Traditional Herb Research Articles

Heavy metals concentrations of traditional herbs consumed in Northwestern zone of Nigeria and associated health risks on humans

Herbal drugs have gained much popularity as alternative medicine among residents of the northern part of Nigeria, taking advantage of abundant medicinal plants in the region. This study therefore investigated the levels of some selected heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in five identified herbal drugs sold in Andaza town, Kiyawa local Government area of Jigawa State. Preparation of the samples was done using a wet digestion method with HNO3 and HCl as digestion acids and the metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The health risk assessment (HRA) for adults and children was done by using the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR). The concentrations of heavy metals on dry weight (dw) basis in this study fell within the range (mg/kg dw, mean±SD)): Cd (0.156-0.312, 0.221±0.065), Hg (8.58-16.7, 12.7±3.78), Ni (0.960-2.74, 1.67±0.698), Zn (4.26-10.1, 6.17±2.34) and Pb (0.876-1.91). Pb was not detected in two out of the five samples and therefore the mean±SD of Pb was not computed. A comparison of the results with the World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum permissible limit showed that Hg levels were far above the permissible limit in all the samples; two samples had Cd values above the maximum limit. The concentrations of Ni, Zn and Pb in all the samples were within the recommended levels of WHO. Results of HRA showed that THQ were less than 1 in the analyzed metals except for Hg with relatively high values in both adults (70 kg body weight) and children (24 kg body weight) categories and this may pose a potential health risk to consumers. Results of the percentage non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) of each metal showed that Hg contributed more than 95% to HI (the overall NCR) in each sample. TCR of Pb indicates moderate to high cancer risk whereas, that of CD showed high to very high cancer risk if the samples are consumed for a long period of time. It is therefore important that consumption of these medicines should be monitored and regulated in order for consumers to avoid future health challenges.

Enriching Culinary Variety through Ice Cream Innovation with Traditional Herbal Medicine Turmeric Acid at Jinggo Café & Restaurant

The development of Tourism encourages the development of health tourism (wellness tourism and herbal tourism) by re-socializing herbal medicine, by innovating the utilization of sour turmeric herbal medicine into sour turmeric herbal ice cream so that it becomes a culinary alternative. This study aims to determine the manufacturing process, the level of public liking and cost analysis. The type of approach used is research and development (R&D) with the 4D development model (Define, Design, Development and Dissemination) which uses hedonic and hedonic quality organoleptic tests. The results showed that the best recipe used a ratio of 40% herbal medicine: 100% milk with a favorability level of 86.7%. In the process of making sour turmeric herbal ice cream through several stages, namely preparation of ingredients, mixing ingredients, pasteurization, homogenization, aging or freezing, packaging and storage. With the selling price of the Sour Turmeric Herb Ice Cream product IDR 6,000 / portion.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentrations on some Selected Herbal Medicinal Preparations Marketed in Kano State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study assesses heavy metal concentrations in traditional medicinal herbs consumed in Kano State, Nigeria, providing critical insights into their relative safety and potential health risks. By analyzing ten powdered herbal samples using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, the research identifies concerning levels of lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury, with lead concentrations in one sample exceeding the WHO's safety limits. The findings highlight significant variability in heavy metal content among different herbs, underscoring the need for stringent quality control and regulatory measures to ensure consumer safety. Full Abstract Herbs are extensively consumed in Nigeria, for their medicinal properties and availability. This study aimed at determining the concentration of heavy metals residues in some selected traditional medicinal herbs consumed in Kano State, Nigeria. This is to assess their relative safety and potential health risks to local inhabitants based on the World Health Organization standard limit. A total of ten (10) powdered samples of medicinal preparations were purchased from local markets in Kano metropolis and analyzed for the presence of lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury contents. The samples underwent digestion, and heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The metals found to be present varied in different concentrations in the herbal samples. The presence of heavy metal ranges as follows: 0.6-6.5mg/kg for chromium, 3.10-22.10mg/kg for lead, 0.08-0.60mg/kg for cadmium, and 0.09-0.30mg/kg for mercury. However, mercury content was not detected in some samples. The study's findings conclude that the lead (Pb) values were found to be the highest in concentration, exceeding the W.H.O limits in sample J, which is used as a remedy for cough. This indicates that the sample is highly contaminated compared to others. Mercury was not detected in four of the samples, and when present, it was below the limits set by the World Health Organization, making all the samples free from mercury contamination.

