Folk Medicine Research Articles

Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris on diabetes and sexual disorders: A narrative review

Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) is widely distributed worldwide (Australia, Europe, India, North Africa). It typically contains a substantial amount of active ingredients, especially saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenol carboxylic acids. Additionally, T. terrestris has been frequently used in folk medicine and as a food supplement, highlighting the importance of evaluating its phytopharmacological properties. Various hypotheses suggest that this species may have significant potential in preventing and improving various human conditions, including diabetes, inflammatory diseases, low sexual desire, and infertility. Phytochemical studies reveal a significant disparity in the content of active substances, with a notable gap in the concentrations of spirostanol saponins and furostanol, which are the predominant active ingredients associated with therapeutic effects. The objective of this present review is to evaluate T. terrestris -based formulations by exploring various potential mechanisms of action, aiming to determine whether the use of T. terrestris supplements is justified in the context of diabetes and its complications.

Fighting H. pylori with Medicinal Plants: A Study on Jordan's Traditional Remedies

Aims of the Study: This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants used among Jordanians for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers against H. pylori. Moreover, plants' inhibitory activity against the H. pylori urease enzyme was also evaluated. Materials and Methods: The activity of 11 medicinal plants used by common people and herbalists to treat ulcers was evaluated against H. pylori (NCTC 11916). Ethanol and essential oil extracts from the tested plants were evaluated using a standard agar dilution method and the MICs were determined. Furthermore, the potential inhibitory effect of each preparation was tested against the enzyme urease using a kinetic colorimetric assay. Results: Cinnamomum cassia oil showed the highest efficiency against H. pylori with the lowest MIC (0.0122 mg.mL-1), followed by Origanum syriacum and Foeniculum vulgare (MICs of 0.39 mg.mL-1). Furthermore, significant urease inhibition activity was recorded for Carum carvi oil (IC50~0.45 mg.mL-1). C. cassia oil (IC50 ~2.8 mg.mL-1), Aloysia citriodora, and Artemisia Judaica (IC50 5.8 mg.mL-1) reported potential urease inhibition activities. Conclusion: Herbs used in Jordanian traditional medicine were found to have anti-H. pylori and significant urease inhibitory activity. These findings might support the use of medicinal plants as adjuvant or alternative therapy for the treatment of H. pylori.

In-depth Chemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Propolis: A Critical Review of Recent Developments

Background: One of the most popular beekeeping products is propolis. The word "propolis," which alludes to a beehive, has Greek sources and implies "defense for the community." Propolis is a resinous material that honey worker bees (Apis mellifera L.) and other bee species make for a variety of uses. Since 300 BC, propolis has been used as a traditional remedy. Various pharmacological effects of distinct propolis extracts as well as those of its ingredients, including antioxidant, antiulcer, anticancer, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal characteristics, have recently been identified. Objective: In this review article, we focus on the origin, recent advances in the chemical constituents, and new therapeutic potential of propolis. Material and Methods: An exhaustive analysis of the literature search was conducted. The standard keywords "propolis," "origin," "chemical constituents," "pharmacological activity," "recent advances," and "traditional uses" have been used to search a variety of the standard databases, such as Scopus and Elsevier, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Science Web, for research and review articles published between 1998 and 2023. Results: This review article included over 150 articles (research and reviews) that were appraised and researched. Conclusion: Since 2012, more than 300 substances have been shown to have pharmacological action against a variety of illnesses, including cancer, inflammation, ulcers, wound healing, diabetes, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, hepatic disorders, dental problems, brain diseases, etc. Overall, propolis may be considered a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical development. Future studies should consider plant types, regional conditions, bee subspecies, and variations.

