Traditional Claims Research Articles

A Review on Colorectal Cancer and the Role of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine as Complementary Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC), encompassing cancers of the colon and rectum area, is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, posing a significant health challenge. In 2020, CRC contributed to 9.4% of all cancer fatalities. With the significant rise in cases among the elderly, it is projected that the figure will double by 2035 globally, particularly in less developed countries. For many years, surgery and chemotherapy have been the mainstay treatments for cancer, but patients with metastatic disease have generally faced poor outcomes. Currently, there is a renewal of interest to explore the potential of natural products to treat cancers. Nature provides many effective treatments for severe diseases, with around 75-80% of the global population relying on conventional medical practices due to limited access to healthcare and concerns about synthetic medicine safety. Natural products are crucial for treating infectious diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders, and references in religious texts have spurred scientific validation of traditional claims. These products are excellent sources for CRC treatments, with nearly 50% of current cancer therapies derived from natural ingredients. This review focuses on the discussion of colorectal cancer and the potential of Chinese traditional herbs used in treating colorectal cancers. Furthermore, various signalling pathways of CRC and the possible mechanism of TCM intervening in these pathways are also discussed.

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant evaluation of Agave angustifolia and Agave sisalana

Background: Agave angustifolia (AA) and Agave sisalana (AS) are used by local communities for medicinal purposes to treat skin conditions. Small companies add Agave leaf extracts to their cosmetic products, claiming calming and skin-rejuvenating qualities.Aim: The study aimed to assess the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of AA and AS verifying the traditional therapeutic claims about the species and accordingly establishing the assertions of cottage industries.Setting: The AA leaves were collected from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, while AS leaves were sourced from the iLembe district municipality.Methods: The phytochemical extracts were obtained by gradient solvent maceration of the leaves. Qualitative phytochemical screening established the presence of bioactive phytochemicals in the extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and the ferric reducing and/or antioxidant power (FRAP) methods measured the bioactive phytochemicals’ antioxidant activity.Results: Qualitative phytochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites in both plants. AS extracts also contained alkaloids. The DPPH antioxidant activity indicated that Agave extracts had 20% to 80% scavenging activity. AS methanol extract had the maximum antioxidant activity among all the extracts. AA methanol and AS hexane extracts had no antioxidant activity. AA ethyl acetate extract had higher antioxidant activity (64%) than AS (52%). AA hexane extract had 70% activity while AS hexane extract had 30%.Conclusion: The detected phytochemicals indicate potential use for emulsifying, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.Contribution: This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the therapeutic properties of AA and AS plants.

Piper attenuatum leaves extract reduced renal crystallization formation in urolithiasis might be due to probable interaction with uromodulin protein: An evidence based in vivo and in silico studies

Urolithiasis can cause excruciating pain and hardly managed by allopathic medicine without surgery. Recently, many of research on validation of traditional medicinal plants provided a hope for management of urolithiasis. In this context, we have found a gap between traditional claims and scientific validation on use of Piper attenuatum (P. attenuatum) towards mangement of renal caliculi. Therefore, present study was planned to determine anti-urolithiatic efficacy of ethanol extract of P. attenuatum (EEPA) leaves on ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis on male Wistar rats. Further, study pertaining to phytochemical analysis followed by molecular docking of selected bioactive phytochemicals of P. attenuatum against human uromodulin (a key potential biomarkers relevant for renal function and chronic kidney disease including urolithiasis) protein. As a result, EEPA (400 mg/kg/bw) was found to significantly improves various urinary (volume: 7.19 ± 0.11 ml/24 hr; calcium: 6.15 ± 0.51 mg/dl; phosphate: 7.83 ± 0.56 mg/dl and oxalate: 1.78 ± 0.03 mg/dl) and serum parameters (creatinine: 1.85 ± 0.04 mg/dl; uric acid: 1.65 ± 0.08 mg/dl and blood urea nitrogen or BUN: 32.20 ± 1.41 mg/dl), when compared with negative control group followed by reverse in changes as an evidence of histological studies. Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed higher binding affinity to some selected phytoconstituents against human uromodulin enzyme. It was further concluded that EEPA leaves exhibits significant antiurolithiatic activity due to presence of aristolactam A II, cepharadione A and B, piperolactam A, norcepharadione B and pipoxide chlorohydrin via strong binding efficiency with uromodulin protein.

