Treatment Of Sore Throat Research Articles

Ethnomedicinal Plants and Herbal Preparations Used by Rural Communities in Tehsil Hajira (Poonch District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan).

The present study emphasizes the importance of documenting ethnomedicinal plants and herbal practices of the local rural communities of Tehsil Hajira (Pakistan). The aim was to document, explore and quantify the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using various quantitative indices. The results showed that 144 medicinal plant species from 70 families and 128 genera play an important role in herbal preparations. The most common type of preparation was powder (19.0%), followed by paste (16.7%), aqueous extract (15.7%), decoction (14.7%) and juice (11.0%). Fragaria nubicola (0.94) and Viola canescens (0.93) had the highest relative frequency of mention (RFC), while Berberis lycium (1.22) and Fragaria nubicola (1.18) had the highest use value (UV). Geranium wallichianum (85.5), Ligustrum lucidum (83) and Indigofera heterantha (71.5) were the most important species in the study area with the highest relative importance (RI) value. The diseases treated were categorized into 17 classes, with diseases of the digestive system and liver having the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value, followed by diseases of the oropharynx and musculoskeletal system. Important plants mentioned for the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are Zanthoxylum alatum, Berberis lycium, Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Rubus ellipticus and Viola canescens. New applications of rarely documented plants from this area are: Oxalis corniculata paste of the whole plant to treat vitiligo, Carthamus tinctorius flowers to treat chicken pox, Dioscorea deltoidea tuber powder to treat productive cough, Inula cappa root decoction to treat miscarriage, Habenaria digitata tuber juice for the treatment of fever, Viola canescens leaves and flowers for the treatment of sore throat and Achillea millefolium root and leaf juice for the treatment of pneumonia. These plants may contain interesting biochemical compounds and should be subjected to further pharmacological studies to develop new drugs. Traditional medicinal knowledge in the area under study is mainly limited to the elderly, traditional healers and midwives. Therefore, resource conservation strategies and future pharmacological studies are strongly recommended.

A Survey of the Awareness and Practices of Antibiotic use Among College Undergraduates and Graduates in Latakia

Antibiotic resistance has become a global health crisis, posing a significant threat to our ability to treat bacterial infections. Over the years, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This leads to longer and more complicated treatment courses, increased healthcare costs, and in some cases untreatable infections. In this study, a survey was conducted on antibiotic use among college undergraduates and graduates in Latakia. The age of 42.2% of participants was 20–25 years. More than half of the participants were male (55.9%). Most responses were from college undergraduates 51%, either of final-year students or graduates. Most of them had used antibiotics with prescriptions. The highest rate of antibiotic use was for sore throat treatment (47.1%). Most participants completed the antibiotic courses and their symptoms improved (70.6%). Black and red pills remained effective for most patients (67.6%). 68.6% of the participants would consult a doctor if symptoms did not improve after taking antibiotics. 62.7% of the participants didn’t give antibiotics to a family member when they were sick. 52.9% of the participants reserve antibiotics for use when necessary. Half of the participants would take the leftover antibiotics in case of respiratory diseases. The results didn’t show a good level of knowledge about antibiotic use among college undergraduates and graduates in Latakia. This study encourages the improvement of the public knowledge and their attitudes towards the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Antibiotic consumption for sore throat and the potential effect of a vaccine against group A Streptococcus: a systematic review and modelling study

Antibiotic consumption can lead to antimicrobial resistance and microbiome imbalance. We sought to estimate global antibiotic consumption for sore throat, and the potential reduction in consumption due to effective vaccination against group A Streptococcus (Strep A). We reviewed and analysed articles published between January 2000 and February 2022, identified though Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science search platform, with reference to antibiotic prescribing or consumption, sore throat, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. We then used those analyses, combined with assumptions for the effectiveness, duration of protection, and coverage of a vaccine, to calculate the estimated reduction in antibiotic prescribing due to the introduction of Strep A vaccines. We identified 101 studies covering 38 countries. The mean prescribing rate for sore throat was approximately 5 courses per 100 population per year, accounting for approximately 5% of all antibiotic consumption. Based on 2020 population estimates for countries with empiric prescribing rates, antibiotic consumption for sore throat was estimated to exceed 37 million courses annually, of which half could be attributable to treatment for Strep A. A vaccine that reduces rates of Strep A infection by 80%, with 80% coverage and 10 year's duration of protection, could avert 2.8 million courses of antibiotics prescribed for sore throat treatment among 5-14 year-olds in countries with observed prescribing rates, increasing to an estimated 7.5 million averted if an effective vaccination program also reduced precautionary prescribing. A vaccine that prevents Strep A throat infections in children may reduce antibiotic prescribing for sore throat by 32-87% depending on changes to prescribing and consumption behaviours. The Wellcome Trust, grant agreement number 215490/Z/19/Z.

