Traditional Health Care System Research Articles

From wild ecosystem to the pharmaceutical use–exploring the traditional medicine and socio-cultural heritage of macrofungi from Pakistan

ABSTRACT Medicinal macrofungi, like prized plants and animals, have dietary, therapeutic and commercial significance. This knowledge, anchored in the traditional healthcare system, warrants the identification of the most prominent species harbouring novel natural products. A traditional ethnobiological approach was adopted to collect ethnomycological data by interviewing 110 informants (95 men and 15 women) inhabiting 10 settlements in Bannu District, Pakistan. Visiting the remote nomadic sites revealed the most unique data of its type. This data was assessed and correlated with previous studies, comparing the standard numerical indices: informant consensus factor, fidelity level, use value, relative frequency of citation and Jaccard index. Tradition medicinal uses of 30 species of wild macrofungi (belonging to 19 genera and 12 families) are documented here. Podaxis pistillaris macrofungi was preference ranked with priority therapeutic uses, medicinally for stomach problems, as an antipyretic, for erotic uses, as an immune booster and as an antidiabetic; it is also nutritionally significant. Temperature and humidity are key factors for the growth of macrofungi generally in Pakistan (in spring and during the monsoon season), while the dynamic frequency of rain in the rainy season due to the impact of climate change cannot be neglected. Indigenous communities divided the ethnomycological potential of macrofungi into three main clusters: (a) edible macrofungi, for treating various disorders and as nutritional supplements; (b) non-edible macrofungi, medicinally important or just poisonous; (c) unknown or unused, without any known utility. Importantly, eight novel species with traditional uses are reported here, and the present work is the first ethnomycological study of macrofungi from Pakistan. This research aims to trace the traditional knowledge related to the naturally occurring medicinal macrofungi in the Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Documentation of new medicinal species and novel uses of existing species reflect a healthy relationship between inhabitants of the Bannu District and wild medicinal macrofungi.

The Power of the Underutilized and Neglected Medicinal Plants and Herbs of the Middle East.

The Middle east and North Africa harbour many native species with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential. Since the beginning of history, food and herbal medicinal plants have been an essential part of human lives and the traditional Middle Eastern healthcare system. The notable medicinal plants that have been mentioned in the Bible, which are common in West Asia and some regions of North Africa, are Aloe vera, anise, balm, cassia, cinnamon, cumin, flax, and fig. Chemical components of Aloe vera are aloin, sinapinic acid, catechin, chromone, myricetin, quercitrin and syringic acid. Anethole, safrole, and estragole are the main chemical components of anise. The chemical components of cassia are coumarin, emodin, cinnamyl alcohol, and cinnamaldehyde. The major chemical ingredients of cumin are terpinene, cuminaldehyde, sabinene, thujene, and thymoquinone. The goal of this article is to review the considerable health benefits and pharmaceutical benefits of medicinal herbs and plants that have been neglected and underutilized in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as to promote their utilization. On the basis of the results, the experimented neglected medicinal plant can offer various advantages when used together with conventional medicinal treatments for various health conditions, such as palliative care in managing the side effects of conventional treatments, access to a wider range of treatments, increased patient satisfaction, and improved emotional and mental well-being. Moreover-, consuming medicinal plants may help to manage and prevent diabetes, cancer, and heart disease with notable anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Yataprasen Thai Traditional Formulary and Its Active Compounds, Beta-Amyrin and Stigmasterol, in RAW264.7 and THP-1 Cells.

Yataprasen (YTPS) remedy formulary, a national Thai traditional medicine formulary, comprises 13 herbal plants. It has been extensively prescribed to relieve osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain in the Thai traditional medicine healthcare system. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the bioactive compounds (β-amyrin and stigmasterol) of YTPS remedy formulary ethanolic extract, along with its composition. The YTPS formulary extract contains 70.30 nM of β-amyrin and 605.76 nM of stigmasterol. The YTPS formulary extract exhibited ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 144.50 ± 2.82 and 31.85 ± 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract of YTPS at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL showed a significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect, mainly by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α release in response to LPS. NO production was prominently lowered by 50% at 24.76 ± 1.48 µg/mL, 55.52 ± 24.40 µM, and more than 570 µM of YTPS formulary extract, β-amyrin, and stigmasterol, respectively. Major components of YTPS, β-amyrin, and stigmasterol exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α secretion in THP-1 cells. Our findings suggest that the ethanolic extract from YTPS holds promise as an alternative topical treatment for osteoarthritis and inflammatory disorders, potentially with fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Effect of pruning intensity on biomass and essential oil yield in wild paramela (Adesmia boronioides Hook f.)