Pityriasis Rosea-Like Eruption following anti-fatigue traditional herbs: Aconitum carmichaelii Debx and Panax Ginseng suspected

Traditional herbs have a history of clinical use in anti-fatigue. However, several adverse effects of herbs have been identified. Pityriasis rosea-like eruption (PR-LE) is a rare cutaneous complication of herbs. To the best of our knowledge, there have been few reports of PR-LE following herbs. Here, we described a case of PR-LE that developed 6 days after taking anti-fatigue herbs. After the 17 days of stopping Aconitum carmichaelii Debx and Panax Ginseng, it notably faded. So, when anti-fatigue herbs being authorized for fatigue use, monitoring for potential adverse effects is necessary.

Beneficial effects of Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) in Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Cancer, a leading global cause of death, drives research for safer treatments. Doxorubicin is an effective anticancer drug but is associated with cardiotoxicity as a characteristic adverse effect. Bacopa monnieri, a traditional Ayurvedic herb rich in antioxidants, emerges as a potential adjunct in cancer treatment. The study aims to explore Bacopa monnieri's impact on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The study was conducted in 30 rats with 6 rats in each of the 5 groups: Group 1 was administered distilled water; Group 2 received Doxorubicin at 5 mg/kg by IP on days 7, 14, and 21. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered Bacopa monnieri at 75mg/kg, 150mg/kg, and 250mg/kg orally daily doses along with Doxorubicin at 5mg/kg by IP on days 7,14 and 21. The Bacopa monnieri-treated groups compared to the Doxorubicin(Dox) group showed a significant reduction in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), troponin I, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while the levels of antioxidants Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione (GSH) increased. Histopathology showed fibrosis and inflammation in the Doxorubicin group while restoration of normal cardiac tissue in the Bacopa monnieri-treated group. The study illustrates Bacopa monnieri's ability to alleviate Doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity by its antioxidant properties.

Norboldine improves cognitive impairment and pathological features in Alzheimer's disease by activating AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm is a common traditional herb that has multiple bioactivities. Radix Linderae (LR), the dry roots of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, first found in Kaibao Era. Norboldine (Nor) is an alkaloid extracted from LR and is one of the primary active ingredients of LR. However, the pharmacological functions and mechanism of Nor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still unknown. Aim of the studyThis study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Nor therapy in improving the cognitive impairment and pathological features of 3 × Tg mice. Materials and methods3 × Tg mice were treated with two concentrations of Nor for one month and then the memory and cognitive abilities of mice were assessed by novel object recognition experiment and Morris water maze. The impact of Nor on the pathology of ADwere examined in PC12 cells and animal tissues using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Finally, western blotting was used to verify the anti-apoptotic effect of Nor by activating AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway at animal and cellular levels. ResultsIn this study, we showed that Nor treatment improved the capacity of the learning and memory of 3 × Tg mice and alleviated AD pathology such as Aβ deposition. In addition, Nor restored the abnormalities of mitochondrial membrane potential, significantly reduced the production of intracellular ROS and neuronal cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we combined network pharmacology and experimental verification to show that Nor may exert antioxidant stress and anti-apoptotic through the AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway. ConclusionOur data provide some evidence that Nor exerts a neuroprotective effect through the AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 pathway, thereby improving cognitive impairment in AD model mice. Natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicines are becoming increasingly popular in the process of new drug development and discovery, and our findings provide new perspectives for the discovery of improved treatment strategies for AD.

