Medicine Sector Research Articles

Exploring the Acetobacteraceae family isolated from kombucha SCOBYs worldwide and comparing yield and characteristics of biocellulose under various fermentation conditions

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a cellulosic biopolymer produced by specific acetic acid bacteria during kombucha fermentation. In this study, bacterial cellulose-producing strains were isolated from four different global kombucha SCOBY samples obtained from markets in the Netherlands, America, China, and Iran. The strains were identified using biochemical and molecular techniques. The ability of species to produce BC was evaluated under both static and stirred fermentation conditions. Seven dominant strains from the Acetobacteraceae family and the genus of Komagataeibacter and Gluconacetobacter were identified and submitted to NCBI gene bank archives: K. xylinus CH1, K. sucrofermentans IR2, K. intermedius IR3, K. cocois AM2, K. sucrofermentans NE4, K. cocois NE6, and G. liquefaciens NE7. Among these, K. intermedius IR3, isolated from local Iranian SCOBY, exhibited the highest BC production yield at 5.733 ± 0.170 gL−1 under static fermentation conditions. On the other hand, K. xylinus CH1, from Chinese SCOBY, had the highest yield under stirred conditions, producing 12.689 ± 0.808 gL−1 of BC. The BC production yield of both K. xylinus CH1 and K. intermedius IR3 under stirred conditions was 3 and 1.3 times more than static conditions, respectively. Despite the yield differences, static fermentation demonstrated superior physicochemical characteristics; such as moisture content, water holding capacity, and crystallinity degree, compared to stirred. Therefore, depending on the intended application in industry and specific criteria, both products could serve as functional substitutes in food and medicine sectors.

Expanding the biosynthesis spectrum of hydroxy fatty acids: unleashing the potential of novel bacterial fatty acid hydratases

BackgroundHydroxy fatty acids represent an emerging class of compounds with promising applications in the chemical, medicinal and functional food sectors. The challenges associated with their chemical synthesis have spurred exploration of biological synthesis as an alternative route, particularly through the use of fatty acid hydratases. Fatty acid hydratases catalyse the regioselective addition of a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group from a water molecule to the carbon–carbon cis-double bond of unsaturated fatty acids to form hydroxy fatty acids. Despite having been discovered in the early 1960s, previous research has primarily focused on characterizing single fatty acid hydratase variants with a limited range of substrates. Comprehensive studies that systematically examine and compare the characteristics of multiple variants of fatty acid hydratases are still lacking.ResultsIn this study, we employed an integrated bioinformatics workflow to identify 23 fatty acid hydratases and characterized their activities against nine unsaturated fatty acid substrates using whole-cell biotransformation assays. Additionally, we tested a dual-protein system involving two fatty acid hydratases of distinct regioselectivity and demonstrated its suitability in enhancing the biosynthesis of di-hydroxy fatty acids.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that fatty acid hydratases can be classified into three subtypes based on their regioselectivity and provides insights into their preferred substrate structures. These understandings pave ways for the design of optimal fatty acid hydratase variants and bioprocesses for the cost-efficient biosynthesis of hydroxy fatty acids.

Truth is relative; Client report versus provider report, a post-modern analysis of data from a trial in the private retail medicine sector.

In malaria-endemic countries, private retail outlets are a major source of antimalarials for individuals experiencing an acute febrile illness. However, there remains a challenge in how the decision to dispense the drugs is made. The lack of malaria diagnostic tools in the retail sector leads to a presumptive approach to diagnosis and overuse of ACTs. The TESTsmART study trained retail outlet attendants to perform malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) in conjunction with a mobile application to capture testing and drug dispensing data. Concurrently, febrile clients were randomly selected for exit interviews outside the outlet, and analogous information about testing and drug purchasing was recorded based on self-report. A small subset of clients enrolled in exit interviews were also asked to participate in exit Plasmodium falciparum mRDT testing to confirm the accuracy of mRDTs in the outlet and to estimate malaria positivity amongst untested clients. In this sub-study, comparison of these two concurrent data sources showed the testing rate for eligible participants was slightly lower in the exit interview (42.8%, 2436/5695) than in the app (51.1%, 24,446/49,804). We noted important differences in the experiences of testing and adherence reported by outlets compared to clients; 11.0% of clients had positive mRDT reported in the app (and validated by photo review) compared to 35.3% from exit interviews. Outlets reported that 97% of test-positive clients received a first-line Artemether Combination Therapy (ACT), but only 77% of clients who reported a positive test also reported receiving the first-line ACT in the exit interview. For test-negative clients, 35% received an ACT based on outlet reports compared to 25% by exit interviews. Among 109 clients randomly selected for re-test at exit interview, nearly two-thirds of those who reported a positive test from the outlet had a negative mRDT (64.3%, 9/14) when retested. Contrasting outcomes reported by the provider and the client highlight barriers to improving testing and adherence for malaria as well as challenges for monitoring case management in the retail sector. These include accurate communication of results to the client, poor confidence in a negative result, and reluctance to withhold antimalarials from test-negative clients.

