Part Of Medicine Research Articles

Chemical profile and difference analysis of four parts of Strobilanthes sarcorrhiza by ultrafast flow liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis

AbstractStrobilanthes sarcorrhiza (CTS) is a medicinal plant with various pharmacological effects such as tonifying kidney and anti‐inflammatory. However, the chemical composition and difference of its four parts (leaves, stems, rhizomes, and root tubers) have been rarely reported. In this study, ultrafast flow liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight MS was applied to analyze the chemical profile of CTS and identify 55 compounds, including terpenoids, phenylethanol glycosides, fatty acid derivatives, chain glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, and others. Among these compounds, 34 compounds were first identified in CTS. They were mainly terpenoids, phenylethanol glycosides, fatty acid derivatives, and so forth. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis were also used to evaluate the difference in chemical compounds from the four parts of CTS. The results showed that phenylethanol glycosides were the main compounds of the underground parts, while terpenoids were the main compounds of the aboveground parts. This study revealed the chemical diversity and similarity of CTS and suggested that the rhizomes could be used as an alternative medicinal part to improve the resource utilization of CTS.

Influence of surgically inducted weight loss on sexual function of obese male patients - literature overview

Introduction: 
 Obesity is one of the most challenging and popular problem in nowadays society. Overweight and obesity are connected with chronic complications, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Nonsurgical methods of weight loss were not positively conducted in significant part of obese population. It has given a chance to develop part of medicine known as bariatric surgery. Obesity is identified as an risk factor for sexual dysfunction. 
 The aim of this article is to summarize the main findings of studies about the influence of bariatric surgery on sexual functions of obese male patients. 
 
 Materials and methods: 
 The study is based on medical articles gathered from PubMed database spanning the years 2016-2023 and article from National Institutes of Health and from Nutritionhospitalaria. The research was conducted through the analysis of keywords such as ”Obesity”, „Bariatric Surgery”, Sexual Dysfunction”, „Men”. 
 
 Results:
 This review indicated that surgically inducted weight loss could improve sexual function in obese men. It is connected with important increase in IIEF score and serum testosteron level. It is a need for further clinical studies to explore association of sexual function after bariatric surgery.

Metabolomic analysis revealed the edible and extended-application potential of specific Polygonum multiflorum tissues

The diverse applications of various tissues of Polygonum Multiflorum (PM) encompass the use of its leaf and bud as tea and vegetables, as well as the utilization of its expanded root tubers and caulis as medicinal substances. However, previous studies in the field of metabolomics have primarily focused on the medicinal properties of PM. In order to investigate the potential for broader applications of other tissues within PM, a metabolomic analysis was conducted for the first time using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS on 15 fresh PM tissues. A total of 231 compounds, including newly discovered compounds such as torosachrysone and dihydro-trihydroxystilbene acid derivatives, were identified within PM. Through clustering analysis, the PM tissues were categorized into edible and medicinal parts, with edible tissues exhibiting higher levels of phenolic acids, organic acids, and flavonoids, while the accumulation of quinones, dianthrones, stilbenes, and xanthones was observed in medicinal tissues. Comparative analysis demonstrated the potential application of discarded tissues, such as unexpanded root tuber (an industrial alternative to expanded root tuber) and young caulis (with edible potential). Moreover, the quantification of representative metabolites indicated that flowers and buds contained significant amounts of flavonoids or phenolic acids, suggesting their potential as functional food. Additionally, the edible portion of PM exhibited a high content of quercitrin, ranging from 0.59 to 10.37 mg/g. These findings serve as a valuable point of reference for the expanded utilization of PM tissues, thereby mitigating resource waste in this plant.