Adesmia boronioides Hook. f. (known as paramela), a member of the Fabaceae family, is native to Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. Its leaves and young stems are used in the traditional health care system of these countries to treat rheumatic pains, colds, digestive disorders, and respiratory congestion. Paramela presents excellent organoleptic qualities and is attracting growing commercial interest. In recent years the gathering of plant material from natural populations for the extraction and export of essential oils has increased; however, no studies exist on harvest management for this species. In this study plants from a natural A. boronioides population underwent three different pruning treatments (light, medium and heavy) and their response in biomass production and the yield and quality of their essential oils was evaluated over four consecutive years. Of the different pruning intensities, the medium level generated the greatest amount of biomass for all years (p< 0.001) even though the increase seen in production up to the third harvest was followed by a marked decrease. By applying a medium pruning level for two consecutive years on the same plants, we achieved up to 112 % more biomass and 116 % higher essential oil yield compared to the initial pruning. Under the heavy pruning treatment 10 % of the plants died after the second consecutive pruning. Furthermore, we compared the yield and qualitative characteristics of essential oils (EO) over the first three years under the medium pruning level. We observed that EO yields increased after successive pruning, but the chemical compositions (GC-FID-MS) were not significantly affected in the years evaluated. These results provide valuable information for the design of sustainable harvesting protocols for A. boronioides and indicate ways to improve the yield in biomass and essential oils from wild populations.

Challenges in using DNA barcodes for authentication of Sida species

The Indian system of medicine’s “Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India (API)” recommends the use of Sida cordifolia Linn (root), Sida cordata (Burm.f.) Borss.Waalk. (aerial part), Sida rhombifolia Linn. (root) and Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sw. (root) in drug preparations of Bala, Nagabala, Mahabala and Atibala respectively. Moreover many Sida sp. are being used in China, South East Asia, Africa and South America in their traditional healthcare systems. It is a taxonomically complex genus often difficult to authenticate from dried/chopped herbal market samples. Many Sida sequences from the NCBI database, including published reports, were highly suspect and were redesignated into species groups during phylogenetic clustering. Among the four loci studied, ITS2 region was identified as the best for the Sida species identification followed by trnH-psbA. The trnH-psbA phylogeny however fails to differentiate between (1) S. beddomei and S. cordata, (2) S. alnifolia and S. scabrida, (3) S. cordifolia and S. fryxellii that formed monophyletic clusters. The average evolutionary divergence over Sequence Pairs within each species group for ITS2 locus ranged from 0.000-0.009 (Average=0.0021), while average Interspecific distance between species was 0.1175 making them ideal for authentication of Sida species. The matK and rbcL is recommended as a back-up loci for identifying intergeneric adulterants in case, the ITS2 or trnH-psbA amplification fails. The present study identified two market samples as adulterant species; (1) S. alnifolia and (2) a mixture of S. acuta and S. alnifolia/S.scabrida. The study provides a roadmap for Ayurvedic/herbal industry to utilize DNA barcoding for authentication of Sida species. At the same time the presence of “Unknown Sida group” highlights the need for further research to accurately classify and identify all Sida species at the phylogenetic level, utilizing the DNA barcode sequences to thoroughly understand the diversity and evolution of the Sida genus.

Psychological, sociocultural, and coping experiences of women with infertility using traditional healthcare services in Harare urban, Zimbabwe: A qualitative study.

This study focused on the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of infertility among women with infertility in Harare Urban who have utilised traditional healthcare systems to address their infertility problem. It also emphasises their coping strategies for dealing with the challenges encountered along the infertile journey. This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach, focusing on the experiences of five women. Data from the interviews was analysed using a simplified version of Hycner's (1985) five-step explication process. The study produced three main themes: psychological experiences, socio-cultural experiences, and coping experiences, along with seven sub-themes. The results showed that women experienced intense distress, sorrow, and self-blame because of their inability to have children, further compounded by the stigma they faced from their families and communities. Women with infertility are subjected to derogatory labels, social contempt, ridicule, and being undervalued, which leads them to develop coping strategies to endure the adverse encounters. These coping mechanisms can have either positive or negative effects on their overall welfare. The exploration of psychological, socio-cultural factors, and coping mechanisms of women with infertility problems' presents a chance to co-create interventions that empower them.