Implementation of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand: six emerging trends.

To evaluate the implementation of the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (MCS), including how products, prices, prescribing and patient access have evolved since 2020. Analysis of administrative data obtained via Official Information Act (OIA) requests and publicly available information on products and prices. Six emerging trends were identified: 1) quarterly supply of medicinal cannabis products has increased fourteenfold since the implementation of the Scheme in 2020, 2) most products are now THC-dominant rather than CBD, 3) most products are in the form of dried cannabis flower rather than oral liquids/oils, 4) prices of products have declined to be comparable to the illegal market, 5) specialised private cannabis clinics have expanded patient access, and 6) inequities persist due to expense, and disproportionately affect Māori and those on lower incomes. The New Zealand MCS successfully established a domestic medicinal cannabis production sector, reduced prices and expanded the range of products to provide alternatives to illegal supply. It has also inadvertently created the conditions for the emergence of specialised cannabis clinics that have enhanced access. However, the increasing supply of THC-dominant and flower products, and the privatisation of prescribing via cannabis clinics, may have unintended negative consequences.

Recent trends in the elucidation of complex triterpene biosynthetic pathways in horticultural trees

Abstract Triterpene (C30 isoprene compounds) represents the most structurally diverse class of natural products and has been extensively exploited in the food, medicine and industrial sectors. Decades of research on medicinal triterpene biosynthetic pathways have revealed their roles in stress tolerance and shaping microbiota. However, the biological function and mechanism of triterpenes are not fully identified. Even this scientific window narrows down for horticultural trees. The lack of knowledge and a scalable production system limits the discovery of triterpene pathways. Recent synthetic biology research revealed several important biosynthetic pathways that define their roles and address many societal sustainability challenges. Here, I review the chemical diversity and biosynthetic enzymes involved in triterpene biosynthesis of horticultural trees. This review also outlines the integrated Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) pipelines for the discovery, characterization and optimization of triterpene biosynthetic pathways. Further, these DBTL components share many fundamental and technical difficulties, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers worldwide. This advancement opens up unprecedented opportunities for the bioengineering of triterpene compounds towards development and scaleup processes.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON GRAPHENE: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT, PROPERTIES, APPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE SCOPE

Graphene, due to its extraordinary properties is revolutionizing various fields. This paper explores some unusual characteristics of graphene such as mechanical properties, electrical and thermal conductance, and optical transparency. We will discuss its potential uses in various areas: super-strong composites for ultra-light and extra-durable materials and next-generation gadgets where graphene exposure might offer improved speeds. In addition, the possible applications of this nano-material in developing novel clear and flexible touch panels and advanced water filtration technologies are explored. But there are also problems with increasing output, maintaining the quality, and managing safety and health aspects despite its great potential. The paper also discusses the probable future impact of graphene on the sector of medicine, the usage of renewable energy, smart communities, and more. This analysis enhances the identification of graphene as a future wonder material by highlighting the state of research, the application of the material, and the opportunities as well as the challenges that the field has and will encounter.

