Herbal Mixture Research Articles

Traditional and complementary medicines in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review

Many individuals with diabetes often explore traditional and complementary medicines (TCM) as an alternative, believing in their perceived minimal side effects and enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional treatments for diabetes mellitus. This review aims to conduct a narrative review of TCM approaches for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on diabetic parameters such as glycemic, lipid profiles, weight, and blood pressure. We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect using terms such as "traditional and complementary medicine," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus," "management," and "herbal" over a period of 5 years (2017–2021). The screened articles were based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were then validated and extracted. We included a total of 47 articles that met the criteria in this review and categorized them according to diabetic parameters (adapted from CPG Management of T2DM, 2020). The majority of herbal supplements (e.g., ginger, American ginseng, herbal mixtures), health supplements (e.g., Gingko biloba, zinc, vitamin D), dietary supplements (e.g., wheat germ and camel milk), and practices (e.g., acupuncture and homeopathy) exhibited positive effects, improving diabetic parameters towards their intended targets. This review can serve as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals involved in the management of this condition.

Cardioprotective effects of native herb-derived cardiac tonic on infarct size in a mouse model of experimental myocardial infarction

Cardiac remodeling is a significant issue involving molecular, cellular, and interstitial changes that affect the size, mass, integrity, and function of the heart following a myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that therapy with mixed herbal extracts has a protective effect in mouse models of MI. The underlying mechanisms are thought to be protective against left ventricular (LV) remodeling through reduced collagen deposition. We therefore studied the effects of mixed herbal extracts commonly used in various ways in the belief that they have beneficial effects on cardiac disease. MI was induced by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation in switch albino mice. Ethanol extracts of herbs Arjuna bark, oleander leaves, ginseng root, garlic, cardamom seeds and oregano leaves were prepared by ethanol extraction and rotary evaporation technique of dried herbs and then mixed the extracts to make a therapeutic cocktail. The mixture is then administered orally by lavage for 28 days. At the end of 28 days cardiac tissues were harvested and stored for histopathology analysis and assessment of SOD levels. Survival curve data over a period of 28 days showed significant (P<0.05) differences between groups and mortality was reduced in the herbal extract treated group. Heart mass especially ventricular and atrial space and ratio of ​​infarct to total heart area revealed better improvement in treated group compared to untreated group. Histopathological studies showed that the myocardium of the herbal extract treated group had fewer collagen fibers than the non-treated group. SOD activity levels were up-regulated in animals treated with herbal extracts indicating reduction of oxidative stress by herbal extract mixture. Hence, their effects reduce collagen deposition, reduce LV mass and prevent myocardial tissue damage, reduce structural changes and increase survival by their anti-stress effects. Mixed herbal tonic may provide a new therapeutic approach in ischemic cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart failure. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2024, 9(2), 14-23

In Vitro and Randomized Controlled Clinical Study of Natural Constituents' Anti-HPV Potential for Treatment of Plantar Warts Supported with In Silico Studies and Network Analysis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-HPV potential of a Moringa olifera Lam seed, Nigella sativa L. seed, and Musa Acuminata peel herbal mixture in the form of polymer film-forming systems. A clinical trial conducted in outpatient clinics showed that the most significant outcome was wart size and quantity. Compared to the placebo group, the intervention group's size and number of warts were considerably better according to the results. Chemical profiling assisted by LC-HRMS led to the dereplication of 49 metabolites. Furthermore, network pharmacology was established for the mixture of three plants; each plant was studied separately to find out the annotated target genes, and then, we combined all annotated genes of all plants and filtered the genes to specify the genes related to human papilloma virus. In a backward step, the 24 configured genes related to HPV were used to specify only 30 compounds involved in HPV infection based on target genes. CA2 and EGFR were the top identified genes with 16 and 12 edges followed by PTGS2, CA9, and MMP9 genes with 11 edges each. A molecular docking study for the top active identified compounds of each species was conducted in the top target HPV genes, CA2 and EGFR, to investigate the mode of interaction between these compounds and the targets' active sites.

Study on regulating AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, 5-HT, NOS1 in slow transit constipation rats by Liqi Tongbian mixture.

