Medicine Usage Research Articles

High-precision multiclass classification of chili leaf disease through customized EffecientNetB4 from chili leaf images

Chili is a vital crop in India, where it is widely grown for usage in food, medicine, and cosmetics. India is the world's largest producer and exporter of chilies, a key spice crop. For the leaf disease classification, Conventional Neural Networks (CNN) are used. EfficientNetB4 is a neural network architecture that has been demonstrated to achieve high accuracy on image classification tasks while using a small number of parameters. This model is calibrated for the function of detecting leaf disease. This research demonstrates the efficacy of using deep learning architectures for the detection of leaf diseases and highlights EfficientNetB4′s potential as a powerful tool for this task. We fine-tuned the EfficientNetB4 as EfficientLeafNetB4 and proved the most efficient in the detection of chili leaf disease detection compared to ResNet-50, DenseNet-121, MobileNet-V2, and VGG-16. Our proposed fine-tuned model produced better results as compared to the above-listed techniques.The proposed approach is simple to integrate into existing agricultural systems and can assist farmers in making timely and accurate crop health decisions. Furthermore, our work provides a roadmap for future research in this field, including the investigation of novel data augmentation techniques and regularization strategies and the exploration of other deep learning architectures.Sample abstract: The agriculture sector is essential to a country's Gross domestic product (GDP). Plants are essential because they provide people with sustenance. Most farmers in poor nations do manual farming. Plant diseases that are not identified in time can cause financial losses for farmers, damaging state and national economies on a huge scale. The present study investigates High-precision Multiclass Classification of Chili leaf Disease through Customized E ffecientNetB4 from Chili Leaf Images. This research represents the popular Indian crop leaf diseases like Up curl, Down curl, Gemini virus, Cercosporin leaf spot, healthy leaf, and their identification accuracies. We fine-tuned the EfficientNetB4 as EfficientLeafNetB4 and proved the most efficiency in the detection of the chili leaf disease detection compared to ResNet-50, DenseNet-121, MobileNet-V2 and VGG-16. Our proposed fine-tuned model produced better results as compared to the above listed techniques.

Severe or chronic disease in childhood predicts suicidality and links to anxiety in young adulthood

Purpose Suicide prevention needs measures, and further understanding of the role of adverse childhood experiences may elucidate the suicide process and ease the identification of suicide risk. Materials and methods A random sample of adults, aged 18–28 years and representative of the general population living in Finland, participated in a nationwide health examination survey. Of them (n = 793) we analyzed whether severe or chronic disease in childhood before the age of 16 years contributed to suicidality (suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts), and whether severe or chronic disease in childhood was associated with mental disorders, current psychological distress, current usage of prescription medicines, or current work capacity. Results Having severe or chronic disease in childhood contributed independently to suicidality, with the odds ratio of 5.41 (95% confidence interval of 2.98–9.82, p < .001), but the significance of this association was lost after controlling for mental disorders. Having severe or chronic disease during childhood, as compared not having such condition, was associated with having more frequently anxiety (p < .001), greater psychological distress (p < .001), more frequently usage of psychotropic medicines (p < .001), and poorer work capacity (p < .001). Conclusion Having severe or chronic disease in childhood not only increased the odds for suicidality, but also associated with anxiety, current psychological distress, current usage of psychotropic medication, and current work capacity in young adulthood.

Public awareness regarding the manufacturer provided information about medicine usage, safety, and adverse drug reactions in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the general public's awareness of medicine information, safety, and adverse drug reactions in Quetta, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using random sampling from April 2020 to April 2021 in Quetta. Samples were collected from respondents who met the inclusion criteria and had visited community pharmacies. The analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with good knowledge. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that purchase on prescription was a determining factor of knowledge regarding knowledge of pharmaceutical products and their provided information, medicines usage and safety, and Medication ADRs. Patients who bought medicines on prescriptions were more likely to have better knowledge. Patients having education were more likely to have better knowledge. Conclusion: Public awareness about medicine information, safety, and the information provided by manufacturers is crucial to ensuring that patients have access to accurate information about their medications and can make informed decisions about their health. Healthcare providers and regulatory bodies must work together to improve access to information and promote safe medication practices.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Chrysanthemum indicum Flowers Extract and Its Fraction

Chrysanthemum indicum L., commonly known as Chrysanthemum flower, is an herbaceous plant that has a long-established history of medicinal usage. There has been extensive research about C. indicium L, especially about its antioxidant activities, but not much has been done on its fraction. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the ethanol extract and its fraction derived from Chrysanthemum flowers in scavenging free radicals. The antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract, as well as its aqueous and n-hexane fractions, was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazine (DPPH) method in vitro. The degree of antioxidant activity was quantified by determining the IC50 value, which corresponds to the concentration of the extract or fractions required to inhibit 50% of DPPH free radicals. The results obtained from this investigation provide strong evidence that the ethanolic extract, as well as its aqueous and n-hexane fractions, exhibited significant antioxidant activity. The measured IC50 values for the ethanolic extract, aqueous fraction, and n-hexane fraction were 1.350 µg/mL, 1.109 µg/mL, and 7.588 µg/mL, respectively.