Insight into the Nutraceutical Potential of Garcinia Species

Background:: A wide variety of Garcinia species have been used over decades, as traditional home remedies starting from their use in flavored food to the treatment of various ailments. The presence of the essential primary and secondary metabolite with curative properties in Garcinia has enhanced its value in the therapeutic world. These have captivated the use of Garcinia in expanding nutritional values and adding extra health benefits. Hereby, observing the potential of different Garcinia species for their use as nutraceuticals. Objective:: The present-day lifestyle and current health trends are the reasons why the public has accumulated a lot of interest in the nutraceutical food market. Traditionally the various remedies used from plants, fruits, and fruit extracts used in the cure of multiple ailments since antiquity have now made their way into pharmaceutical nutraceuticals. The fruits of Garcinia species have many culinary, nutritional, and pharmaceutical uses. Therefore, the paper aims to focus on the different Garcinia species having nutritional potential along with various therapeutic properties. Methods:: Studies of different Garcinia species are reviewed, with a focus on their nutritional and medicinal actions on ailments that are the reason for today's lifestyles and current health trends. Results:: Different varieties of Garcinia species are found to have various potential primary and secondary metabolites which have curative properties like anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-bacterial potential. Conclusion:: The natural occurrences of the plant product with nutraceutical value have boosted the quality of life. The Garcinia species containing the essential primary and secondary constituents are accountable for numerous biological activities. Many of the Garcinia species are marketed these days for a better and healthy life. Thus, Garcinia could be used as a nutraceutical to alleviate several disease conditions.

Therapeutic mechanism of Convolvulus pluricaulis against Alzheimer's disease: Network pharmacology and molecular dynamics approach

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a type of dementia most prevalent in the elderly. A perennial herb, Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis) is used as a traditional folk medicine to treat AD and other neurodegenerative diseases, but the mechanism of action for its treatment has not been determined. This study attempts to clarify the mechanism of AD by investigating the phytochemical constituents of C. pluricaulis and their effect on it. In order to screen the active components of C. pluricaulis, values of oral bioavailability (OB) ≥ 30 % and Drug Like (DL) ≥ 0.18 was used. STRING and the Cytoscape platform have been used to construct an interactive network of targets and compounds. The network has been analyzed by Cytohubba, whereas GO functionality, KEGG pathways and metabolic pathway enrichment were performed using SRplot. The efficient targets were identified via Maximal Clique Centrality (MCC) and Degree using CytoHubba. The possible correlation between amyloid β-protein (Aβ), Tau pathology and identified efficient targets was determined via Alzdata database, and finally the core targets were analyzed. Molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was further used in order to determine the binding affinity between the active ingredients and the core targets. Through a network pharmacological approach, we identified key genes in cytoscape. C. pluricaulis targets 30 signaling pathways and diseases associated with AD. Based on the overall results of the present study, it was found that all 4 bioactive compounds were identified to target GSK3β, and protein-ligand complex was shown to be stable for 100 ns in a molecular dynamics simulation and exhibited relativistic conformational dynamics on the trajectory. Thus, the present study suggests that modulating GSK3β with natural compounds is an attractive approach in treating AD and other neurodegenerative diseases after required validation.

Saprophytic fungus (Ganoderma sessile) restrained Treg recruitment in the tumor microenvironment by down-regulating CCL28/CCR10 pathway

Ganoderma sessile, a saprophytic fungus, is a traditional Chinese medicinal material used in Chinese folk medicine and cuisine for its potential to enhance cancer patients immunity in clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effects remain elusive. Therefore, we explored the edible value to determine the underlying mechanisms of GS through multiple breast cancer models. GS was found to suppress tumor growth and lung metastasis, and prolong survival after surgery. It significantly increased tumor-infiltrating CD44HiCD62LHiCD8+ TCM cells while decreasing CD4+CD25+CD127− Treg cells in both lymph nodes and tumors. The mechanism behind GS’s effects primarily involved modulation of the Hif1-a/CCL28 pathway associated with Treg recruitment. Furthermore, GS could reduce CCR10 levels on the surface of Tregs. Collectively, GS inhibits tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis by restraining Treg recruitment through downregulation of the CCL28/CCR10 pathway—a finding which highlights its potential as a natural anti-tumor immune agent warranting further exploration.