Liqi Tongbian is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation that contains herbs that may treat slow transit constipation (STC). Atractylodes macrocephala, Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus aurantii, radish seed, uncooked Polygonum multiflorum, and Agastache rugosa were included in the formula for their unique qualities. The control of water transfer in the colon is greatly influenced by aquaporin 3 (AQP3). Based on this, the Liqi Tongbian mixture was used to detect the concentrations of aquaporins (AQPs), 5-HT and nitrix oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) in STC rats, and explore its effect, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the remedy of STC with TCM. Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine provided 32 three-week-old Sprague Dawley rats of SPF-grade. The pairs licensed under SYXK (Zhejiang) 2021-0012 were kept at 20-25°C and humidity of 50-65%. The compound diphenoxylate caused constipation in the control, model, Liqi laxative (LQTB), and mosapride groups. The Liqi laxative rats were administered a mixture of traditional Chinese herbs after modeling, while mosapride was given to the other group. The levels of 5-HT, NOS1 and AQPs were tested in the feces and intestinal tissues. Comparing the condition of rat feces, it was found that the model group had significantly lower overall bulk, score and particles within 24 h compared to the control group. In comparison to mosapride, LQTB performed better. The model group had higher levels of 5-HT and NOS1 in intestinal tissue, while the LQTB and mosapride groups had decreased levels of these AQPs. LQTB had lower levels of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP4 than mosapride, while the model group had higher levels of these AQPs. Liqi Tongbian mixture works better than mosapride in improving constipation symptoms in rats with STC, and its mechanism is related to regulating the level of intestinal AQPs and neurotransmitters.

Formulation and evaluation of antifungal herbal gel using Aloe Vera and Betel leaves extract for the treatment of candidiasis

The primary objective of the current study was to develop and evaluate an antifungal herbal gel for the treatment of candidiasis using an extract from aloe vera and betel leaves. Herbal remedies are now widely used for both medicinal and commercial reasons. The antibacterial gel made from herbal plants works better than synthetic medications and has fewer side effects. Aloe vera belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which also includes Aloe barbadensis. One species in the Piper betle L. family of Piperaceae is the betel leaf. Aloe vera and betel leaf products, such as plant branches, roots, and leaves, have also been shown to be abundant in phytochemicals. The most popular herbs for treating fungus infections are aloe vera and betel leaves, which also contain potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by the maceration method. Carbopol 940 was used as a gelling agent to create the gel formulation. Candida albicans has been used to test its antifungal properties. Evaluation:The pH, viscosity, homogeneity, grittiness, extrudability, spreadability, antifungal activity and in vitro drug release research were assessed for the optimally designed herbal gel. Results:In comparison to marketed 1% clotrimazole gel 25 mm and marketed herbal gel 20 mm, the aloe vera and betelleaf extract herbal gel (S4 Batch) was found to be brown in color, homogenous, had good extrudability, no grittiness, pH 6.8, viscosity of 3424±0.45, spreadability of 4.3±0.3, and zone of inhibition of 23 mm. After being stored for 60 days, the herbal gel mixture, including extracts of aloe vera, tulsi, and peppermint leaves, did not alter in appearance. The pH has not changed in two months.

ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF SOME PLANT EXTRACTS WITH PROPOLIS

For many years, plants have been utilized in food, healing materials, and curing for many illnesses. Lately, improvements in biological searches have displayed the notable potential of natural compounds.Objective: In this study, biological activities of extracts of herbal mixtures with propolis were investigated.Materials and Methodology: Ethanol and hexane extracts of propolis-Syzygium aromaticum mixture, propolis-Papaver somniferum mixture, propolis-Foeniculum sp. mixture were used in the assays.Results: Ethanol extracts exhibited higher antibacterial activity compared to hexane extracts. While ethanol extracts inhibited bacterial growth ranges from 7±1.41 mm to 19.5±2.12 mm, hexane extracts showed inhibition zones ranges from 7±0.00 mm to 14±1.41 mm. The maximum and the minimum total phenolic contents were detected in propolis-S. aromaticum ethanol extracts as 389.81±0,001 μg GAE/mL and in propolis-Foeniculum sp. as 100.57±0.012 μg GAE/mL, respectively.Conclusion: Studied plant extracts with propolis might be an option to synthetic antioxidant and antibacterial compounds.

