Local Herbs Research Articles

HERBS USED AS ANALGESIC BY DAYAK TRIBE IN NORTH KALIMANTAN INDONESIA

Traditional medicines produced from medicinal plants have played an important role in disease treatment in Dayak Tribe, North Kalimantan. Northern Kalimantan belongs to a remote area where health facilities like healthcare center ( puskesmas – pusat kesehatan masyarakat ) and hospital are not easily accessible. This research aims to investigate herbs used by Dayak tribe in North Kalimantan for treating pain. It is a descriptive research applying two research methods i.e. observation and interview. We directly observed the research object and proposed questions to respondents that were traditional healers from each village. The research was conducted in nine villages within three regencies in North Kalimantan. Meanwhile, 38 herbs collected in this research were from 26 families and 34 species. Four species were still locally named. The highest proportion of the herb family used was Asteraceae . The most frequently used part of the herb for medicine was the leaf (60.53%). The main serving methods were by boiling the herb and drinking it (63.15%). Bone pain and stomachache were two main illnesses mostly treated by local herb therapy involving 11 herbs. In conclusion, Dayak tribe in North Kalimantan still used herbs to treat their pain.

Sustainable Food Crop Production in Karst Area of Parigi, Pangandaran, West Java

Karst formations in Selasari and Parakanmanggu Village of Parigi District, Pangandaran Regency, West Java includes dolines, subterranean stream, springs, and karst hills are useful for agriculture. The purpose of this study was to 1) identifiy the used of karst area for rice cultivation and local trees in karst area; 2) evaluate the benefit of rice cultivation and local tree for local communities and 3) asses the legal aspect for supporting food crop production. The study was done using qualitative-descriptive method with the primary data obtained from field observations, soil analysis, local tree identification, and interviews. Secondary data was obtained from the Regional Government and the National Geological Agency. The results showed that rice cultivation has been carried out in suitable soil by using simple and rainfed irrigation. Local fruit, herbs, timber and shade-ornamental tree grow naturally on the karst area. Tree logging without significant revegetation caused water supply shortage so that farmers only grow rice once a year. Athough the rice productivity of both villages is lower than average rice productivity of Pangandaran Regency, rice is important to support local inhabitant’s consumption and family income. Land Use Plan year 2018 regulates the general provisions on zoning regulations for agriculture in susceptible area but the regulation does not mention the karst areas. This study suggested that tree conservation is needed to maintain the existence of rice fields. Land use planning for agriculture in the region must be based on integrated considerations of rice cultivation and local tree conservation.

Age and origin of leaf wax <i>n</i>-alkanes in fluvial sediment–paleosol sequences and implications for paleoenvironmental reconstructions