The Water Element, Zang-fu Kidney and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

The Water Element, as part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Five Elements, is associated with winter, coldness, darkness and the Zang-fu organs Kidney and Bladder. The TCM Kidney, encompasses far more than the Western concept of an organ which produces and excretes the waste product urine. It controls water and fluid metabolism; a primordial generator (Ming-men Fire, Essence, Jing, promotes growth, skeleton, marrow, innate constitution); Yin-Yang dynamics (innate Yin and Yang); receives Qi; life functions (sexual behavior, reproduction, neuroendocrine axis, nervous system, urinary system, manufacture Blood, acute sense of hearing, controls the 2 lower orifices, assists respiration); as well as supports good life/living (houses commitment, will power, memory). Diseases of the Kidney can manifest as congenital deficiencies, fearful attitude, pathological changes (Yin and Yang Deficiencies, chronic debilitation), and physiological deficiencies associated with senescence. Some of the more common clinical signs of Kidney (Water Element) disease include renal/reproduction disorders, lumbar pain, hind end weakness, teeth/hair loss, deafness, lassitude, neuroendocrine disorders, asthma, congenital disease and bone disorders. One of the most famous formulas to treat Kidney Yang Deficiency and decline of Ming-men Fire is the classical herbal formula Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan. The strategy of this formula is to tonify Kidney Yin to raise Kidney Yang, (since Yin and Yang are mutually dependent), with the addition of warm herbs to ignite the Fire of Ming-men. From a Chinese medical perspective, Kidney Yang Deficiency syndrome may cause endocrine system disorders, immune-deficiency, neurological, renal, and reproductive disorders. This paper will review the Zang-fu Kidney function, and the classic Chinese herbal medicine, Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet).

Historical background and current situation of pharmacy education in Mongolia.

In Mongolia, the medical education system with a long history has developed with its characteristics since ancient times. Modern medical education, including pharmacy education, began to grow in 1921. Before modern pharmaceutical science developed in Mongolia, pharmacy and pharmacy education were part of Traditional Mongolian Medicine and education. Medical knowledge and experience were transferred from generation to generation through simple teaching. From the sixteenth century, Manba Datsan was established in religious temples to teach Mongolian medicine through discipleship. Modern pharmacy education in Mongolia began in 1926 with the course training of pharmacy technicians, and pharmacist training started in 1961. Pharmacy technician training with a 3-year and pharmacist training with 5-year programs oriented on patient-centered pharmaceutical care are implemented in Mongolia. Pharmacy technicians can also study towards a B. degree in Pharmacy with an additional 3 years of training. As of 2023, seven state-owned and private higher education institutions offer pharmacy education and the number of institutions and students of pharmacy is expected to increase. The pharmacy education policy and the license examination type may be reformable, and the curricula should be regularly updated in line with international trends.

Preclinical Assessment of <i>Crocus sativus</i> Extract Loaded Nano Emulsion for Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Comprehensive Safety and Efficacy Study

Background 
 Crocus sativus is popular herb used to improve and treat the memory, cognition related functions of brain and thereby impose significant role in improve and maintain brain health. The medicinal important part of Crocus sativus is stigma of flower which is rich in apocarotenoids crocin, picrocrocin, safranal and many more volatile compounds. The pharmacological actions such as antioxidant, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-depressant, anti depressant, anti cancer, anti inflammatory etc. properties are attributed due to of presence of caratenoids. However the poor stability, solubility and enzymatic degradation of bioactives of Crocus sativus have substantially limited their therapeutic application. In this study, a saffron nano emulsion of carotenoid rich fraction of Crocus sativus extract was assessed for its safety and efficacy.
 Methodology
 The single dose acute oral toxicity assessment of nanoemulsion was performed as per OECD 420 to determine the lethal dose (LD50). The subacute repeated 28 days oral toxicity was performed to provide the effective dose for the preclinical assessment as per OECD guideline 407 The animals were observed during the entire toxicity experimentation for any toxic signs and changes of hematological, biochemistry parameters. The efficacy study of saffron nano emulsion was evaluated by two behavioral test models- Passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test using scopolamine induced memory impairment.
 Results & Conclusions
 Animals administered 500 mg/kg/day as single dose orally did not cause any signs of toxicity or mortality in rats and results of acute toxicity assessment of saffron nano emulsion has indicated that the NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effective Level) of saffron nano emulsion was found to be 500 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity study three different dose of 75, 100 & 125 mg/kg/day for 28 days administered orally in animals revealed no significant changes in body weight, hematological, biochemical parameters. The histopathological study has indicated no pathological changes observed in the vital organs of rats treated with the 125 mg/kg/day.
 The efficacy assessment of saffron nano emulsion using two behavioral models have suggested that nano emulsion at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day was significantly reduced the Scopolamine induced memory impairment.