Evaluation of the pharmacognostic parameters, qualitative phytochemical profile and investigation of the toxicity of Sacoglottis ceratocarpa Ducke containing Bergenin, a gallic acid derivative

Trunk barks of Sacoglottis ceratocarpaDucke (ScTB) are used in Amazonian folk medicine against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, although scientific information on efficacy and quality control is lacking. Thus, pharmacognostic parameters, qualitative phytochemical profile, antioxidant properties (DPPH, TEAC and FRAP), toxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated. The purity tests in the quality control performed for the vegetable raw material showed compliance with the specifications in official compendiums. Tannins, catechins, terpenes and steroids were characterized. Bergenin, a gallic acid derivative, was isolated and identified. The ScTB was rich in total phenolic (0.420-0.562 g/g) and flavonoid (11.37-24.31 mg/g) content, and considerable antioxidant potential. ScTB did not demonstrate cytotoxicity for human erythrocytes and renal fibroblasts, nortoxicity for brine shrimp. The results demonstrated the importance of the pharmacognostic study for the immediate knowledge of the quality and qualitative chemical profile of the trunk barks, contributing to the safe and effective use of the species.

In-vivo evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the 80% methanol extract of Acacia seyal stem bark in rodent models

Abstract Background Pain and inflammation are the major medical condition commonly addressed with traditional remedies. Acacia seyal is a traditional herb widely used in Ethiopian folk medicine for pain management. However, its effectiveness has yet to be validated through scientific or experimental research. Therefore, the current study aims at evaluating the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of 80% methanolic stem bark extract of Acacia seyal in rodent models. Methods After successful extractions of the stem barks of Acacia seyal with 80% methanol, the pain relieving effects of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg extract were evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate method whereas the anti-inflammatory profile was determined by carrageenan induced paw-edema model and cotton pellet induced granuloma technique. Results The 80% methanol Acacia seyal stem bark extract exhibited substantial (p < 0.001) analgesic effect in acetic acid induced writing test (p < 0.001). The plant extract also witnessed significant central analgesic effect in hot plate method beginning at 30 min with maximum % elongation time occurred at 120 min. Furthermore, the acacia stem bark extract produced anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan induced paw-edema model. In cotton pellet induced granuloma model, the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of the current plant material appeared to inhibit granuloma mass formation and exudate reduction significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusion The collective findings of the current study revealed that 80% methanol extracts of Acacia seyal exhibited considerable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the plant’s traditional use for management of pain and inflammatory disorders.

Home remedies: flexibilities to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing under WTO rules

Abstract In the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, governments globally have intensified efforts to localize the production of pharmaceuticals, leveraging local content requirements and incentives to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. This shift has revealed tensions with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, notably highlighted in Turkey—Pharmaceutical Products (EU). This article explores policy-based flexibilities within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement that may justify measures inconsistent with WTO norms under specific conditions. Analysing public health exceptions, national security imperatives, and government procurement policies, the paper elucidates how these flexibilities can be mobilized to support onshoring initiatives while adhering to international trade obligations. The findings suggest a nuanced approach to reconciling public health goals and economic strategies with global trade rules, providing a critical framework for policymakers navigating the complex interplay between national interests and international legal commitments.

A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Duhaldea DC

The botanical drugs of genus Duhaldea DC. have been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide array of illnesses, encompassing fractures, bone wounds, carbuncles and poisoning, bronchitis, bruises, giddy with hypertension of qi, and lung deficiency cough. The genus Duhaldea DC. comprises 15 species widespread in Central, East, and Southeast Asia and 7 species (2 endemic) in China. The review aims to provide a systematic overview of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Duhaldea DC. and to explore the future therapeutic potential and scientific potential of this genus. The data were systematically collected from books and scientific databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and doctoral and master’s theses. To date, a total of 352 metabolites have been isolated from this genus, and terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and inositol angelates are the primary contributors to the pharmacological activities of Duhaldea DC. The crude extracts and isolated phytochemical metabolites from this genus have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-osteoporotic, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. Despite notable advancements in our understanding of the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Duhaldea DC., it is absolutely crucial to conduct additional research into the pharmacology and toxicology of these species to definitively ascertain their safety, efficacy, and quality.

