Use Of Synthetic Drugs Research Articles

The Role of Public Health in Combatting Synthetic Cannabinoid Use in Adolescents

As the country struggles to address an epidemic of alcohol and drug overdose, a wide-ranging category of chemical substances known as synthetic drugs have provoked a new sense of public urgency over the past decade. Synthetic cannabinoids, a heterogeneous and evolving set of synthetic compounds that act on endogenous cannabinoid receptors, have become particularly popular among adolescents due to their relative ease of access and reputation as a “legal high.” The Baltimore City Health Department has worked to combat the recent surge in synthetic drug use through a major public awareness campaign, legislative reform, and retailer engagement and compliance initiative. In doing so, the city has built a coalition of clinicians, advocates, retailers, educators, legislators, and community members to fight synthetic cannabinoid use in Baltimore City. In this commentary piece, we offer strategies from our work and from that of our colleagues across the country for clinicians and communities fighting to stem the tide of recreational synthetic cannabinoid use.

Abscisic Acid/Dormin, a Plant Hormone that Inhibits Angiogenesis in vitro and Neovascular Growth in vivo

Vessel development and regeneration by angiogenesis is critical for adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to every organ in the body. However, the concept of anti‐angiogenesis therapy has previously been proposed due to the important role of blood vessels in solid tumor growth and dissemination. Non‐neoplastic disorders associated with numerous proliferative diseases (e.g. diabetes or chronic inflammation) also are promoted by pathological angiogenesis that leads to blinding diseases. Current anti‐angiogenic treatments are based on the use of synthetic drugs, many of which, not only cause serious side effects without correcting the underlying pathology, but also have an unfavorable cost to benefit ratio. The objective of this study is to explore the anti‐angiogenic potential of abscisic acid (ABA), a natural plant hormone that inhibits germination from occurring when the environmental conditions are not favorable and contributes to the acquisition of stress tolerance. Using a fibrin beads‐based sprouting assay, we show that ABA effectively inhibits in a dose‐dependent manner, migration, growth and expansion of endothelial tubes without affecting cell viability. In the in vivo model of postnatal retinal angiogenesis, administration of ABA affects neither the differentiation and normal development of the retinal vasculature nor the growth of the animals although it incidentally increases fetal hyaloid vessel persistence. In the mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) characterized by a hyperoxia‐induced vaso‐obliteration phase and a subsequent ischemia‐induced neovascular growth, administration of ABA reduces aberrant growth of retinal vessels during the ischemic phase of OIR without altering the normal vascularization of the retina. Thus, as a natural vascular stabilization signal restricting neovascular growth, ABA is an anti‐angiogenic molecule with potential translational implications in vascular diseases of the eye.

Use of new synthetic drugs in Slovenian prisons

IntroductionPrisons are a specific environment, in terms of population and various factors that affect health in the broader sense. According to the report of the board of prisons for Slovenia in 2013, 1 078 people who have had problems with illicit drug use were identified, representing 23.04% of all incarcerated persons. Moreover, an increase in the use of various types of new psychoactive substances, the so-called designer drugs, was recorded in recent years.AimsThe research aimed to point out the psychoactive drugs most used in Slovenian prisons and to explore whether these pose a public health issue.MethodsWe conducted statistical research with semi-standardised epidemiological and psychoeducational questionnaires, which were distributed among prison population in Maribor region, Slovenia.ResultsThe analysis of the questionnaires received, which was completed by 54 prisoners, has shown that 54.55% of people aged between 18 and 35 years take synthetic drugs regularly, 30.30% of the population enjoys synthetic drugs occasionally. In the category of over 50 years, no one enjoyed these drugs. The most popular synthetic drugs were synthetic cannabinoids. Although a third of the users of these drugs has experienced at least one side effect, as many as 55.56% do not know how to act in such a case.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that the majority of users of synthetic drugs are young adults who are convinced that their use is less harmful than the use of “ordinary” psychoactive substances. A surprisingly low awareness of side effects measure was stated.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Seven-year tolerability profile of glucocorticoids use in early rheumatoid arthritis: data from the ESPOIR cohort

ObjectiveTo explore the 7-year tolerability profile of glucocorticoids (GC) for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe examined data for 602 patients with RA from the early arthritis Etude et Suivi des POlyarthrites...

