Folk Medicine Research Articles

IJCM_34A: Usage of complementary / alternative medicine (CAM) and perception towards it among cancer patients admitted in tertiary care hospitals

Background: Cancer being a deadly disease, cancer victims face great challenges with respect to their routines, roles and relationships. The usage of other means to cure illness is called complementary and alternative medicine or CAM. This study is done to determine the proportion and usage pattern of CAM for cancer treatment and to assess the perception towards CAM among cancer patients. Methodologys: It was a Descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out among cancer patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals attached to a medical college. The interview schedule was prepared which consists of four sections including the socio-demographic details, details about the diagnosis and treatment of cancer among the study participants, details about the usage pattern of Complementary medicine, and the perception of cancer victims towards Complementary medicine for cancer treatment. Data will be entered and analyzed by using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.5. Results: Out of 105 participants majority of cancer patients,74 (70%) of them were of the age group between 40- 70 years. 65% of the patients had addictions among which 60 (90.9%) were addicts for more than 10 years. The majority of the patients underwent radiotherapy 85 (81.0%), followed by Chemotherapy 72 (68.6%), The number of patients that have used CAM in our study was found to be 12 (11.4%). Many of them chose Ayurveda as their type of CAM 5 (41.7%) followed by home remedies usage 4 (25%). 39 (38.5%) believe that there should be more evidence that CAM works while 38 (33.8%) don’t need any evidence about it. 45 (42.9%) feel that CAM treatment does not work in the treatment of cancer while 35 (33.3%) remained neutral in this aspect. 85 (81.0%) are satisfied with present cancer treatment. 78 (74.3%) agreed that Modern medicine is most effective for treatment of cancer. Conclusion: The usage of CAM in our study was found to be minimal. The majority of the participants are satisfied with modern medicine and most of the patients are satisfied with allopathic treatment.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants of Tehsil Deedwana, District Deedwana-Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Abstract: The aim of present survey is to identify and documenting the plants used in the area of Deedwana regions of Deedwana-Kuchaman district, Rajasthan, India. The study aimed to identify and classify the medicinal plants, document indigenous knowledge related to their therapeutic properties, and assess their cultural and economic significance. Recently, focus is given to study of herbal drugs and traditional remedies. The present study highlights useful ethnobotanical information about the uses of plants by the inhibitant of central part of Rajasthan specially of the Deedwana as medicine traditionally. A total of 331 species of angiospermic plants belonging to 218 genera and 65 families were recorded from this area, out of them a total of 83 species of plants representing 74 genera and 40 families employed in the literature as traditional medical practice have been recorded from the study area. Ailments such as mental disorder, diorrhoea, fever, skin-problems, dysentery, rheumatism, jaundice, piles etc. are mostly treated with the different medicinal plants traditionally. The survey will be helpful in formulate strategies for future conservation. Though many of these plant species have immediate attention for their conservation. Due to overgrazing, encroachments, unsustainable utilization and other developmental activities in the regions, several persistent medicinal plant species are on the verge of extinction

Phytochemicals, Mineral Elements and Antioxidants Evaluation of Some Commonly Consumed Desert Fruits

The medicinal properties of fruits are closely related to their available phytochemicals, as well as antioxidant capacity. Many of the indigenous fruits have been traditionally used as folk medicine. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemicals, mineral elements, and antioxidant properties of five (5) commonly consumed desert fruits such as Hyphaene thebaica, Detarium senegalensce, Ziziphus jujuba, Dialium guineense and Diospyros mespiliformis. The phytochemicals, mineral elements, and antioxidants were carried out using standard methods of analysis. The result revealed that phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides were present in all five fruits studied with varied compositions. While the mineral elements such as Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu) were present indicated that the fruits have substantial mineral elements, however, varied according to the fruits species studied, Hyphaene thebaica exhibits the highest elemental content. The DPPH inhibition properties emphasize the diverse antioxidant capabilities of the studied fruits in which Diospyrosme spiliformis (DS) emerges as a standout in DPPH inhibition activity, exhibiting robust antioxidant activity, closely followed by Dialium guineense (DG). The nitric oxide radical scavenging reveals a concentration-dependent response in the NO radicals scavenging activity for all the fruits and ascorbic acid. The findings conclude that the five desert fruits species revealed different phyto-constituents, mineral elements, Nitric oxide radical scavenging effect, and DPPH inhibition properties suggesting potential medicinal and nutritional properties of the five desert fruits.