Chemistry and Biotechnological Insights of Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume: A Mini-Review

Abstract: Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume belongs to the Vanda alliance of the Orchidaceae family and is mostly distributed from 300-1,500 m. It is traditionally practiced for the treatment of health issues such as dysentery, pain, inflammation, arthritis, and, skin, respiratory, heart, kidney, brain, and menstrual problems. R. retusa is also used in folklore claims to recover from tuberculosis, vertigo, anemia, and bone fractures. Further, some of the traditional claims were scientifically validated through preclinical (In vitro & in vivo) studies. With the view of tremendous health benefits, the current study was focused on harnessing the information through search engines (Google Scholar, Scopus-Elsevier, Medline, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Plant list, and Directory of Open Access Journal) till October 2022 and compile them as a comprehensive review. Therefore, detailed, comprehensive information on botanical distribution, ethnopharmacological and ornamental values, chemistry, biotechnological interventions for smart cultivation, pharmacological activities, conservation status, patents, and future perspectives of the R. retusa has been compiled. The comprehensive review of the Foxtail Orchid (R. retusa) has unremarkable potential and still needs to be explored from chemical, pharmacological, quality control, and value addition perspectives. The review will help the orchid community as well as researchers and farmers working on orchids.

A comprehensive review on chemical and pharmacological potential of Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Daniell

The fruit of plant Synsepalum dulcificum(Schumach. & Thonn.) Daniell, is found native to tropical regions of West Africa, and vernacularly recognized as the “Miracle Fruit” by Africans. The property of the plant has traditionally been employed in many food industries, besides its ethnopharmacological significance. The phytochemical analysis from literature reveals that various parts of plant contains many bioactive components including alkaloids, lignans, phenolic acids, glycoproteins and flavonoids. Recent studies exhibit its pharmacologicalpotential such as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hyperuricemia and anti-convulsant properties. Therefore, this review aims to systematically summarizes scientific evidences with the therapeutic, ethnopharmacological and traditional claims found in literature. However, the data acquired is still very imperfect, thus future research is hopeful to discover the precise mechanism of action of its bioactive components to explore chemical constituents, and their nutraceutical and clinical uses of this multipurpose plant to employ its valuable effects on human beings.

In-Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Colocasia esculenta Corms

Introduction: Colocasia esculenta Linn (family: Araceae; synonym: Arum esculentum Linn; Taro) is one of the most important tubers crops worldwide and has been employed for medicinal applications for a significant period. Traditionally, in Indian and Chinese medicine, taro is utilized for many years for medicinal applications such as hypoglycaemic, antifungal, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and nervine tonic Taking into consideration the traditional claims, C. esculenta has the potential to be a useful for antioxidant activity. With this perspective in mind, the current research aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of C. esculenta corms. Method: In vitro antioxidant activity aqueous extract of C. esculenta corms was studied by DPPH method. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference standard. The absorbance of various concentrations of corm extract and ascorbic acid were measured by using UV–Visible Spectrophotometer and the percent radical scavenging activity (% RSA) of the DPPH free radical was measured. Results: The Radical scavenging activity of corm extract of C. esculenta at 400μg/mL was found to be 80.33% at absorbance 0.142. The IC50 value of C. esculenta was found to be 120.16μg/mL which was calculated by using y = 0.0952x+38.56 equation. The Radical scavenging activity of Ascorbic acid at 400μg/ml was found to be 87.67% at absorbance 0.089. The IC50 value of Ascorbic acidwas found to be 28.05μg/mL which was calculated by using y = 0.091x+47.43 equation. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the corm extract has the potential as an antioxidant agent, possibly inhibiting DPPH, when compared with standard ascorbic acid. However, the chemical constituents present in the extract such as saponins, steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and proteins may be responsible for such activity.