Mechanistic investigation of quercetin in the management of diabetic foot ulcer by network pharmacology and molecular docking

BackgroundQuercetin (QUE), being a strong antioxidant, has been a part of Chinese traditional medicine for ages for the management of a large number of ailments including type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications, primarily, Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU), but it is under lying mechanisms remain elusive. The introduction of network pharmacology and molecular docking has made it facile to investigate the mechanism of QUE-containing different plants and to validate the binding affinity of QUE with DFU protein respectively. AimThis study is aimed to investigate the mechanism of QUE in protecting against DFU through modern approaches viz. network pharmacology and molecular docking. Materials and methodsThe traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology analysis platform (TCMSP) has been used to retrieve the active ingredients in various Chinese formulations. QUE was found to be a bioactive component of various Chinese formulations. The core therapeutic targets of QUE against DFU were identified using a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. QUE-associated targets and genes related to DFU were obtained from different comprehensive databases (Pubchem, Swiss target prediction database, SEA database, String database, DisGeNET database, Molegro virtual docker version 6.0, ADMET lab2.0, SwissADME database) were intersected, and analyzed to obtain mapping targets and ranked to obtain key targets. ResultsThe Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway shows major pathways were obtained from for QUE was matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9). Receptor-ligand interaction between QUE with MMP9 were evaluated via MVD 6.0 software. A total of 10 interactions of quercetin with the following moldock score, rerank score, and H-bond interactions were observed as -110.912, -37.33, and -12.11 respectively. Candidate targets MMP9 in diabetic complications were ascertained and found associated with QUE against the management of DFU. Molecular docking models showed that QUE could closely bind to the key targets MMP9 (PDB id: 2OVX). ADME/T Analysis is performed to check the pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile which complies with the ideal values. ConclusionsThis study proposed MMP9, as the key target of bioactive QUE in mechanistic control of DFU by lowering the activity of the IL-17 signalling pathway, Leukocyte trans-endothelial migration, Fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis respectively. Future aspectsThe explication of mode of action of bioactive constituent QUE against DFU provide a theoretical basis for designing more promising agents further for treatment of DFU in diabetic patients.

Acupuncture Education in the UK

The journey of acupuncture and moxibustion (zhenjiu)1 in the UK as part of Chinese Medicine is entangled with UK politics, the structure of the National Health Service, the concerns of what is science and research, the changing state of higher education and the role of China as friend or foe within geopolitics. It is also entangled with individuals and relationships and situations. In this research note, I will trace the history of acupuncture education in the UK through the second half of the twentieth century to the present-day drawing on my 45 years of experience as an acupuncture student, practitioner and educator. I include a vignette based on my insider knowledge of one course, the first Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) school of acupuncture in the UK, its move into a university and its closure in 2023. While acupuncture includes systems that have developed in countries such as Japan and Korea the focus of this paper will be on Chinese acupuncture due to its major influence on course content in the UK.

Resistance against two lytic phage variants attenuates virulence and antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bacteriophage therapy is becoming part of mainstream Western medicine since antibiotics of clinical use tend to fail. It involves applying lytic bacteriophages that self-replicate and induce cell lysis, thus killing their hosts. Nevertheless, bacterial killing promotes the selection of resistant clones which sometimes may exhibit a decrease in bacterial virulence or antibiotic resistance. In this work, we studied the Pseudomonas aeruginosa lytic phage φDCL-PA6 and its variant φDCL-PA6α. Additionally, we characterized and evaluated the production of virulence factors and the virulence in a Galleria mellonella model of resistant mutants against each phage for PA14 and two clinical strains. Phage φDCL-PA6α differs from the original by only two amino acids: one in the baseplate wedge subunit and another in the tail fiber protein. According to genomic data and cross-resistance experiments, these changes may promote the change of the phage receptor from the O-antigen to the core lipopolysaccharide. Interestingly, the host range of the two phages differs as determined against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strains PA14 and PAO1 and against nine multidrug-resistant isolates from ventilator associated pneumonia. We show as well that phage resistance impacts virulence factor production. Specifically, phage resistance led to decreased biofilm formation, swarming, and type III secretion; therefore, the virulence towards Galleria mellonella was dramatically attenuated. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance decreased for one clinical strain. Our study highlights important potential advantages of phage therapy's evolutionary impact that may be exploited to generate robust therapy schemes.