Sore throat: diagnosis and treatment world standards and approaches to pharmaceutical care in Ukraine

Sore throat is a common symptom that accompanies infectious and non-infectious diseases. World standards of sore throat treatment mainly regulate approaches to the diagnosis of the streptococcal nature of sore throat and the use of antibacterial therapy in a positive case. However, the predominant cause of sore throat is viruses and symptomatic treatment can be used. The study presents a brief overview of modern medical standards for sore throat, defining the role of a pharmacist and the experience of certain countries in involving him in the diagnosing and treating process. An analysis of the content of the Ukrainian Pharmacist’s protocol “Symptomatic treatment of sore throat” and the dynamics of its changes was carried out. Pharmacist’s Protocol elaborated in Ukraine successfully combines the algorithm of the primary pre-medical assessment of the patient’s condition with information and advisory support when dispensing over-the-counter medicines for responsible self-treatment of sore throat. However, certain improvements in the list of recommended medicines may be appropriate.

Comparative analysis of chemical components in fruits of Chebulae Fructus and its pulp based on chromatographic technology coupled with multivariate chemometric methods

Chebulae Fructus, was extensively used as a food supplement and medicinal herb, which contained two medicinal forms corresponding to the mature fruit of Chebulae Fructus (CF) and CF pulp. They were widely used in the Chinese clinical medicine and it played a significant role in the Mongolian and Tibetan medicine for the treatment of sore throat, asthma, diarrhea and other diseases. Both of them were recorded in the 2020 Edition (Volume I) of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the chemical components of CF and CF pulp have not been holistically explored, which seriously hindered its quality evaluation. This study investigated the overall chemical profile of the CF and CF pulp using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Sixty-four chemical components were tentatively identified, and 13 components were quantified in Chebulae Fructus. Furthermore, multivariate chemometric methods were applied to compare the differences among CF samples, and all samples were classified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on the 13 quantified compounds. The results showed that CF and CF pulp were clustered in two different areas. Ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, corilagin and pentagalloyl glucose were selected as the significant constituents to different of CF and CF pulp. LC-MS coupled with chemometrics strategy analysis could comprehensively evaluate the holistic quality of CF, which provided a necessary information for the rational development and utilization of CF and CF pulp resource.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of Ectoin® Mouth and Throat Spray Althaea Honey (ERS09) for Sore Throat due to Acute Pharyngitis and Dry Cough: A Multicentre, Actively Controlled, Open Label Study in Germany.

Acute pharyngitis can cause sore throat. This multicentre, active-controlled, randomised, open-label, and parallel-group study, conducted according to the German Medical Devices Act, compared the effectiveness and tolerability of ERS09 mouth and throat spray with a well-established device for the treatment of sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and dry cough. Patients were randomised 1:1 into ERS09/comparator groups (EMSER® Sore Throat Spray) for 7 ± 2 days. Patients and investigators reported effectiveness (change in total symptom score [TSS]) and safety endpoints (incidence of adverse events [AEs]; adverse device effects [ADEs]). A total of 186 patients were included (ERS09: n = 92; comparator: n = 94). The baseline-adjusted mean TSS over 7 days was -90.14 and -74.91 in the ERS09 and comparator groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The majority of patients reached a 50% reduction in symptoms by day 6 (ERS09 = 78.85; comparator = 75.8%). Most patients reported a soothing effect within five minutes (ERS09 = 82%; comparator = 71%). Improvements in individual symptoms were similar with no significant differences between groups; more patients in the ERS09 group reported an improvement in pharyngeal redness/swelling. Three AEs unrelated to medication, one ADE following ERS09, and no serious AE/ADE were reported. ERS09 was as well tolerated and effective as the established device, showing greater improvement in the management of some symptoms and greater patient preference.

The Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Treatment of Sore Throat, Headache, and Facial Pain: A Case Report

Abstract This case report describes the unusual occurrence of acute sinusitis without cervical lymphadenopathy and the application of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine to treatment of the ensuing somatic dysfunctions. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment techniques normalize the somatic dysfunctions and result in resolution of the patient’s presenting symptoms. Of note, normalization of the SBS torsion appeared to spontaneously resolve the sacral dysfunction in this patient.

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental studies for uncovering the molecular mechanisms of Dioscorea bulbifera L. in the treatment of thyroid cancer

IntroductionThyroid cancer (TC), a common endocrine malignant tumor with a higher incidence in females than in males, is a serious threat to human life and health. Although current clinical treatments can alleviate this disease, the recurrence rate remains high. Tuber Dioscoreae Bulbiferae, also called Huang-Yao-Zi (HYZ), has remarkable curative properties, few side effects and is used for the treatment of sore throat, goiter, hemoptysis, and other diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Existing clinical studies have found that HYZ can improve the clinical symptoms of TC patients and reduce tumor volume, while in vitro studies have found that HYZ can induce the death of thyroid cancer cells. However, the mechanism of HYZ in the treatment of TC is still unclear. MethodsIn this study, based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics, the target and molecular mechanism of HYZ in the treatment of TC were preliminarily explored. The results suggest that the antithyroid cancer effect of HYZ may be related to the PI3K-Akt and focal adhesion pathways. Then, a TC cell model was established to further explore the detail molecular mechanisms. ResultsFortunately, HYZ induced apoptosis in KMH-2 cells and regulated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and genes. At the same time, HYZ can also significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of TC cells. Further studies showed that the pharmacological activities of HYZ were related to the regulation of the PI3K-Akt and focal adhesion pathways. ConclusionOur study provides a reference for further animal or clinical studies investigating the effectiveness and molecular mechanisms of HYZ against thyroid cancer.

Relationship between Pharmacokinetic Profile and Clinical Efficacy Data of Three Different Forms of Locally Applied Flurbiprofen in the Mouth/Throat.

This study aimed to link pharmacokinetic (PK) data from different flurbiprofen preparations for the treatment of sore throat with published data to elucidate whether early efficacy is due to the local action of flurbiprofen or a systemic effect after absorption of the swallowed drug. Three comparative bioavailability studies conducted in healthy subjects provided data from flurbiprofen 8.75 mg formulations, including spray solution, spray gel, lozenges, and granules. A parallel interstudy comparison was made of PK parameters, including partial AUCs (pAUCs), using an ANOVA model with the calculation of 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the differences between least squares (LS) means for each of the test groups versus the respective reference groups. All three studies showed bioequivalence for the respective product comparisons. The interstudy comparison showed a slower rate of absorption for granules compared to spray solution (reference) based on Tmax, Cmax, and pAUCs for 1 h and 2 h. When AUC0.25h and AUC0.5h were considered, slower rates of absorption were also seen for lozenges and spray gel. The differences correlated with the reported time of onset of action, which is faster for the spray solution (20 min) compared to lozenges (26 min) and granules (30 min). These pAUCs provide useful data that allow for the discrimination between formulations. Moreover, the pAUC values represent <5% of the total AUC, suggesting that the early onset of pain relief is a response to immediate local absorption at the site of action rather than a systemic effect.

The effect of infusion time on Echium amoenum extract -induced hepatotoxicity in vitro

Echium amoenum is an annual herb native to the northern mountains of Iran which has medicinal application. Petals of Echium amoenum (Gole-Gavzaban) is one of the most valuable medicinal plants in Iranian folk medicine. The dry petals of E. amoenum have long been used as a sedative, tonic, anxiolytic and as a treatment for sore throat, cough and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that petals of E. amoenum contain four toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids but conflicting results have been acquired in experimental studies investigating the hepatotoxicy of E. amoenum. However, the direct effect of E. amoenum on liver cells and the complete mechanisms of its possible cytotoxic effects toward these cells remain to be defined. The main aim of this study was to assay the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of E. amoenum toward hepG2 cells. E. amoenum extract was obtained by infusion of dried petals in hot water (90 centigrade) for 15 or 30 min. Cell viability and mechanistic parameters were determined following 12 h incubation of hepG2 with E. amoenum extract that was obtained after 15 or 30 min infusion. The results indicated that E. amoenum extract exerts cytotoxic effects on hepG2 cells, probably through mitochondrial and lysosomal damage induced by glutathione depletion and oxidative stress.

Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Menispermi Rhizoma.

Menispermi Rhizoma, the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC., is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxification, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It is often used in the treatment of sore throat, enteritis, dysentery, and rheumatism. The chemical constituents of M. Rhizoma mainly include alkaloids, phenolic acids, quinones, cardiotonic glycosides, and so on. Modern pharmacological studies have proved that M. Rhizoma has the effects of anti-tumour, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, bacteriostasis, cardio-cerebrovascular protection, anti-depression and anti-Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, the chemical constituents of M. Rhizoma have been found continuously, and the pharmacological studies have deepened gradually. This paper reviews the research progress on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of M. Rhizoma, to provide a basis for further research and development of its medicinal value.

Incident of Sore Throat History among Patients with Rheumatic Fever

Introduction: The incidence of rheumatic fever is decreasing day by day in Bangladesh. Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of Rheumatic fever are demanding a review of the cause of Rheumatic fever. The illness may present itself in several ways, such as carditis, arthritis, chorea, subcutaneous nodules, and the recognizable erythema marginatum rash [2]. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to observe the rate of sore throat in patients with rheumatic fever. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at the National Centre for control of Rheumatic fever and heart disease, Sher-c-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. The study period was 11 months, starting from January 2019 to November 2019. The study was performed on recorded data of 300 patients with Rheumatic fever. Result: The present study showed that 30 (10%) patients out of 300 came with an acute sore throat, 216 (72%) patients with a history of sore throat, and 54 (18%) patients with no history of sore throat either acute or past. Rheumatic fever is undoubtedly a morbid one but can be prevented at its beginning by primary prophylactic measures. Conclusion: Rheumatic fever is a disease, which usually follows streptococcal infection of the throat. The study's underlying presumptions appear to overstate rather than understate the dangers of non-antibiotic sore throat treatment. Low socio-economic status, poverty, illiteracy; overcrowding, low levels of nutrition and non-immunization status were the predisposing factors in the causation of rheumatic fever.

International Delphi-based consensus on the appropriate use and effect of Benzydamine hydrochloride in the treatment of sore throat

BackgroundBenzydamine hydrochloride is a locally-acting Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) with combined local anesthetic and analgesic properties, indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain in acute sore throat. The aim of this study was to obtain an European Consensus among pharmacists, general practitioners and pediatricians on the appropriate use of benzydamine hydrochloride in the treatment of sore throat.MethodsThe authors developed a Delphi questionnaire organized into 15 statements focused on 4 topics: the mechanism of action of benzydamine, the benzydamine treatment in an adult patient and in a pediatric patient, and the advantages of benzydamine over other topical treatments. The survey was administered to a panel of to 320 participants including general practitioners, pediatricians, and pharmacists from 6 European countries (Italy, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Russia, and Spain), who rated their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement on a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was predefined as more than 66% of the panel agreeing/disagreeing with each statement.ResultsPanelists’ agreement on statements was very high. Consensus was reached for all 15 statements in the Delphi survey, with more than 98% positive agreement on topic 4, suggesting a shared view among European healthcare professionals (HCPs) about the advantages of benzydamine over other topical treatments. A strong consensus (> 99%) was reached for all the statements of topic 1 regarding the mechanism of action of benzydamine, except for its anesthetic properties (79%). Strong agreement was reached for all statements in topics 2 and 3 regarding the treatment of acute sore throat symptoms in the adult and pediatric patient, except for one on the efficacy of benzydamine in preventing post-operative sore throat, for which it was 67%.ConclusionBecause all relevant publications on benzydamine are dated and there are no recommendations on its use for the symptomatic treatment of sore throat in European guidelines, this Delphi-based international consensus may be important in reinforcing the appropriate use and effect of benzydamine in the treatment of sore throat among health care professionals.

