Traditional Alternative Medicine Research Articles

Pandangan Masyarakat Terhadap Dukun Sebagai Pengobatan Kesehatan Dalam Perspektif Aqidah Islam Studi Kasus Pada Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan

The background of this research is treatment by traditional healers, as an alternative for people who find it difficult to access modern medicine. People in Pargarutan Julu Village seek alternative traditional medicine because they are faced with health problems that are difficult to solve medically, indicating dissatisfaction or unmet needs in the modern health system. The purpose of the study is to find out the community's views on the practice of traditional healers as a form of health treatment has become a subject of complex debate, especially in the context of Islamic aqeedah. This paper investigates people's views on shamans as a form of health treatment, focusing on the perspective of Islamic aqidah. The research method is a qualitative approach and literature analysis. The results show that people's views on traditional healers are influenced by cultural factors, traditions, and lack of understanding of Islamic teachings. The informant mentioned that taking treatment from a shaman is part of shirk treatment. Therefore, there is a need for a better educational approach and religious understanding in the community to overcome the wrong perception of shamans and increase understanding of the correct Islamic aqidah in the context of health treatment.

Impact of Ayurveda-based lifestyle modification, diet, and panchakarma on the hemodynamic parameters in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a medical problem with a growing prevalence that requires sophisticated management techniques. New management strategies for HF have constantly been called for by researchers, which has drawn our attention to Ayurveda, the traditional alternative medicine practiced extensively in India. One such treatment used to treat heart failure is Heart Failure Reversal Therapy (HFRT), which combines herbal therapies including Snehan, Swedan, Basti (per rectal drug administration), and Hridaydhara. Objective: The study is aimed to evaluate the effects of HFRT and Ayurveda Dinacharya on known chronic HFpEF patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted between May 2021 and October 2021, wherein patients (both genders) with HF (New York Heart Association, NYHA Class I, II, and III) having a left ventricular ejection fraction of more than 40 and aged between 18 and 60 years were identified. The effect of study therapy, HFRT, and Ayurveda Dinacharya over 7 days in 14 sittings was observed. A total of 73 patients with HFpEF underwent study therapy for 7 days. Data related to patient demographics on Cardiac Output (CO), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Heart Rate (HR), Left Ventricular (LV), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR), Systolic (SYS), End-diastolic volume (EDV), Ejection factor (EF), etc. were analyzed pre- and post-study. Results: There was a remarkable improvement in the mean values of SVR from day 1 to day 7. The mean value of SVR on day 1 was 2271.39 ± 509.66, and on day 7 was 1876.18 ± 315.21. Reduced SVR values mean the amount of LV force needed to open the aortic valve is also reduced. This causes more efficient pumping action in the left ventricle, reflected by increased CO and increased VO2 max, thus improving the quality of life. Conclusion: The HFRT therapy and Ayurveda Dinacharya for seven days demonstrated a significant change in the hemodynamics of HFpEF patients, thus improving the quality of life.

Այլընտրանքային բուժման եղանակները և ավանդական բժշկական զբոսաշրջության զարգացումը / ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL APPROACHES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL MEDICAL TOURISM

Alternative traditional medicine refers to a variety of healing practices and therapeutic approaches that differ from Western medicine approaches. Alternative healing approaches usually have cultural or historical roots. The article presents a number of alternative treatment methods, such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, reflexotherapy, apitherapy, leech therapy, color therapy, cupping therapy, etc., as well as alternative treatment methods in Armenia. Psychosomatics, esotericism and emotion-focused therapy were also discussed. The main directions of alternative medical tourism in the world and the main development challenges were presented.