Traditional health care systems and immunity boosting: exploring plant based indigenous knowledge systems amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of utilizing traditional Ecological knowledge (TEK) to address the health risks linked to the pandemic. Mountain communities have traditionally relied on wild plant species and indigenous crops to enhance their immune system and maintain nutritional security. Recognizing the significance of indigenous knowledge systems this study was undertaken to explore plant-based traditional healthcare systems to revitalize immunity against COVID-19. A comprehensive survey and interviews of 195 local healers (Vaidyas) and residents were carried out using structured and semi-structured questionnaires following the convenience sampling method. The survey identified 40 plant species traditionally used for treating various ailments and augmenting immune functions. This study revealed a strong interest (over 80%) among the local population in plant-based remedies to enhance immunity for COVID-19. This study underscores the necessity of revitalizing and integrating diminishing traditional knowledge into mainstream healthcare practices, emphasizing the significance of region-specific approaches aligned with local resources and requirements. Therefore, there is an urgent need for exploration and recognition of the value of traditional knowledge and indigenous foods, alongside rigorous clinical trials to ascertain their role in fortifying health resilience against COVID-19.

Current status of digital health interventions in the health system in Burkina Faso

BackgroundDigital health is being used as an accelerator to improve the traditional healthcare system, aiding countries in achieving their sustainable development goals. Burkina Faso aims to harmonize its digital health interventions to guide its digital health strategy for the coming years. The current assessment represents upstream work to steer the development of this strategic plan.MethodsThis was a quantitative, descriptive study conducted between September 2022 and April 2023. It involved a two-part survey: a self-administered questionnaire distributed to healthcare information managers in facilities, and direct interviews conducted with software developers. This was complemented by a documentary review of the country’s strategic and standards documents on digital transformation.ResultsBurkina Faso possesses a relatively comprehensive collection of governance documents pertaining to digital transformation. The study identified a total of 35 digital health interventions. Analysis showed that 89% of funding originated from technical and financial partners as well as the private sector. While the use of open-source technologies for the development of the applications, software, or platforms used to implement these digital health interventions is well established (77%), there remains a deficiency in the integration of data from different platforms. Furthermore, the classification of digital health interventions revealed an uneven distribution between the different elements across domains: the health system, the classification of digital health interventions (DHI), and the subsystems of the National Health Information System (NHIS). Most digital health intervention projects are still in the pilot phase (66%), with isolated electronic patient record initiatives remaining incomplete. Within the public sector, these records typically take the form of electronic registers or isolated specialty records in a hospital. Within the private sector, tool implementation varies based on expressed needs. Challenges persist in adhering to interoperability norms and standards during tool design, with minimal utilization of the data generated by the implemented tools.ConclusionThis study provides an insightful overview of the digital health environment in Burkina Faso and highlights significant challenges regarding intervention strategies. The findings serve as a foundational resource for developing the digital health strategic plan. By addressing the identified shortcomings, this plan will provide a framework for guiding future digital health initiatives effectively.

Antibacterial Activity of lemongrass plant (Cymbopogan citratus) against pathogens

From the traditional health care system, we use plants as a good source of medicine/drugs. They have been an essential part of traditional health care system as cure or food supplements. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon Flexuosus and Cymbopogon Citratus) is a native aromatic tall sedge/grass belonging to family (Poaceae / Gramineae) with diverse medicinal value and grown in many parts of tropical and subtropical south east Asia and Africa. It was grown in India a century back and now commercially cultivated in different parts of India (Jharkhand, Bihar, UP). The oil has been found to possess bactericidal, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties comparable to Penicillin in its effectiveness. The purpose of study was to find the antibacterial activities of the lemongrass plant Cymbopogon citratus. The crushed leaves of selected plant were extracted with methanol and solvent extracts were evaporated for dryness with help of rotary Incubator. Remaining dry residue was dissolved in (E- Ethanol, Cl- Chloroform, A- Acetone, C- Control) and the leaf sample in four different solvents was applied for its antibacterial action. The antibacterial screening of the selected extracts was determined by the Kirby-Bauer’s Disc diffusion technique on the following bacteria- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. The maximum zone of inhibitions was noted with solvent ethanol (11mm) against plate 1(Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 12mm against plate 2(Bacillus subtilis). The sample dissolved in ethanol showed the maximum zone of inhibition followed by chloroform and least with acetone against both the pathogens.