Comparative Phyto and Physico-chemical Standardization of Fresh and Different market samples with the Anti-inflammatory Studies of Fruit Parts of Malva sylvestris L.

Different extracts and the powder of fruits of Malva sylvestris L. (Malvaceae) are traditionally used in the treatment of sore throat, inflammatory chronic bronchitis, jaundice and urinary discharge diseases, and were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in albino rats. The aqueous and ethanol extracts showed significant anti-activity against carrageenan-induced paw oedema. The study includes a comparative Phyto and physicochemical study of fresh and different market samples of the drug, which was carried out under various parameters like successive extractability values, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, alcohol soluble matters, water-soluble matters, pH values of 1% and !0% aqueous solutions, moisture contents, total phenolics, tannins, resins and screening of phytochemical constituents in different extracts. Quantitative elemental analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and the study of characteristics of oil so obtained from petroleum ether extract e.g. saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, ester value, specific gravity, unsaponifiable matter etc. and thin layer chromatography in different extracts were also reported. Beside, the composition of fatty acids was found to be as Lauric (1.87%), Myristic (6.04%), Palmitic (37.53%), stearic (9.93%), Oleic (26.17%), Linoleic (14.36%) and (C20-C22) (4.03%).

Benzydamine hydrochloride for the treatment of sore throat and irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx: a cross-national survey among pharmacists and general practitioners

BackgroundBenzydamine for oromucosal use is indicated in the relief of pain and irritation of the mouth and throat. It is an indazole derivative, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with combined local anesthetic and analgesic properties, and antiseptic activity, marketed under the brand name “Tantum Verde”. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge and prescriptive/advising attitudes among general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists (PHs) with regard to the topical treatment of sore throat and other irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx, with a focus on benzydamine. These findings could be important to increase awareness on benzydamine efficacy in sore throat and stomatological conditions, and to reinforce knowledge on the characteristics of benzydamine and its mechanisms of action among healthcare professionals (pediatricians, otolaryngologists, oncologists, etc.).Materials and methodsAn online questionnaire survey was performed among PHs and GPs in four European countries (Italy, Germany, Russia and Poland).ResultsBoth GPs and PHs proved to have an excellent knowledge and mastery of the constituents effective against oral symptoms. Among all the principles, benzydamine hydrochloride is the most recognized as certainly suitable for the topical treatment of sore throat symptoms and various inflammatory/irritative conditions of the oral cavity. It is recommended by about 90% of PHs and prescribed by 80% of GPs, mainly to solve the ailments caused by sore throats and stomatitis, especially for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anesthetic characteristics. Also in the pediatric field, benzydamine hydrochloride is recommended: among GPs, a high percentage (about 40%) prescribes it like the remedies based on dichlorobenzyl alcohol-sodium benzoate, which are instead more often recommended by PHs (44% against 37%).ConclusionAlthough the public has a lot of confidence in this treatment, GPs and PHs do not recommend/prescribe benzydamine as a first-line treatment of sore throat and other irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx. To increase the knowledge of benzydamine among these healthcare professionals, it would be important to emphasize its characteristics and the different irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx in which it can be used.

Local therapy of sore throat against the background of antibiotic resistance

Sore throat is an acutely common health problem both in Russia and around the world as a whole. This is one of the most common reasons adults and children seek primary specialized care. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics, especially for viral infections of the respiratory tract, such as acute and exacerbation of chronic tonsillopharyngitis, greatly increases the risk of developing and spreading antibiotic resistance. Up to 80% of cases of sore throat have a viral etiology of the disease, and even when the infection is bacterial, except for pyogenic streptococcus, the vast majority of cases do not require systemic antibiotic therapy. However, antibiotics are still often and unreasonably prescribed to treat sore throats. In addition, topical antibiotics for sore throats are widely available over the counter over the counter. The clinical guidelines for the treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis indicate that systemic antibiotic therapy is indicated for patients with sore throat of streptococcal etiology. Considering the growing antibiotic resistance in the world, much attention is paid to over-the-counter treatment of sore throat, which does not contain antibiotics in its composition, namely, the appointment of local anti-inflammatory drugs that can prevent the further development of the infectious process in the throat. The combined local and systemic effects, achieved through local delivery of flurbiprofen to the inflamed tissues in throat, have led to the development of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg in different types of dosage forms (including lozenges and sprays) to treat a sore throat.