The Potential of Campanula takesimana Callus Extract to Enhance Skin Barrier Function.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction and Th2-skewed inflammation. Campanula takesimana (C. takesimana), a Korean endemic plant grown on Ulleng Island, has long been associated with a traditional alternative medicine for asthma, tonsillitis, and sore throat. In this study, we reported the effect of C. takesimana callus extract on upregulating epidermal barrier-related proteins dysregulated by Th2 cytokines. C. takesimana callus extract induced the expression of skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1, in both human primary keratinocytes and Th2-induced AD-like skin-equivalent models. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that C. takesimana callus extract partially restored Th2 cytokine-induced dysregulation of the epidermal development and lipid metabolic pathways. Considering the advantages of callus as a sustainable eco-friendly source of bioactive substances, and its effect on skin barrier proteins and lipid metabolic pathways, C. takesimana callus extracts can possibly be utilized to improve the integrity of the skin barrier.

Bee Products for Poultry and Rabbits: Current Challenges and Perspectives.

Poultry and rabbit production are important and rapidly growing agricultural subsectors, particularly in several developing countries. To ensure the sustainability of poultry and rabbit production, realistic poultry and rabbit farming practices must be improved. Apitherapy is a traditional alternative medicine that involves the prevention and treatment of some diseases with several bee products including propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and venom. More feeding investigations on the numerous benefits of bee products for poultry and rabbits are crucial to be addressed. Poultry and rabbit production has recently experienced numerous challenges, including climate change, disease spread, and antibiotic misuse. Improving animal welfare, health, and production is a top priority for all livestock farms, as is supplying consumers with safe and healthy products. Therefore, this review aims to collect and investigate recent relevant literature on the use of bee products, as feed additives, drinking water supplements, and injections, for poultry and rabbits to improve animal health and production. From the current findings, bee products can improve the growth and immunological performance of small-livestock animals, such as poultry and rabbits, by activating digestive enzymes, maintaining microbial balance, and promoting vitamin synthesis. Therefore, bee products could be a promising natural alternative to growth promoters, reproductive stimulants, and immunological enhancers in poultry and rabbit farms to provide safe and healthy products for humans.

The medicinal plants utilized by Butuanon in Butuan City, Philippines

The Butuanon is one of the ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines. The artefacts discovered by the locals and treasure hunters in Butuan City demonstrated that Butuanon is rich in history, culture, and tradition. However, they need more records of their traditional healthcare knowledge and practices. Therefore, this study documented Butuanon’s traditional knowledge and practices for managing illnesses and diseases using medicinal plants. Thirteen key informants were identified and interviewed through the snowball technique after obtaining their consent. The informants used a total of 132 plant species, which correspond to 116 genera and 57 families. The highest-represented family was Fabaceae, followed by Lamiaceae, with 11 and nine species, respectively. Many of the documented plants were herbaceous (37%), followed by trees (29%), shrubs (23%), and vines (11%). The informants commonly used leaves (43%), followed by roots (15%), bark (12%), fruit (7%), and flowers (5%). These plant species treated 93 different illnesses and diseases, of which fever had the highest number of plants used (18%), followed by diabetes (17%), urinary tract infection (16%), cough (15%), hypertension (14%), diarrhoea (11%), cuts and wounds (11%), relapse (8%), kidney dysfunction and disease (6%), and arthritis (6%). In conclusion, this study sheds light on the Butuanon community’s ongoing utilization of medicinal plants for their healthcare needs. This underscores the need to preserve their traditional alternative medicine and conserve Philippine medicinal plants.