Investigating the Usage of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Products in Aceh to Address COVID-19 Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Medicinal plants have been used worldwide as supportive therapy in reducing symptoms of various diseases, including COVID-19 symptoms. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of medicinal plants and herbal products in respondents who experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in Aceh, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 384 respondents from the age group over 18 years old residing in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Data was collected via an online questionnaire consisting of 4 structured questions to assess the types and names of medicinal plants, the time of use, and the purpose of using medicinal plants. The results showed that nearly half of the study population (181 respondents) consumed medicinal plants and commercial products, mainly for the reason to enhance their immunity (49.7%), followed by to overcome the COVID-19 symptoms (26.7%). Amongst all medicinal remedies mentioned in this study, Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are the most widely used, which were consumed by 65.5% of medicinal plant and herbal products users. The other medicinal plant chosen by the study population were lemon (Citrus lemon), Java Ginger/temulawak (Curcuma zanthorrhiza), and Habbatus sauda (Nigella sativa). Although the majority of the respondents had used the herbal remedies prior contracting COVID-19 symptoms (45.5%), a third of the respondents consumed traditional medicine during the symptomatic period only (less than two weeks). This study has demonstrated the characteristics of the consumption of medicinal plants and their commercial products in Aceh, during the occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms in the study population.

Phytotherapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases - A descriptive survey in Vojvodina, Serbia

IntroductionHigh morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) require dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as other preventive approaches and medication. Patients often opt for natural therapies, which include phytotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of herbs in CVD and the safety of their concomitant use with conventional drugs. MethodsA prospective, repetitive cross-section survey was conducted in pharmacies in Vojvodina, Serbia, during the period of 2012–2017. The patients were enrolled in this specifically designed survey. All data were expressed as percentages (nearest whole number). ResultsA total of 749 patients were included in the study, of which 168 (22%) were classified as patients with CVD. High usage of herbal medicine was observed in all of the interviewed patients; 39% of patients were using herbs with primary effects on CVD (ginkgo and garlic being the most common), and 56% of them used herbs for other ailments. Approximately half of the patients considered that it was not necessary to inform or consult a doctor about herbal co-therapy. No adverse effects were recorded. ConclusionsPhytotherapy appears to be frequently used by patients with CVD. Patients and doctors should improve communication concerning the use of herbal products in order to achieve effective and safe treatment of CVD.

Five Important Seeds in Traditional Medicine, and Pharmacological Benefits

Knowledge about the pharmacological benefits of different seeds is an important factor for the cultivation and application of medicinal herbs and plants. The seeds of medicinal plants are stores of valuable and active secondary metabolites that have been commercially and economically beneficial and helpful for medicine and pharmacy. The major parameter of reproduction and the preservation of plants are seeds, which have a functional role in the distribution and establishment of plants in different regions. Five important seeds that have tremendous medicinal and pharmacological benefits are anise, basil, borage, cilantro, and chamomile. Anise seed is used as a spice, either whole or ground, and its essential oil and extract are also obtained from the seeds. Basil seeds have a long history of usage in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and they are a good source of minerals, are high in fiber (including pectin), and are rich is flavonoids and other polyphenols. Borage seed oil is used for skin disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and neurodermatitis. Coriander is an annual herb that is part of the Apiaceae family, and the seeds are rich in iron, zinc, copper, and essential minerals, which can decrease bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in the body. Chamomile can be considered for the treatment of insomnia, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and diarrhea, and it may help with wound healing and skin irritation. Keyword searches for Anise, Seed, Basil, Borage, Cilantro, Chamomile, Seed biology, Traditional medicinal science, and seed anatomy were performed using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google scholar. The aim of this article review is to survey the pharmacological and health benefits of the seeds of the five aforementioned important medicinal plants.

Ocular complications and associated factors among traditional eye medicines users attending the eye clinic at Mulago national referral hospital, Uganda.