Harnessing the potential of ChatGPT in pharmacy management: a concise review

ChatGPT is one of the promising AI-based language models which has the potential to contribute to pharmacy settings in many aspects. This paper focuses on the possible aspects of pharmacy management where ChatGPT can contribute, the prevalence of its use in Saudi Arabia as a practical insight, case studies showing the potential of ChatGPT in answering health-related enquiries, its benefits, challenges, and future prospects of it. Helping clients, verifying medication, examining for potential reactions to drugs, identifying potential interaction between drugs, providing recommendation for suitable alternative medication therapies, assisting healthcare workers and supporting the search for novel medication are the biggest roles that are cited. The study highlights several benefits of using ChatGPT, including greater medical supervision, fewer drug errors, greater power over existing equipment, and support to study about the medicine sector. However, concerns about security, reliability, privacy, over-reliance on AI, and lack of natural judgement must be addressed by careful implementation under human review. The study also provided insight of practical application of ChatGPT in pharmacy education and possible ways of implementing ChatGPT in getting improved care and optimized operation. The future prospect of ChatGPT is promising but requires increased precision, integration of it into education programs, progressing of patient treatment and interaction, and facilitating novel research abilities. In general, the review suggests that ChatGPT has the potential to improve and modernize pharmacy processes but cautious implementation of this developing AI technology, combined with human knowledge is important to improve healthcare in the pharmaceutical field.

Antibacterial activity of Cinnamomum cassia against multiple drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

The irrational use of antibiotics in various fields like medicine, animal husbandry and industrial sectors is probably a major cause of the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens and commensal organisms. It is a big challenge to modern clinical practices, as it could lead to therapeutic failures, financial losses, and the creation of a gene pool that could be passed on to humans. The use of medicinal plants can be considered as an alternative, with a consequent impact on microbial resistance. Spices and hearbs have been traditionally used as coloring agents, flavoring agents, preservatives, food additives and medicine in India. The present work aimed to find out the antimicrobial activity of Cinnamomum cassiaon multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from tap water. Natural spices might have anti-bacterial activity against other MDR bacteria and could be used for prevention of diseases.

Patterns and Marketing Strategies of Herbal Medicine at Sukoharjo Regency

The development of the herbal industry, especially in the sector of herbal medicine, is increasingly gaining momentum. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the demand for a healthy life. Consequently, many institutions are involved in the marketing and distribution of herbal products. This study aimed to analyze the institutions involved, marketing patterns, and marketing strategies for industrially processed herbal medicine products. A qualitative approach with descriptive analysis was employed in this study. Data collection methods included observation, literature study, and interviews with informants. The key informants in this research included herbal medicine business actors and market managers. These business actors consist of herbal medicine processors and marketers. This research was conducted in Sukoharjo Regency. The results show that the institutions involved in the marketing chain of herbal medicine products comprise raw material suppliers, manufacturers functioning as distributors, retailers, and consumers. The marketing chain for processed herbal medicine products can be categorized into 6 marketing channels. The marketing strategies for industrially processed herbal medicine products that can be implemented include promotion via social media; employing a super value strategy; adding distribution agents; developing research on standardization and market opportunities; and innovation in industrially processed herbal medicine products.

An integrated approach for economic evaluation of environmental and health costs of occupational diseases in the oil industry

The health sector is one of the components of development, social welfare and economic growth. The purpose of this study was to develop an economic evaluation model of the environmental and health costs of occupational diseases by hybrid approach. To achieve the study goal, a taxonomy of economic evaluation model of the environmental and health costs of occupational diseases has been developed. The Delphi method was used to identify health and environmental criteria and the analytic network process (ANP) method was used to weigh the sub-criteria. Finally, health and environmental cost were estimated based on the available information. Naft Subspecialty Hospital in Tehran, Iran (NSHT), was selected as the place of case study. In this study, eight and eleven sub-criteria were identified in the health and environmental sector, respectively. The ANP results indicated that the medicine and medical equipment cost criteria with a weight of 0.312 in the Medical sector, and the special and infectious waste cost criteria with a weight of 0.085 in the environmental sector were the most significant cost criteria in NSHT. Furthermore, the parametric model findings indicated that 99.84 and 0.16% of the total costs are associated with health and environmental costs, respectively. The findings indicated that 61.3% of the costs of the health sector were associated with the two sectors of medicine and medical equipment and the cost-of-service personnel, and 91.7% of the costs of the environmental sector are associated with wastewater treatment and the cost of electricity consumption. This study tried to present a quantitative model of the health and environmental costs of NSHT. Implemention of this integrated model can be a practical and effective step in allocating resources and prioritize interventions.