Medical visits and mortality among dementia patients during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to rates predicted from 2019

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) were especially vulnerable, and modes of medical care delivery shifted rapidly. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on care for people with ADRD, examining the use of primary, emergency, and long-term care, as well as deaths due to COVID and to other causes.MethodsAmong 4.2 million beneficiaries aged 66 and older with ADRD in traditional Medicare, monthly deaths and claims for routine care (doctors’ office and telehealth visits), inpatient/emergency department (ED) visits, and long-term care facility use from March or June 2020 through December 2022 are compared to monthly rates predicted from January–December 2019 using OLS and logistic/negative binomial regression. Correlation analyses examine the association between excess deaths — due to COVID and non-COVID causes — and changes in care use in the beneficiary’s state of residence.ResultsIncreased telehealth visits more than offset reduced office visits, with primary care visits increasing overall (by 9 percent from June 2020 onward relative to the predicted rate from 2019, p < .001). Emergency/inpatient visits declined (by 9 percent, p < .001) and long-term care facility use declined, remaining 14% below the 2019 trend from June 2020 onward (p < .001). Both COVID and non-COVID deaths rose, with 231,000 excess deaths (16% above the prediction from 2019), over 80 percent of which were attributable to COVID. Excess deaths were higher among women, non-White patients, those in rural and isolated zip codes, and those with higher social deprivation index scores. States with the largest increases in primary care visits had the lowest excess deaths (correlation -0.49).ConclusionsOlder adults with ADRD had substantial deaths above pre-pandemic projections during the COVID-19 pandemic, 80 percent of which were attributed to COVID-19. Routine care increased overall due to a dramatic increase in telehealth visits, but this was uneven across states, and mortality rates were significantly lower in states with higher than pre-pandemic visits.

Sedative and hypnotic effects with cortical EEG sleep-wake profiles of Millingtonia hortensis dried flower aqueous in mice

The ethnopharmacological relevance of the Millingtonia hortensis (M. hortensis) flower's aqueous extract lies in its traditional use as a herbal remedy in Southeast Asia. With a rich history in folk medicine, this aqueous has been esteemed for its purported sedative and anxiolytic properties. Our research delves into the scientific basis of these traditional claims, exploring the potential mechanisms underlying the observed effects of M. hortensis flower's aqueous extract on sleep promotion and mood regulation. This study aimed to explore the sleep-promoting effects of M. hortensis dried flower in mice, using an aqueous concentration equivalent to a human concentration of 2.7 mg/mL. Anxiolytic and antidepressant properties were evaluated using behavioural tests, while electroencephalography (EEG) analysis probed the neural mechanisms underlying sleep promotion post-consumption. The aqueous extract of M. hortensis dried flower administered to mice showed a decrease in immobility in the forced swimming test, demonstrating antidepressant-like effects. Moreover, mice treated with M. hortensis aqueous exhibited increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep duration, corroborating sleep-promoting potential. EEG analysis of mice treated with M. hortensis aqueous revealed heightened beta oscillations in the frontal and parietal cortex, while pre-treatment with M. hortensis aqueous or diazepam enhanced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep after thiopental administration. Interestingly, M. hortensis aqueous pre-treatment augmented delta frequency ranges in the frontal cortex. Overall, these findings indicate that M. hortensis dried flower's aqueous extract, at a human-equivalent dosage, exerts significant behavioural and neural effects specifically, sedative and hypnotic aspects in mice, corroborating its potential as a natural remedy to promote sleep and regulate mood.

Oral Traditions and Local Authority: Viewing the Indonesian Revolution through a Cultural Lens

ABSTRACT Most accounts of the Indonesian revolution in South Sulawesi have focused on the two groups fighting for power: the Republic of Indonesia as a new nation-state and the Dutch, who wanted to regain control. What is absent from this way of viewing history are the views of local elites, who wanted to retain their traditional authority and whose ideas about the nation-state were based on their oral traditions, which have the potential to affect the reconstruction and politicisation of collective memory in the struggle for cultural rights and political authority. This article examines how the Polombangkeng community used oral traditions to justify local input into the cause of the revolution in South Sulawesi. During the Indonesian revolution, the Polombangkeng people drew on their oral tradition to define leadership positions, claims of political authority, and alliance formation. Their narratives about their identity were supported by ritual ceremonies. The article argues that the Indonesian revolution in Polombangkeng was more than just a power struggle between ‘Indonesian’ and ‘Dutch’ groups: it was also a process of negotiating and/or renegotiating identities, driven by the desire to stake traditional authority claims through the justification of oral traditions.