Analysis of bitter compounds in traditional preparations of Gentiana purpurea L

Roots of Gentiana purpurea are known to have an intense bitter taste due to its high content of secoiridoids. In folk medicine roots have commonly been prepared as water decoctions, soaked in ethanol, or boiled with milk, wine, or beer. The aim of this study was to explore how various historical preparation methods influence yields of major bitter compounds in G. purpurea. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that maceration with 40% and 70% ethanol, boiling with acetic acid (3% and 6%), vinegar and raw milk gave the highest extraction yields of gentiopicrin. Erythrocentaurin was detected when the roots were added to cold water before boiling, possibly because of enzymatic degradation. In contrast, erythrocentaurin was not detected in preparations where roots were added to boiling water, or when they were extracted with acetic acid or alcohol. The results stress the significance of traditional preparation methods to optimize yield of bioactive compounds.

Natural Treatment Approaches For Varicose Veins: A Brief Review Of The Literature

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widespread condition affecting millions worldwide. Each year, approximately 150,000 new patients are diagnosed with CVI, and nearly $500 million is used in the care of these patients. Blood flow in the venous system has intact valves and muscle pumps to allow blood to flow back to the heart against gravity. The inadequacy of these systems leads to difficulties in blood circulation, resulting in blood reflux, blood pooling, and venous hypertension. The condition mentioned above can lead to the development of varicose veins, edema, discomfort, alterations in the skin, and potentially even the formation of ulcers. Conditions that induce CVI genetic predisposition, obesity (body mass index greater than 30), continuous standing/sitting work, age, pregnancy, gender, and lifestyle. Conventional venous insufficiency treatments include compression therapy, surgical interventions like vein stripping, and sclerotherapy. Venoactive drugs used in conservative treatment have the potential to enhance both varicose veins and symptoms associated with chronic venous disorders throughout all stages of venous insufficiency. In addition to synthetic drugs, naturally derived coumarins, flavonoids, rutin derivatives, pycnogenol, micronized purified flavonoid fraction, and saponosides are essential in the treatment. Medicinal plants and natural compounds are highly preferred for treating CVI and varicose veins due to their biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vascular tone improvement. The present review provides a concise overview of the utilization of natural compounds and plant extracts in treating varicose veins, both in medical practice and traditional folk medicine.

The Estrogenic Effect of Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz Leaf Water Extract in MCF-7 Cells

Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz (LS) has been widely used as traditional medicine in the northeast region of Thailand to stimulate the production of breast milk. There are no known studies on the estrogenic action of LS on the stimulation of breast milk production. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the estrogenic effect of LS leaf water extract compared with quercetin, one of the compounds in LS, in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The effect of LS leaf water extract and quercetin on cell viability of MCF-7 cells was studied by MTT assay at a concentration range of 0 to 500 µg/mL. The expression of estrogen-dependent genes, the pS2, ERα, and ERβ was also examined by real-time RT-PCR, and the expression of ERα protein was detected by Western blotting. The quercetin content in the LS water extract was 285.67 ± 0.11 µg/g of dry extract. MCF-7 cells treated with LS leaf water extract (20 µg/mL) showed an upregulation of pS2 gene expression similar to that of the treatment with E2 (10−9 M) compared with that of the untreated control. The ERα gene expression was found to be upregulated by quercetin (0.16 µg/mL) and E2 (10−5 M) compared with the untreated control. In addition, quercetin (0.16 µg/mL) and LS extract (0.8, 4, and 20 µg/mL) decreased the phosphorylation of ERα at Ser167. LS extract (20 µg/mL) decreased ERα, but there was no significant effect on the ERα at Ser118 protein expression. This study provided scientific evidence for the potential estrogenic activities of LS leaf water extract. This indicates that ER-dependent pathways in MCF-7 cells served as mediators, facilitating the estrogenic properties of LS and its compounds to function effectively. Since LS induced pS2 gene transcription, it was confirmed that this could affect the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes, causing estrogenic effects. HIGHLIGHTSThis is the first study to demonstrate the estrogenic effect of Lysiphyllum strychnifolium leaf water extract. L. strychnifolium leaf water extract induced pS2 gene transcription, and it was confirmed that this could affect the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes which cause estrogenic effects. The results of this study support the mechanism and scientific evaluation on the use of L. strychnifolium for stimulation of breast milk in folk medicine. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Traditional Healing Practices and Folk Medicines in Thailand: A Case Study of Huai Yot District, Trang Province