Abstract. Leaf wax n-alkanes are increasingly used for quantitative paleoenvironmental reconstructions. However, this is complicated in sediment archives with associated hydrological catchments since the stored n-alkanes can have different ages and origins. 14C dating of the n-alkanes yields independent age information for these proxies, allowing their correct paleoenvironmental interpretation. This also holds true for fluvial sediment–paleosol sequences (FSPSs) that integrate two different n-alkane signals: (i) a catchment signal in fluvial sediments and (ii) an on-site signal from local biomass that increasingly dominates (paleo)soils with time. Therefore, the age and origin of n-alkanes in FSPSs are complex: in fluvial sediment layers they can be pre-aged and reworked when originating from eroded catchment soils or from organic-rich sediment rocks in the catchment. In (paleo)soils, besides an inherited contribution from the catchment, they were formed on-site by local biomass during pedogenesis. Depending on the different relative contributions from these sources, the n-alkane signal from an FSPS shows variable age offsets between its formation and final deposition. During this study, we applied compound-class 14C dating to n-alkanes from an FSPS along the upper Alazani in eastern Georgia. Our results show that preheating the n-alkanes with 120 ∘C for 8 h before 14C dating effectively removed the shorter chains (<C25) that partly originate from n-alkanes from Jurassic black clay shales in the upper catchment. The remaining petrogenic contributions on the longer chains (≥C25) were corrected for by using a constant correction factor that was based on the n-alkane concentrations in a black clay shale sample from the upper catchment. Due to different degrees of pre-aging and reworking, the corrected leaf wax n-alkane ages still indicate relatively large age offsets between n-alkane formation and deposition: while intensively developed (paleo)soils showed no age offsets due to a dominance of leaf wax n-alkanes produced on-site, less intensively developed paleosols showed much larger age offsets due to larger proportions of inherited leaf wax n-alkanes from the fluvial parent material. Accordingly, age offsets in nonpedogenic fluvial sediments were largest and strongly increased after ∼4 ka cal BP. The leaf wax n-alkane homolog distribution from intensively developed (paleo)soils indicates a local dominance of grasses and herbs throughout the Holocene, which was most likely caused by anthropogenic activity. The leaf wax n-alkanes from fluvial sediments show a dominance of deciduous trees and shrubs as well as grasses and herbs in different parts of the catchment between ∼8 and ∼5.6 ka cal BP. Since no older deciduous tree- or shrub-derived n-alkanes were dated, this seems to confirm a delayed regional postglacial reforestation of parts of the catchment compared with western and central Europe.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of opportunistic skin infection among the people of Itas/Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

The use of plants for the treatment of opportunistic skin infections has been on the increase and the current renewed interest in natural products to sustain health globally cannot be over emphasized. A survey of the major ethno medicinal plants was carried out in Itas/Gadau LGA, where some ethno medicinal plants used in treating skin infections and various ailments were documented. The investigation included names and parts of plants used, ailments cured, preparation and administration of local herbs. Data was obtained through the use of administered questionnaire’s distributed at random to traditional healers as target respondents. It was shown that various plant species from 10 families were reported to be used in treating ailments, majority of these plants (72%) are wild, Detarium microcarpum, Carissa edulis and Anogeissus leiocarpus 35.5% were mainly harvested for their stem/bark. About 65.2% constitutes the most frequent route of administration by topical application. The most frequent method of preparation is by grinding and direct application of the powder to the affected area, whereas the most common skin infection treated with the medicinal plants is eczema (39.1) The most reported threat to the availability of medicinal plants is deforestation (43.6%), in some cases additives like edible oil and honey are used in 58% of remedy preparations. It is therefore recommended that the plants used should be investigated to ascertain their safety and efficacy in order to improve the quality of life of man.
 Key words; Ethno botany, opportunistic skin infection and ailments.

Local Wisdom of Legundi Plant in Business of “Samba Itam” Seasoning Characteristic in Sulit Air Village Solok Regency

This study aims to (1) Identify and describe of local wisdom that was, and is still done by the society in the collection of the seeds of vitex. (2) Identify and describe of local wisdom that ever existed and still do the community in the manufacture of seasonings black. (3) Identify and describe of local wisdom that was, and is still done by the society in the making “Samba Itam” as well as its application. This study using the technique of snowball sampling or chain by asking for information on people who have been interviewed or contacted previous and so on. The number of respondents in this study of 14 people with 3 key informants (key informants), 5 people collecting seeds legundi, 3 persons-entrepreneurs seasoning black and 3 persons-entrepreneurs “Samba Itam”. Based on the research results the conclusions obtained are (1) the local Wisdom of the plant legundi are still there and never there which is still carried on by the collecting society legundi amounted to 7 local wisdom, in the collection of the seeds of vitex there are 4 (14.29%) and marketing of seeds of vitex as much as 3 (10,71%) of the total of all local wisdom. (2) local Wisdom herbs black are still there and never there, which is still run by the society amounted to 12 local wisdom, seasoning black processing there is 10 (35,71%) and marketing, there are 2 (7,14%) of the total of all local wisdom. (3) local Wisdom “Samba Itam” are still there and never there, which is still run by the society amounted to 9 (32,14%) of the total of all local wisdom.