Horticultural Food Plants in Traditional Herbal Medicine in the Mediterranean Basin: A Review

The Mediterranean Basin’s diverse climates and ecosystems have shaped a rich botanical heritage through centuries of selective cultivation, resulting in a wide array of horticultural plants with valuable therapeutic properties. The use of horticultural food plants as herbal remedies has become an integral part of traditional medicine in this geographical context. The present review aims to highlight the use of horticultural food plants (HFPs) in the context of traditional herbal medicine in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin and explore their traditional uses and therapeutic properties. A comprehensive ethnobotanical literature search was conducted on the food plants used as herbal medicine in the Mediterranean region using existing online scientific databases. Based on the literature review, 64 taxa used as medicinal plants by traditional users in the Mediterranean Basin were documented. Overall, horticultural plants are used in Mediterranean countries to treat a total of 573 ailments. Italy has the highest number of use reports (998), followed by Morocco (281) and Spain (193). Apiaceae (11 taxa), Cucurbitaceae (9 taxa), and Brassicaceae (8 taxa) are the most frequently cited families. The genus Allium is the most abundant in species (5).

Clinical Effect of the Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine "Goreisan" on Water Balance in Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Since severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) involves inflammatory mediators produced by local inflammation of the pancreas that trigger a systemic inflammatory response, intensive fluid management is required to maintain hemodynamics in the early stages of the onset of SAP. Goreisan is considered to have a diuretic effect in a state of excess water and an antidiuretic effect in a state of dehydration, regulating water balance in both directions. We investigated the clinical effects of Goreisan on water balance in SAP patients. Patients and methods: SAP patients admitted to our ICU within 72 hours of being diagnosed with SAP were divided into two groups: the Rikkunshito group (before October 2015) and theGoreisan group (after November 2015). Cumulative volume of fluid infusion, urine, fluid removal by CHF, nasogastric tube drainage, and water balance from day 1 to day 5 of ICU admission. Thirty patients were included. The median age was 57 (40-69) years, and 21/30 (70%) were male. The prognostic factor score in Japanese criteria for acute pancreatitis was 5.5 (3.3-7). Of the thirty patients, 14 were in the Rikkunshito group, and 16 were in the Goreisan group. There were no differences in the cumulative volume of fluid infusion, urine, fluid removal by CHF, or nasogastric tube drainage from day 1 to day 5 of ICU admission between the two groups. However, the cumulative water balance from day 1 to day 5 of admission was 4,957 ± 6,091 mL in the Rikkunshito group, whereas it was lower in the Goreisan group at 498 ± 3,918 mL (P = 0.023). Our study showed that Goreisan administration in patients with severe acute pancreatitis might improve water balance in the early phase of onset. Early administration of Goreisan at the onset of severe acute pancreatitis may regulate fluid movement between capillaries and interstitium and alleviate fluid overload due to water refill.

Formulation and Evaluation of Electrospun Nanofiber Mats of Curcumin and Leaf Extract of Tinospora cordifolia: Designed for Accelerating Diabetic Wound Healing

Traditional herbs like Tinospora cordifolia and curcumin have many therapeutic benefits. However, curcumin’s limited bioavailability is a problem. Electrospun nanofibers are an answer because they increase the effective surface area greatly, and make drug delivery better in almost all aspects. The combination in the form of nanofibers can be greatly useful in the treatment of diabetic wound healing, where curcumin, the known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory element, plays an important role. It is observed that when combined with extract of leaves of T. cordifolia, which has known antidiabetic and wound healing actions, blended in the chitosan polymer, which is itself a weak antibacterial compound hence can be one of the solutions to the menace of bacterial resistance which is very common in diabetic wound healing. This research aims to create and test electrospun nanofiber mats of curcumin and T. cordifolia leaves extract blended in chitosan as a base polymer in the treatment of diabetic wound healing. Leaves of the plant T. cordifolia, which were collected from the institute’s botanical garden, were subjected to drying and then prone to solvent extraction using methanol and acetone, resulting in the production of bioactive extracts. The curcumin was obtained as a gift sample from Sanjay Chemicals, Mumbai. Nanofibers were electrospun from chitosan, T. cordifolia leaf extract and curcumin. Characterization included scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle measurement, TGA/DSC analysis, drug release studies, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, swelling tests and in-vitro release profiling. The nanofiber mats of curcumin and leaves extract of T. cordifolia using chitosan as a base polymer were prepared and evaluated at various parameters. The results we found are very promising. The nanofibers formed by using electrospinning techniques show good content uniformity as well as good diameter which was checked using SEM. The study confirmed no component interactions using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The good hydrophilicity of mats was found to ensure good retention time. The study concluded with the formation of a novel formulation that can fight the menace of bacterial resistance, which is very common in the diabetic wound healing process. The formulation will ensure not only countering bacterial resistance but also the faster healing of diabetic wounds, as T. cordifolia leaves extract is known to improve angiogenesis and tissue remodeling.