Traditional Healing Practices and Folk Medicines in Thailand: A Case Study of Huai Yot District, Trang Province

Androgenetic Alopecia: update on Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Alopecia means loss of hair. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) now called as patterned hair loss (male pattern hair loss; MPHL, female pattern hair loss; FPHL) is caused by androgens in a predisposed individual. It is modulated by factors like age, sex, genes, smoking, and alcohol. If untreated this leads to psychological problems like stress, anxiety, depression and decrease self-confidence which affect quality of life. A thorough clinical examination and a certain hormonal estimation could reveal levels of androgens, hyperandrogenism, adrenal hyperplasia, (PCOS) polycystic ovarian syndrome, and ovarian/adrenal tumors. A simple Trichoscopy could show the typical picture of hair miniaturization commonly seen in this condition. Finally, a biopsy of the scalp could help in clinching conclusive diagnosis. Out of the many treatments at our disposal, the non-pharmacologic methods like temporary camouflage techniques, synthetic hair wigs, hair-thickening fibers, hair weaving, pigmented powders are useful. Semi-permanent options like scalp micro-pigmentation (thorough tattooing) are useful to enhance appearances. Presently the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved pharmacologic treatments are Minoxidil and Finasteride. The non-USFDA approved methods of treatments like various surgical procedures {[hair transplantation]: follicular unit transplantation (FUT), follicular unit extraction (FUE), microneedling, light therapy, indigenous medicines, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)}, and various loco-regional hair care practices are in vogue. The outcome of this review is to offer the latest update and insights into the newer novel therapies in patterned hair loss. Also, the patients could enhance their knowledge about the condition, the benefits and prognosis of each treatment.

Phytochemical screening, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GCMS) analysis and molecular toxicological potential of Hunteria umbellata aqueous fruit extract against Staphylococcus aureus in accessory gene regulators (AGRs)

BackgroundFruits of Hunteria umbellata (HU) have been utilized in folk medicine as potent against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections, particularly skin and nasal related conditions. However, there is scarcity of literature concerning toxicological evaluation of graded doses of HU fruit, especially at molecular level, specifically targeting the accessory gene regulator (AGR) system to prevent abuse of doses in the treatment of bacterial infections. This research evaluated molecular toxicological property of SA exposed to varied concentrations of aqueous HU fruit extract ranging from 500 to 3.90625 µg/µL using broth microdilution method and quantification of AGR I and II genes’ expression employing two-step reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We first identified quality and quantity of chemical compounds in aqueous fruit of HU using phytochemistry and hybrid gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) technique. Additionally, preliminary bactericidal potential of HU was assessed before molecular toxicology.ResultsResults revealed six phytochemicals and twenty analytical grade compounds from a standard library were identified from chromatograms of HU fruit extract. Some main compounds detected are n-Hexadecanoic acid (25.24%), 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl (16.08%), Cuparene (16.63%), Tetradecanoic acid (6.21%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid, (E)- (5.70%). Bactericidal activity shows significant (p < 0.05) toxicity in the tested (8) concentrations of HU fruits in a dose-response relationship compared to the controls (positive and negative). The quantified expression of AGR I and II genes in SA was most significantly increased (p < 0.05) at both 250 and 500 µg/µL of HU fruit extract while least significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 125 µg/µL compared to control.ConclusionsNotably, the study highlighted a potential risk of augmented bacterial infection especially with higher doses of HU extracts during boils’ treatment and other epidermal infections instigated by Staph. Expression of both AGR genes at higher doses (250 and 500 µg/µL) is indicative of further expression of several other genes responsible for virulence factors in a variety of human bacterial infections. Thus, consumption of HU fruit to treat boils and blisters should be with great caution especially at high doses.

New Light on Plants and Their Chemical Compounds Used in Polish Folk Medicine to Treat Urinary Diseases.