Minister Terawan encourages Usadha Bali development under Traditional Balinese Medicine branding

In Bali, Study of traditional herbal medicine is known under term Usadha, derived from Sanskrit word Ausadhi means healing plants. The ancient wisdom of botanical medicine texts has been compiled on Lontar (Dried-Borassus leaf) under name Lontar Usadha. Traditional Balinese Usadha treatment is carried out by a shaman called Balian; whether Balian Ketakson or Balian Usadha. Usadha practice on the island of Bali is strongly related to herbal plants' existence. Herbal medication has been proven in Bali as a primary treatment for the patient since ancient times. However, due to current medication service, people no longer prefer a botanical-based therapy as the first option. As a result, the number of herbal plants on the island of Bali has been plummeting over the years. Although on some occasions, the central government and provincial government had suggested cultivating herbaceous plant as a decorative plant on a household level, yet the program did not make any significant impact. In December 2019, Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster expressed his deep interest on indigenous health service industry to be provided by hospitals, both state and private. On occasion, Indonesia minister of Health, Terawan Agus Putranto, showed his support for the development of health tourism, travelling medicine, and complementary traditional services with local genius. They both agreed that the service would be promoted under 'Traditional Balinese Medicine (TBM) service' branding. In future, it is expected that TBM would be available as an alternative service on Bali hospitals. The facility would promote herbal industry development as well as herbal plant preservation through the availability of local herb farms to be established in ​​Bangli, Karangasem, and Tabanan areas.

Childhood burns in Shisong, Northwestern Cameroon

Objective: The study aimed to highlight the pattern and treatment outcome of childhood burn injuries in northwestern Cameroon. Such reports are expected to provide preventive and improvement guidelines in our settings in the long run. Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients under fifteen with burns injuries managed at our facility were prospectively enrolled in the study. Results: The study population was 42 patients, which consisted of 23 (54%) male and 19 (46%) female, with the median 2.40±3.05 years, interquartile range of 1-14 years. The most frequent timing of burns was about mid-day (median 11:50 am). The majority of injuries were right at the patient's homes (70% cases). Interestingly, 4%, 15%, and 20% applied raw-egg, ice, and nothing as the first intervention for their children burns, respectively. Scald burns were the leading category of wounds (p<0.012). The majority of the cases were minor burns injuries with TBSA of 1-12% (p=0.002), with a mortality rate of 4%. Conclusion: Burns is still a significant health problem among children in northwestern Cameroon. Considering the application of raw egg and others like local herbs, therefore pre-hospital interventions may be harmful in our settings. Early and prompt response may be desirable, with strong advocacy for aggressive and urgent public health enlightenment campaigns on the prevention of childhood.

Ethnobotanical Study Aimed at Investigating the Use of Medicinal Plants to Treat Nervous System Diseases in the Rif of Morocco

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and use of medicinal plants in the treatment of neurological diseases in the Rif region of northern Morocco. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the Rif (northern Morocco) from 2016 to 2018. In order to gather information about indigenous medicinal plants and local ethnomedical knowledge, 625 local traditional herbalists and users of these plants were interviewed. The data were collected through semistructured interviews and group discussions, analyzed, and compared by quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as family importance value, relative frequency of citation, plant part value (PPV), fidelity level, and informant consensus factor (ICF) . ResultsData were collected from 31 medicinal plant species belonging to 14 botanical families. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the most commonly reported medicinal plants, with 5 species each. Concerning the diseases treated, epilepsy problems have the highest ICF (0.99). The survey revealed that leaves were the most used part of the plants (PPV= 34.7%), and the most commonly used preparation was an infusion (41.6%). ConclusionThere exists indigenous ethnomedical knowledge of medicinal plants in the Moroccan Rif to treat neurologic diseases. Based on our findings, we recommend that phytochemical and pharmacologic research be considered to discover potential treatments from these documented plants.