Integrative medicine utilization among infertility patients

BackgroundPrevious research suggests that some women are using integrative and complementary holistic approaches to optimize their own health and treat infertility. We aimed to determine patterns of integrative medicine use among those seeking fertility optimization by 1) Characterizing patterns of integrative medicine use to increase fertility; 2) Identifying demographic predictors associated with such integrative medicine use; and 3) Exploring cultural and religious influences on use of integrative medicine.MethodsCross-sectional self-reported survey data were collected from 1460 patients presenting to an academic fertility center in Chicago, Illinois. Variables were described with univariate frequencies and proportions, unadjusted bivariate comparisons were made between patient-level factors and reported integrative modality use, and multivariable logistic regression evaluated the strength of covariate-adjusted predictors of reported integrative medicine utilization.Results80.4% of respondents reported using at least one integrative medicine modality to treat infertility (Acupuncture: 38.5%, Yoga: 27.6%, Massage: 25.8%, Meditation: 16.7%, and Herbal supplements: 18.5%). Diet therapy was the most frequently utilized modality (74.0%) followed by body therapy (45.2%), traditional alternative medicine (42.0%), mind therapy (32.1%), and senses therapy (23.0%). Any integrative medicine modality use was 4.03 times more likely among Hindu respondents compared to participants that identified as not religious (95% CI 1.2–13.7, p < 0.026). Significant differences in specific modality use were observed by race, religious affiliation, age, income, and insurance coverage.ConclusionMost infertility patients in our study reported using at least one integrative medicine modality to help them conceive. Utilization was associated with age of participant, religious affiliation, annual income, and insurance coverage. Further research is needed to assess the impact of integrative medicine utilization on patient quality of life and outcomes.

Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant-Based Foods against Diabetes: A Review on Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Molecular Mechanisms.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a range of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin release, insulin action, or both. DM is a widespread condition that affects a substantial portion of the global population, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The prevalence of this major public health crisis is predicted to increase in the forthcoming years. Although several drugs are available to manage DM, these are associated with adverse side effects, which limits their use. In underdeveloped countries, where such drugs are often costly and not widely available, many people continue to rely on alternative traditional medicine, including medicinal plants. The latter serves as a source of primary healthcare and plant-based foods in many low- and middle-income countries. Interestingly, many of the phytochemicals they contain have been demonstrated to possess antidiabetic activity such as lowering blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion, and alleviating diabetic complications. Therefore, such plants may provide protective effects that could be used in the management of DM. The purpose of this article was to review the medicinal plant-based foods traditionally used for the management of DM, including their therapeutic effects, pharmacologically active phytoconstituents, and antidiabetic mode of action at the molecular level. It also presents future avenues for research in this field.

Computational Docking Studies of MAPK1 Target Protein Responsible for Heart Failure Using Catechin as Natural Inhibitor

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are major thespians that have been the subject of in-depth research over the last few decades among the several intracellular signaling networks that regulate the pathophysiology and development of the heart. Heart failure is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization and is a serious public health issue. Heart failure mostly affects the elderly, and as life expectancy increases and chronic medical conditions are better managed, more people are expected to develop the condition. The thrust to investigate alternative traditional medicine has attracted much attention as there are many negative effects of the current pharmacological treatments that are being used to control the problem of heart failure. The protein's original configuration and the ligand combination both had binding energies of -5.62 kcal/mol, which may pave the way for future use of the knowledge about the responsible protein and optimization of their lead molecule for an alternative treatment for the cases of heart failure. But further research is needed, for the validation of the data in wet labs, larger trials and in-vitro studies, to establish its drug-likeliness and their applications.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking study of the active ingredients in Saptasaram kashayam for the treatment of Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA). Current treatment options for PCOS are either with adverse effects or ineffective. Saptasaram kashayam (SK), an ayurvedic formulation is often been a safe traditional alternative medicine to improve the PCOS symptoms as well as its pathological development. However, its principle phytoconstituents or underlying mechanisms have not been investigated. In order to achieve this, the current study systematically utilized computational tools, network pharmacology approaches and molecular docking studies. All identified phytoconstituents of SK were screened by QikProp ADME prediction and 47 were selected based on oral bioavailability and drug likeliness scores. Their 3D structures were submitted to three online target fishing webservers PharmMapper, ChemMapper and Swiss Target Prediction which produced 1084 biological targets for SK comprehensively. 350 known PCOS therapeutic targets were retreived as common targets from three different interrogative disease centric bioinformatic platforms DisGeNET, OMIM and GeneCards. Intersection of 1084 biological targets of SK and 350 PCOS therapeutic targets produced, 88 potential therapeutic targets of SK against PCOS. STRING PPI and Compound-Target-Pathway networks were constructed and analysed using Cytoscape software. GO &amp; KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID database. 15 PCOS therapeutic target proteins were short listed from network analysis report- PIK3CA, PDPK1, AKT1, PIK3R1, STAT3, MAPK1, MAPK3, EGFR, AR, ESR1, ESR2, SHGB, NOS3, F2 &amp; CREBBP. Targets that were likely to be inhibited/modulated by SK for treatment of PCOS were docked against the screened phytoconstituents and their respective standard inhibitors using GLIDE-SP of Schrodinger suite, Maestro version- 13.0. Results showed that Quercetin, Catechin, Boeravinone J, Genistein, Protocatechuic Acid, Gentisic Acid, Xanthoarnol, Luteolin, Boeravinone F, Tyrosine, Kaempferol, Dalbergioidin, etc exhibited good binding affinities when compared to standard drugs and might be responsible for synergistic/additive protective effect of SK against PCOS. Meanwhile PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Prolactin signaling pathway, AGE-RAG diabetic complications, HIF-1 signaling pathway and Estrogen signaling pathway were found to be involving the hub genes of interest and in this way, they might be intervened during treatment of PCOS by SK. Present study succeeded in identifying the drug like principle phytoconstituents, probable PCOS therapeutic targets and the underlying molecular mechanism of SK apart from providing reliable evidence for therapeutic potential of SK against PCOS. However further validation by in vitro and in vivo investigations is necessary.