This review contains the results of Polish (Central Europe) ethnomedical studies that describe the treatment of urinary tract diseases with wild and cultivated plants. The study includes only the plants that are used to treat the urinary tract, excluding prostate diseases. A review of the literature was carried out to verify the pharmacological use of the plants mentioned in the interviews. Based on this, the study reviews the pharmacological activities of all the recorded species and indicates their most important chemical compounds. Fifty-three species (belonging to 30 families) were selected for the study. The Compositae (eight species), Rosaceae (six species), and Apiaceae (six species) are the most common families used in the treatment of urinary diseases in Polish folk medicine. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that many of these plant species have beneficial properties, such as diuretic, antihyperuricemic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity, or the prevention of urinary stone formation. These effects are exerted through different mechanisms, for example, through the activation of bradykinin B2 receptors, inhibition of xanthine oxidase, or inhibition of Na+-K+ pump. Many plants used in folk medicine are rich in phytochemicals with proven effectiveness against urinary tract diseases, such as rutin, arbutin, or triterpene saponins.

Efficient protocol for micropropagation of medicinal forest tree Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum) by silver nitrate promoted high frequency shoot proliferation

Oroxylum indicum, a significant medicinal plant in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), faces ecological and economic challenges due to high demand for its traditional herbal remedies, leading to overexploitation. To combat this, the authors have developed an in vitro propagation protocol aimed at achieving robust shoot proliferation. Using nodal segments from in vitro germinated seedlings, the best results were obtained with a medium containing only benzyladenine (BA) at 22.2 µM. Despite basal callus formation and reduced shoot numbers, the addition of silver nitrate improved shoot proliferation and overall plant health. For in vitro root induction and proliferation, a medium enriched with Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 2.85 µM proved the most effective. Successful transplantation of acclimatized plantlets to field conditions was achieved. This protocol not only aids O. indicum conservation but also holds socio-economic potential for Himalayan communities, as its bark is valuable in commercial Ayurvedic preparations, including Dashamoolarishta.

Novel Anti-Viral Properties of the Herbal Extract of Davallia mariesii against Influenza A Virus.

Gu-Sui-Bu, the dried rhizome of Davallia mariesii, is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with a significant history of treating osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions. However, its potential as an anti-influenza agent and its underlying mechanisms of action remain unexplored. To obtain a more potent extract from D. mariesii and gain insights into its mechanism of action against influenza A virus (IAV), we utilized a partitioning process involving organic solvents and water, resulting in the isolation of butanolic subfractions of the D. mariesii extract (DMBE). DMBE exhibited a broad anti-viral spectrum, effectively inhibiting IAV, with an EC50 of 24.32 ± 6.19 µg/mL and a selectivity index of 6.05. We subsequently conducted a series of in vitro assays to evaluate the antiviral effects of DMBE and to uncover its mechanisms of action. DMBE was found to inhibit IAV during the early stages of infection by hindering the attachment of the virus onto and its penetration into host cells. Importantly, DMBE was observed to hinder IAV-mediated cell-cell fusion. It also inhibited neuraminidase activity, plaque size, and the expression levels of phospho-AKT. In summary, this study provides evidence for the effectiveness of D. mariesii as a complementary and alternative herbal remedy against IAV. Specifically, our data highlight DMBE's capabilities in inhibiting viral entry and the release of virions.

Biological Activities of Deer Antler-Derived Peptides on Human Chondrocyte and Bone Metabolism.

Orally administered "tortoiseshell and deer antler gelatin" is a common traditional medicine for patients with osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. From the pepsin-digested gelatin, we previously isolated and identified the osteoblast-stimulating pentapeptide, TSKYR. Its trypsin digestion products include the dipeptide YR, enhancing calcium ion uptake, and tripeptide TSK, resulting in remarkable 30- and 50-fold increases in mineralized nodule area and density in human osteoblast cells. These peptides were chemically synthesized in this study. The composition of deer antler preparations comprises not only proteins and peptides but also a significant quantity of metal ion salts. By analyzing osteoblast growth in the presence of peptide YR and various metal ions, we observed a synergistic effect of calcium and strontium on the effects of YR. Those peptides could also stimulate the growth of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and human chondrocytes, increasing collagen and glycosaminoglycan content in a three-dimensional environment. The maintenance of bone homeostasis relies on a balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Deer antler peptides were observed to inhibit osteoclast differentiation, as evidenced by ROS generation, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) activity assays, and gene expression in RAW264.7 cells. In summary, our findings provide a deep understanding of the efficacy of this folk medicine.