Synthetic Drugs - An Overview of Important and Newly Emerging Substances

Background: Synthetic drug use and abuse are on the rise. Governmental institutions report a shift in consumption from natural drugs to synthetic drugs, and show an increase in confiscation, particularly of methamphetamine and newly identified psychoactive substances. In addition, the media report an alarming increase in the rate of consumption and casualties resulting from the use of drugs such as "crystal meth" and warn against a flood of this and other designer drugs from eastern European countries. Objectives: The present article gives an overview of current popular and widely used synthetic drugs, both classical substances (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA) and new psychoactive substances ("designer drugs", "legal highs"). It addresses their pharmacology, effects, side effects, and risks. It furthermore explores newly emerging problems for the health system and clinical practice regarding the treatment of intoxication as well as withdrawal. Methods: The current scientific literature concerning synthetic drugs is summarized and official statistics and reports provided by the government are reviewed. Results: Different derivatives of amphetamine vary in their risk of harm and addictive potential. Methamphetamine, one of the most dangerous derivatives, is increasingly being consumed in certain regions of Germany. New psychoactive substances represent a heterogeneous group of substances. Since the substances are often unknown to the user, they are unpredictable in their effects and side effects.

Endocannabinoid System in Neurological Disorders.

Several studies support the evidence that the endocannabinoid system and cannabimimetic drugs might have therapeutic potential in numerous pathologies. These pathologies range from neurological disorders, atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer to obesity/metabolic syndrome and others. In this paper we review the endocannabinoid system signaling and its alteration in neurodegenerative disorders like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease and discuss the main findings about the use of cannabinoids in the therapy of these pathologies. Despite different etiologies, neurodegenerative disorders exhibit similar mechanisms like neuro-inflammation, excitotoxicity, deregulation of intercellular communication, mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of brain tissue homeostasis. Current treatments ameliorate the symptoms but are not curative. Interfering with the endocannabinoid signaling might be a valid therapeutic option in neuro-degeneration. To this aim, pharmacological intervention to modulate the endocannabinoid system and the use of natural and synthetic cannabimimetic drugs have been assessed. CB1 and CB2 receptor signaling contributes to the control of Ca2+ homeostasis, trophic support, mitochondrial activity, and inflammatory conditions. Several studies and patents suggest that the endocannabinoid system has neuro-protective properties and might be a target in neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of local Polynesian plants and algae on growth and expression of two immune-related genes in orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis)

The emerging orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) aquaculture is the most important fish aquaculture industry in French Polynesia. However, bacterial infections are causing severe mortality episodes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find an effective management solution. Besides the supplying difficulty and high costs of veterinary drugs in French Polynesia, batfish aquaculture takes place close to the coral reef, where use of synthetic persistent drugs should be restricted. Medicinal plants and bioactive algae are emerging as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to chemical drugs. We have studied the effect of local Polynesian plants and the local opportunistic algae Asparagopsis taxiformis on batfish when orally administered. Weight gain and expression of two immune-related genes (lysozyme g – Lys G and transforming growth factor beta - TGF-β1) were studied to analyze immunostimulant activity of plants on P. orbicularis. Results showed that several plants increased Lys G and TGF-β1 expression on orbicular batfish after 2 and 3 weeks of oral administration. A. taxiformis was the plant displaying the most promising results, promoting a weight gain of 24% after 3 weeks of oral administration and significantly increasing the relative amount of both Lys G and TGF-β1 transcripts in kidney and spleen of P. orbicularis.