Green HPLC–DAD method for the analysis of analgesic and antihistamine drugs adulterated in herbal mixtures

This study presents a HPLC-DAD method developed for the simultaneous detection of histamine H1 antagonist drugs and analgesic compounds, including paracetamol, cetirizine hydrochloride, cinnarizine, chlorpheniramine maleate, and loratadine, in herbal formulations. This method systematically investigates critical parameters for enhancing separation and quantification using HPLC-DAD. Chemometric techniques were employed to optimize the method for detecting adulterants, with sample preparation involving liquid-phase extraction and a mobile phase for separation using HPLC-DAD. The calibration curves were linear over concentrations ranging from 10 to 40 µg/mL, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99. The method exhibits good accuracy, with mean recoveries ranging from 90 to 105 %, and precision (% RSD) for intraday and interday precision: 0.71 to 2.94 %. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) for each compound are provided. The HPLC-DAD method ensures rigorous quality control, detecting potential adulteration in 32 traditional medicine samples and emphasizing its safety and efficacy in managing allergic conditions. The proposed approach is considered environmentally friendly based on evaluations from commonly used greenness assessment tools, Green analytical chemistry metrics (ComplexGAPI, AGREE, BAGI) confirm the method's sustainability and practicality.

Cytotoxicity-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of a natural herb mixture extract

Cytotoxicity-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects of a natural herb mixture extract

Elemental and Radiological Characterisation of Arbutus unedo L. Leaves and Tea: Impact of Preparation Method on Nutritional Risk/Benefit.

The aim of this study was to characterise the elemental and radiological composition of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves and tea preparations and compare it with commercial Uvin H herbal mixture, widely used in treatment of urinary tract infections. The concentration of 17 elements and the activity concentration of selected radionuclides were measured in strawberry tree leaves/Uvin H herbal mixture, as well as in herbal tea prepared by infusion or decoction of leaves for 5 or 10 min. In both leaves and tea preparations, Ca, K, Mg, and Na were the most abundant elements, while the lowest levels were measured for As, Co, Mo, and Se. Only 137Cs and 40K were detected in analysed leaves/herbal mixture, while the activity of radionuclides in tea preparations was below the detection limit. The maximum possible health benefits can be obtained by a 10-min decoction of leaves, which resulted in the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and levels of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, and Se in comparison to the other preparation methods evaluated in this study. The calculated intake of potentially toxic elements and radionuclides does not represent a health risk to consumers.

Purification of the subtle realm through yagya

Most of the problems of the present times may be attributed to the vitiated thought process and emotions of human beings. Be it the occurrence of physical or mental disorders at the individual level, or the problems in family, society, and the world, the root cause may be attributed to various kinds of vicious human tendencies like jealousy, ego, greed, discontentment, selfishness, etc. Although modern science now realizes the role of vicious human tendencies in the occurrence worldwide problems, yet, as of now, it doesn’t seem to have effective methods for the resolution of these vicious tendencies. Ancient Indian culture provides various methods for the resolution of vicious human tendencies, and yagya is one of the prime methodologies in this regard. Various aspects of Yagya deal with the development of righteous values and virtuous tendencies in human beings, through the cleansing of the subtle realms of consciousness (thoughts and emotions), as well as the subtle environment. The present article described various dimensions of the philosophical principles of yagya associated with the purification of the subtle realms, as well as their implications. The basic principle of yagya represents and develops altruistic feelings and actions. The development of altruistic attitude leads to growth of benevolent sentiments and compassion, which can prevent the arousal of criminal tendencies. An outlook based on the philosophy of yagya can resolve war-like tensions prevalent in the modern world; it can promote sincere discussion on issues faced by humanity and their resolution. The philosophical principles associated with the fire ritual of yagya promote cooperation, sharing and benevolence. Fire of yagya imparts six philosophical teachings through it physical and subtle conduct; adoption of these teachings in one's nature can awaken righteous tendencies, leading to all-round peace and well-being. Various other components of the fire ritual like the herbal mixture, mantras, prayers, etc. contribute in cleansing the subtle realm. Thus, the philosophical principles of yagya, associated with the purification of subtle realm, can be effective in the development of righteous values and virtuous tendencies in human beings, which in turn can lead to the resolution of various problems faced by humanity today.