Synergistic effect of Trikatuk, a traditional Thai formulation, on antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities

Oxidative stress and hyperglycemia are known to be responsible for several diseases, including diabetes. To prevent these diseases, efforts are ongoing to identify novel antioxidants with hypoglycemic effects. Trikatuk is a traditional Thai formulation composed of three herbs in equal quantities: the fruits of Piper nigrum and Piper retrofractum and the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale. This formulation has been reported to have antioxidant activity and the three individual herbs have been traditionally used for managing diabetes. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Trikatuk. As Trikatuk is a combination of herbs, the synergistic effect and two different preparation methods from powder or extract mixtures were also explored. The results revealed that Trikatuk, particularly prepared from a mixture of extracts, exhibited high contents of piperine, total phenolics and total flavonoids, as well as significant antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Trikatuk also exhibited additive or synergistic effects in all experiments. Overall, Trikatuk is potentially an alternative traditional medicine and dietary supplement offering antioxidant activity and diabetes management.

In Silico Study of Rutin with Rho-Associated Protein Kinase (ROCK) for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a collection of illnesses that affect the heart or blood vessels. It is usually linked to atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits within the arteries that raises the risk of the blood clots. According to estimations, 17.9 million people worldwide died from CVDs in 2019, accounting for 32% of all fatalities. CVDs are one of the top causes of the mortality in the globe. The study of alternative traditional medicine has regained all attention because the current medication therapies being utilized to manage CVD have several negative effects. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate alternative medicine, such as herbal sources. In order to conduct the study, a docking method between the target structure, the “Rho-Associated Protein Kinase” (ROCK) kinase, or the selected phytocompound, Rutin, was carried out using computer analysis. The complex was visualized to examine the interaction and evaluate its potential for use as a CVD. Author can observe that the complex that was created was unstable based on the results of the binding energy research between the ligand Rutin and the protein/ receptor (ROCK) kinase Converting Enzyme. The binding energy of this molecule is -4.26 kcal/mol, which is unstable.