Dual Assay Validation of Rosmarinus officinalis Extract as an Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: Combining Pseudovirus Testing, Yeast Two-Hybrid, and UPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS Profiling.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) extracts in blocking the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and human ACE2 receptor, utilizing a dual-method approach to explore the antiviral potential of natural compounds. This work aims to evaluate the capability of TCM extracts in inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and ACE2 receptor interaction using advanced biochemical assays. A dual-method screening approach was utilized, beginning with a pseudovirus assay to assess the inhibition capabilities of TCM extracts invitro, followed by a split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system to validate interactions in live cells. Active compounds were characterized and quantified using UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. Among the 91 TCM extracts tested, Rosmarinus officinalis exhibited the most potent inhibition in both pseudovirus and Y2H assays, significantly reducing viral entry and disrupting the Spike-ACE2 interaction. Comprehensive chemical profiling via UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS identified 132 compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids. This research validates the use of TCM extracts in viral inhibition strategies, demonstrating the utility of integrating traditional remedies with modern scientific approaches to discover new therapeutic agents.

The antimicrobial potential of traditional remedies of Indigenous peoples from Canada against MRSA planktonic and biofilm bacteria in wound infection mimetic conditions.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the leading cause of wound infections, often progressing into serious invasive bloodstream infections. MRSA disproportionately affects Indigenous peoples in Canada with higher rates of skin and wound infections, an example of persistent gaps in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples precipitated by the legacy of colonialism. Conversely, Indigenous peoples have long used natural remedies for infections and other diseases; however, their knowledge was rarely considered for modern medicine. The stagnant antibiotic discovery pipeline and alarming rise of resistance to current antibiotics prompted us to turn to Indigenous medicine as an untapped source of antimicrobials. As such, we collected and prepared 85 extracts of medicinal plants of value to Indigenous peoples spanning the Canadian Prairies. We explored the antimicrobial potential of these extracts against MRSA under wound infection-mimetic conditions compared with culture media typically used to study bacterial antibiotic responses and biofilms but not adequately representative of infection sites. We identified extracts with MRSA growth inhibitory [e.g., bergamot, dock, gaillardia, and dandelion extracts] and biofilm prevention and eradication [e.g., gumweed extracts] activities. Extracts, including those of chokecherry, hoary puccoon, and Northern bedstraw, were only active under wound infection-mimetic conditions, highlighting the benefit of antibiotic discovery under host-relevant conditions. Testing growth inhibitory extracts against an S. aureus cross-resistance platform suggested that they act through mechanisms likely distinct from known antibiotic classes. Together, through an interdisciplinary partnership leveraging Western approaches and traditional Indigenous knowledge, we identified plant extracts with promising antimicrobial potential for drug-resistant MRSA wound infections.IMPORTANCEWe explored the antimicrobial potential of traditional Indigenous remedies against MRSA under wound infection-mimetic conditions. We chose to tackle MRSA wound infections because they constitute an Indigenous health priority, ensuring mutual benefits and reciprocity, which are important principles in partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. Our partnerships strive to serve as steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada and a roadmap inspiring similar interdisciplinary collaborations to tackle other healthcare priorities. We identified extracts with promising antibacterial growth inhibitory, biofilm prevention, and eradication activities against MRSA. The antimicrobial potential of some extracts was only observed under wound infection-mimetic conditions, a proof-of-concept that screening under infection-mimetic conditions reveals novel activity undetected under standard conditions. The natural product antimicrobial extracts discovered herein warrant further investigation into their mode of action and chemical composition; they may address the dire need for new antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity to counter the AMR crisis.