Modeling thermal inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis in ground chicken supplemented with a mixture of ribwort, sorrel, and yarrow extracts

AbstractThermal death kinetics of Salmonella Enteritidis in ground chicken in the presence of ribwort, sorrel and yarrow extracts mixture (1%) was investigated by fitting the inactivation curves to the log–linear and Weibull models. The thermal inactivation curves were fitted well to both models (r2 ≥ 0.94). The times required for 4–log reduction in the S. Enteritidis population were shortened by 47–64% in ground chicken supplemented with the herbal extract mixture (p < 0.05). The 4–log reduction times calculated using the Weibull model were 0.13–13.6% longer than those extrapolated with the log–linear model. The z values in the ground chicken samples with and without herbal extract were 5.08°C (r2 = 0.97) and 5.57°C (r2= 0.94), respectively. The results suggest that the mixture of these extracts increased the thermal sensitivity of S. Enteritidis significantly at tested temperatures. In addition, using the Weibull model to calculate thermal death kinetics may reduce the underestimation of the thermal reduction times.Practical applicationsThis research aimed to investigate the effects of an herbal extract mixture consisting of ribwort, sorrel, and yarrow on the thermal resistance of Salmonella Enteritidis in ground chicken. While these plants are recognized for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, there are not many studies conducted to explore their effects on foodborne pathogens in the food matrix. As far as we know, this is the first study that examines the impact of these plants on the thermal resistance of S. Enteritidis in ground chicken. We determined the thermal death kinetics of S. Enteritidis in ground chicken with and without the herbal extract mixture using curve fitting to log‐linear and Weibull models. The findings of this study could help the food industry to develop cooking conditions for Salmonella‐free chicken products.

Antidyslipidemic Effect of Diherbal mixture of Pteridium Aquilinum and Caesalpinia bonducella in Albino Rats

Pteridium aquilinum and Caesalpinia bonducella are plants commonly used in the management of various ailments in Nigerian folk medicine. Each of them have been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help in maintaining cardiovascular health. In the present study, the effect of the herbal mixture on the lipid profile of albino rats was investigated. A total of twenty albino rats were used in the study. These rats were randomly distributed into 5 groups of 4 rats per group. The rats were allowed to acclimatize for ten days prior to treatment. Rats in group 1 (control) were kept on water and feed. While rats in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with 200, 400, 600 and 800mg/kg bwt. of the di-herbal mixture respectively. The treatments lasted for 21 days. Twenty four hours after treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples collected and prepared for lipid profile. The following parameters: total cholesterol (TC), High-density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated by standard methods. Results showed that the di-herbal mixture exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Triglyceride. For instance, the control rats had a total cholesterol value of 91.28± 3.54mg/dl. When the herbal mixture was introduced at the dose of 200mgkg bwt, cholesterol value reduced to 90.28±3.77mg/dl. Dose-dependent increments in HDL Cholesterol levels were however, recorded. For instance, the control rats had a HDL Cholesterol value of 32.28 ± 1.81mg/dl. When the herbal sample was given at the initial dose of 200mg/kg bwt, HDL Cholesterol level increased to 34.21 ± 1.72mg/dl. When the extract dose was further increased to 400mg/kg bwt. HDL Cholesterol level was found to be 34.61± 2.10mg/dl. The conclusion was thus drawn that the sample has the potency of maintaining healthy levels of the cardiac function parameters investigated.

Physicochemical characterization of commercially available Dhanwantharam Mezhupakam - An Ayurvedic oil formulation

As a neuroprotective and nervine tonic, Dhanwantharam Mezhupakam (DM) is a medicated polyherbal oil formulation made using an Ayurvedic method. It is made by steeping herbs in significant water while simmering Taliam oil for a long time with a paste-like herb mixture. The purpose of the current study was to establish its standard criteria in accordance with the monograph to preserve the product's safety, consistency and quality manufacturing while also determining its heavy metal concentration. Organoleptic assessment, physicochemical evaluation, phytochemical evaluation, chromatographic analysis for active ingredients and heavy metal analysis are some of the formulation-related criteria that are assessed. According to pharmacopeia standards, every metric was examined. According to the study's findings, the formulation was well-standardized in terms of its physical consistency, chemical profile, phytoconstituents and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it was discovered that the sample's heavy metal contents were within WHO and API-acceptable standards.

Efficacy of officinal mixture «Fitogastrol» (gastrointestinal) in drip bags for chronic gastritis according to clinical and endoscopic studies

Chronic gastritis is an extremely common disease. According to statistical studies, gastritis affects almost 90 % of the country's population. In the presented study, the task was to evaluate the effectiveness of gastrointestinal herbal mixture in drip bags (commercial name «Fitogastrol»).