Over the past decades there has been a phenomenal increase in the use of Traditional Eye medicines (TEM) worldwide and there are several factors that compel patients to use TEM. We conducted a study to determine the types of traditional eye medicine, ocular complications, and associated factors among traditional eye medicine users at the Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) eye clinic. A hospital-based cross-sectional study among TEM users at MNRH eye clinic from June to August 2021. Epi Data version 4.2 and STATA version 15 used for analysis. A modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to determine the associated factors. Overall, 182 TEM users (males:53.3%) were enrolled, with a mean age of 36±21SD years. The most frequently used type of TEM were plant products (47.8%). 70% of TEM users had ocular complications, the most frequent manifestation was conjunctivitis (53.9%). Ocular complications were significantly associated with living in the urban areas (p< 0.006) and participants who reported ease and availability of TEM (p < 0.001). Plant-based products were the most frequently used types of TEM, a large proportion of the TEM users were found with sight-threatening ocular complications.

Exploring Influential Factors with Structural Equation Modeling–Artificial Neural Network to Involve Medicine Users in Home Medicine Waste Management and Preventing Pharmacopollution

The appropriate management of home medical waste is of paramount importance due to the adverse consequences that arise from improper handling. Incorrect disposal practices can lead to pharmacopollution, which poses significant risks to environmental integrity and human well-being. Involving medicine users in waste management empowers them to take responsibility for their waste and make informed decisions to safeguard the environment and public health. The objective of this research was to contribute to the prevention of pharmacopollution by identifying influential factors that promote responsible disposal practices among medicine users. Factors such as attitude, marketing campaigns, collection points, safe handling, medical prescription, package contents, and public policies and laws were examined. To analyze the complex relationships and interactions among these factors, a dual-staged approach was employed, utilizing advanced statistical modeling techniques and deep learning artificial neural network algorithms. Data were collected from 952 respondents in Pernambuco, a state in northeastern Brazil known for high rates of pharmacopollution resulting from improper disposal of household medical waste. The results of the study indicated that the propositions related to safety in handling and medical prescription were statistically rejected in the structural equation modeling (SEM) model. However, in the artificial neural network (ANN) model, these two propositions were found to be important predictors of cooperative behavior, highlighting the ANN’s ability to capture complex, non-linear relationships between variables. The findings emphasize the significance of user cooperation and provide insights for the development of effective strategies and policies to address pharmacopollution.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage and Quality of Life in Patients With Renal Colic Attack.

Decreased quality of life is observed in individuals who fear surgery or experience severe symptoms due to urinary system stone disease (USSD). As a result, some patients seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods. This research evaluates preoperative CAM usage and its effects on quality of life for patients who experience renal colic (RC) due to USSD. The research was conducted between April 2020 and 2021 in the application and research center of a university. One hundred ten patients who were scheduled to have surgery due to USSD were included in the study. The data were collected using the "personal information form," "Use of CAM Methods of Individuals," and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) forms. Of research participants, 47.3% reported using at least one CAM method. The most common methods were exercise combined with phytotherapy (16.4%) and dietary supplements (15.5%). The proportion of participants who reported using 1 or multiple CAM methods for pain was 48.1%. The Social Functioning scores obtained from the SF-36 of the CAM users were statistically significant. For the participants who used a CAM method, the average Role-Emotional score obtained from the SF-36 was statistically significant. Health professionals should know which CAM methods patients may prefer and to what extent various CAM methods affect quality of life. More studies are needed to identify factors affecting the use of CAM methods in patients with RC attacks and to understand the relationship between CAM method(s) and quality of life.

Prevalence and Perception of Herbal Medicine Use among Patients with Chronic Diseases in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: Man's quest to manage illness over many years has led to the development of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are many types of CAM, and the most utilized is herbal medicine. The relevance of herbal medicine has increased over the years due to the surge in health demands and other factors that influence the management of diseases. Hence, this study was conducted to ascertain the frequency and pattern of herbal medicine use among patients diagnosed with chronic diseases in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, its predictors, magnitude, and perception.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among adult patients (n = 319) diagnosed with various chronic diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Glaucoma, cancer, etc., from October 2022 to November 2022, at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews with patients.&#x0D; Results: A total of 319 patients were included in this study. The gender distribution is 139 males and 180 females. The rate of herbal medicine use was 65.2%. Herbal medicine use among the female gender was higher, but there was no relationship between gender and herbal medicine use (P = 0.842). Of participants using herbal medicine, 46.1% used it for treating their health condition, 30.4% used herbal medicine to improve well-being, and 10.3% for preventing diseases. Their perception of herbal medicine uses as compared to conventional synthetic medicine based on modifications of some issues found from literature reviews that militate against the use of herbal medicine such as dose (15% strongly agreed, 20.1% agreed, 23.2% neutral, 18.8% disagreed and 22.9% strongly disagreed) etc.&#x0D; Short Conclusion: The study discovered that patients in Nigeria with chronic conditions frequently use herbal medicines. Age, gender, marital status, occupation, education, monthly income, religion, health insurance, the timing of sickness diagnosis, the number of medications prescribed, and multiple chronic conditions were all linked to the usage of herbal medicines.