Formulation of Jelly Containing Paneer Dodi

As we all know that traditional herbs and plants have any medicinal benefits and used in treatment of wide variety of diseases. Panner Doda is traditional plant which is used in treatment of many diseases such as diabetes, wound healing menstrual disorders, etc. Panner phool (withania Coagulans) have medicinal properties to control diabetes mellitus type 2. Panner dodi is available in powder form (rarely) but most commonly available as dried phool which is soaked overnight in a water to have maximum benefits to control diabetes. But it hasonly drawn that it is bitter in taste. So oral medicated sweet jelly formulation has a sweet tasteand has an attractive appearance. So, it has become easy to have a medicine by altering its bittertaste and can be given to paediatrics as well as geriatric patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Paneer Doda (Withania Coagulans Dunal), belonging to the family Solanaceae, is a small bushwhich is widely spread in South Asia. It grows as short shrub (35-75 cm) with central stem. This shrub is common in Afghanistan, East India & Nepal. In India it occurs in Punjab, Rajasthan, Simla, Kumaun and Garhwal. It is commonly known as ‘Indian cheese maker’ or ‘vegetable rennet’ due to coagulant property of leaves and fruits. The berries contain two esterases, free amino acids, fatty oil, an essential oil and alkaloids. The amino acids present areproline, hydroxyproline, valine, tyrosine, aspartic acid, glycine asparagin, cysteine and glutamic acid. A variety of withanolides have been found in the plant which are responsible for its therapeuticproperties. It is widely used in treating diabetes mellitus, nervous exhaustion, disability, insomnia, wasting diseases and failure to thrive in children. The fruits of the plant are reportedto be sedative, emetic, alterative and diuretic. They are also helpful in liver complaints, asthmaand biliousness. Withania coagulans is commonly known as Paneer Dodi belonging to family Solanaceae is a well -known plant in herbal medicinal systems having great potential against diabetic disease by improving the secretion of insulin. It was though worthwhile to explore its application intoour body to treat type-2 diabetes, it acts on the insulin receptors for the better consumption of insulin.

Inhibitory activity of Alpinia galanga (Kulanjan) against pathogenic bacteria

Infectious disease are the world’s leading cause of premature deaths, killing almost 50 000 people every day. With the continuous use of antibiotics microbes have become resistant. This has created immense clinical problems in the treatment of infectious diseases. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases. Plant materials remain an important recourse to combat serious diseases in the world. They are used directly as therapeutic agents, as well as starting materials for the synthesis of drugs or as models for pharmacologically active compounds.The search for potent antibacterial agents has now been shifted to plants. One approach is to screen local medicinal plants for possible antimicrobial properties. According to WHO (1993), 80% of the world’s population is dependent on the traditional medicine and a major part of the traditional therapies involves the use of plant extracts or their active constituents. Yet a scientific study of plants to determine their antimicrobial active compounds is a comparatively new field. There are many published reports on the effectiveness of traditional herbs against pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi and as a result plants are still recognized as the bedrock for modern medicine to treat infectious diseases. Keeping in view of the importance of herbs traditionally used for the treatment of infectious diseases, this study is designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Alpinia galanga used in the Indian system of medicine for the treatment various diseases. Results showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity of Methanolic extract of Alpinia galanga roots.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oils in the Above-Ground Parts of Sonchus oleraceus L.