Development of the composіtіon and technology of the herbal mixture with the cerebroprotectіve actіon

Aіm. To determine the prospects for using the plant raw material for the creation of herbal medicines with the cerebroprotective effect, as well as to develop the composition and technology of a new medicine of natural origin. Materіals and methods. The study objects were black horehound (Ballota nigra L.) herb, white dead nettle (Lamium album L.) herb, and Austrian wormwood (Artemisia austriaca) herb. Experimental studies were conducted using modern physical, physicochemical, pharmacotechnological, and mathematical methods of analysis. Results and dіscussіon. Based on the analysis of scientific sources on the situation with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and the range of drugs for their treatment, it has been proven that to improve the quality of therapy, it is rational to conduct a complex pharmacotherapy with the use of herbal medicines. We have proposed a new drug with the cerebroprotective action based on the plant raw material. The medicinal product was obtained in the form of the herbal mixture, which included black horehound herb, white dead nettle herb, and Austrian wormwood herb. The rational technology of the drug has been theoretically and experimentally substantiated. A block diagram of the herbal mixture has been developed, and the critical parameters of its production have been determined. The pharmacotechnological studies of the plant raw material and the drug obtained have been conducted. Conclusіons. Based on the results of the work conducted, the data scientific sources on the spread of CVD have been analyzed and summarized; the expediency of using the plant raw material in medicines for a complex pharmacotherapy of CVD has been proven; the composition and technology of the drug from black horehound herb, white dead nettle herb, and Austrian wormwood herb in the form of the herbal mixture with the cerebroprotective action for internal use have been developed.

Assessment of Haematological, Biochemical and Hormonal Changes in Mehsana buffaloes with Postpartum True Anestrus following Herbal Heat Inducer Treatment

The present study was designed to explore the effects of a new Herbal heat inducer in Mehsana buffaloes with postpartum true anestrus and consecutive changes in Blood haematological, Biochemical and Hormonal profile. All the buffaloes were orally supplemented with Herbal heat inducer mixture on (Jantana powder-10gm) 1st, (Metrali powder-20gm) 2nd and (Hitali-powder-500mg) 5th day for augmentation of oestrus. Out of total treated animals 10 animals expressed the signs of estrus within 30 days. Post-treatment analysis of the overall blood packed cell volume percent in conceiving buffaloes had a significant (p≤0.05) elevate. Overall blood plasma total cholesterol concentration (mg/dl) was found to be significantly (p≤0.001) elevated in all treated and both conceiving and non-conceiving buffaloes, respectively. Overall blood plasma progesterone concentration (ng/ml) was found to be significantly (p≤0.0001) and (p≤0.001) elevated in all treated and both conceived and non-conceived buffaloes, which indicate the positive favourable effect of all the drugs on postpartum true anestrus condition. However, Overall blood plasma tri-iodothyronine concentration (ng/ml) was found to be significantly (p≤0.001) and (p≤0.01) elevated in all treated and all conceived buffaloes. Findings of the present study revealed that strategic use of Indigenous herbal heat inducer in feed mixture may resolve the postpartum true anestrus problems in buffaloes.

Rekindling Tradition in a Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of the Use of Traditional Herbal Mixtures Among High-Risk Groups During the Early Outbreak of COVID-19 in the South-South Region of Nigeria

On 27 February 2020, Nigeria reported its COVID-19 index case from Italy. The first 30 days saw the recording of 81 cases. In the first 60 days, this number rose to 1 337 for people over 50 and with serious underlying medical illnesses that were made worse by the COVID-19 infection. In this study, we investigated the use of traditional herbal mixtures by older people and people with chronic medical conditions in the prevention, management and control of COVID-19 in the South-South region of Nigeria, with Bayelsa State as a case study. Using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, we sampled and interviewed 21 participants, with interviews taking place at the health centres and the homes of older persons. The data were analysed thematically using content analysis with the aid of an Atlas.ti. The findings indicate that the majority of the participants used at least one traditional herbal mixture to prevent COVID-19 infection, and that the fear of contracting COVID-19 was the major factor for its use during the pandemic. The most commonly used herbal mixtures during the COVID-19 pandemic were a combination of “dogoyaro”, lime fruit and leaves, lemon, ginger, garlic, mango leaves and bark, pawpaw leaf and seed, soursop leaf, bitter leaf, scent leaf, lemongrass and moringa leaf. We concluded that older persons and people with underlying health conditions in particular relied on traditional herbal mixtures in the management and prevention of COVID-19 during the early outbreak of the pandemic in Nigeria.

Knowledge and eating habits regarding functional food among adults.