Factors associated with local herb use during pregnancy and labor among women in Kigoma region, Tanzania, 2014\u20132016

BackgroundDespite research suggesting an association between certain herb use during pregnancy and delivery and postnatal complications, herbs are still commonly used among pregnant women in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). This study examines the factors and characteristics of women using local herbs during pregnancy and/or labor, and the associations between local herb use and postnatal complications in Kigoma, Tanzania.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2016 Kigoma Tanzania Reproductive Health Survey (RHS), a regionally representative, population-based survey of reproductive age women (15–49 years). We included information on each woman’s most recent pregnancy resulting in a live birth during January 2014–September 2016. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates and used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with use of local herbs during pregnancy and/or labor, as well as factors associated with postnatal complications.ResultsOf 3530 women, 10.9% (CI: 9.0–13.1) used local herbs during their last pregnancy and/or labor resulting in live birth. The most common reasons for taking local herbs included stomach pain (42.9%) and for the health of the child (25.5%). Adjusted odds of local herb use was higher for women reporting a home versus facility-based delivery (aOR: 1.6, CI: 1.1–2.2), having one versus three or more prior live births (aOR: 1.8, CI: 1.4–2.4), and having a household income in the lowest versus the highest wealth tercile (aOR: 1.4, CI: 1.1–1.9). Adjusted odds of postnatal complications were higher among women who used local herbs versus those who did not (aOR: 1.5, CI: 1.2–1.9), had four or more antenatal care visits versus fewer (aOR: 1.4, CI: 1.2–1.2), and were aged 25–34 (aOR: 1.1, CI: 1.0–1.3) and 35–49 (aOR: 1.3, CI: 1.0–1.6) versus < 25 years.ConclusionsAbout one in ten women in Kigoma used local herbs during their most recent pregnancy and/or labor and had a high risk of postnatal complications. Health providers may consider screening pregnant women for herb use during antenatal and delivery care as well as provide information about any known risks of complications from herb use.

Risk factors for kidney disease among civil servants: Report of annual screening and medical evaluation.

The outlook of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is worse among the poor sub-Saharan Africa populace due to limited and unaffordable renal replacement therapy. Regular screening of at-risk population can contribute to delaying or even preventing the progression of the disease. This study was designed to evaluate prevalent risk factors for CKD among the urban dwelling civil servants in Ado Ekiti. This is a cross-sectional observational study involving healthy adults above 18 years old. Data on sociodemographic and relevant lifestyle pattern such as smoking, alcohol intake, personal and family history of hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease were obtained. Clinical variables such as anthropometric measurements, blood pressure (BP), and blood samples for laboratory investigations were taken. There were 122 participants with a mean age of 47.26 ± 5.62 years. About half of them earn <$140/month. Fifty-two (42.6%) individuals admitted taking local herbs and/or Chinese medicines and about a third (36.1%) use unprescribed medi-cations including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Family history of high BP and diabetes mellitus was present in 15.6% and 11.5% of individuals, respectively. We found 45 (32.6%) individuals with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, while 13.3% and 3.3% have at least 1+ of dipstick and microalbuminuria, respectively. About one-third (25.4%) were either found to be hypertensive or were on antihypertensives, while 12 (9.8%) were either diabetic or had hyperglycemia during the screening. There is a high prevalence of risk factors for CKD among these apparently well individuals. Regular screening, and treatment of the identified risk factors is recommended.

A Review on Anesthetic Herbs

An anesthitic or painkiller is any member of the group of drugs used to achieve analgesia, relief from pain, without losing consciousness. An analgesic is derived from Greek words: an-without and algia-pain. Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous system. They are distinct from Anaesthetics, which temporarily affect, and in some instances completely eliminate sensation. When choosing analgesics, the severity and response to other medications determines the choice of agent; the World Health Organization (WHO) pain ladder specifies mild analgesics as its first step. A wide variety of plants have been found to have analgesic or anesthetic effects, e.g. coca, clove and cinchona. Various natural anaesthetic herbs; (Local anaesthetic herbs: Coca, clove, cinchona & spilanthes) and (General anaesthetic herbs: Valerian, aloe vera, liquorice & tulsi) were discussed. This review gives information about different natural analgesics, along with their biological source, chemical composition and mechanism of action.