A Review of Barleria prionitis L. a Rarely Known Plant with Potential of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Assets

Barleria Prionitis Linn., commonly referred to as "Vajradanti," is a thorny shrub native to Southern Asia and certain African regions. This herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, where it has been employed to address a wide array of health concerns including respiratory ailments, fever, liver disorders, and dermatological issues. A comprehensive review of scientific literature underscores the plant's rich phytochemical composition. It is a veritable treasure trove of bioactive compounds, such as tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, and specific compounds like β-sitosterol, lupeol, syringic acid, and vanillic acid. This chemical diversity is believed to underpin the herb's broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Research has unveiled the potential of Barleria Prionitis in addressing a variety of health challenges. Studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Furthermore, the herb has shown promise in managing metabolic disorders like diabetes, as well as gastrointestinal issues. Its analgesic and antiarthritic effects have also garnered attention. Despite the compelling evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of Barleria Prionitis, its full potential remains largely untapped. Further research is imperative to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, optimize extraction processes, and develop standardized formulations. Moreover, clinical trials are necessary to validate the traditional claims and establish the herb's safety and efficacy in modern healthcare. By unlocking the secrets of Barleria Prionitis, researchers and healthcare providers can potentially develop innovative and sustainable therapeutic solutions for a range of diseases.

Wound Healing Effectiveness of Berberis baluchistanica and Daphne oleoides Extracts Native to Pakistan

Traditionally in Turkish medicines, Berberis baluchistanica and Daphne oleoides plant are used for the treatment of rheumatism, fever, lumbago, gonorrhea, boils, snake bite antidote, piles, hemorrhoids, as laxative, ulcers and wound healing. The study objective was based on the scientific investigation of traditional claim of wound healing potential of both these wild plants extract in healthy inbreed male albino rats. The wound healing activity of both the extracts was evaluated by adopting excision and incision wound models with a topical dose of 100 mg/kg b.w /day. Wound healing process effectiveness was assessed by measuring wound contraction and epithelization period, measurement of tensile strength of healing skin and histopathological studies of granulating tissue. D. oleoides roots crude methanolic extract (CME) encouraged pronounced wound repairing process in both adopted wound models. In this case, boosted wound retrenchment rate (P &lt; 0.001), shrinkage of epithelialization period (10.13 ± 0.11), high skin disintegration strength (410.0 ± 1.8) and remarkable enhanced granulation tissue weight (P &lt; 0.001) were experienced in albino rats. As well as the granulation tissue histological examination exhibited more collagen with reduced inflammatory cells number propagation versus control. In B. baluchistanica stems CME treated animals, wound contraction, and granulation tissue content were not much prevailed being (P &lt; 0.05) moderately high. The histology of the granulation tissue disclosed greater number of inflamed cells with less collagen than the D. oleoides treated animals. However, it was more amplified compared to control group. The collective research data emphasized that D. oleoides possesses significant wound management activity versus B. baluchistanica, furthermore both extracts rationalize the traditional claim to cure wounds and can be utilized in different wound healing therapies in human beings as well.