Sonchus oleraceus L. is a leafy vegetable that is usually consumed in the area of the Mediterranean and is a frequently used traditional herb to treat a variety of ailments. Previous studies deduced the potent antioxidant and cytotoxic functions of the different extracts and isolated compounds from S. oleraceus. The current study represents the first instance of chemical profiling and bioactivities of the extracted essential oil (EO) of S. oleraceus. The present investigation set out to identify the chemical components of this EO by means of Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (G004-MS) techniques; assess the oil's antioxidant potencies through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) assays; and evaluate the oil's cytotoxic impact against HepG2 cancer cell lines. The GC-MS chemical profiling revealed the identification of 23 components representing 97.43% of the total oil mass within abundant cyclic ketones (20.15%), nonterpenoidial hydrocarbons (28.77%), and sesquiterpenes (42.19%). The main components were n-nonadecane (28.77%), trans-caryophyllene (23.73%), trans-methyl dihydrojasmonate (19.55%), and cis-cadina-1,4-diene (9.44%). In a dose-dependent manner, this EO demonstrated antioxidant capacities on DPPH and ABTS, with IC50 values of 609.35 and 804.16 µg/mL, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid. Using doxorubicin as a reference therapy, the MTT assay findings revealed that this oil had remarkable inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HepG2 cancer cell lines, with an IC50 of 136.02 µg/mL. More studies were recommended for further investigation of new biological roles for this oil and its main components, along with the construction of action mechanisms based on chemical components.

Experience of Health professionals in the implementation of Clinical trials of Traditional Herbal Medicines: A cross-sectional study in Mali

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the experience of health professionals in clinical trials of traditional herbal medicines in Mali. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to December 2022 among healthcare professionals in three randomly selected localities: the district of Bamako and the regions of Koulikoro and Sikasso. Data were collected by direct interview using an anonymous questionnaire. The Chi-square (χ2) test was used to assess factors associated with participation in clinical trials of traditional medicines. Results: The involvement of healthcare professionals in clinical trials of traditional medicines was low (3.5%) and was associated with age (p=0.021). The obstacles to conducting these trials reported by healthcare professionals were lack of funding and failure to take account of the specificities of traditional medicines in clinical trial regulations. Some healthcare professionals suggest ethnomedical evaluation of recipes proposed by traditional practitioners and the use of reverse pharmacology as alternatives. Conclusion: Research into traditional medicines could be given greater impetus by the long-term funding of clinical trials and by less costly alternatives such as the ethnomedical evaluation of recipes proposed by traditional healers and reverse pharmacology.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim. from distinct locations.

Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim. (ESM) which accumulates several principal flavonoid compounds including epimedin A, B, C and icariin, is extensively utilized in traditional herbs for sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis etc. In China, ESM has a wealth of wild plant resources and characterized by significant variability in medicinal compounds accumulation. Understanding the diversity of ESMs can lead to better utilization of these plant resources. In this study, we integrated the metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of three ESMs that originated in Anhui, Hubei and Jiangxi in China. Results showed that the flavonoid biosynthesis as well as the related gene expression in these ESMs revealed substantial differences. For example, the epimedin A, B, C and icariin as well as some related gene expression in ESMs from Anhui are significantly lower than those of in others. These results suggested that the ESMs from wild population without quality checkout may not be suitable for directly use as the materials for preparation of Chinese medicine and ESMs with different accumulation of metabolites could be used for distinct applications.