Anti-helminthic activity of Momordica charantia L. against Fasciola hepatica eggs after twelve days of incubation in vitro

Fasciolosis, a parasitic disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica underreported is expanding both in human and animal population, throughout the world. The constant use of synthetic drugs to treat this condition has led to the natural selection of resistant strains of the parasite. Hence, there is a growing focus on the potential anti-helminthic properties of medicinal plants and phytopharmaceuticals. The current study assessed the potential anti-fasciolicide action of Momordica charantia leaf extracts and fractions on the eggs of F. hepatica parasites. The lyophilized crude extract (CE) of M. charantia leaves and its sub-fractions, obtained from liquid–liquid partitioning with organic solvents, were analysed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), suspended in 1% DMSO and used in in vitro tests. Quadruplicates of 50F. hepatica eggs were incubated at 23°C with M. charantia leaf CE in different concentrations. After 12days no larvae were formed in eggs incubated with CE concentrations above 12.5mg/mL. Eggs incubated with CE sub-fractions at concentrations of 1000, 100, 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01μg/mL affected embryonic development, with n-butanol presenting the strongest inhibition of miracidia formation. In contrast, on the 12th day, 90% of the miracidia hatched in the control experiments using 0.03% DMSO whereas embryogenesis was completely abolished with any concentration of albendazole sulphoxide ABZ(SO). Chemical analysis of the CE and sub-fractions revealed a prominent presence of flavonoids. HPLC–MS confirmed Quercetin to be one of the main flavonoids present in the CE and the n-butanol subfraction. This is the first study to analyse the potential anti-fasciolicide action of M. charantia leaf CE and subfractions.

The Study of the Inhibition Effects of Satureja khuzestaniea Essence on the Gene Expression of bla-OXA-23 in Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the Gram-negative bacteria in nosocomial infections that is resistant to treatment and control. The isolation of these bacteria is increasing significantly throughout the world. With increasing populations and a reduction in the use of synthetic drugs, many of these medicinal herbs are replacing other treatments. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects of Satureja khuzestaniea essence on the expression of the antibiotic resistance genes bla-OXA-23 and Housekeeping DNA gyrase-A in multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, using the RT-PCR technique. Methods: Satureja khuzestaniea essential oil was collected from the Barij essence research farm in May 2010. Fivemultidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumanniithat contain the bla-OXA-23 and housekeeping DNA gyrase-A genes were selected. The disk diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of essential oil, and major components were used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the Satureja khuzestaniea essential oil were determined via a broth macro dilution assay, as recommended by the CLSI. Finally, an analysis of the bla-OXA-23 and Housekeeping DNA gyrase-A was performed using the RT-PCR technique. Results: The major components of Satureja khuzestaniea essence are carvacrol (90.88%), ρ-cymene (3.11%), γ terpinene (1.24%), and linalool (0.91%). The RT-PCR technique demonstrates that Satureja khuzestaniea with an MIC of 0.2 µL/mL has the effect of reducing the expression of the antibiotic resistance gene bla-OXA-2. The essence has no inhibitory effect, however, on the Housekeeping DNA gyrase-A gene. Conclusions: This study indicates that Satureja khuzestaniea essence has inhibitory effects on the gene expression of antibiotic resistance in bla-OXA-23 that has a high MIC. Given that this essence has a good inhibitory effect on gene expression in MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and bla-OXA-23, the results indicate that it could be used as a natural way to prevent the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Analysis of 25 C NBOMe in Seized Blotters by HPTLC and GC-MS.

Use of unauthorized synthetic drugs is a serious, forensic, regulatory and public health issue. In this scenario, consumption of drug-impregnated blotters is very frequent. For decades, blotters have been generally impregnated with the potent hallucinogen known as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD); however, since 2013 blotter stamps with N-2 methoxybenzyl-substituted phenylethylamine hallucinogen designated as “NBOMes” have been seized in Chile. To address this issue with readily accessible laboratory equipment, we have developed and validated a new HPTLC method for the identification and quantitation of 25-C-NBOMe in seized blotters and its confirmation by GC–MS. The proposed method was validated according to SWGTOX recommendations and is suitable for routine analysis of seized blotters containing 25-C-NBOMe. With the validated method, we analyzed 15 real samples, in all cases finding 25-C-NBOMe in a wide dosage range (701.0–1943.5 µg per blotter). In this situation, we can assume that NBOMes are replacing LSD as the main hallucinogenic drug consumed in blotters in Chile.