Socialism and non-domination: a relational egalitarian approach

ABSTRACT In recent literature on the philosophical foundations of socialism a growing number of theorists have endorsed the claim that freedom as non-domination is a fundamental normative commitment undergirding socialist politics. On this sort of view, a broad range of traditional socialist claims can be explained and justified by reference to freedom as non-domination. In this paper, I argue that even if these theorists are right that opposition to domination is a core socialist normative commitment, it is not clear that that opposition is best understood in terms of a commitment to a particular conception of freedom. Instead, socialist opposition to domination can be more fruitfully understood as flowing from a commitment to a relational conception of equality, according to which relationships with a substantially egalitarian character have a special value. I argue, first, that a relational egalitarian construal of socialist opposition to domination can retain all of the benefits of the freedom as non-domination construal, and, secondly, that a relational egalitarian account will have benefits that a freedom as non-domination approach will lack. I conclude that there are still significant benefits to retaining a place for equality in our considered account of the normative foundations of socialism.

Evaluation of wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of hydro-alcoholic extract and solvent fractions of the leaves of Clerodendrum myricoides (Lamiaceae) in mice.

Wounds significantly affect people's quality of life and the clinical and financial burden of healthcare systems around the world. Many of the current drugs used to treat wounds have problems such as; allergies and drug resistance. Hence, the exploration of new therapeutic agents from natural origin may avert this problem. Clerodendrum myricoides have long been used to treat wounds in Ethiopia. Despite this, nothing has so far been reported about the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of C. myricoides. This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of C. myricoides leaves in mice. Leaves of C. myricoides were extracted using the maceration technique. The extract was formulated as 5% and 10% w/w ointments. The wound healing activity of the extract was evaluated using excision, incision, and burn wound models whereas the healing activities of solvent fractions were evaluated using the excision wound model. A carrageenan-induced paw edema model was used for the anti-inflammatory test. In the dermal toxicity test, 2000 mg/kg of 10% extract was found to be safe. In excision and burn wound models, treatment with 10% and 5% extract showed a significant (p<0.001) wound contraction. Solvent fractions of the extract significantly reduced wound contraction. A significant reduction in periods of epithelialization and favorable histopathology changes were shown by extract ointments. In incision wounds, 10% (p<0.001) and 5% (p<0.01) extracts significantly increase skin-breaking strength. After one hour of treatment, 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) and 200 mg/kg (p<0.05) showed significant reduction in paw edema. Results of this study indicate that 80% methanol extract and the solvent fraction of the leaves of C. myricoides possess wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activity and support traditional claims.

Dementia severity at incident diagnosis in a population representative sample of older Americans.

We provide the first analysis of distribution of dementia severity at incident diagnosis for a population representative sample of older Americans. Using data from the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS), the Health Retirement Study (HRS), and traditional Medicare claims, we estimated the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale for ADAMS respondents and applied parameter estimates to predict dementia severity for HRS respondents with claims-based incident dementia diagnosis. Seventy percent of older adults received a dementia diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (early stages). Fewer individuals were diagnosed at early stages in years 2000 to 2008 (65%) compared to years 2009 to 2016 (76%). About 72% of non-Hispanic white persons were diagnosed at early stages, compared to 63% non-Hispanic black and 59% Hispanic persons. More males than females were diagnosed at early stages (75%vs 67%). These data linkages allow population surveillance of early and equitable dementia detection in the older US population to assess clinical and policy levers to improve detection. For the US population 70 and older, 30% were diagnosed with dementia at a moderate or severe stage.Fewer were diagnosed at early stages in years 2000 to 2008 compared to 2009 to 2016 (65%vs 76%).A total of 72% of white persons were diagnosed at early stages, compared to 63% black and 59% Hispanic persons.More males than females were diagnosed at early stages (75%vs 67%).High wealth and education level were associated with diagnosis at early stages disease.