Folate Receptor Alpha-A Novel Approach to Cancer Therapy.

Folate receptor α (FR) was discovered many decades ago, along with drugs that target intracellular folate metabolism, such as pemetrexed and methotrexate. Folate is taken up by the cell via this receptor, which also targeted by many cancer agents due to the over-expression of the receptor by cancer cells. FR is a membrane-bound glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor glycoprotein encoded by the folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) gene. FR plays a significant role in DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, DNA repair, and intracellular signaling, all of which are essential for tumorigenesis. FR is more prevalent in cancer cells compared to normal tissues, which makes it an excellent target for oncologic therapeutics. FRα is found in many cancer types, including ovarian cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colon cancer. FR is widely used in antibody drug conjugates, small-molecule-drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen-receptor T cells. Current oncolytic therapeutics include mirvetuximab soravtansine, and ongoing clinical trials are underway to investigate chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) and vaccines. Additionally, FRα has been used in a myriad of other applications, including as a tool in the identification of tumor types, and as a prognostic marker, as a surrogate of chemotherapy resistance. As such, FRα identification has become an essential part of precision medicine.

Study on medicinal food plants in the Gaoligongshan Biosphere Reserve, the richest biocultural diversity center in China

BackgroundTraditional knowledge associated with medicinal food plants (MFPs) plays a vital role in fighting hidden hunger and safeguarding the health of local people. MFPs resources are abundant in the Gaoligongshan area, a biosphere reserve with the richest biocultural diversity in China. Local people of different linguistic groups also have rich traditional botanical knowledge. However, there are still few comprehensive and systematic studies on MFPs there.MethodsEthnobotanical investigation including market survey, semi-structured interviews, free listing and key informant interviews was conducted in the Gaoligongshan area, Western Yunnan, Southwest China. A total of 13 local farmers’ markets were selected and information about medicinal food plants, including food categories, medicinal and edible parts, modes of consumption, medicinal effects, and distribution were collected. The relative occurrence frequency (RFO) and cultural food significance index (CFSI) were calculated to identify the culturally significant MFPs.ResultsA total of 184 species of MFPs, belonging to 83 families, were collected in the Gaoligongshan area, including vegetables (77), medicinal diets (26), fruits (25), spices (18), herbal tea (13), tea substitutes (11), substitutes for staple food (8), nuts (5), oils and fats (4), and dye material (1). The most frequently used families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae, with 11, 10, and 9 species, respectively. The most frequently used plant parts were the stems, followed by fruits and leaves. Based on the evaluation results of the CFSI and RFO indices, 18 species of MFPs with magnificent local cultural importance have been screened out, such as Houttuynia cordata, Eryngium foetidum, Sechium edule, Centella asiatica and Pseudocydonia sinensis.ConclusionThese findings have guiding significance for conservation of traditional knowledge associated with MFPs and facilitation of scientific utilization of MFPs to meet local people’s needs for a healthy life.

Transcriptome analysis reveals cadmium exposure enhanced the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and disease resistance in Coptis chinensis