Mutant p53 and mTOR/PKM2 regulation in cancer cells

Mutations of TP53 gene are the most common feature in aggressive malignant cells. In addition to the loss of the tumor suppressive role of wild-type p53, hotspot mutant p53 isoforms display oncogenic proprieties notoriously referred as gain of functions (GOFs) which result in chemoresistance to therapies, genomic instability, aberrant deregulation of cell cycle progression, invasiveness and enhanced metastatic potential, and finally, in patient poor survival rate. The identification of novel functional oncogenic pathways regulated by mutant p53 represent and intriguing topic for emerging therapies against a broad spectrum of cancer types bearing mutant TP53 gene. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) are master regulators of cancer growth, metabolism, and cell proliferation. Herein, we report that GOF mutant R175H and R273H p53 proteins trigger PKM2 phosphorylation on Tyr 105 through the involvement of mTOR signaling. Our data, together with the newly discovered connection between mutant p53 and mTOR stimulation, raise important implications for the potential therapeutic use of synthetic drugs inhibiting mTOR/PKM2 axis in cancer cells bearing mutant TP53 gene. We further hypothesize that mTOR/PKM2 pathway stimulation serves to sustain the oncogenic activity of mutant p53 through both the enhancement of chemoresistance and of aerobic glycolysis of cancer cells. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(9):722-726, 2016.

English

Prevalence of animal diseases is one of the major livestock production constraints in Kenya with high impacts on livelihoods due to related economic losses affecting food security in the country. The use of synthetic drugs for disease management has challenges. This makes the use of medicinal plants for treatment a rational alternative. Ascarids, Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum are among the most frequently observed helminth parasites in dogs in Kenya. The two parasites are also known to cause helminthiasis in human beings. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of ethanol and aqueous extracts from bulbs of A. sativum and A. cepa and from leaves of J. curcas against T. canis and A. caninum parasites. Six (6) extracts from three (3) plants: A. cepa, A. sativum and J. curcas were selected for in vitro anthelmintic screening by measuring ability to inhibit hatching and development of eggs and survival of larvae in vitro. The ethanol extracts of A. cepa inhibited hatching of 100% of eggs of A. caninum between 10,000 and 2,500 ug/ml and 100% of eggs of T. canis between 10,000 and 1,250 ug/ml while that of A. sativum inhibited hatching of 100% of A. caninum eggs between 10,000 and 5,000 ug/ml. However the ethanol extract of A. sativum did not have the same effect on the development of T. canis eggs at these concentrations. The ethanol extracts of both A. cepa and A. sativum affected the survival of 100% of A. caninum larvae at a concentration of 156 ug/ml and above. The water extracts of the three plants had moderate effects on the eggs and the larvae of both parasites. The results indicate that the ethanol extracts of A. cepa and A. sativum have anthelmintic properties which should be investigated further to support the ethnoveterinary use of the plants as anthelmintics for control and treatment of worm infestation in dogs. Key words: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Anthelmintic activity, Ancylostoma caninum, Jatropha curcas Toxocara canis.

Microbial Endocrinology in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease.

Microbial endocrinology represents the intersection of two seemingly disparate fields, microbiology and neurobiology, and is based on the shared presence of neurochemicals that are exactly the same in host as well as in the microorganism. The ability of microorganisms to not only respond to, but also produce, many of the same neurochemicals that are produced by the host, such as during periods of stress, has led to the introduction of this evolutionary-based mechanism which has a role in the pathogenesis of infectious disease. The consideration of microbial endocrinology-based mechanisms has demonstrated, for example, that the prevalent use of catecholamine-based synthetic drugs in the clinical setting contributes to the formation of biofilms in indwelling medical devices. Production of neurochemicals by microorganisms most often employs the same biosynthetic pathways as those utilized by the host, indicating that acquisition of host neurochemical-based signaling system in the host may have been acquired due to lateral gene transfer from microorganisms. That both host and microorganism produce and respond to the very same neurochemicals means that there is bidirectionality contained with the theoretical underpinnings of microbial endocrinology. This can be seen in the role of microbial endocrinology in the microbiota-gut-brain axis and its relevance to infectious disease. Such shared pathways argue for a role of microorganism-neurochemical interactions in infectious disease.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK DAUN SALAM (Syzygium polyanthum Wight.) TERHADAP GLIBENKLAMID DALAM MENURUNKAN KADAR GLUKOSA DARAH MENCIT (Mus musculus) YANG DIINDUKSI ALOKSAN