Dengue Outbreak Control and Prevention: A Case Study of Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

Dengue fever remains a persistent public health challenge in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Despite ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Healthcare, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine, the district reported 10,212 cases in 2022, with significant hospital admissions and deaths in high-risk areas like MC Negombo, Gampaha, and Minuwangoda. The study examines Dengue control and prevention strategies implemented from November 2022 to March 2023. Data was collected from existing records, interviews with key informants, and field observations. Major challenges were identified and prioritised using evidence-based methodologies, including the "Five Whys" root cause analysis. The analysis revealed significant challenges categorised into program-related and non-program-related issues. Key issues include inadequate use of existing data, insufficient evidence-based control measures, and operational inefficiencies. The root cause analysis identified core problems such as lack of funding, poor planning, and limited community engagement. The study highlights the critical need for data-driven decision-making and enhanced collaborative efforts. Establishing a technical body, develop context-specific programs, and improve community involvement. Resource mobilisation for research and forecasting epidemics was also emphasised. This case study provides valuable insights into the challenges and strategic interventions necessary for effective Dengue control in the Gampaha District. Emphasising evidence-based decision-making and a comprehensive action plan underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to combat Dengue in the region.

Novel Management, Cure and Complications-Control of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Traditional and Modern Remedies (A Review)

Novel Management, Cure and Complications-Control of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Traditional and Modern Remedies (A Review)

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi—Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Chemical Variation in Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds

Context: Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to the wound healing and antiseptic properties of its bark, and its fruit are used as a condiment. However, the aerial parts of this plant have been studied and present some bioactive compounds as well. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in volatile and non-volatile composition of S. terebinthifolia leaves using untargeted metabolomics. Material and Methods: The leaves of four trees were collected over one year; ethanolic extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and fresh leaves were analyzed by GC-MS using HS-SPME. The data were processed using online software. Results: The results suggest seasonality interfered little with the chemical composition of leaves. On the other hand, the sex of the plant clearly determined the chemical composition of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Discussion and conclusions: Chemical variability between plants with male and female flowers is fundamental information for the standardized use of its leaves. Compounds with important biological activities were putatively identified, confirming the potential use of S. terebinthifolia leaves as a source of bioactive compounds, reducing waste and increasing economic gains for local farmers throughout the year.

A Neural Phillips Curve and a Deep Output Gap

Many problems plague empirical Phillips curves (PCs). Among them is the hurdle that the two key components, inflation expectations and the output gap, are both unobserved. Traditional remedies include proxying for the absentees or extracting them via assumptions-heavy filtering procedures. I propose an alternative route: a Hemisphere Neural Network (HNN) whose architecture yields a final layer where components can be interpreted as latent states within a Neural PC. First, HNN conducts the supervised estimation of nonlinearities that arise when translating a high-dimensional set of observed regressors into latent states. Second, forecasts are economically interpretable. Among other findings, the contribution of real activity to inflation appears understated in traditional PCs. In contrast, HNN captures the 2021 upswing in inflation and attributes it to a large positive output gap starting from late 2020. The unique path of HNN’s gap comes from dispensing with unemployment and GDP in favor of an amalgam of nonlinearly processed alternative tightness indicators.

Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in Commercial Suk-Saiyasna Herbal Remedy: Applying Hansen Solubility Parameters for Sample Extraction to Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Background: Suk-Saiyasna is a traditional Thai herbal remedy that comprises 12 distinct herbs. Among these, cannabis leaves constitute 12 of the total 78 components in this formulation. This study specifically examines the portion of the cannabis plant, which accounts for approximately 15.8% of the overall herbal composition used in the entire remedy. According to the Thailand Narcotics Act of 2022, the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentration in herbal extracts must not exceed 0.2% by weight. This study aims to quantify the levels of Δ9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD) in commercial Suk-Saiyasna products. Methodology: This research utilizes Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) to identify the optimal solvent for ultrasonic extraction, thereby maximizing cannabinoid yield. An advanced method was developed employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), compliant with AOAC standards to meet regulatory guidelines. The method validation emphasized specificity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. Results: Dichloromethane was chosen due to its favorable HSP values, enabling highly efficient extraction of Δ9-THC and CBD, achieving recovery rates of over 99.9% after the second extraction. This investigation benefits from the accuracy of the UHPLC-MS/MS technique in quantifying cannabinoids in commercial products, with Δ9-THC concentrations observed between 0.00231% and 0.14218%, and CBD concentrations ranging from 0.00002% to 0.01541%, all remaining below the legal limit. Conclusions: The variability in cannabinoid concentrations among various commercial products highlights the need for standardization in the herbal industry. This finding underscores the critical role of rigorous quality control measures in ensuring the safety and efficacy of cannabis-derived products.

Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil from the fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) in animal models.

Piper tuberculatum, traditionally known as 'pimenta-d'arda,' 'pimenta-longa,' or 'pimenta de macaco,' has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat inflammatory symptoms, It is used for its sedative effects in pain relief.Considering this species' significant essential oil content, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-edematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil Piper tuberculatum (EOPT) in vivo. To this end, Swiss mice (Mus musculus) of both sexes were treated orally with the EOPT at 50, 100, and 250 mg/Kg. The rotarod and open field evaluated the potential activity in the central nervous system. At the same time, formalin and abdominal writhing tests were carried out to perform the pharmacological screening of the essential oil. Next, the anti-edematogenic effect was assessed using paw edema models induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, and arachidonic acid. The anti-inflammatory activity was then characterized in peritonitis (acute) and granuloma (chronic) models. All the EOPT doses (50, 100, and 250 mg/kg) had analgesic effects associated with anti-inflammatory mechanisms in screening models. Accordingly, the treatment (EOPT 100 mg/Kg) inhibited the inflammatory process in acute and chronic models. In conclusion, EOPT has analgesic, antiedematogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its potential use in developing anti-inflammatory drugs.

Comparative Anatomical, Histochemical, and Phytochemical Characterization of Species of the Genus Cucumis L.

Cucumis anguria L. and Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are popularly known as "maxixe." In folk medicine, they are used to treat pneumonia, hyperglycemia, wounds, and malaria. This study aims to characterize the anatomy, histochemistry, and phytochemistry of C. anguria and C. dipsaceus. Conventional methods in plant anatomy and microscopy were used to prepare and analyze semi-permanent slides containing cross-sections of the stem, petiole, leaves, and paradermal sections of the leaf blade. For the histochemical analysis, different reagents were used according to the target metabolite. Phytochemical tests of methanolic extracts of leaves were performed by thin-layer chromatography. The microscopic analysis allowed obtaining the differentiation of plant cells, the presence of tector and glandular trichomes, in addition to showing anatomical traits such as stem shape, petiole shape, and organization of the mesophyll. Histochemistry showed the presence of alkaloids, starch, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, and tannins. Phytochemical prospection identified monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, alkaloids, and reducing sugars. The obtained results provide important information for quality control and species differentiation since there are few studies in the literature on these species.

Exploring lived experiences with tooth loss among fully edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundOne of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting mankind is tooth loss. Besides extractions due to periodontal disease and caries, accidents and lack of dental knowledge can also result in tooth loss. Nevertheless, no known published studies have examined how edentulous patients in Uganda have lived with tooth loss. The objective of the present study was to investigate experiences of tooth loss among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional qualitative study using purposive recruitment of respondents. A total of 15 respondents were chosen from a variety of socio-economic groups. Qualitative data were collected using oral interviews in form of note taking and an audio-recorder. The data collected comprised the causes of tooth loss, the physical and psychological effects of losing teeth, the difficulties in managing oral hygiene when one is toothless, coping mechanisms, and supportive interventions after losing natural teeth. The collected data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using a software, Atlas Ti. The generated qualitative data were summarized as text, while demographic characteristics were presented in a table.ResultsOral infections such as periodontal disease (which destroy tooth supporting tissues), tooth decay and trauma from accidents were reportedly the main causes of tooth loss. In case of tooth pain as a first symptom, most patients choose self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and home remedies. They only consult dental professionals when the condition deteriorates. Tooth loss was associated with problems of eating, facial aesthetics and low self-esteem.ConclusionThe present study found that tooth loss was caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay and trauma from accidents. Loss of teeth was escalated by poor health seeking behavior. Tooth loss resulted in pain, eating difficulties, speech difficulties, poor facial appearance and consequently low self-esteem.