Revolutionizing Healthcare: AI-Driven Advances in EMR Management

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies signifies a significant paradigm shift within the healthcare domain, unlocking novel pathways for transformation. Conventional healthcare infrastructures grapple with challenges such as disjointed patient data, manual prescription processes, and restricted access to complete medical records. In response to these issues, our initiative presents an innovative solution that harnesses the synergies of AI and blockchain to establish a state-of-the-art healthcare framework. At its core, our mission revolves around the creation of a decentralized ecosystem that reimagines how patient records are managed and prescriptions are handled. By seamlessly blending AI algorithms with blockchain technology, our system aims to tackle pivotal challenges in healthcare, including addressing gaps in data interoperability, ensuring prescription accuracy, and facilitating streamlined access to comprehensive patient information. The foundational elements of this framework include decentralized data storage, AI-guided prescription generation, consolidation of extensive patient histories, user-centric design, robust data security, compliance with privacy regulations, and a steadfast commitment to ethical considerations. This exploration delves deep into the obstacles confronting traditional healthcare systems, presenting a thorough problem statement. It articulates the objectives of our proposed system, providing a transparent roadmap for confronting these challenges head-on. As we progress towards achieving these objectives, our project envisions a metamorphosed healthcare landscape characterized by heightened precision in medical decision-making, increased patient engagement, and overall enhanced efficiency. This endeavor holds the potential to revolutionize healthcare practices, empower healthcare professionals, and elevate the patient experience by seamlessly harnessing the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Healthcare, Decentralized, Electronic Medical Record (EMR), comprehensive patient history consolidation.

Telemedicine Beyond Borders: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Cross-National Usage Intention.

Introduction: Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, this article investigates the adoption of telemedicine services from a patient perspective in Germany, Spain, and the United States using a mixed-methods approach. Digital health technologies have the potential to improve access to care and to alleviate the burden on traditional health care systems and are becoming more integrated into everyday medicine. Therefore, understanding the factors that impact patients' intentions to use telemedicine is crucial to ensure successful development. Methods: Based on 1,200 surveys collected in Germany, Spain, and the United States, structural equation modeling (IBM SPSS Amos 24) is employed to test the hypotheses. The article also explores how age and gender moderate the proposed relationships. Results: Seven out of the 10 hypotheses (performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, habit, relative advantage, and perceived security) are found to be positive, direct, and statistically significant. Furthermore, findings suggest stronger effects for telemedicine usage intention for younger female users than their male counterparts. Discussion: With digital health technologies becoming more prevalent, the outcomes of this study can endorse the development of effective strategies to promote the adoption of telemedicine, ultimately improving access to care and contributing to the advancement of and modern health care.

“All These Methods Complement Each Other”: Antenatal Care Acceptability in Contexts of Antenatal Care Pluralism in Rural Manicaland, Zimbabwe

Many current studies focus on the acceptability and utilization of biomedical antenatal care (ANC), neglecting indigenous African ways of providing ANC. Drawing on interviews with 30 health professionals, and consultations, focus groups, and storyboarding with 71 community-level key informants and adult caregivers, we critically examined how ANC is delivered and utilized in Mafararikwa in rural Zimbabwe. We found that families in Mafararikwa actively engage with and utilize ANC from traditional, faith-based, and biomedical health-care systems, usually concurrently, based on their quality-of-care perceptions and local sociocultural factors. Efforts to enhance ANC must consider families’ ANC preferences and promote collaboration between different ANC systems.