Ethnobotanical investigation of the muthuvan tribe’s medicinal plant usage in Edavanna Panchayath, Malappuram district, Kerala

Ethnobotanical studies are always in forefront in revealing the intimate association between human beings and plants. India is widely known for its immense wealth of medicinal plants and for the fact that this plant wealth has been utilized for healing diseases since ages. Tribal societies possess their own ideologies and belief systems when it comes to the usage and protection of plants. Among many tribal communities in Kerala, Muthuvans are known for their knowledge in usage of plants for the preparation of medicine. Documentation of such knowledge is utmost important for the upcoming future. The present study is conducted with an aim to document the medicinal plants used by the Muthuvan tribe of Malappuram district, Kerala for the treatment of common ailments. Questionnaire survey, periodic field trips to the tribal area and secondary information collected from KIRTADS has been presented here. A total of 37 plants belonging to 35 genera and 20 families have been recorded along with their vernacular names, parts used, mode of preparation and administration of medicines. The commonly represented families were Fabaceae and Lamiaceae with 4 species and Asteraceae and Malvaceae with 3 species each. The current study elaborately reveals that the tribal community depends on plant wealth of Cholar Hills for the treatment of common ailments and their medicinal preparations have been effective over many years. Therefore, documentation of the knowledge possessed by the tribes is extremely important as these can be used for further studies and novel discoveries.

In Vitro Susceptibilities of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli to the inner Gel of Aloe nuttii Baker and Aloe chabaudii Schonland found in Zambia

The genus Aloe has a long history of medicinal usage in the world and is believed to treat various ailments. It contains bioactive compounds that work synergistically against various microbes. A comparative study of the two Zambian Aloe species Aloe nuttii Baker and Aloe chabauddii was done with the objectives to determine the antimicrobial activity, the minimum inhibition concentration and the susceptibility of microbes namely Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The study was a quantitative, comparative laboratory study. A Liquid-Liquid extraction method modified from Marjory Cowan, 1999, was used. The extracts were tested on microbes using the Agar Disk Diffusion Method modified from Kirby Bauer, 1966, and assessed by the growth inhibition zones. The two-fold dilution method modified from Doughari, 2007, was used to find the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. Only the water extracts of Aloe nuttii Baker inhibited the growth of all the five microbes tested as indicated by the growth inhibition zones as follows: S. aureus 12±2mm, S.spp.10.3±0.7mm, P. aeruginosa 9.3±1.7mm, E. coli 10.7±1.3mm and Candida albicans 14±0.6mm. In contrast, Aloe chabaudii extracts displayed no antimicrobial activity. The MIC of Aloe nuttii Baker was found to be 1500mg/ml for Candida albican, P. aeruginosa and E. coli and 3000mg/ml for S. aureus. In contrast, Aloe chabauddi did not inhibit any microbial growth. In vitro, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeriginosa, and Escherichia coli were susceptible to the inner gel of aloe nutty baker but showed no susceptibility to the inner gel of aloe chabaudii schonaland, which is found in Zambia.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Blunt Potassium-Bromate-Induced Renal Toxicity by Reinforcing the Redox System.