Issues and Challenges of Malaysian Local Herbs toward the Development of Local Herbs-Based Culinary Products

Issues and Challenges of Malaysian Local Herbs toward the Development of Local Herbs-Based Culinary Products

First Broad Screening of Allelopathic Potential of Wild and Cultivated Plants in Turkey.

Turkey has one of the richest plant diversities in the Mediterranean region. In the current literature, no broad screening has been conducted on the potential allelopathy of plants from Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic activity of a large number of plants from Turkey for the first time and to determine the species with significant plant growth inhibitory potentials by bioassay. Dried samples of different plant parts were collected from local herbalists. The sandwich method was used to evaluate the potential allelopathy of 126 medicinal plants belonging to 55 families. The results of lettuce radicle and hypocotyl growth for 10 and 50 mg sample treatment conformed to normal distribution. Significant inhibition on lettuce radicle elongation with 10 mg sample was observed in 40 species, out of which 27 species showed over 50% inhibitory activity. The results suggested that these species could contain potential inhibitory compounds against lettuce radicle or hypocotyl growth. The calyxes of Hibiscus sabdariffa (3.2% of control) and the seeds of Prunus dulcis (5.7% of control) showed the most potent growth inhibitory activity on lettuce radicle elongation. The potential plant growth inhibitory effects of these plants, together with the fruits of Rhus coriaria and seeds of Prunus mahaleb, have been reported in this study for the first time. All these plants are medicinal, and the results hereby presented provide essential information about the allelopathic effects of medicinal plants from Turkey.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Treatment of Kidney Diseases in Fez–Meknes Region, Morocco

The purpose of this study was to inventory and collect information on plants and mixtures commonly used by herbalists to treat kidney disease in the Fez–Meknes region. We also aimed to compare the results obtained with the results of the other studies and exploit the correlations between different factors. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted from 289 local herbalists in eight different areas of Fez–Meknes region. Ethnomedicinal uses and ethnobotanical indices were analyzed using quantitative tools, i.e., the total number of citation (TNC), use value (UV), family use value (FUV), fidelity level (FL), and rank order priority (ROP). Statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and chi-squared test were performed to delineate any correlation. Two hundred and eighty-nine herbalists were questioned. Sixty-nine plant species belonging to 38 families were cited by herbalists for traditional treatment of kidney disease. The highest value of UV was obtained for Herniaria glabra L. (UV = 0.79), and Caryophyllaceae was the family frequently cited (FUV = 0.795). Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. &amp; Dur. had the highest value of FL with a value of 100%, and the highest value of ROP was recorded for Herniaria glabra L. (ROP = 91%). Sociodemographic characteristics had a significant impact on the knowledge of toxic plants. Our study has revealed a cultural heritage linked to herbalism and a great wealth of medicinal plants, whose valorization and protection are necessary. Several studies are needed to sensitize herbalists and population on the danger of toxic plants, to extract chemical compounds from the main plants used, and to evaluate their toxicity.

Effects of leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the force and rate of contractility of an isolated mammalian heart