Detection of coconut oil adulteration with palm oil through NMR spectroscopic method

Coconut oil is a costly commodity in the food and traditional medicinal sectors and its adulteration with cheap palm oil is a serious issue. The present study evaluates the application of 1H NMR spectroscopy to authenticate coconut oil, and to monitor its adulteration with the cheap palm oil substitute. Various parameters such as average chain length (14.25), saponification index (244.66 mg KOH/100 g), molecular weight (652.12), iodine value (8.27 mg/100 g), peroxide value (0.02 meqO2/kg) and percentage of unsaturation (7.81%) were calculated through the NMR technique, and were found to be in concurrence with the values obtained from wet lab experiments. The extent of palm oil adulteration can be detected through NMR by evaluating the chemical shift values for olefinic protons. The findings have a significant impact on both the food and traditional medicine sectors, as NMR spectroscopy can replace the conventional wet lab methods as a reliable and precise method for analysis.

Mining for Metal-Organic Systems: Chemistry Frontiers of Th-, U-, and Zr-Materials.

The conceptual framework presented in this Perspective overviews the design principles of innovative thorium-based materials that could address urgent needs of the medicinal, nuclear energy, and waste remediation sectors from the lens of zirconium and uranium analogs. We survey the intersections of Zr, Th, and U chemistry with a focus on how the intrinsic behavior of each metal translates to broader material properties, including, but not limited to, structural and topological diversity, preferential metal-ligand binding, and reactivity. On the example of several classes of materials, including organometallic complexes, polyoxometalates, and the primary focus of this Perspective, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the design principles that govern the preparation of Zr-, Th-, and U-compounds, including oxophilicity, variation in oxidation states, and stable coordination environments have been considered. Further, we highlight how the impact of the mentioned variables may shift throughout the progression from discrete molecular systems to extended structures. We discuss the common assumption that zirconium-organic materials are typically considered a close analog of thorium-based congeners in areas such as material design and preparation. Through consideration of fundamental chemistry principles, we shed light on the relationships between Zr-, Th-, and U-based materials and highlight how a critical analysis of their distinct properties can be used to target a desired material performance. As a result, we provide a detailed understanding of Th-based materials chemistry by anchoring their fundamental properties between two well-studied reference points, zirconium- and uranium-containing analogs.

Nutritional Value, Major Chemical Compounds, and Biological Activities of Petromarula pinnata (Campanulaceae)—A Unique Nutraceutical Wild Edible Green of Crete (Greece)

The Mediterranean diet is mostly based on high intakes of olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and fruits, with limited amounts of red meat and sweets, and is related to lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly due to the health benefits of antioxidants of wild greens, fruits, and vegetables. Petromarula pinnata (L.) A. DC. is a unique (monotypic) and threatened local endemic wild edible green of Crete which is consumed raw in salads or cooked as an ingredient of the Mediterranean (Cretan) diet. In this study, we aimed to examine the nutritional value of P. pinnata with reference to wild-growing material; moreover, we investigated its chemical composition with 1H NMR spectra and its in vitro total phenolics and flavonoids (TPC, TF assays), and we evaluated the antioxidant (TAC, DPPH, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation), antimicrobial (MIC), and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of soybean lipoxygenase) in vitro activity during two different developmental stages (winter and summer collections), all referring to ex situ cultivated material (air-dried or frozen in liquid nitrogen). Our results showed that P. pinnata has good nutritional value, being rich in terpenoids and poor in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Furthermore, the extracts showed high antioxidant activity for TAC and DPPH and some of the extracts had higher antioxidant activities than the standard compounds. The summer plant materials had higher antioxidant activity than the winter ones. The methanol/water extracts were the strongest inhibitors of the lipid peroxidation, and the methanol extracts were not found to be active. None of the extracts inhibited the soybean lipoxygenase, and thus they were devoid of anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, the extracts showed a moderate to strong bacterial inhibition. These findings consolidate that P. pinnata has a novel nutraceutical interest with high nutritional value and high antioxidant activity combined with bactericidal effect, thus updating the evaluation of its exploitation potential in the medicinal sector from below average (37%) to high (67%).

A Spontaneous Heavy Hydrogen Generator via a Protium Redox.