Acorns as a Source of Valuable Compounds for Food and Medical Applications: A Review of Quercus Species Diversity and Laboratory Studies

Acorns, the fruit of oak trees of the genus Quercus, have been known to people for generations worldwide. In ancient times, they were an important part of culinary traditions and folk medicine. Their exploitation for food over the years has been significantly diminished, which may arise from the high content of tannins responsible for a bitter taste and anti-nutritional properties. However, more and more studies show acorns’ potential nutritional and health benefits. Furthermore, new reports are emphasizing the health-promoting properties of tannin-decomposition products. This review aims to present the available studies on the phytoconstituents variation in the acorns of different Quercus species and their possible significance for food and medical applications. In this study, the results of lab-scale food processing, as well as in vivo and in vitro experiments, are included. The literature data proved that acorn products (flour, oil, and extracts) are intensively examined due to their dietary, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective activities provided by their bioactive compounds. The general conclusion is that this raw material can be used more widely in the future as an ingredient in functional foods, supplements, and drugs.

Plant phenolics inhibit focal adhesion kinase and suppress host cell invasion by uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Traditional folk treatments for the prevention and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infectious diseases often include plants and plant extracts that are rich in phenolic compounds. These have been ascribed a variety of activities, including inhibition of bacterial interactions with host cells. Here, we tested a panel of four well-studied phenolic compounds-caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), resveratrol, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate-for the effects on host cell adherence and invasion by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). These bacteria, which are the leading cause of UTIs, can bind and subsequently invade bladder epithelial cells via an actin-dependent process. Intracellular UPEC reservoirs within the bladder are often protected from antibiotics and host defenses and likely contribute to the development of chronic and recurrent infections. In cell culture-based assays, only resveratrol had a notable negative effect on UPEC adherence to bladder cells. However, both CAPE and resveratrol significantly inhibited UPEC entry into the host cells, coordinate with attenuated phosphorylation of the host actin regulator Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK or PTK2) and marked increases in the numbers of focal adhesion structures. We further show that the intravesical delivery of resveratrol inhibits UPEC infiltration of the bladder mucosa in a murine UTI model and that resveratrol and CAPE can disrupt the ability of other invasive pathogens to enter host cells. Together, these results highlight the therapeutic potential of molecules like CAPE and resveratrol, which could be used to augment antibiotic treatments by restricting pathogen access to protective intracellular niches.IMPORTANCEUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are exceptionally common and increasingly difficult to treat due to the ongoing rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, the primary cause of UTIs, uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), can avoid antibiotic exposure and many host defenses by invading the epithelial cells that line the bladder surface. Here, we identified two plant-derived phenolic compounds that disrupt activation of the host machinery needed for UPEC entry into bladder cells. One of these compounds, resveratrol, effectively inhibited UPEC invasion of the bladder mucosa in a mouse UTI model, and both phenolic compounds significantly reduced host cell entry by other invasive pathogens. These findings suggest that select phenolic compounds could be used to supplement existing antibacterial therapeutics by denying uropathogens shelter within host cells and tissues and help explain some of the benefits attributed to traditional plant-based medicines.

Quality and production enhancement of fish mint, Houttuynia cordata Thunb., cultivated in a hydroponic planting system with designed plant growth-promoting additives

Fish mint, Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) is an edible vegetable that has also been used in traditional folk medicines. As both a medicinal herb and a dietary source, HCT has been clinically proven to be a pivotal ingredient in formulas administered to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. With the increasing market demand for imported materials, ensuring the quality consistency of HCT becomes a significant concern. In this study, the growing time for hydroponically-cultivated HCT with seaweed extract and amino acids added (HCTW) reduced by half compared to conventional soil-cultivated HCT (HCTS). Key quantified components in HCTW, flavonoid glycosides and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, exhibited a 143% increase over HCTS. These crucial constituents were responsible for possessing antioxidant activity (IC50 < 25 μg/mL) and anti-nitrite oxide production (IC50 < 20 μg/mL). An economically-designed hydroponic system with appropriate additives is proposed to replace HCTS with improvements of growth time, overall production yields, and bioactive qualities.

BEE PRDUCTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES ARISING FROM THEIR UNCONTROLLED USE

In Turkiye, as well as worldwide, traditional and alternative medical practices are employed for the preservation of health and the treatment of various diseases. Among these practices, Apitherapy has gained particular attention, especially in recent years. Since drug use causes serious side effects, especially on human health, people are increasingly turning to alternative medical treatment methods with minimal or no side effects.&#x0D; Apitherapy is a treatment method involving bee products such as honey, pollen, Royal Jel, propolis, and bee venom. It is primarily used for the purpose of promoting a healthier lifestyle. While these products have been traditionally used in various treatments for many years, their systematic use has gained prominence in recent years. Studies have shown that these products strengthen the immune system, provide protection against various types of cancer, and exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.&#x0D; Furthermore, the high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in these products enhances their therapeutic potential. However, alongside the benefits of these supportive and therapeutic substances, there is a possibility of various toxic effects when used irregularly and without medical supervision. Sometimes, these situations can lead to various organ failures. This review aims to reveal the undesirable effects encountered in the use of bee products and apitherapy applications, and emphasizes that all natural products, especially bee products, should not be used uncontrolled.