STUDY ON ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OFCLERODENDRUM QUADRILOCULARE (BLANCO) MERR

Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blanco) Merr., commonly called as the bronze-leaved Clerodendrum, shooting star, or Starburst bush, is native to New Guinea and Philippines. It coming under the family Lamiaceae.Traditionally, C. quadriloculare is used in Filipino folk medicine. Despite its traditional medicinal use, systematic anatomical studies on the plant are limited. Investigating its anatomical featuresare crucial for authenticating traditional claims, preventing adulteration, and distinguishing sibling species. Microscopic examination of C. quadrilocularereveals distinct superficial and anatomical characteristics. The leaf anatomy shows lower lamina comprises starch grains. The leaves exhibit anomocytic stomata. Numerous glandular dots are present on the epidermal peel. The midrib shows a thick cuticular epidermis with glandular hairs. The medulla features vascular bundles, with the outer phloem region having fibrous bands. The pith consists of small prismatic crystals. The petioles anatomy includes a thick-walled epidermis and numerous glandular trichomes. The vascular bundleswith brachysclereids as bundle caps. The stems transverse section reveals an outer periderm with lenticels. The outer edge of the secondary phloem contains fibers. The xylem vessels are linearly arranged and uni-bi seriate, with the presence of xylem parenchyma and fibers. The pith is thick-walled, with primary bundles intruding into it. The wood highlights tracheids and large vessel elements, with lateral vessel walls featuring bordered pits. The bark is well-deposited with starch granules. In conclusion, the anatomical study of C. quadriloculare provides a comprehensive understanding of its internal structure, contributing to the scientific validation of its traditional medicinal uses. The findings highlight the plants complex histological features, which are essential for its identification, potential medicinal applications, and conservation. This research underscores the importance of anatomical profiling in authenticating traditional knowledge and protecting valuable plant species from adulteration and misidentification.

Medicinal Plants Used for Antenatal and Postnatal Care in Ondo Town, Nigeria

IntroductionPlants used in traditional medicine by different ethnic groups define the field of ethnomedicine, a subfield of ethnobotany. A preliminary survey revealed that Ondo women still engage in the services of traditional birth attendants till the present day. MethodsStructured questionnaires and personal interviews were used to obtain information from 124 respondents, consisting of males and females. ResultsThe major plant part used were leaves with a frequency of 35%. Some of the plants reported were solely administered, while others were administered in combination with other plants. The traditional solvents commonly used were water and coconut water. The main methods of herbal preparation were decoction and soups. The methods of administration ranged from half a cup or 2 taken 2–3 times daily. ConclusionsThis study has increased our knowledge of Ondo womens’ antenatal and postnatal care practices. Proper documentation of these traditional claims pending scientific validation is necessarily recommended.

Identification of putative α-glucosidase inhibitors and antioxidants in Zingiber officinale rhizome using LCMS-based metabolomics and in silico molecular docking

Metabolite profiling is required to reveal bioactive chemicals in ginger rhizome for supporting its traditional claim as anti-diabetic agent. This study aimed to evaluate α-glucosidase inhibitory (AGI) and antioxidant activities of the rhizome, to identify its putative α-glucosidase inhibitors, and to analyse the protein-ligand interaction of the inhibitors. The ginger extracts were tested to in vitro AGI assay and analysed using LCMS-based metabolomics to pinpoint the putative α-glucosidase inhibitors. The methanol extract exhibited the highest AGI activity (IC50 = 185.2 µg/mL) compared to the other extracts. This extract showed antioxidant activities with DPPH-IC50 and FRAP value of 125.0 µg/mL and 16.95 mmol TE/mgDW, respectively. The LCMS-based metabolomics revealed α-glucosidase inhibitors in the extract, namely 7-methoxycoumarin, supinine and 12-hydroxycorynoline. The presence of these compounds in ginger is being reported for the first time in this study. The activity of these compounds was supported by computational study using in silico molecular docking.

Gastroprotective mechanism of Talinum triangulare on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats via inflammatory, antioxidant, and H+/K+-ATPase inhibition-mediated pathways