The extreme significance of heavy hydrogen (D2) in medicinal, nuclear, and chemical sectors, despite its scarce natural abundance, underscores the vital imperative for inventing novel chemistries for its production. We showcase a spontaneous heavy hydrogen generator during commensurate electrical energy production by decoupling the direct chemistry of OD-/D+ dual ions via a protium redox. This exergonic electrochemistry yields ∼357 mL of D2 in nearly 85 h of continuous operation, with a commensurate electrical energy output of 122 kJ/per mole of D2. This laboratory-level demonstration of spontaneous heavy hydrogen production presents a novel chemistry for the scalable manufacture of nonprimordial D2.

New approach to niobia-modified borosilicate glasses for Cs waste immobilization

The use of nuclear materials is increasing in energy production, medicine, and environmental sectors. Following this trend, the generation of radioactive wastes is also increasing in the whole production cycle and use of this kind of materials. Among these, the 137Cs radionuclide presents a potential risk to human health due to its half-life time (30,2 years), high-level activity (1 TBq) and easiness to contaminate rivers, soil, and air. The immobilization of 137Cs in solid matrices has been an available option researched by several countries. In this context a new glass composition based on aluminoborosilicate glass modified with niobium (Nb) was used for the immobilization of cesium through adding Cs-loaded zeolite. Homogeneous vitreous wasteforms were improved with the growth of Nb content in the compositions. All compositions were able to keep up to 5.9 wt% Cs2O, previously adsorbed by zeolite A, and the immobilization efficiency was around 53%. Their structural analyses by Raman revealed a depolymerized and complex network structure, due to the presence of several cations including Cs. In turn, Nb reflected positively on the chemical resistance and thermal properties, by changing the distribution of silicate species. The wasteforms presented good glass forming ability and thermal stability up to 520 °C. Through the thermal treatment for devitrification, Cs atoms were stabilized into the Pollucite phase (CsAlSi2O6). Besides that, the wasteforms, preferably the one containing 8.0 mol% Nb, showed low elemental releases and leaching rates for Cs (1 × 10−3 g m2.day−1), after the leaching experiments at 90 °C for 7 days in static conditions, verified by the neutron activation analysis (NAA).

An Overview of Extraction Methods of Bioactive Compounds from White Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaf

White mulberry (Morus alba) is a plant classified into the Morus genus and the Moraceae family, growing wild or cultivated in Indonesia. The mulberry fruit is the plant part that is more utilized than others. However, white mulberry leaves are abundant and contain bioactive and nutraceutical compounds, which benefit the medicine and food sectors, making them an exciting material to investigate further. The method used in this study was a literature review, in which data from earlier studies were collected from open-access database sources, especially Google Scholar, from 2006 to 2023. The results showed that the white mulberry leaf contains rich bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, anthraquinone, anthocyanin, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, saponins, steroids, tannic acids, and so on, which are revealed to have pharmacological activities, and also contain complete nutraceutical composition as promised as food ingredients. Extraction is the primary process for extracting bioactive compounds from white mulberry leaves. Maceration, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), soxhlet, supercritical CO2 extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) were common methods to extract bioactive compounds and produce white mulberry leaf extracts with different characteristics. Therefore, this review highlights the effect of various extraction methods on the bioactive compounds of white mulberry leaf extracts, represented by total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC).

Impact of polyploidization on genome evolution and phenotypic diversity in oil-tea Camellia

Oil-tea Camellia (OTC) is a valuable oil crop with diverse applications across the food, cosmetics, and medicine sectors. However, understanding the impact of chromosome polyploidization on genome evolution and phenotypic diversity in OTC remains challenging. This study addressed this knowledge gap by focusing on the origins and impacts of OTC polyploidization. The chromosomal karyotypes of 10 representative samples were examined, and their relationships were elucidated through hierarchical clustering analysis of karyotype parameters. Based on the phylogeny of the genus Camellia, the ancestral 1 C-value and 1 Cx-value were reconstructed, revealing an increase in the 1 C-value and a reduction in the 1 Cx-value associated with polyploidization. Notable positive correlations between ploidy level, genome size, and fruit size were highlighted by phylogenetic generalized least squares analysis. The phenotypic characteristics and chromosomal evolution of OTC were reconstructed. It was inferred that the genus Camellia, which was originally diploid, underwent 11 chromosomal duplication events. With the emergence of polyploidization, phenotypic traits transitioned from small fruits, autumn–winter flowering, and white flowers to larger fruits, spring flowering, and red flowers. Biogeographically, it is suggested that OTC first appeared in the Lingnan region, and subsequent species dispersion and hybridization significantly influenced the emergence of polyploid species. In conclusion, evidence has shown that OTC polyploidization increases genome size and enhances phenotypic diversity. This research enhances our understanding of the complex genetic mechanisms that drive species evolution, influence genome changes, and contribute to the domestication of Camellia plants. Furthermore, these findings offer insights that can inform future breeding and cultivation strategies for OTC.