Potassium bromate (PB) is a general food additive, a significant by-product during water disinfection, and a carcinogen (Class II B). The compound emits toxicity depending on the extent of its exposure and dose through consumable items. The current study targeted disclosing the ameliorative efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) prepared by green technology in PB-exposed Swiss albino rats. The rats were separated into six treatment groups: control without any treatment (Group I), PB alone (Group II), ZnO alone (Group III), ZnO NP alone (Group IV), PB + ZnO (Group V), and PB + ZnO NPs (Group VI). The blood and kidney samples were retrieved from the animals after following the treatment plan and kept at -20 °C until further analysis. Contrary to the control (Group I), PB-treated rats (Group II) exhibited a prominent trend in alteration in the established kidney function markers and disturbed redox status. Further, the analysis of the tissue and nuclear DNA also reinforced the biochemical results of the same treatment group. Hitherto, Groups III and IV also showed moderate toxic insults. However, Group VI showed a significant improvement from the PB-induced toxic insults compared to Group II. Hence, the present study revealed the significant therapeutic potential of the NPs against PB-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo, pleading for their usage in medicines having nephrotoxicity as a side effect or in enhancing the safety of the industrial use of PB.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Cancer Screening, and Medical Checkups in Japan from 2001 to 2013: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: The association between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and other health-related behaviors is an important issue. A previous study reported that complementary medicine use is related to greater use of cancer screening, whereas alternative medicine use is related to lower use of cancer screening. Given the sparse evidence from Japan, we aimed to examine the association of CAM use with cancer screening and medical checkups. We used a repeated cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of Japanese people and conducted age-period-cohort analysis. Methods: The study population was 68,217 of 83,827 individuals observed from 2001 to 2013 who received cancer screening. CAM users were defined as individuals who received acupuncture, moxibustion, anma/massage/shiatsu, or judo therapy for their most worrisome symptom. The outcomes of interest were receiving stomach, lung, colorectal, uterine, and breast cancer screenings and medical checkups. Using crossclassified multilevel logistic regression models, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CIs) for cancer screening and medical checkups. Results: For CAM users of complementary medicine, the adjusted ORs for stomach, lung, and colorectal cancer screening were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.35-1.44), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.34-1.40), and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.49-1.54), respectively. We found similar results for uterine and breast cancer screening, and medical checkups. Conclusions: Irrespective of whether they use CAM, CAM users in Japan tend to receive a variety of cancer screenings and medical checkups.

Assessment of Awareness and Usage of Siddha Medicine among the patients reporting to selected Siddha OPD in Puducherry and Karaikal region

Background: The present study was aimed at to assess the awareness about the usage of Siddha medicines among the patients reporting selected Siddha OPD units in Puducherry and Karaikal region. To assess the awareness and usage of Siddha medicine in selected population of Puducherry and Karaikal region. Methods: The aim of the survey is to assess the awareness and usage of Siddha medicines among the patients attending Siddha OPDs of Puducherry and Karaikal region. The survey is done as a questionnaire either they are aware of Siddha medicines and its usage or not. The questionnaire is framed under various criteria like awareness, palatability, preference, frequency of visits, quality, recommendations, etc. Results and Conclusion: The results of this survey has depicted that the patients attending Siddha OPD of Puducherry and Karaikal region have much awareness about Siddha medicines and its usage. From the above said report, it can be concluded that patients came to know about the Siddha Medical system mostly through oral references than advertisements. Necessary steps like Siddha awareness camps, advertisements, propagation of strength and various specialties of Siddha must be initiated to sensitize the public about Siddha system.

The potential of a polyglycolic acid sheet for preventing intrathoracic sleeve migration

Introduction Postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be a consequence of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Intrathoracic sleeve migration (ITSM) is a factor contributing to its development. This study aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of ITSM can be prevented by applying a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet around the His angle. Material and methods In this retrospective analysis, 46 consecutive patients who underwent LSG were divided into two groups: Group A – our standard LSG in the first half (n = 23) and Group B – our standard LSG with PGA sheet covering the angle of His in the second half (n = 23). We compared the two groups for one-year postoperative GERD and the incidence of ITSM. Results No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of patient background, operation time, and one-year postoperative total body weight loss, and no adverse effects related to the PGA sheet were observed. Group B had a significantly lower incidence of ITSM than Group A, and the rate of acid-reducing medicine usage was less pronounced in Group B during follow-up (p < .05). Conclusion This study suggests that applying a PGA sheet can be safe and effective in reducing postoperative ITSM and preventing exacerbations of postoperative GERD.

Pharmacological Properties of Chemically Characterized Extracts from Mastic Tree: In Vitro and In Silico Assays.