The increase in the incidence of gastric ulcer (GU) has posed major threat on public health. This research aimed to evaluate gastroprotective properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Talium triangulare (AETT) in ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. GU was induced via oral administration of single dose of 5 mLkg−1 of 90% ethanol in rats and protection of 200 mgkg−1 bw of AETT and 20 mgkg−1 bw of omeprazole was investigated for 14 d via oral treatment. Influence of AETT on anti-inflammatory, redox assays, ulcer index (UI), and gastric mucosa histological alterations were evaluated. Significant increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels compared to untreated group established gastric inflammation in rats induced by ethanol. Gastric ulcerated group exhibited heightened oxidative stress with concurrent decline in activities of antioxidant enzymes. Ethanol exposure to rats resulted in induction of lipid peroxidation, prominently elevating gastric malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Nevertheless, treatment with AETT or omeprazole exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory effects within gastric mucosa by attenuating expression of markers associated with inflammation. AETT demonstrated reduction in concentrations of MDA and H2O2, thereby alleviating progression of lipid peroxidation cascades. Also, AETT exhibited mitigating effect on ethanol-induced oxidative harm by enhancing the functionality of protective enzymes and elevating glutathione (GSH) concentration. Overall, AETT exhibited enhancements in activities of cytoprotective antioxidant enzymes, mitigated impact of oxidative stress and inflammation, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and decreased UI score. These beneficial effects could be attributed to phytochemicals present in AETT including 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone and Phytol. Outcome of this study established the traditional herbal claims of AETT.

Benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloids rich extract of Coptis teeta Wall., exhibit potential efficacy in calcium-oxalate and uric-acid linked metabolic disorders

Coptis teeta Wall., an endangered but valuable medicinal species having various folklore uses in Indian and Chinese Traditional system of medicine. Its distribution is restricted to India, China and Tibet. In India, C. teeta is traditionally used in joint disorders, urinary infections and inflammatory diseases, however the scientific validation is missing. Thus, the present study aims to validate the anti-lithiatic and anti-gout activity of C. teeta rhizome extract (CTME) through in-vitro biological assays. The metabolic fingerprinting of CTME through reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (RP-HPLC-PDA) showed the presence of five benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloids, namely berberine (2.59%), coptisine (0.746%) jatrorrhizine (0.133%), palmatine (0.03%) and tetrahydropalmatine (0.003%). The anti-gout potency analysed via in-vitro xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition assay, followed by HPTLC (High performance thin layer chromatography) mediated bio-autographic inhibition of XOD signifies that CTME exhibit strong inhibition of XOD (IC50: 3.014 μg/ml), insignificantly different (p > 0.05) from allopurinol (IC50: 2.47 μg/ml). The XOD bioautographic assay advocates that the efficacy is primarily due to berberine and coptisine alkaloids. The CTME has significant anti-lithiatic activity, and thereby limiting the progression of crystal nidus formation, mediated via inhibition of calcium oxalate crystals nucleation and aggregation. Additionally, the extract also exhibits potential effect on inhibition of oxidative stress associated inflammation, which plays crucial role in alleviating urolithiasis and gouty conditions. Validating the traditional claims of C. teeta will not only confirm its medicinal benefits for targeted pathological conditions but also enhance its industrial demand.

Политико-экономическая теория популизма

The paper presents a cross-disciplinary theory of populism. The first part of the article considers a definition of populism, the main electorate of populist forces, and the economic triggers of protest votes for populist parties. The second part deals with the different types of political populism, the reasons for their actualization in the 21st century, and the institutional consequences of populist power. The demand for populism comes from fragmented social groups that lost out in the social transformations following the neoliberal revolution of the 1970s and experienced the negative shocks of globalization. The protest electorate is organized around charismatic leaders who find 'scapegoats' in the form of traditional elites, migrants, or minorities and claim to speak for the «nation». Populism can contribute to democratization in its early stages. However, once in power, populists tend to undermine the system of checks and balances, leading to a decline in the quality of institutions and a slowdown in economic growth. The third part of the paper assesses the impact of economic populism. It is concluded that the definitional approaches used in academic literature do not meet the requirement of universality and do not imply a sufficient level of operationalization necessary for empirical research. An alternative approach is proposed that develops the «classical» definition of R. Dornbusch and S. Edwards: economic policy aimed at provoking economic shocks in order to increase the political ratings of the authorities and downplaying socio-economic risks. This approach enables economic populism to transcend the ideological framework of «right-left» economic policy, separate it from the economic policy of political populists, and evaluate the populist policies of mainstream parties. The theory of economic populism converges with the theory of political business cycles, but is not limited to elections and focuses on assessing demand rather than supply.