Bioactive Compounds Produced by Macromycetes for Application in the Pharmaceutical Sector: Patents and Products

It is widely known that mushrooms present several properties with applications in the medicinal and pharmaceutical sectors, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypotensive, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. This article aims to review examples of the bioactive metabolites responsible for those activities, such as polysaccharides, phenols and polyphenols, terpenes, peptides, alkaloids, and steroids, which are produced by several relevant mushroom species. It also discusses their production through solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation, as well as the processes of obtention of mushroom bioactive extracts and considerations on their stability aiming industrial applications. In addition, the article examines the patent landscape surrounding mushroom-derived bioactives, shedding light on the intellectual property history and innovations driving this field forward. Examples of recently deposited patents in the field are highlighted, as well as the main depositors. China and the United States are the major depositor countries in this field (52% and 35% of patents, respectively), and the principal compounds on the patents are polysaccharides and alkaloids. The article also provides insights into the current market landscape, showcasing mushroom-derived products in the pharmaceutical field available to consumers. From dietary supplements to skincare formulations, the market offerings reflect the growing interest in harnessing the health benefits of mushroom bioactives.

Envisaging challenges for the emerging medicinal Cannabis sector in Lesotho

BackgroundCultivation of Cannabis and its use for medical purposes has existed for millennia on the African continent. The plant has also been widely consumed in the African continent since time immemorial. In particular, Lesotho has been largely growing Cannabis since approximately the 1550s and was illegally grown and unlawfully used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It was only in 2017 when Lesotho started licensing Cannabis companies and regulating cultivation of Cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, the Lesotho Cannabis industry seems to have excluded the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the legalisation of Cannabis, the sector has the potential for small Cannabis enterprises in Lesotho.ObjectiveThis study attempts to examine challenges facing the evolving Cannabis sector in Lesotho as envisaged by Cannabis company managers with the aim of being proactive while addressing such challenges.MethodsThe qualitative descriptive method was employed using both primary and secondary data. For the selection of the three Cannabis managers exponential non-discriminative snowball sampling was adopted and interviews with the managers were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the descriptive explanations of the Cannabis managers to determine the themes that were further consolidated into categories.ResultsThe implementation and compliance with the laws in the Lesotho medicinal Cannabis sector has proved very challenging, with long timeframes for finalising regulatory frameworks and not being applied objectively. The industry does not provide opportunities for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to venture into the Cannabis business.ConclusionIn Lesotho, the Cannabis sector appears to be faced with many challenges emanating from the implementation and enforcement of Cannabis laws. The Lesotho Government should review its Cannabis laws and regulations with a view to benefiting SMMEs and legalising Cannabis production so as to serve both the domestic and international markets.

Various Media used to Detoxify Abrus precatorius - A Mini Review

Abrus precatorius, sometimes referred to as jequirity bean or rosary pea, is a tropical and subtropical plant species that is extensively scattered all over. It is highly dangerous because of the presence of abrin, an exceptionally toxic protein. A. precatorius is a poisonous plant with great traditional and pharmaceutical value; therefore, to safely utilize its potential benefits, detoxification techniques are required. This review methodically examines the numerous detoxification strategies used in various media to lessen A. precatorius’s toxicity. There are various methods employed to detoxify the seeds which include cow’s milk, cow’s urine, fermented rice water, lemon juice, etc. The possible applications of detoxified A. precatorius in conventional medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agro-industrial sectors are also reviewed in this paper. Additionally, the paper also emphasizes new developments and potential paths for detoxification research, highlighting the necessity of creative solutions to maximize detoxification effectiveness while protecting bioactive components