Coptis chinensis Franch is a perennial herb from the Ranunculaceae family with a long history of medicinal use. As the medicinal part, the rhizome of coptis often accumulates excessive cadmium (Cd) even at low concentrations in the soil, which not only compromises its medicinal safety but also raises concerns about adverse effects on human health. Therefore, effective strategies are needed to mitigate this accumulation and ensure its safe use in traditional medicine. This study utilized transcriptome profiling and physiological analysis to explore molecular mechanisms associated with ecological significance and the active accumulation of Cd in C. chinensis. The response to Cd in C. chinensis was assessed through RNA sequencing, Cd determination and isoquinoline alkaloid measurement using its roots, stems, and leaves. The transcriptome revealed, a total of 2667, 2998, or 2815 up-regulated deferentially expressed genes in roots, stems or leaves in response to Cd exposure. Furthermore, we identified phenylpropanoid and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis as the key pathways response to Cd exposure, which suggests that C. chinensis may improve its tolerance to Cd through regulating the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Under Cd exposure, plant-pathogen interaction in leaves was identified as the key pathway, which indicates that upregulation of genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction could enhance disease resistance in C. chinensis. WGCNA analysis identified WRKY8 (Cluster-55763.31419) and WRKY47 (Cluster-55763.221590) as potential regulators of secondary metabolic synthesis and plant-pathogen interaction pathway in C. chinensis triggered by Cd. The measurement of berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and epiberberine also demonstrated that Cd simulated the four isoquinoline alkaloids in roots. Therefore, our study not only presented a transcriptome expression profiles that revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in metal transport and detoxification pathways but also suggested a possible mechanism to cope with Cd accumulation. This knowledge provides a new insight into gene manipulation for controlling Cd accumulation, enhancing resistance and promoting synthesis of secondary metabolites with potential medicinal properties in other medicinal plant species.

Longitudinal Distribution Map of the Active Components and Endophytic Fungi in Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Root and Their Potential Correlations.

The three distinct medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Ang) roots are the head, body, and tail (ARH, ARB, and ART, respectively). How endophytic fungi shape the differences in metabolic components among these parts remains unclear. We quantified the distribution of active components and endophytic fungi along the ARH, ARB, and ART and their relationships. Based on the metabolic components and their abundances detected via non-target metabolism, the different medicinal parts were distinguishable. The largest number of dominant metabolic components was present in ART. The difference between ART and ARH was the greatest, and ARB was in a transitional state. The dominant active molecules in ART highlight their effects in haemodynamics improvement, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hormone regulation, while ARH and ARB indicated more haemostasis, blood enrichment, neuromodulation, neuroprotection and tranquilisation, hepatoprotection, and antitumour activities than that of ART. The ARHs, ARBs, and ARTs can also be distinguished from each other based on the endophytic fungi at the microbiome level. The most dominant endophytic fungi were distributed in ART; the differences between ART and ARH were the largest, and ARB was in a transition state, which is consistent with the metabolite distributions. Structural equation modelling showed that the endophytic fungi were highly indicative of the metabolic components. Correlation analysis further identified the endophytic fungi significantly positively correlated with important active components, including Condenascus tortuosus, Sodiomyces alcalophilus, and Pleotrichocladium opacum. The bidirectional multivariate interactions between endophytic fungi and the metabolic components shape their spatial variations along the longitudinal direction in the Ang root.

Simultaneous Identification of Water Buffalo, Cattle, and Yak Meat and Horns by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Beef is an important source of protein for human consumption globally; in addition to beef, water buffalo and yak meat are widely consumed in Asia. Additionally, water buffalo horns are an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. Adulteration of water buffalo horn with cattle and yak horn for economic gain has become a prevalent and pressing concern. This study used multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the simultaneous identification of meat and horns from water buffalo, cattle, and yaks within a single PCR test. Species-specific primers were designed for multiplex PCR based on a comprehensive comparison of mitochondrial gene sequences with those of commonly edible and horned animals. Multiplex PCR conditions were optimized by considering the concentration of components and the annealing temperatures for each set of species-specific primer pairs. A total of 220 bp amplicons were obtained for water buffalo, 269 bp for cattle, and 346 bp for yak. Validation measures were used to eliminate interference from other animal sources. Simultaneous identification of the three species in a single assay presents substantial advantages over conventional species-specific PCR methods.