The use of herbal medicines and synthetic drugs simultaneously carried out by diabetics for the maintenance of blood glucose levels, such as the use of glibenclamide and bay leaf. This research was carried out to know the impact of administration bay leaf extract on glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels on mices that induced by alloxan. This research used 40 male mices which were divided into 8 groups. Before the experiment, the mices were first induced by alloxan (70 mg/kg BW) intravenously. The negative control was the group that given Na CMC 0,5%, KG was the control of glibenclamide 0,65 mg/kg BW, group DS1, DS2, DS3 were the control of single bay leaf extract with each dose 250 mg/kg BW, 500 mg/kg BW, and 750 mg/kg BW, group KD1, KD2, KD3 were the combination group of glibenclamide and bay leaf extract with each dose glibenclamide combined bay leaf extract 250 mg/kg BW, glibenclamide combined bay leaf extract 500 mg/kg BW, and glibenclamide combined bay leaf extract 750 mg/kg BW, with an hour interval. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) at 95% confidence interval with parameter of blood glucose levels difference between before and after treatment. The results showed that the administration of bay leaf extract gave significant impact on glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels and the effective dose was the combination of glibenclamide 0,65 mg/kg BW and bay leaf extract 250 mg/kg BW

Systemic effects of surgical intervention on disease activity, daily function, and medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: Although tight control of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been achieved through the development of effective medication, surgical intervention is still required for a certain subpopulation of patients. To examine the systemic effects of orthopaedic surgery, we evaluated improvements in disease activity, daily function, and medication after surgery.Method: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 196 cases of elective orthopaedic surgery in 150 patients with RA from January 2011 to March 2014 in our institution. The 28-joint count Disease Activity Score based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) scores just before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after surgery were examined prospectively. Concomitant medications were also investigated.Results: Significant improvement was seen in the DAS28-ESR and mHAQ scores for replacement surgery in both the upper and lower extremities, and for arthroplasty/arthrodesis in the upper extremities at the 12-month follow-up. Partial mHAQ scores for the lower extremities were significantly reduced in lower replacement surgery, and partial mHAQ scores for the upper extremities were significantly reduced in upper arthroplasty/arthrodesis surgery. Although the use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) did not decrease after surgery, the dose of prednisolone (PSL) decreased significantly at 12 months after surgery, especially in the well-controlled group and in surgical procedures in the lower extremities.Conclusions: Elective orthopaedic surgery improves both systemic disease activity and general functional impairment. Orthopaedic surgery is effective in reducing the amount of medication required postoperatively.

Chemical Structures of Plant Hydrolyzable Tannins Reveal Their in Vitro Activity against Egg Hatching and Motility of Haemonchus contortus Nematodes.

The use of synthetic drugs against gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants has led to a situation where resistance to anthelmintics is widespread, and there is an urgent need for alternative solutions for parasite control. One promising approach is to use polyphenol-rich bioactive plants in animal feeds as natural anthelmintics. In the present work, the in vitro activity of a series of 33 hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) and their hydrolysis product, gallic acid, against egg hatching and motility of L1 and L2 stage Haemonchus contortus larvae was studied. The effect of the selected compounds on egg and larval structure was further studied by scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated clear relationships between HT structure and anthelmintic activity. While HT size, overall flexibility, the types and numbers of functional groups, together with the linkage types between monomeric HTs affected the activity differently, the optimal structure was found with pentagalloylglucose.