Bioactive compounds from dichloromethane extract of Artemisia rupestris L. alleviates CCl4/ConA-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting PI3K-AKT pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceArtemisia rupestris L. (AR) is a traditional medicinal herb commonly used in the Uyghurs and Kazakhs; it was first documented in the Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica written by Zhao Xuemin in the Qing Dynasty of China and is used clinically to treat colds, hepatitis, and allergic diseases. Aim of the studyThe material basis and mechanisms of AR in acute liver injury (ALI) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to reveal the possible active components involved in liver protection in AR and to preliminarily explore their pharmacological mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe chemical composition of the ethanolic extract (ARA) was identified by UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS and confirmed by 32 reference standards. The pharmacodynamic results were utilized to screen the active part within the ARA that contribute to the amelioration of CCl4/ConA-induced ALI. The main active components and core targets were predicted by network pharmacology and verified by molecular docking combined with qPCR and Western blotting. ResultsA total of 131 chemical components were identified in the ARA. The extraction parts of ARA had different therapeutic effects on ALI, among which the dichloromethane extract (ARA-D), which might constitute the main effective fraction of ARA, had significant anti-ALI effects. The network pharmacology results showed that targets including PIK3R1, AKT1, and EGFR, as well as 7 compounds, such as artemetin, vitexicarpin and rupestonic acid may play pivotal roles in treating CCl4/ConA-induced ALI. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway was the main pathway involved. In each model, ARA-D dose-dependently reduced the increase in ALT levels. High-dose ARA-D markedly decreased ALT activity from 196.79 ± 24.82 to 66.37 ± 16.19 U/L in the CCl4 model group and from 178.00 ± 28.39 to 50.67 ± 7.39 U/L in the ConA model group. Further studies revealed that ARA-D significantly inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression and inhibited the protein expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in CCl4/ConA-induced ALI. ConclusionARA-D exhibits protective effects against ALI induced by CCl4/ConA, potentially through inhibition of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. These findings may help to determine the material basis and mechanisms of action of ARA-D for liver protection and provide ideas for future comprehensive studies.

Knowledge and Attitude Associated with Use of Performance Enhancing Substances and Methods among Mixed Martial Arts Athletes in Kenya

The use of performance-enhancing substances (PES) among Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes has been a growing concern in Kenya, driven by the desire to gain a competitive edge. This study explores the knowledge and attitudes associated with the use of PES, traditional herbs, and food supplements among Kenyan MMA athletes. The cross-sectional survey research design allowed for the collection of quantitative data to understand the athletes' perspectives. Participants in the study included MMA athletes from various regions across Kenya, with a target population of 4,000 athletes and a sample of 800 selected through Population Proportionate to Sample (PPS) technique. The research instruments used were questionnaires divided into two sections: Anti-Doping education and beliefs about PES, traditional herbs, and food supplements. Pre-testing ensured the reliability of the questionnaires. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 22, applying descriptive statistics and One and Two-Way Analysis of Variance to examine mean score differences at a 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the majority of MMA athletes in Kenya are male (79.9%), with an age range of 18 to 54 years and a mean age of 26.8±4.1. Experience in years varied, with Wrestlers having the most years and Taekwondo athletes the least. Knowledge levels were generally low, with Bodybuilders scoring the lowest in a set of 16 Likert scale questions. Misconceptions about the safety of over-the-counter supplements were prevalent, with only 14.8% of athletes believing they were safe. Attitude scores showed that Bodybuilders and Weightlifters had a more favorable view of doping, while female athletes exhibited a significantly higher attitude score compared to males. The study concludes that there is a need for enhanced Anti-Doping education and awareness programs, particularly focusing on athletes with lower knowledge and attitude scores. Recommendations include implementing gender-specific education, promoting gender diversity in MMA, and strengthening collaboration with sports authorities and Anti-Doping agencies.

Beliefs and Practices Levels Associated with Use of Performance Enhancing Substances and Methods among Mixed Martial Arts Athletes in Kenya

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seen a surge in popularity in Kenya, with athletes from various backgrounds participating in the sport. However, with this growth comes an increased risk of performance-enhancing substances (PES) use. The intense physical demands of MMA may drive athletes to seek an edge through these substances, leading to significant concerns about health risks and sports integrity. The aim of this study is to assess the practices and beliefs regarding PES, traditional herbs (TH), and food supplements (FS) among Kenyan MMA athletes. Additionally, the study explores the sources of PES, the factors motivating their use, and the efficacy of current Anti-Doping testing practices. To conduct the study, a cross-sectional survey design was employed, sampling 800 athletes from a target population of 4,000 across six MMA federations. Data were collected using structured questionnaires adapted from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), with pre-testing to ensure reliability. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and One- and Two-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 22. The results indicate that the majority of MMA participants are male (79.9%), with a median age of 25 years and a mean age of 26.8±4.1 years. Over half of the athletes perceived PES as a problem, but less than one-third viewed traditional herbs as a concern. Food supplements were used by nearly a fifth of the athletes, with bodybuilders showing the highest usage rate (44.4%). Coaches, team doctors, and physiotherapists were primary sources of these substances, while some athletes reported chemists and medical practitioners as suppliers of PES. The study found that the primary reasons for using PES and FS were to boost economic status through prize money, with additional pressures from coaches, family, and colleagues. Anti-doping testing revealed that 20.6% of athletes had been tested out of competition, while 34.4% believed they could provide a sample that wasn't theirs. The study concludes that while many MMA athletes recognize the risks associated with PES, there is a lack of consistent understanding regarding traditional herbs and food supplements. This inconsistency, combined with external pressures, may lead to risky behavior, compromising the athletes' health and the sport's integrity. To address these issues, the study recommends implementing comprehensive education programs for MMA athletes, coaches, and support personnel to raise awareness of PES risks. Strengthening anti-doping regulations and monitoring sources of PES and FS is also crucial. Additionally, promoting ethical coaching practices and addressing external pressures can foster a safer environment and uphold the values of fair competition in Kenyan MMA.

