Practice Of Traditional Medicine Research Articles

Using terahertz spectroscopy to quantify bioactive flavonoids in Moxa Wool as predictor of rheumatoid arthritis treatment outcomes

BackgroundMoxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, employs Moxa Wool, derived from Artemisia argyi. Flavonoids, the key pharmacological constituents in Moxa Wool, are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The purity of Moxa Wool, particularly its flavonoid content, directly influences the efficacy of moxibustion treatments. However, quantifying these bioactive flavonoids accurately and non-destructively has been a challenge. PurposeThis study introduces terahertz spectroscopy as a non-destructive optical detection method for qualitative detection and quantitative analysis of flavonoids in Moxa Wool. By establishing a mathematical model between spectral signals and clinical efficacy, a reliable correlation between flavonoid concentration and the therapeutic effect of moxibustion can be established, providing a potential predictive model for the treatment outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis. Study DesignWe adopted terahertz spectroscopy technology and combined it with terahertz metamaterial biosensors to achieve rapid, efficient, and non-destructive testing of the quality of Moxa Wool. This method reduces the detection time from hours to minutes while lowering the sample detection limit, overcoming the limitations of traditional detection methods in pharmacological research. MethodsThrough terahertz metamaterial biosensors, rapid detection of the purity of Moxa Wool has been achieved. A combination of molecular simulation and terahertz spectroscopy was used to quantitatively analyze the flavonoid content in different purities of Moxa Wool. To ensure accuracy, the quantitative results of flavonoids obtained by terahertz spectroscopy were validated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, moxibustion treatment was performed on rats with rheumatoid arthritis using Moxa Wool, and medical indicator information was recorded. A mathematical analysis model was established to evaluate the correlation between flavonoid content and analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. ResultsTerahertz spectroscopy analysis shows that there is a direct correlation between the flavonoid content in moxibustion and the absorption peak intensity. The maximum R2 in the model analysis is 0.98, indicating a high accuracy in predicting the purity of Moxa Wool. These results were also validated by HPLC. In a rat model, the purity of 30:1 Moxa Wool samples showed a 50 % decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels during treatment compared to low-purity samples, significantly reducing inflammation markers and pain symptoms. Meanwhile, The PLS prediction model established a correlation between terahertz-detected flavonoid levels and treatment outcomes (PWL and IL-1β). The maximum R2 in the model is 0.91, indicating a high correlation between flavonoid levels and the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of moxibustion treatment. ConclusionThis study not only demonstrates the effectiveness of terahertz spectroscopy in the pharmacological quantification of bioactive compounds but also establishes a novel predictive model for the efficacy of moxibustion in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. It underscores the potential of integrating traditional medicine insights with advanced technology to enhance therapeutic strategies in pharmacology.

Determinants of the Utilization of Recognized Traditional and Complementary Medicine Service in Malaysia: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey

Plain Language SummaryMalaysia is a multiethnic and multicultural country with a long history of the coexistence of various traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices. Currently, seven practice areas are recognized in Malaysia: traditional Malay medicine (TMM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Indian medicine, homeopathy, Islamic medical practice, chiropractic, and osteopathy. Many global studies have investigated the general determinants of T&CM service utilization. However, there has been no comprehensive study reporting specific determinants of recognized T&CM service utilization at a national level. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and specific determinants of the utilization of recognized T&CM services in Malaysia. Our study revealed that 19.3% of the Malaysian population had utilized recognized T&CM services in the preceding 12 months, with 15.5% utilizing TMM services, 3.9% utilizing TCM services, and 1.5% utilizing other T&CM services. The specific determinates of service utilization were distinctively different between varied T&CM services, showing strong ethnocultural ownership.

Traditional medicinal knowledge of Sherpa people: Assessment in Xizang, China

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe people of the Pan-Himalayan region are among the most isolated and economically disadvantaged populations worldwide. The Sherpa people, located along the China and Nepal border, rely largely on the natural environment to access essential healthcare services. The region's ongoing economic and social developments threaten indigenous medicinal practices and biodiversity. However, there has been limited comprehensive investigation and documentation of traditional medicine and its associated knowledge in this region. Aim of the studyThe aims are to document the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Sherpa community, assess the conservation status of medicinal plants, and explore the historical factors that have influenced their traditional medicine practices. Material and methodsSemi-structured interviews with 78 Sherpa people were conducted in Chenthang Town, Xizang, China. Use reports (URs) was used to determine the most frequently mentioned medicinal plants or a specific ailment or disease category. The International Classification of Primary Care-2nd edition (ICPC-2) was used to transform the original records into an internationally unified classification. ResultsA total of 51 plant species, one fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H.Sung, J.M.Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora), two lichens (Flavopunctelia soredica (Nyl.) Hale and Parmotrema cetratum (Ach.) Hale), and four minerals were documented, resulting in 824 URs. Ranunculaceae had the most species (5 spp.). The most commonly used method for preparing medicinal substances was decoction (23 species, 40%). Oral application was the preferred route of administration for 81% (41 medicinal substances). Forty-four ailments across 14 ICPC-2 disease categories were documented. Respiratory (320 URs) and digestive (122 URs) categories are among the most common diseases. The top-five ailments were influenza (18 substances; URs = 227), injury blood/lymph/spleen other (11 substances; URs = 66), cough (10 substances; URs = 62), headache (7 substances; URs = 63), and abdominal pain/cramps general (6 substances; URs = 37). The most frequently reported medicinal substances were Panax pseudoginseng Wall. (URs = 128) and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong (URs = 79). Two special therapies (hot spring therapy and dietary therapy) were described. In-depth ethnographic information on the livelihood and exchange history of Sherpa people were documented. A total of 25 species were sold, of which four species were listed as VU in the IUCN Red List (2023–1), six species were listed as VU, four species were NT, and one species was EN in the China Biodiversity Red list 2021. ConclusionThis study provides the first comprehensive documentation of the 58 traditional medicine substances and two special therapies (hot spring therapy and dietary therapy) used by the Sherpa people in Chenthang. Sherpa's medicinal knowledge has been shaped by historical interactions and contemporary trade practices. To better protect the biocultural diversity of the Himalayan region, priority should be given to the rapid assessment of medicinal plants, knowledge, and use status in this area.