Synthetic cannabinoid drug use as a cause or contributory cause of death

Adverse effects associated with synthetic cannabinoid use include agitation, psychosis, seizures and cardiovascular effects, all which may result in a lethal outcome. We report the collection of data from 25 medical examiner and coroner cases where the presence of synthetic cannabinoids was analytically determined. Participating offices provided case history, investigative and relevant autopsy findings and toxicology results along with the cause and manner of death determination. This information, with the agency and cause and manner of death determinations blinded, was sent to participants. Participants offered their opinions regarding the likely contribution of the toxicology findings to cause and manner of death. The results show that some deaths are being attributed to synthetic cannabinoids, with the highest risk areas being behavioral toxicity resulting in excited delirium, trauma or accidents and as contributing factors in subjects with pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease. While insufficient information exists to correlate blood synthetic cannabinoid concentrations to effect, in the absence of other reasonable causes, the drugs should be considered as a cause or contributory cause of death based on history and circumstances with supporting toxicological data.

<I>In-vitro</I> Antiurolithiatic Activity of <I>Strychnos potatorum</I> L.F.

With the passage of time, many problems associated with frequent use of synthetic drugs become prominent, like severe side effects and resistance of microbes against these drugs. On the other side, these drugs are expensive and a large population cannot afford these drugs. In recent times, research on medicinal plants has been intensified all over the world. Kidney stone formation (Urolithiasis) is a complex process that includes many chemical events such as super saturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation and retention of urinary stone constituents within the renal tubules. The currently employed medical management of urinary calculi includes lithotripsy and surgical procedures are expensive and complete recurrence is rare. In this respect, it was noted that there was little attempts reported on in vitro crystallization, growth and dissolution studies of Strychnos potatorum L.f. Strychnos potatorum L.f. is a dry deciduous tree and coming under the family Loganiaceae. Mainly four parts of the plant were taken for the study, leaf, stem, bark and seed. The four parts were extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water in the increasing order of polarity. The treatment of urolithiasis is mainly considered with the dissolution of existing stones and preventing recurrence of stones. The per cent inhibition of turbidity increased with concentration of extract and methanol extract of seed showed maximum dissolution of calcium oxalate stones in vitro.

In vitro and #945;-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activities of partially purified Antidesma bunius fruit and Gynura nepalensis leaf extracts

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose levels. Current treatments involve the use of sulfonylureas, α-glucosidase inhibitors, and other synthetic drugs. The study demonstrated the α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant properties of partially purified ethanolic extracts of Antidesma bunius fruits and Gynura nepalensis leaves, as possible herbal drug candidates. After ethanol extraction, the extracts were fractionated using normal phase liquid column chromatography, with elution solvents ethyl acetate, methanol and water. Fractionation resulted in five fractions for A. bunius (A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5) and seven fractions for G. nepalensis (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 and G7). Fraction G1 showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibition activity (90.61±8.05%) and possibly acted via a mixed mode of inhibition. For the antioxidant activities, Fraction A1 exhibited highest radical scavenging activity via DPPH assay (97.39±2.48%), Fraction G7 exhibited highest iron (II)-chelating activity (95.85±1.46%) and Fraction G6 exhibited highest ferric-ion reducing activity via FRAP assay (272.60 μg/mL FeSO4 equivalents). Phytochemical screening revealed that flavonoids and tannins were common among all fractions. The results demonstrated the potential of these plants as antidiabetic herbal treatments; however, further studies and to isolate the active component(s), structure elucidation and toxicity assays need be done first.

Novel psychoactive substance use by US adolescents: Characteristics associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones.

The current study documents the characteristics associated with the use of two novel psychoactive substances: synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Nationally representative samples of students in 8th (n = 9665), 10th (n = 10 655) and 12th (n = 10 057) grades across the US were included in the Monitoring the Future study from 2012 to 2014. There were relatively few differences in prevalence based on sociodemographic characteristics, although boys were at greater risk for use of synthetic cannabinoids in 12th grade (used by 10.3% of boys and 6.4% of girls) and for use of synthetic cathinones in 10th grade (used by 1.0% of boys and 0.4% of girls). Synthetic drug use was also associated with truancy and use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. Prevention and intervention efforts for novel psychoactive substance use should focus primarily on polysubstance users and youth who are disengaged from school.[Patrick M, O'Malley P, Kloska D, Schulenberg J, Johnston L, Miech R, Bachman J. Novel psychoactive substance use by US adolescents: Characteristics associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:586-590].