A Conceptual Study of Aahar and Vihar in Post Covid-19 Complication

Ayurveda, a traditional healthcare system, emphasizes the importance of food and lifestyle in maintaining health and preventing diseases. Classics emphasize "Tryaupstambh" (Aahar, Nidra, Brahmacharya) as crucial factors for daily life, while the Charaka Samhita mentions "Sadvritta" as a code of good conduct for mental and social wellbeing and "Swasthavritta" for maintaining health and personal hygiene. Post- COVID-19 complications include cardiac, pulmonary, systemic, neuropsychiatric, tinnitus, acute kidney damage, renal failure, and thrombotic problems. Aahar or lifestyle is the ultimate medicine for health and prosperity. To promote mental health and prevent illness, living conditions and environments supporting healthy lifestyles are necessary. Regular Yoga and diet can help improve health and reduce the risk of complications. Ayurveda recommends immune-modulator regimes such as a healthy lifestyle, seasonal purification, and daily dietary and behavioural regimens. In this article, an attempt has been made to analyse the various measures and concepts of Aahar and Vihar described in a dispersed manner in different Samhitas will be helpful to manage the post Covid-19 complications and also for speedy recovery without any further complication of disease.

GC–MS based antioxidants characterization in Saussurea heteromalla (D. Don) Hand-Mazz by inhibition of nitric oxide generation in macrophages

For centuries, medicinal plants have served as the cornerstone for traditional health care systems and same practice is still prevalent today. In the Himalayan region, Saussurea heteromalla holds a significant place in traditional medicine and is used to address various health issues. Despite its historical use, little exploration has focused on its potential for scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammation. Hence, our current study aims to investigate the free radical scavenging capabilities of S. heteromalla extracts. The n-hexane extract of entire plant revealed promising activity. This extract underwent extensive extraction on a larger scale. Subsequent purification, employing column chromatography, HPLC–DAD techniques, led to the identification of active compounds, confirmed via GC–MS and the NIST database as 1-O-butyl 2-O-octyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and 2,4-ditert-butylphenol. Assessing the free radical scavenging properties involved utilizing RAW-264.7 macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharides. Notably, the compound 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol exhibited remarkable scavenging abilities, demonstrating over 80% inhibition of Nitric oxide. This study stands as the inaugural report on the isolation of these compounds from S. heteromalla.

Ethnobotanical survey of herbal steam baths among the Tenggerese community in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia

The use of traditional medicines, including medicinal plant in steam baths, is widespread in various traditional healthcare systems. This study aims to document and evaluate the plant species used in herbal steam baths within the Tenggerese community in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Indonesia, with a focus on women’s reproductive health. A combination of semi-structured interviews and observations was conducted with 13 female informants, including traditional birth attendants and women with children. A total of 12 plant species from 9 families were identified, with Cananga odorata, Piper betle, Rosa chinensis, and Jasminum sambac being the most frequently mentioned. The preparation and utilization of herbal steam baths in the Tenggerese community, particularly in postpartum care, were described. Several plants commonly used in the steam baths have been studied for their phytochemical compounds and pharmacological properties, supporting their traditional use.

Cradle Care

Abstract: In a rapidly evolving landscape where digital solutions are revolutionizing healthcare, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of comprehensive support for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy journey. This abstract introduces an innovative Pregnancy App with AI that aspires to bridge gaps in traditional healthcare systems, offering proactive, accessible, and personalized guidance to address the critical needs of both the mother and the unborn child. Pregnancy represents a pivotal phase in a woman's life, and ensuring the well-being of both mother and child is paramount. This groundbreaking Pregnancy App with AI is meticulously designed to transform the way we approach prenatal care, empowering expectant mothers with the tools they need for a healthy and informed pregnancy experience. This presentation unfolds the core objectives of the Pregnancy App, shedding light on its integration of cutting-edge AI technologies, and the research underpinning its development. By harnessing collective knowledge from an extensive literature survey, we have identified key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have profoundly influenced the features and functionalities of our application. In summary, the Pregnancy App with AI stands at the forefront of digital healthcare solutions, redefining the pregnancy journey by offering personalized, proactive, and accessible support. Through the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies and the insights garnered from in-depth research, our application promises to transform the way we approach prenatal care, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child throughout this critical phase of life

Blockchain Based MediChain System Connecting Pharma, Medicals and Patients Together.