Background: Vernonia amygdalina is a common medicinal plant that is widely used by local communities and traditional herbalists in central Uganda in management of various conditions including hypertension that occurs as a result of changes in heart contractility. However, there is limited scientific information of V. amygdalina effects on the force and rate of contractility of the heart. The study evaluated the inotropic and chronotropic effect of methanol, aqueous, ether and total crude leaf extracts of V. amygdalina on isolated perfused rabbit heart.Methods: An experimental laboratory based study determined the effects of V. amygdalina extracts on the rate and force of contraction isolated perfused rabbit using the Langendorff’s heart perfusion experiment and methods. The heart rate (beats/minute) was counted per minute. The force of contraction of the heart was determined measuring the height of each peak on the kymogram.Results: The findings showed that the force and rate of heart contractility reduced with increasing doses of methanol, aqueous ether and total crude leaf extracts at doses of 0.5, 8.0, 62.0 and 250.0 mg/ml. The force and rate of heart contractility at a dose of 250.0 mg/ml for all the extracts were comparable to that of acetylcholine drug to almost causing cardiac arrest.Conclusions: The leaf extracts of V. amygdalina contain compounds that reduced the force and rate of contraction of an isolated rabbit heart.

Low‐intensity management benefits solitary bees in olive groves

Abstract One of the current challenges for applied ecologists is to understand how to manage/restore agroecosystems in a sustainable and cost‐effective way. The intermediate landscape complexity hypothesis (ILCH) predicts that the effectiveness of agri‐environmental measures (AES) on biodiversity and ecosystem services recovery is often largest in landscapes of intermediate complexity. This hypothesis has rarely been tested in savanna‐like permanent agroecosystems. Focusing on pollinators, we test the ILCH at the regional scale in Mediterranean olive orchards, one of the most important permanent agroecosystems in the world. We inferred abundance of cavity‐nesting pollinators in 40 paired olive orchards (extensively vs. intensively managed herbaceous cover) in 20 localities selected across a landscape complexity gradient. We also studied how different magnitudes in local management switches may affect pollinators by considering organic and intensive fields as management extremes in olive orchards. We used 208 trap nests for solitary bees to measure colonization rates. Additionally, we conducted pollinator surveys to ascertain that colonization rate was a representative proxy for pollinator activity. Our results showed that (a) changes in colonization rates due to local herb cover management peaked at intermediate landscape complexity, with extensively managed fields rendering higher colonization rates. (b) Organic fields had higher colonization rates than their control farms regardless of landscape complexity. (c) There was a highly significant correlation between nest colonization rates and density of pollinators foraging on flowers, which suggests that colonization rate is a good estimator of pollinator activity. Policy implications. The maintenance of ground herb cover (main agri‐environmental measure in olive orchards) is a cost‐effective investment allowing recuperation of pollinators when targeting olive farms located in landscapes of intermediate complexity. Additionally, fostering organic farming (still minority in olive groves) for the conservation of solitary bees should be a priority for policymakers since its effects are beneficial in any landscape.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies of medicinal and aromatic plants used in the treatment of metabolic diseases in the Moroccan Rif

Since early times, the people of Morocco use medicinal and aromatic plants as traditional medicine to heal different human ailments. However, little studies have been made in the past to properly document and promote the traditional knowledge. This study was carried out in the Rif (North of Morocco), it aimed to identify medicinal and aromatic plant used by the local people to treat metabolic diseases, together with the associated ethnomedicinal knowledge. The ethnomedical information collected was from 582 traditional healers using semi-structured interviews, free listing and focus group. Family use value (FUV), use value (UV), plant part value (PPV), fidelity level (FL) and informant agreement ratio (IAR) were employed in data analysis. Medicinal and aromatic plant were collected, identified and kept at the natural resources and biodiversity laboratory, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra. During the present study 30 medicinal plant species belonging to 14 families has been documented. The most frequent ailments reported were diabetes (IAR = 0.98). The majority of the remedies were prepared from infusion (53.9%). Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (PPV 0.633) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (UV = 0.325) was the specie most commonly prescribed by local herbalists. The results of this study showed that people living in the Rif of Morocco are still dependent on medicinal and aromatic plants. The documented plants can serve as a basis for further studies on the regions medicinal plants knowledge and for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

The effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) supplementation on the cognitive performance of young healthy adults – a Systematic Review

