which is common in the steppe regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, contains about 45 species, including three genus: Hippophae, Shepherdia, and Elaeagnus. There are two species in the genus Hippophae rhamnoides and Elaeagnus angustifolia. The species of the Elaeagnaceae family is widely used in public and traditional medicine due to its widespread prevalence in the world and in Turkey. Ethnobotanical field studies have revealed that the fruits of E. angustifolia L. are used in Anatolia as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, urolithiatic, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory agent in eye infections. Furthermore, the fruit of this plant is consumed as an appetizer and a source of nutrition. The study aims to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of extracts in different polarities from the leaves, branches, and fruits of E. angustifolia and to establish the content of polyphenolic compounds (flavones and polyphenolic carboxylic acids) in the ethyl acetate extract branches using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). In this context, the anti-inflammatory effects of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts prepared from the plant have been evaluated through in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzyme inhibition, inhibition of protein denaturation and proteinase enzyme, and anti-lipoxygenase activity tests. The results showed the highest activity of the ethyl acetate extract from branches. The HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract prepared from the branches at a concentration of 100 mg/g contains p-coumaric acid (123.91 mg%), ferulic acid (62.07 mg%), kaempferol (43.11 mg%), sinapic acid (9.82 mg%), and quercetol (12.46 mg%). It was concluded that the data obtained in this context supported the use of the plant in folk medicine.

Investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of Elaeagnus an-gustifolia L. through enzyme inhibition assays

Elaeagnaceae family, which is common in the steppe regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, contains about 45 species, including three genus: Hippophae, Shepherdia, and Elaeagnus. There are two species in the genus Hippophae rhamnoides and Elaeagnus angustifolia. The species of the Elaeagnaceae family is widely used in public and traditional medicine due to its widespread prevalence in the world and in Turkey. Ethnobotanical field studies have revealed that the fruits of E. angustifolia L. are used in Anatolia as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, urolithiatic, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory agent in eye infections. Furthermore, the fruit of this plant is consumed as an appetizer and a source of nutrition. The study aims to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of extracts in different polarities from the leaves, branches, and fruits of E. angustifolia and to establish the content of polyphenolic compounds (flavones and polyphenolic carboxylic acids) in the ethyl acetate extract branches using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). In this context, the anti-inflammatory effects of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts prepared from the plant have been evaluated through in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzyme inhibition, inhibition of protein denaturation and proteinase enzyme, and anti-lipoxygenase activity tests. The results showed the highest activity of the ethyl acetate extract from branches. The HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract prepared from the branches at a concentration of 100 mg/g contains p-coumaric acid (123.91 mg%), ferulic acid (62.07 mg%), kaempferol (43.11 mg%), sinapic acid (9.82 mg%), and quercetol (12.46 mg%). It was concluded that the data obtained in this context supported the use of the plant in folk medicine.

Therapeutic itineraries of snakebite victims and antivenom access in southern Mexico.

Access to antivenoms in cases of snakebite continues to be an important public health issue around the world, especially in rural areas with poorly developed health care systems. This study aims to evaluate therapeutic itineraries and antivenom accessibility following snakebites in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico. Employing an intercultural health approach that seeks to understand and bridge allopathic and traditional medical perceptions and practices, we conducted field interviews with 47 snakebite victims, documenting the therapeutic itineraries of 54 separate snakebite incidents that occurred between 1977 and 2023. Most victims used traditional remedies as a first line of treatment, often to withstand the rigors of a long journey to find antivenoms. The main obstacles to antivenom access were distance, poor antivenom availability, and cost. Standard antivenom treatment is highly valued and sought after, even as traditional beliefs and practices persist within a cultural framework known as the "hot-cold" system. The findings are crucial for informing future enhancements to antivenom distribution systems, health education initiatives, and other interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of snakebites in the region.

Exploring Hausa Cuisine for Diabetes Management: Towards a Culinary Solution

This paper explores the rich tradition of Hausa cuisine and its potential role in managing diabetes, focusing on traditional medicinal foods used by the Hausa people. Drawing from the abundant natural resources surrounding them, the Hausa people have long relied on a holistic approach to health, incorporating various trees, plants, roots, and herbs into their diet. Traditional remedies often blur the line between food and medicine, reflecting the Hausa belief that dietary choices play a crucial role in overall health. Through an extensive examination of traditional Hausa foods and their therapeutic effects on diabetes, this paper provides insights into potential culinary solutions for managing the condition. From fresh moringa leaves to baobab fruits, from hibiscus to fish and local fowls, the paper explores a wide range of traditional remedies used by the Hausa people to alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Furthermore, the paper discusses the harmful types of foods that diabetics should avoid and highlights non-harmful foods beneficial for diabetes management. By shedding light on the intricate relationship between Hausa cuisine and diabetes management, this paper contributes to our understanding of traditional medicinal practices and offers avenues for further research and exploration.

Dereplication of 4-Quinolone Alkaloids from Waltheria Indica (Malvaceae) Tissues Using Molecular Network Tools.

Waltheria indica (Malvaceae) is a plant popularly used in folk medicine by traditional African and indigenous communities, and in various countries worldwide, to treat general inflammation. Several biological activities of this plant have been reported, including acetylcholinesterase inhibition and potential anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), antinociceptive, analgesic, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The chemical profile of Waltheria indica was assessed by dereplication analysis using UPLC-MS/MS, and data acquisition was performed using chemoinformatics tools, such as Mass Spectrometry-Data Independent AnaLysis (MS-DIAL) and MS-FINDER softwares. The preprocessed data were sent to the GNPS to build a feature-based molecular network (FBMN). Thirty-three 4-quinolone alkaloids were annotated in the extracts and fractions of stems and roots, whereas 12 were annotated in the extracts and fractions of flowers and leaves. This represents an inaugural chemical investigation study employing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, along with a molecular network approach, within this species and genus.

Evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy of silver nanoparticles phytofabricated by Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. leaf extract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Oleaceae), commonly known as harsingar, is a plant with potential medicinal properties. The plant was used in traditional folk medicine and as a pharmacological activity. The present study reports a rapid and eco-accommodating technique to synthesize silver nanoparticles AgNPs with low cost and with no need to heat, using aqueous extracts of N. arbor-tristis L. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to detect the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saturated sugar, saponins, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and proteins in the plant. A color change observed in the test confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, and UV – Visible spectrophotometer (DLS) were used to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The antibacterial potential of AgNPs was further tested against different bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia displayed by finding the maximum zone of inhibition observed against S. typhi of 24.6 mm, S. aureus 21.6±0.57 mm, P. aeruginosa 19 mm, K. pneumonia 17 mm and E. coli 15.3±0.57 mm. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs were also exhibited as anticancer properties against MDA-231 cell line Human Breast cancer cell line which was determined dose dependent manner and their concentration of 2.5 to 30 μg/mL respectively, and noted the inhibitory range at 30 μg/mL of its concentration, which was further tested in high inhibitory effect on their leaf extract high concentration in cytotoxic, bactericidal experiments.

Investigation of the qualitative and appearance characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum L. based on colorimetric and browning indices in storage conditions

AbstractThe eryngo plant is an herb related to the Apiaceae family with the greatest diversity of species, has a gorgeous taste when eaten as a vegetable, and is traditionally used in folk medicine for its health benefits. The present study was to assess the effects of different drying methods and storage times on the quality and appearance of Eryngium caeruleum. The treatments of this study were drying methods (room temperature (25°C) with proper ventilation, oven temperature 55°C, vacuum oven temperature 55°C, and a microwave with a power of 500 W) and storage times (1, 75, and 150 days). The lowest brightness index and the highest browning index were found in the shade‐dried samples kept in the refrigerator for 150 days. In these samples, the numerical values of chlorophyll were lower than others. After 75 days, in the vacuum oven‐dried samples, the maximum levels of total phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant activity were calculated. The colorimetric test showed that the oven‐dried samples maintained their green color well. However, the storage decreased the quality of plant samples due to the degradation of chlorophyll. Overall, this study showed that the highest greenness and appearance qualities were found in the samples dried in a vacuum oven at 55°C. It seems that appearance indices can be introduced as an initial and quick step in the qualitative assessment of dried leafy products.

FOLK MEDICINE THEN AND NOW - CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HEALING PROCESS IN FOLK MEDICINE IN 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY ON POLISH RURAL AREAS, AND ANALYSIS OF THE CONTEMPORARY APPROACH TO PRACTICES DERIVED FROM FOLK HEALING

Europäische Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft About the Journal Pee Home r Review Editorial Board For Authors Reviewer Recognition Archive Contact Impressum EWG e.V. Elektronische Zeitschriftbibliotek Logo Bielefeld Academic Search Engine Logo Erfolgreich durch internationale Zusammenarbeit HISTORY OF MEDICINE Cite as: Archiv EuroMedica. 2024. 14; 3. DOI 10.35630/2024/14/3.347 Received 28 May 2024; Accepted 20 June 2024; Published 25 June 2024 FOLK MEDICINE THEN AND NOW - CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HEALING PROCESS IN FOLK MEDICINE IN 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY ON POLISH RURAL AREAS, AND ANALYSIS OF THE CONTEMPORARY APPROACH TO PRACTICES DERIVED FROM FOLK HEALING Maciej Rumian1 email orcid id logo, Wojciech Koziołek2 orcid id logo, Alicja Kosel1 orcid id logo, Maria Antos1 orcid id logo, Angelika Wawryszuk1 orcid id logo, Grzegorz Łyko3 orcid id logo, Weronika Kaminska3 orcid id logo, Adrian Bobrzyk3 orcid id logo 1Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland 2Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Świętej Anny 12, 31-008 Kraków, Poland 3Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland download article (pdf) rumni1998@interia.pl ABSTRACT Introduction and purpose: Folk medicine is a vast subject, describing various actions drawn from herbal medicine, magic and folk beliefs, as well as conventional medicine, aimed at healing the sick. The purpose of the study was to characterize the main principles and components of the healing process in folk medicine practiced among the rural population in 19th and 20th century Poland, based on available literature. Materials and review methods: The PubMed, Google Scholar databases and available book literature were searched for studies and chapters describing the causes of diseases in 19th and 20th century folk medicine, the activities of rural healers, and the methods of treating illnesses practiced at that time. State of knowledge, results: Folk medicine has been a part of the tradition of polish rural medicine for a long time. Folk medicine included both preventive and curative procedures and interventions. Despite their significant differences and diversity, depending on the region of practice, many healing procedures were based on similar principles and had a lot in common. Even today, folk medicine remains alive and, although sometimes treated with a grain of salt, it still remains a practiced element of the medical profession. Conclusion: The review of historical and current literature conducted by the authors allows us to confidently say that folk medicine was very widespread among the rural population in the 19th and 20th centuries in Poland. Despite many differences, the methods used in folk medicine drew from similar principles and rules, which granted them healing power. Studies conducted by contemporary authors demonstrate that despite the intensive development of science and medicine, methods derived from folk medicine are still in use, although they are not as popular as in past centuries.