Cassia alata and Its Phytochemicals: A Promising Natural Strategy in Wound Recovery

Cassia alata, a traditional herb with a global presence, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a go-to remedy for skin ailments. While it has demonstrated wound healing capabilities in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the precise mechanisms remain elusive. This review aims to highlight its key phytochemicals, their effects, and the mechanism of action. The compounds that have been reviewed and discussed include kaempferol, apigenin, quercetin, rhein, and rutin. These polyphenols play important roles in normal and impaired wound healing processes, encompassing hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling.

White root rot of Bletilla striata: the pathogen, biological characterization, and fungicide screening.

Bletilla striata is an endangered traditional medicinal herb in China. In May 2020, the emergence of white root rot severely impacted the quality and yield of B. striata, affecting about 5% of the plants at plant nurseries of the Chengdu Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences. Through a series of experiments and evaluations, the pathogen was identified as Fusarium solani. This is the first report of B. striata white root rot caused by F. solani in Sichuan, China. To better understand this disease and provide data support for its control, a combination of morphological, molecular characterisation and pathogenicity determination was used in this study for assessment. Meanwhile, the effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources, culture medium, temperature, photoperiod and pH on mycelial growth and spore production of F. solani were investigated. In addition, effective fungicides were screened and the concentration ratios of fungicides were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental results showed that sucrose was the optimum carbon source for the pathogen, and the optimum temperature and pH were 25°C and pH 7, respectively, while light did no significant effect. Effective fungicides were screened, among which difenoconazole showed the strongest inhibition with EC50 of 142.773 µg/mL. The optimum fungicide concentration scheme (difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, and thiophanate-methyl at 395.42, 781.03, and 561.11 µg/mL, respectively) was obtained using response surface methodology (RSM) to improve the inhibition rate of 92.24 ± 0.34%. This study provides basic data for the pathogen characterization of B. striata white root rot and its potential fungicides in Sichuan, China. In addition, the optimal fungicide concentration ratios were obtained through response surface methodology (RSM) optimization, which significantly enhanced the fungicidal effect and provided a scientific basis for the future control of B. striata white root rot.

The effects of a dietary supplement of ginger powder (Zingiber officinale) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails

Abstract Traditional herbs such as ginger were an excellent feed additive to improve poultry health in the event that Vietnam’s poultry population increased recently. The study was to evaluate the effect of ginger powder supplemented on average daily gain, feed consumption rate, and quality carcass of quails. A total of 180 Japanese quails at 11 days of age were allotted into a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replicates consisting of 20 birds for each. The experiments consisted of a control diet (no ginger powder added) and 2 diets supplemented with ginger powder at 0.1% and 0.2%. The birds were fed and watered ad libitum throughout the experiment. The results showed a linear improvement in body weight gain and feed conversion as the ginger powder was increased from 0 to 0.2% of the diet (P<0.01). The carcass traits, including dress weight and breast and thigh weight of quails, were improved in the treatment of 0.2% ginger (P<0.01). It could be concluded that 0.2% ginger powder in the diet increased growth performance of quails and was recommended for Japanese quail’s performance.