In today’s world almost all hospital uses hardcopy for patient data store and for booking appointment. All patient data is available on paper and user need to manage that all over he goes. Consider ’A’ patient got admitted in City Pune, all his data is stored on paper and what medicines he took. All the info about his health is stored there. After someday ‘A’ patient gone to another city far away without carrying any documents and there he got and health emergency and is not in condition of speaking and need urgently help. But due to lack of info available about patient doctor could not urgently take decisions. So, to reduce this risk our system is developed. The distribution of Health records becomes a time consuming and expensive process when we use the traditional client-server healthcare data management system where each hospital/clinic maintains its own database of patients’ medical records. A patient’s treatment is further delayed if the patient moves from one hospital to another hospital across different regions or countries. Moreover, most of the time a patient must repeat several laboratory and radiology tests. So, to address this the patient’s medical data from different hospitals are stored in a Blockchain based storage making it easily accessible by patients and the hospitals. And the pharma company will be able to store the information of medicines and medicals will be available to verify the medicines if they are from trustworthy companies. Keyword - - Dapp, Web3.Js, CSS.

Bridging Tradition and Modern Pharmacology of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb: A Review

Bergenia ciliata, a perennial rhizomatous herb holds a special place in the traditional herbal healthcare system due to its diverse therapeutic uses and potentials. Validation of its efficacy with scientific investigation is a prerequisite of any prospective herbal resource. The plant is a rich source of various bioactive chemical compounds. The present review is an attempt to consolidates comprehensive information sourced from 100 different literatures, exploring the plant's distribution, phytochemistry, traditional medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities specially focusing on some prevalent diseases of present day. The herb’s antimicrobial, anticancer, antiulcer and antidiabetic properties signify its potential in modern pharmacology. The review underscores B. ciliata's relevance in drug development and nutraceutical formulations, bridging age-old wisdom with contemporary healthcare solutions. Further exploration into its bioactive compounds and clinical applications promises innovative avenues in therapeutic intervention.&#x0D; Keywords: Bergenia ciliata, perennial rhizomatous herb, traditional herbal healthcare, age-old wisdom

Antioxidant potential of alkaloids and polyphenols of Viola canescens wall using in vitro and in silico approaches.

Background: V. canescens Wall, a plant renowned for its ethno-medical properties, was investigated in this study for its antioxidant potential based on its wide therapeutic applications in traditional healthcare systems. The study aimed to assess the antioxidant potential of the plant extract/fractions and to predict the active phytochemicals using computational techniques. Methods: Five fractions were obtained from the crude methanolic extract of Viola canescens, and six concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150μg/mL) were prepared for each fraction. The antioxidant activity of these fractions was evaluated using the Tetraoxomolybdate (VI) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In-silico docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted to further elucidate the molecular interactions underlying the antioxidant activity. Results: The aqueous extract of V. canescens exhibited significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity against DPPH. Additionally, the crude flavonoid extract demonstrated moderate activity with IC50 value of 57.863μg/mL, indicating potent inhibition of cell growth. In-silico docking studies revealed a strong interaction between emetine and the aromatase protein, suggesting its potential as an antioxidant. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the antioxidant potential of V. canescens extract, indicating its suitability as a source of natural antioxidants. These results suggest its potential application in pharmaceutical preparations aimed at harnessing antioxidant properties for therapeutic purposes.

Evaluating Experts’ Perspectives on Utilizing mHealth for Data Services in HIV Program Implementation in Cameroon

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The widespread adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technology has become a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional healthcare systems. Cameroon, a Central African nation grappling with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, presents a suitable context for mHealth interventions. This study aims to assess expert opinions on the application of mHealth for data services in implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Employing a mixed-methods approach, we utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design (via a survey questionnaire) and a qualitative design (through in-depth interviews). The purposive sample technique was employed to recruit health specialists from diverse organizations and healthcare facilities across the country. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Analysis of responses from mHealth experts revealed that 76% held a positive perspective on using mHealth for data services in HIV program implementation in Cameroon, while 24% expressed a negative opinion. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association (p = 0.265) between qualifications and perspectives on mHealth. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&amp;E) experts exhibited a notable association (94.1%) with positive perspectives on mHealth utilization. In contrast, IT specialists and public health experts demonstrated slightly lower percentages (78.6% and 60%, respectively). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Experts in mHealth conveyed optimism about using mHealth to provide data services for implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. The study discovered that mHealth users&amp;apos; perceptions were positively correlated with age group and work position. However, there was no discernible relationship between the attitudes of mHealth users and gender or educational attainment.