Classification method of traditional Chinese medicine compound decoction duration based on multi-dimensional feature weighted fusion

This paper extends a text classification method utilizing natural language processing (NLP) into the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound decoction to effectively and scientifically extend the TCM compound decoction duration. Specifically, a TCM compound decoction duration classification named TCM-TextCNN is proposed to fuse multi-dimensional herb features and improve TextCNN. Indeed, first, we utilize word vector technology to construct feature vectors of herb names and medicinal parts, aiming to describe the herb characteristics comprehensively. Second, considering the impact of different herb features on the decoction duration, we use an improved Term Frequency-Inverse Word Frequency (TF-IWF) algorithm to weigh the feature vectors of herb names and medicinal parts. These weighted feature vectors are then concatenated to obtain a multi-dimensional herb feature vector, allowing for a more comprehensive representation. Finally, the feature vector is input into the improved TextCNN, which uses k-max pooling to reduce information loss rather than max pooling. Three fully connected layers are added to generate higher-level feature representations, followed by softmax to obtain the final results. Experimental results on a dataset of TCM compound decoction duration demonstrate that TCM-TextCNN improves accuracy, recall, and F1 score by 5.31%, 5.63%, and 5.22%, respectively, compared to methods solely rely on herb name features, thereby confirming our method’s effectiveness in classifying TCM compound decoction duration.

Unlocking the hidden potential: Enhancing the utilization of stems and leaves through metabolite analysis and toxicity assessment of various parts of Aconitum carmichaelii

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAconitum carmichaelii is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine clinics as a bulk medicinal material. It has been used in China for more than two thousand years. Nevertheless, the stems and leaves of this plant are usually discarded as non-medicinal parts, even though they have a large biomass and exhibit therapeutic properties. Thus, it is crucial to investigate metabolites of different parts of Aconitum carmichaelii and explore the relationship between metabolites and toxicity to unleash the utilization potential of the stems and leaves. Aim of the studyUsing plant metabolomics, we aim to correlate different metabolites in various parts of Aconitum carmichaelii with toxicity, thereby screening for toxicity markers. This endeavor seeks to offer valuable insights for the development of Aconitum carmichaelii stem and leaf-based applications. Materials and methodsUHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS-based plant metabolomics was employed to analyze metabolites of the different parts of Aconitum carmichaelii. The cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of the extracts from different parts of Aconitum carmichaelii were also investigated using zebrafish as animal model. Toxicity markers were subsequently identified by correlating toxicity with metabolites. ResultsA total of 113 alkaloids were identified from the extracts of various parts of Aconitum carmichaelii, with 64 different metabolites in stems and leaves compared to daughter root (Fuzi), and 21 different metabolites in stems and leaves compared to mother root (Wutou). The content of aporphine alkaloids in the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii is higher than that in the medicinal parts, while the content of the diester-diterpenoid alkaloids is lower. Additionally, the medicinal parts of Aconitum carmichaelii exhibited cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, while the stems and leaves have no obvious toxicity. Finally, through correlation analysis and animal experimental verification, mesaconitine, deoxyaconitine, and hypaconitine were used as toxicity markers. ConclusionGiven the low toxicity of the stems and leaves and the potential efficacy of aporphine alkaloids, the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii hold promise as a valuable medicinal resource warranting further development.

Comprehensive overview of different medicinal parts from Morus alba L.: chemical compositions and pharmacological activities.

Morus alba L., a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a centuries-old medicinal history, owned various medicinal parts like Mori folium, Mori ramulus, Mori cortex and Mori fructus. Different medical parts exhibit distinct modern pharmacological effects. Mori folium exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic action and lipid-regulation effects. Mori ramulus owned anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic and diuretic activities. Mori cortex showed counteraction action of pain, inflammatory, bacterial, and platelet aggregation. Mori fructus could decompose fat, lower blood lipids and prevent vascular sclerosis. The main chemical components in Morus alba L. covered flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and amino acids. This article comprehensively analyzed the recent literature related to chemical components and pharmacological actions of M. alba L., summarizing 198 of ingredients and described the modern activities of different extracts and the bioactive constituents in the four parts from M. alba L. These results fully demonstrated the medicinal value of M. alba L., provided valuable references for further comprehensive development, and layed the foundation for the utilization of M. alba L.