In-Silico Study of Chicoric acid as an Adjunct Therapy Targeting Caspase-3 for Effective Management of Heart Failure

Heart failure is a significant public health problem and it is one of the most prevalent reasons for being admitted to the hospital. It mostly affects the elderly, and with rising life expectancy and better management of chronic medical diseases, the patient population with heart failure is predicted to rise. As there are many side effects of existing drug interventions that are being used to manage the heart failure issue, the surge to explore alternative traditional medicine has regained all interest. Therefore, this study aims to identify a potential inhibitor of a novel target for heart failure “caspase-3” which plays an important role in the failing of the heart using a computational approach of molecular docking. The study explores the targeting ability of chicoric acid which is one of the phytocompound presented in various botanical sources having cardioprotective nature. The results of the study revealed a negative binding affinity of -15.46Kcal/mol which is promising for the development of alternative treatment or an adjunct for effective heart failure management.

Using WEKA to Classify Treponemes Based on Carbohydrate Utilization and Enzymatic Activity

Garcinia kola and Curcuma longa possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-toxic properties which makes them ideal choices in traditional alternative medicine. Kolaviron and curcumin ethanoic extracts are from Garcinia kola and Curcuma longa respectively and have shown ample beneficial health effect in animal models of diseases and also in the prevention of hepatoxicity induced by several toxins. The aim of the study was to compare the separate effects of kolaviron and curcumin ethanoic extracts on blood parameters in female Wister albino rats. Eighty-four female albino rats were used in this study and were grouped into fertile, infertile and pregnant rats in the investigation. Anti-oxidant markers such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione s-transferase (GST) were assayed for in this study.The result shows that both kolaviron and curcumin, possess antioxidant properties and the results from the three groups investigated, showed that the extracts had similar influence (anti-oxidants effect) on pregnancy, as kolaviron showed a bit more “potency”. In the infertile rats, both extracts present competing anti-oxidants effects on the organs. In conclusion, kolaviron presented a more effective anti-oxidants property across the three subject groups studied compared to curcumin. Keywords: Garcinia Kola , Turmeric, Kolaviron, Curcumin, Haematological, antioxidants Parameters DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-6-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Death by a thousand cuts? A case report

We present a case of a 56-year-old male who was found dead at home in bed with blood-stained bedsheets. External examination of the body showed multiple linear, longitudinal incised wounds on his scalp, back and lower limbs. Similar scars were also noted within the same areas. Review of the deceased’s medical records and circumstances around his death revealed that he frequents bloodletting cupping therapy sessions and had attended one just prior to death. These incised wounds were found to be due to traditional alternative medicine therapy ‘Hijama’, and not injuries due to assault.

Adulteration and Substitution in Indian Medicinal Plants: A Review Article

ntroduction: Ayurveda is a system of traditional alternative medicine in India. In 20th and 21st century, due to side effects of synthetic drugs, there is an increasing interest in Ayurveda proprietary medicines. At present, the adulteration and Substitution of the herbal drugs is the burning problem in herbal industry. The deforestation and extinction of many species and incorrect identification of many plants has resulted in adulteration and substitution of raw drugs. The future depended upon reliable methodologies for correct identification, standardization and quality assurance of Ayurvedic drugs. This article throws light on the concepts of substitution given by our preceptors and analyzes these with the present-day prevailing trend of adulteration and substitution, thereby aiming at systematic strategy to correctly identify the drugs. Method: Classical and modern literature along with various Research articles were gone through to collect minute details. Result: There are different types of Adulterants viz. substandard, inferior, artificial or exhausted drugs. There are many reasons of Adulteration viz. confusion in Vernacular Names, lack of knowledge about authenticsource, similarity in morphology, lack of authentic plant, similarity in color, careless collections, etc. There are various types of Substitution viz. using totally different drug, substitution of the species belonging to same family, using different parts of the plant, due to same in action. Analysis and Discussion: With the help of this thorough review, it is clear that with few basic identification points, one can easily differentiate between adulterated and original drug. Hence, the dealers and handlers of drugs should be made aware of these through training programmes.