Abstract Objectives Guarana (Paullinia cupana) from the Sapindaceae family, native to the Amazon basin, is a natural stimulant herb that can be found in popular energy drinks, pharmaceutical shops or local herb shops. With the use of natural health products increasing, guarana has gained a fair amount of popularity in the past years. In this systematic review, we examined the effects of guarana supplementation on cognitive performance. A secondary objective was to compare guarana with caffeine on cognitive performance. Methods Searches were made in PubMed using the terms ‘Guarana’ or ‘Paullinia cupana’. Filters focused on Controlled Clinical trials. Inclusion criteria were met by studies using interventions with guarana, while focusing on guarana’s effects on cognition. Participants needed to be young, healthy adults. Studies not published in English or Greek were excluded. The last date of our search was March 7, 2019. Results A total of 29 studies were identified and screened. After screening, 17 studies were excluded. The remaining 12 studies were found eligible for data extraction. After reading the full text of the 12 studies, 3 studies were excluded. In the end, 9 studies were found eligible for our systematic review (n = 369 participants). In these studies, guarana showed to improve reaction time and accuracy of performance at cognitive tasks. No significant differences were found when comparing guarana with caffeine. Conclusion Guarana seems to improve reaction time and accuracy of performance at tasks, but no significant effects were found when compared with caffeine. High quality randomized controlled clinical trials with a low risk of bias are needed to further study the herb.

On the Potential of Phytochemical Remedy for Envenomation and the Consequent Endocrinopathy, with a Note on Conservation – A Case Study of Venom Informatics

Envenomation is a serious neglected health issue at the global level that affects millions of people every year. It is highly prevalent among farmers and rural natives and is mainly due to the bite from snakes, spiders, frogs, dogs, wasps, bees, ants, etc. Many plants with antidote potential grow around our backyard without proper recognition and, unfortunately, several of them are under threat of extinction due to human interference and other environmental factors. The sustainable utilization of those antidote herbs can benefit as a life saver to the needy patients. The herbs can also be farmed and used commercially for the pharmaceutical application and incorporated with biotechnology and bioinformatics with a vision of synthesizing antidote drugs with less or no side effects. The objective of the present work is to create awareness among the public for the wise use of wild and local herbs, and their sustainable utilization with a computational case study on laboratory experiments done in two traditional plant based antidotes, selected from literature. The investigation is focused on Daboia russelii venom neutralization via in silico approach which can significantly reduce the time, expense, labour and samples taken. Our approach will add to the conventional non-specific polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) with more specific plant-based antidotes.

Traditional Medicine and Its Role in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: "Patients' and Herbalists' Perspectives".

Background Diabetes mellitus is a complicated health condition with multiple causes and many treatment options. Various myths may influence diabetics' health-seeking behavior, and they may use traditional medicines, which include normal foods and herbs, for primary health care. The aim of this study was to determine patients' and herbalists' practices and perspectives regarding the use of traditional medicines and the role of traditional medicines in the management of diabetes. Methods and Findings We conducted a cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods design. We interviewed 140 patients attending diabetic clinics using a structured questionnaire, conducted focus group discussions with an additional 20 diabetic patients, and conducted in-depth interviews with 8 local herbalists. The majority of the diabetic participants believed that diabetes is caused by a high-carbohydrate diet. Of the 140 participants who answered the questionnaire, 67.2% reported using traditional medicines to manage their diabetes, including 58.6% who reported using both conventional medicines and traditional medicines. Some participants believed that combining conventional and traditional medicines improved the effectiveness of treatment. Reasons given for using traditional medicines included the high cost of conventional treatment and the availability and accessibility of the traditional medicines. The most commonly used traditional medicines were indigenous vegetables and medicinal plant products including amalanth leaves, hare lettuce leaves, nightshade leaves, spider plant leaves, okra pods, moringa leaves and seeds, soursop leaves, black plum back, avocado seed, and lemongrass. Conclusion Patients and herbalists provided a range of perspectives regarding the use of traditional medicines to treat diabetes. Further research is needed to identify bioactive compounds present in commonly used traditional medicines and their efficacy.