Herbal Healing Traditions: A Study of Folk Medicines Used by Traditional Healers of Sonamukhi Block, Bankura District, West Bengal, India

This ethnobotanical study aims to dive into the traditional medicinal practices used by tribals in Sonamukhi Block, Bankura district, West Bengal, India. Focusing on the use of medicinal herbs, the study carefully investigates the intergenerational wisdom kept by traditional healers, who play an important role in healthcare administration. Through conversations with traditional healers and patients, a thorough list of medicinal plants used to treat various diseases has been developed. The study demonstrates that traditional healers successfully use these medicinal plants to produce herbal medications, offering insights into the painstaking process of herbal medicine preparation that was explored in depth during the investigation. These findings highlight the significance of joint efforts to preserve indigenous knowledge and encourage the incorporation of traditional healing techniques into contemporary healthcare. The research study focused on the complicated junction of scientific methodologies and traditional beliefs, indicating the possibility for effective collaboration between scientific institutions and indigenous populations to improve healthcare practices. The studies' thorough examination of medicinal plant usage and herbal medication manufacturing emphasizes the importance of preserving, recording, and using this unique traditional knowledge for the benefit of world healthcare.

Celtis australis Exhibits Cytotoxic Effects by Inducing DNA Damage in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Native to the Mediterranean and southwest Asia, Celtis australis is used in folk medicine to treatment of many diseases such as peptic ulcer, diarrhea, dysentery, pain, and colic. However, there are very few studies on the effects of this species on cancer. We report for the first time the cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of C. australis on the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780.&#x0D; In the study, C. australis extract prepared in ethanol/phosphate buffer was applied to A2780 cells. The change in viability level in A2780 cells after treatment was determined by MTT assay and DNA damage was determined by single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) analysis.&#x0D; Our results showed that plant extract application at doses above 200 µg/ml significantly decreased A2780 cell viability (p

Characterization of the antioxidant activity, identified free radical-relieving components by LC/QTOF/MS and acute oral toxicity studies of Tri-Tharn-Thip tea

This study assessed the antioxidant activities and bioactive maker of Tri-Than-Thip tea (Tri-TTa) to provide database support for the use of Tri-Than Thip remedy according to the Thai Pharmaceutical Textbook and aims to develop herbal medicine or food from natural products. Tri-TTa and herbal components were tested for antioxidant scavenging activity (DPPH assay, ABTS assay), chain-breaking/iron ion chelating activity (Metal Chelating Activity; MAC, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power activity; FRAP), superoxide anion radical scavenging activity (NBT assay), oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC assay), total content of Phenolic (TCP) and flavonoid (TCP) substance. The chemical components were separated and investigated by LC/QTOF/MS for safe dosages due to acute oral toxicity in rats. The Tri-TTa showed the strongest inhibition of antioxidant activity with the DPPH, ABTS, and MCA assay, with IC50 values of 0.087 ± 0.003, 0.025 ± 0.000, and 0.012 ± 0.000 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, Tri-TTa can also inhibit superoxide anion radicals, with IC50 values of 158 ± 0.009 mg/mL, and the oxygen radical was 3.47 ± 0.03 μM of TE/g extract. TCP, TCF, and FRAP values of Tri-TTa were 154.123 ± 1.326, 80.233 ± 14.268 mg equivalent/g of extract, and 1092.457 ± 106.024 mM FeSO4/mg, respectively. Additionally, Tri-TTa contains important substances in the phenolic and flavonoid groups that have good antioxidant abilities and were confirmed to be safe through acute oral toxicity testing in rats, which revealed no toxicity-related effects at high doses. Tri-TTa is a strong candidate for use as a natural product with antioxidant activity, suggesting that plant polyphenol content may promote antioxidant activity. These results support further research on Thai folk remedy infusions as promising antioxidant agents that can be developed for food, tea, or tonic drugs from natural.