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE OF UNANI PRODUCTS UNDER D&C ACT AND RULES

The Unani System of Medicine (USM), deeply rooted in tradition, undergoes scrutiny in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (D&C Act) for consumer safety. Regulated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and guided by the Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) Drugs Technical Advisory Board, this framework ensures Unani product safety, efficacy, and quality. Manufacturers must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the D&C Act establishes standards for labeling, packaging, and quality control—essential for marketing Unani products in India. The paper aims to analyze key D&C Act provisions related to Unani formulations, focusing on regulatory procedures. The study sheds light on specific requirements governing Unani drug import, manufacture, distribution, and sale, offering valuable insights into the regulatory framework. It systematically examines the D&C Act, emphasizing sections related to Unani products. Unani Drugs must adhere to prescriptions in the 14 recognized Unani texts (Schedule I of D&C Act). The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945 cover Unani Medicine in Parts 16 to 19, addressing licensing (Part 16), testing (Part 16A), labeling and packaging (Part 17), and quality control standards (Part 19). In conclusion, this paper provides a nuanced analysis of the regulatory landscape governing Unani products under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. It elucidates legal intricacies, emphasizing challenges in compliance, standardization, and merging traditional knowledge with contemporary requisites. The insights contribute to understanding the regulatory environment surrounding Unani medicines, balancing cultural heritage preservation with ensuring efficacy and safety for consumers.

Nasal cavity cancer in rabbit

Exotic animal medicine is a dynamic part of veterinary medicine. It is very important to publish rare cases in order to share experience. Diseases in the sinuses and nasal cavities are common. Seemingly ordinary upper respiratory tract infections can have very different causes, i.e. foreign bodies, abscesses or neoplastic lesions. The latter are among the extremely rare ones. Their diagnosis is difficult due to the need for specialised examinations, i.e. tomography or rhinoscopy. The case described in this report concerns a rabbit in which extensive diagnostics were performed to determine the cause of chronic nasal discharge. Bacteriological cultures, CT scans and rhinoscopy were performed to remove the lesion. To determine its nature, a histopathological examination was also performed, which revealed the presence of a nasal carcinoma. A rabbit with a recurrent bilateral nasal discharge was brought to the clinic. It was initially diagnosed with bacterial rhinitis and treated with antibiotics. During the next 6 months, the discharge recurred and then became unilateral and whitecoloured. In a further diagnostic procedure, the rabbit had a skull radiograph, which excluded sinus infections and the presence of a foreign body in the nasal cavity. After the following 6 months, the rabbit appeared to have a louder than usual respiratory murmur and snoring during sleep. A radiograph showed a lesion in the nasal conchae. A rhinoscopy further revealed a mass within the right nasal cavity. The lesion was removed and submitted for histopathological examination, which confirmed nasal carcinoma. Radiation therapy was suggested, which the owners declined. After removal of the lesion, the nasal discharge decreased and did not contain any blood. Further treatment of the rabbit after the rhinoscopy consisted of nebulisation with a solution of budesonide and enrofloxacin 2 × 2 daily for 5 days, after which the condition began to stabilise. A follow-up clinical examination 3 months after the rhinoscopy revealed no recurrence of the clinical symptoms.

Rehabilitation Evaluation of Upper Limb Motor Function for Stroke Patients Based on Belief Rule Base.

In the process of rehabilitation treatment for stroke patients, rehabilitation evaluation is a significant part in rehabilitation medicine. Researchers intellectualized the evaluation of rehabilitation evaluation methods and proposed quantitative evaluation methods based on evaluation scales, without the clinical background of physiatrist. However, in clinical practice, the experience of physiatrist plays an important role in the rehabilitation evaluation of patients. Therefore, this paper designs a 5 degrees of freedom (DoFs) upper limb (UL) rehabilitation robot and proposes a rehabilitation evaluation model based on Belief Rule Base (BRB) which can add the expert knowledge of physiatrist to the rehabilitation evaluation. The motion data of stroke patients during active training are collected by the rehabilitation robot and signal collection system, and then the upper limb motor function of the patients is evaluated by the rehabilitation evaluation model. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) are used to evaluate. Comparative analysis shows that the BRB model has high accuracy and effectiveness among the three evaluation models. The results show that the rehabilitation evaluation model of stroke patients based on BRB could help physiatrists to evaluate the UL motor function of patients and master the rehabilitation status of stroke patients.