Functional food is a key element in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The ingredients it contains, such as phytosterols that lower cholesterol, also have a preventive effect on type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Phenolic compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Xylo-oligosaccharides control insulin levels, and fibre lowers blood pressure, potentially reducing insulin resistance. These beneficial properties mean that there is an increasing interest in this kind of food. The aim of the study was to assess the state of knowledge and behaviour regarding functional food among adults and to answer the question whether there are differences between the state of knowledge and behaviour of women and men. The survey was conducted among 301 people, including 181 women and 120 men. The research tool was an original survey questionnaire. The definition of functional food is known to 42.5% of people (47.5% of women and 35% of men), while the definition of prebiotic is known to 41.9% of people (43.1% of women and 40.0% of men). For 56.2% of respondents, the factor encouraging the consumption of functional food was a healthy lifestyle, and for 54.7% of them, the product composition was the main purchase criterion. Among functional products, cereals or muesli were most often consumed for breakfast by 35% of men and 55.8% of women, 42.5% of men and 33.7% of women were eaten oils for lunch. For dinner they most often consumed fruit teas, herbal teas, herbal mixtures, this answer was given by 25.8% of men and 29.8% of women. Knowledge of functional foods is unsatisfactory, and no differences in the knowledge of women and men have been observed. Consumption of functional food is generally low, and no differences in consumption have been observed between women and men.

Determination of 35 prohibited pesticide residues in Saussurea costus by modified QuEChERS method based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Saussurea costus, a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a vital ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Increased demands for the herb have led to its widespread cultivation in China, but the corresponding increase in pesticide use has raised concerns about pesticide residues. Such residues would affect the safety and global market potential of Saussurea costus. Thus, a simple method is crucial to detect pesticide residues. The QuEChERS technique, in combination with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), is commonly used for residue detection. However, traditional adsorbents may be unable to purify complex herbal mixtures well, affecting accuracy and instrument performance. Choosing suitable purification materials for Saussurea costus samples with complex matrices is of significant importance. This study focused on the detection of 35 prohibited pesticides in Saussurea costus. A rapid detection method was established by combining the QuEChERS technique with GC-MS/MS and utilizing a combination of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel (C18), and anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as the purification adsorbent. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, purified by an improved QuEChERS process, subjected to GC-MS/MS analysis in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, and quantified using the internal standard method. The purification effects of four materials (C18, MWCNTs, N-propyl ethylenediamine (PSA), and graphitized carbon black (GCB)) and their optimal dosages were investigated by considering the matrix characteristics of the samples. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize the ratio of adsorbent combinations, and the optimal adsorbent combination was determined to be 450 mg of MgSO4, 400 mg of C18, and 50 mg of MWCNTs. Matrix effect (ME) evaluation of the S. costus matrix showed that 31 target compounds strongly exhibited matrix-enhancement effects. Thus, matrix-matched calibration was employed in this study. Methodological investigation revealed that the standard curves for the 35 pesticides exhibited good linearity, with correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.9970. The average recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 69.6% to 126.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for parallel groups were all less than 10%. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.2 to 5.4 μg/kg and from 0.6 to 18.1 μg/kg, respectively. The developed method was used to screen and detect 35 pesticide residues in 20 batches of S. costus samples, and the target compounds were detected in six batches. The proposed method is simple, sensitive, and accurate. Thus, it is suitable for the rapid screening and detection of the 35 pesticide residues in S. costus and provides technical support for the cultivation, production, and quality control of the herb.

Impact of coriander (Coriandrum sativum), garlic (Allium sativum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on zootechnical performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broilers chickens

The study investigated the impact of incorporating a specific herbal blend comprising coriander, garlic, and fenugreek (CGF) at various levels on the zootechnical performance, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. The 42-day experiment involved 360 broilers (Cobb 500), organized into four distinct treatment groups. The dietary interventions included a control group consisting of a basal diet and the same diet was supplemented with CGF at rates of 1, 2, and 3%. Broilers receiving a 1% phytogenic mixture exhibited significantly increased live weight and carcass weight. Moreover, the digestibility of crude protein and crude fat significantly improved in broilers supplemented with a 1% phytogenic mixture. On the other hand, the digestibility of calcium and phosphorus showed a notable increase in broilers fed with a 3% phytogenic mixture. Regarding serum metabolites, the 1% phytogenic mixture group displayed significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The supplementation of the broiler diet with a herbal mixture of coriander, fenugreek, and garlic at a 1% rate resulted in improved growth performance, carcass quality, nutrient digestion, and lipid profile.