The mastic tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical composition of this plant and assess its antioxidant and antibacterial properties using both laboratory experiments and computer simulations through molecular docking, a method that predicts the binding strength of a small molecule to a protein. The soxhlet method (SE) was employed to extract substances from the leaves of P. lentiscus found in the eastern region of Morocco. Hexane and methanol were the solvents used for the extraction process. The n-hexane extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its fatty acid content. The methanolic extract underwent high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to determine the presence of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH spectrophotometric test. The findings revealed that the main components in the n-hexane extract were linoleic acid (40.97 ± 0.33%), oleic acid (23.69 ± 0.12%), and palmitic acid (22.83 ± 0.10%). Catechin (37.05 ± 0.15%) was identified as the predominant compound in the methanolic extract through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Escherichia coli, while the antifungal activity was evaluated against Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula glutinis. The P. lentiscus extract demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. Additionally, apart from molecular docking, other important factors, such as drug similarity, drug metabolism and distribution within the body, potential adverse effects, and impact on bodily systems, were considered for the substances derived from P. lentiscus. Scientific algorithms, such as Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), and Pro-Tox II, were utilized for this assessment. The results obtained from this research support the traditional medicinal usage of P. lentiscus and suggest its potential for drug development.

Total yeast and mold levels in high THC-containing cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences are influenced by genotype, environment, and pre-and post-harvest handling practices.

Total yeast and mold (TYM) levels in inflorescences of high THC-containing Cannabis sativa (cannabis) are regulated to ensure that medicinal and recreational users, especially those with immunocompromised systems, are not exposed to potentially harmful levels. In North America, the limits imposed range from 1,000-10,000 cfu/g of dried product to 50,000-100,000 cfu/g, depending on the jurisdiction. Factors affecting a build-up of TYM in cannabis inflorescences have not been previously researched. In this study, >2,000 fresh and dried samples were assayed for TYM over a 3-year period (2019-2022) to identify specific factors which can contribute to TYM levels. Greenhouse-grown inflorescences were sampled before and after commercial harvest, homogenized for 30 s, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) with 140 mg/L streptomycin sulfate. Colony-forming-units (cfu) were rated after 5 days of incubation at 23°C under 10-14 h light. PDA provided more consistent counts of cfu compared to Sabouraud dextrose and tryptic soy agars. The predominant fungal genera identified by PCR of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA were Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Fusarium. In addition, four yeast genera were recovered. In total, 21 species of fungi and yeasts constituted the total cfu present in the inflorescences. The variables that significantly (p < 0.05) increased these TYM levels in inflorescences were: the genotype (strain) grown, presence of leaf litter in the greenhouse, harvesting activity by workers, genotypes with a higher abundance of stigmatic tissues and inflorescence leaves, higher temperature and relative humidity within the inflorescence microclimate, time of year (May-October), method of drying buds after harvest, and inadequate drying of buds. The variables which significantly (p < 0.05) decreased TYM in samples were: genotypes with lower numbers of inflorescence leaves, air circulation achieved by fans during inflorescence maturation, harvesting during November-April, hang-drying of entire inflorescence stems, and drying to a moisture content of 12-14% (water activity of 0.65-0.7) or lower which was inversely correlated with cfu levels. Under these conditions, the majority of dried commercial cannabis samples contained <1,000-5,000 cfu/g. Our findings indicate that TYM in cannabis inflorescences are the result of a dynamic interaction between genotype, environment, and post-harvest handling methods. Some of these factors may be altered by cannabis producers to reduce the potential build-up of these microbes. Among the 21 fungal and yeast species recovered from greenhouse-grown cannabis inflorescences, a few could pose a potential threat to human health, while many do not and they could provide beneficial interactions within the cannabis plant. The currently recommended plating methods onto agar media and enumeration of total cfu are unable to distinguish between these two groups.

Thin Cell Layer Tissue Culture Technology with Emphasis on Tree Species

An increased dependency on plant-based resources for food, shelter, and medicinal usage has increased their sustainable and unsustainable exploitation. To use this resource sustainably, plant tissue culture (PTC) is one important technology. Among different PTC techniques, thin cell layer (TCL) technology is a relatively simple and easily adaptable technique for in vitro cultures of plants. This technique uses small explants about 0.5–2 mm in thickness excised from different plant organs. It has been successfully used in the large-scale propagation of vegetables, legumes, and plants with medicinal benefits. TCL technology has proven to be effective in stimulating various organogenic responses when combined with various new methods such as nanotechnology or microtome-based explantation, especially in tree species. It is considered an important tool in plant biotechnology. Although the morphogenetic response per explant is usually higher in conventional explants, the appropriate use of plant growth regulators and geometric factors in TCL has the potential to make it more efficient and beneficial. This article provides an overview of the concept of TCL as applied to different plant species, particularly trees, since there are few, if any, summaries of TCL technology, especially in trees. This review will certainly revitalize this important technology so that it can be used effectively for successful mass propagation in the field of plant tissue culture.