In Vivo Histological Assessment of Local Application of Fenugreek Seed Oil on Cutaneous Wound Healing

Background: Healing is a process that restores the physical integrity of body structures. It is adynamic, complex, multicellular process that involves the extracellular matrix, cytokines, bloodcells, and growth factors. It includes hemostasis ,inflammatory phase, proliferative phase andmaturation phase. Studies have shown fenugreek to be an anti-inflammatory agent, which supportsits traditional use as a treatment for sore throat, arthritis, and wound healing.Objective: Histological and histomorphometric assessment of potential activity of fenugreek oilon healing of experimentally induced cutaneous wound in rats.Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus )weighing about250-400gm were used in this study, two circular standardized wounds were performed on ratdorsum with a sterile biopsy punch(5mm) in diameter .The wounds at the right side were left toheal spontaneously as a control ,whereas the left side treated daily with fenugreek seeds oil(0.2ml).Sacrification of animals was done at the end of each healing periods (1st ,3rd , and 7th day) to collectthe specimens by cutting the skin about 5 mm around the edges of the wound for histologicalexamination.Results: Obtained findings showed decrease in mean values of wound contraction with time,as lowest mean value recorded at day 7 at experimental side. inflammatory cells count showedhighest mean values recorded in experimental groups at day 1,however mean values of epithelialthickness increased values with time in all groups .Conclusion: the present study showed that the fenugreek oil was effective for wound healing whenapplied locally.

Treatment of sore throat and hoarseness with Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630: a meta-analysis

Treatment of sore throat and hoarseness with Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630: a meta-analysis

Sensitive voltammetric quantification of carminic acid in candies using selenium dioxide nanoparticles based electrode

Carminic acid is a food colorant which concentration has to be controlled due to the possible negative health effects. Sensitive voltammetric method is developed for carminic acid determination using electrode modified with SeO2 nanoparticles (SeO2 NPs) and hexadecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (HDTPPB) acting as dispersive agent for nanoparticles and electrode surface co-modifier. SeO2 NPs of 37–45 nm are uniformly distributed at the electrode increasing its electroactive area (41 ± 2 vs. 8.9 ± 0.2 mm2 for bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE)). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data confirm an 18.3-fold decrease of charge transfer resistance compared to GCE (12.7 ± 0.3 vs. 232 ± 7 kΩ, respectively). In differential pulse mode, the linear dynamic ranges of carminic acid are 0.010–2.5 and 2.5–10 μmol L−1 with a detection limit of 3.4 nmol L−1. The method is successfully employed in candies and lozenges for sore throat treatment. The approach is simple, reliable, and can be used as an alternative to chromatography in routine analysis.

Arsenic-Related Health Risk Assessment of Realgar-Containing NiuHuangJieDu Tablets in Healthy Volunteers Po Administration

Realgar, an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine of As2S2, has significant therapeutic effects for hundreds of years. NiuHuangJieDu tablets (NHJDT) is one of the most commonly prescribed realgar-containing preparations for the treatment of sore throat, swelling, and aching of gums. However, realgar-containing TCMs raise great safety concerns due to the adverse effects reported by arsenic poisoning. In this study, the arsenic-related health risk assessment of NHJDT was conducted in healthy volunteers after single and multiple doses oral administration. Blood, plasma, and urine samples were collected after dosing at predetermined time points or periods. Simple, rapid, and sensitive methods were established for the quantification of total arsenic and arsenic speciation in biological samples. The total arsenic and arsenic speciation were determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) and high-performance liquid chromatography–hydride generation–atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS), respectively. No significant fluctuation of total arsenic was observed in human blood, and no traces of arsenic speciation were found in human plasma. Dimethylarsenic acid was detected as the predominated arsenic species in human urine after dosing. Therapeutic dose administration of NHJDT was relatively safe in single dose for the limited blood arsenic exposure, but long-term medication may still pose health risks due to the accumulation of arsenics in blood and its extremely slow excretion rate. Therefore, arsenic exposure should be carefully monitored during realgar-containing TCM medication, especially for long-term regimen. The results obtained in this study will provide scientific references for the clinical application of realgar and its-containing TCMs.