Pijat Kendiku: Antara Kearifan Lokal dan Kekecewaan terhadap Pengobatan Medis

The current era of modernization has entered every line of human life, including the medical world. However, not all people can reach medical treatment even though the government has provided health service facilities. In line with this, traditional alternative medicine such as massage is still popular to cure ailments among the public. The author tries to raise the reasons why people prefer traditional medicine over medical treatment. This study used qualitative ethnographic methods with data collection techniques that are interviews and observations. The result of the research serves as documentation of cultural features in the health sector that is still developing in society. As an analytical technique, the author used James C. Young's health anthropology perspective. The data analyses used are data collection, data reduction, and data presentation in descriptions. This research showed that people prefer massage as a healing method for many reasons, such as having more affordable prices, being unprepared for the risk of medical treatment, feeling disappointment with medical treatment that does not work, and trusting in personalistic illness

Synergistic Activity of Capsaicin and Colistin Against Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: In Vitro/Vivo Efficacy and Mode of Action.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen predominantly associated with nosocomial infections. With emerging resistance against polymyxins, synergistic combinations of drugs are being investigated as a new therapeutic approach. Capsaicin is a common constituent of the human diet and is widely used in traditional alternative medicines. The present study evaluated the antibacterial activities of capsaicin in combination with colistin against three unrelated colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains in vitro and in vivo, and then further studied their synergistic mechanisms. Using the checkerboard technique and time-kill assays, capsaicin and colistin showed a synergistic effect on colistin-resistant A. baumannii. A mouse bacteremia model confirmed the in vivo effects of capsaicin and colistin. Mechanistic studies shown that capsaicin can inhibit the biofilm formation of both colistin-resistant and non-resistant A. baumannii. In addition, capsaicin decreased the production of intracellular ATP and disrupted the outer membrane of A. baumannii. In summary, the synergy between these drugs may enable a lower concentration of colistin to be used to treat A. baumannii infection, thereby reducing the dose-dependent side effects. Hence, capsaicin–colistin combination therapy may offer a new treatment option for the control of A. baumannii infection.

Potensi Daun Tempuyung (Sochus arvensis L) Sebagai Antihiperurisemia pada Mencit Putih Jantan

Hyperuricemia condition occurs due to the excessive synthesis of kidney failure to eliminate uric acid. Hyperuricemia if allowed to continue will lead to chronic disorders such as kidney, cardiovascular, and gout disorders. One of the traditional alternative medicine efforts is through herbal plants. Tempuyung leaves are thought to have the potential to reduce uric acid levels. This study aims to determine whether tempuyung leaves have the potential to reduce uric acid levels. The design of the research method was the pre-post test design with the control group using 30 test animals of male Balb/c mice. Before the mice were given the treatment of the test solution, the hyperuricemia condition was made by administering the potassium oxsonate test solution. The results showed that 70% ethanol extract solution had the potential to reduce uric acid levels at a dose of 12.8 mg / 20 BW which could provide a decrease of 64.267%. The active compounds that are thought to have activity in reducing uric acid levels are flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin) which work as inhibitors of the xanthine oxidase enzyme so that the formation of uric acid can be inhibited.

Pengobatan Alternatif Tradisional Untuk Mencegah Penularan Covid-19 Menurut Perspektif Hukum Kekayaan Intelektual Di Kota Ambon

The success of vaccine development, one of the experiments to cure this virus, namely Traditional knowledge for most people has an important role for food security and the health of millions of people in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the important role of the creator of traditional alternative medicine concoctions to prevent the transmission of Covid 19 in Ambon City, and the form of legal institutions by the Maluku Provincial Government to grant patents to the creators of traditional alternative medicine concoctions as local wisdom in handling treatment to prevent transmission. covid 19 in Ambon city. This research was conducted using an empirical juridical approach which is a descriptive study of qualitative analysis. The results showed that people in developing countries depend a lot on traditional medicine for up to 80% of their health needs. In addition, knowledge about health plants has become a source of modern medicine. The importance of the Government and society's attention to traditional knowledge and technology systems in Indonesia, especially in the field of herbal medicine. The occurrence of various polemics that often occur in the lives of indigenous peoples related to traditional healing for patients to prevent Covid-19 transmission in Ambon City.