A scoping review of the use of traditional medicine for the management of ailments in West Africa.

The coexistence of traditional healing practices deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts and the evolving landscape of modern healthcare approaches in West African societies creates a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in healthcare. This study aims to comprehensively map the landscape of traditional medicine use for health in West Africa. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Research questions focused on the links between traditional medicine practices and health in West Africa. The systematic literature search covered PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL from database inception to September 2023. A descriptive analysis was conducted highlighting the years of publication, countries of publication, study designs of plant families and plant parts used for making traditional medicines, and the diseases the traditional remedies are for. The search identified 3484 records, with 46 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Publications spanned from 1979 to 2023, with no observed trend in the number of publications over successive decades. Nigeria had the highest number of publications (54.3%), followed by Ghana (19.6%). The studies employed various designs, including clinical trials, ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and experimental designs. Plant families frequently studied included Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Rubiaceae. Traditional remedies address various health issues, highlighting their versatility, from general symptoms to specific diseases. This scoping review offers an extensive overview of traditional healing practices in West Africa. The studies highlighted in this review stress the necessity for culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. The widespread use of traditional medicine and the variety of practices underscore the importance of encouraging collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals. This review also identifies knowledge gaps and areas needing further research, setting the stage for future exploration into West Africa's intricate healthcare landscape.

Ethnomedicinal survey of anti-urolithiatic medicinal plants used in the region of Mascara, Algeria

Objective: To conduct an ethnomedicinal survey and conserve traditional medicinal practices in the Mascara region of northwestern Algeria. In this region, traditional medicinal knowledge has primarily been transmitted orally, and the study aims to document it in written form for better utilization in the field of pharmacology. Methods: Purposive sampling with semi-structured questionnaires was adopted with ethnobotanical data obtained from 135 local informants, including 22 herbalists. The study participants were asked about their sociodemographic profiles and ethnomedicinal knowledge about anti-urolithiatic medicinal plants. Results: Sixty-three anti-urolithiatic species belonging to 59 genera and 32 families were inventoried. All plants are prescribed orally, and decoction presents the most common preparation method (46.0%). Seeds are the most used parts (27.0%). The most frequent botanical families were Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae. The predominant anti-urolithiatic plants are Hemiaria hirsute L., Hordeum vulgare L., Linum usitatissimum L., Zea mays L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., and Apium graveolens L. Conclusions: This study highlights the diversity of the phytotherapeutic practices used against urolithiasis in the region of Mascara. It also suggests that ethnomedicine is well-entrenched in local health practices in this area. However, this knowledge acquired by the local inhabitants over the centuries risks disappearing since it is mainly held by older people and is not documented.

Prevalence of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment in Gurage Zone, Rural Ethiopia

IntroductionTraditional medicines are commonly used worldwide, especially in Africa—however, there is limited information on the prevalence and types of traditional eye medicine utilization in Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, the type and nature of traditional eye medicine use and practices related to self-medication for ophthalmic diseases in a rural Ethiopian population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected primary health centers in rural Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Health-seeking behavior, use of self-medication, and traditional eye medicine were assessed in the population using a semi-structured questionnaire.Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to determine associated factors for using self-medication and traditional eye medicine.ResultOf the 814 participants interviewed, 487 (59.8%) reported using traditional eye medicine, mainly for combinations of symptoms of ocular redness, irritation, and eye discharge (95.5%). Besides, 604 (74.2%) participants reported self-treatment with tetracycline 1% eye ointment. Older age, females, low income, no formal education, and lack of access to media were risks for utilizing traditional eye medicine.ConclusionThe use of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment are common in this population. Regulatory legislation, public awareness, and making eye care are vital activities required to monitor such practices.

Exploring Hausa Cuisine for Diabetes Management: Towards a Culinary Solution

This paper explores the rich tradition of Hausa cuisine and its potential role in managing diabetes, focusing on traditional medicinal foods used by the Hausa people. Drawing from the abundant natural resources surrounding them, the Hausa people have long relied on a holistic approach to health, incorporating various trees, plants, roots, and herbs into their diet. Traditional remedies often blur the line between food and medicine, reflecting the Hausa belief that dietary choices play a crucial role in overall health. Through an extensive examination of traditional Hausa foods and their therapeutic effects on diabetes, this paper provides insights into potential culinary solutions for managing the condition. From fresh moringa leaves to baobab fruits, from hibiscus to fish and local fowls, the paper explores a wide range of traditional remedies used by the Hausa people to alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Furthermore, the paper discusses the harmful types of foods that diabetics should avoid and highlights non-harmful foods beneficial for diabetes management. By shedding light on the intricate relationship between Hausa cuisine and diabetes management, this paper contributes to our understanding of traditional medicinal practices and offers avenues for further research and exploration.

Evidence-based practice in traditional persian medicine (TPM): a stakeholder and social network analysis

BackgroundThe utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is experiencing a global surge, accompanied by the adoption of national CAM policies in numerous countries. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) is highly used as CAM in Iran, and the ongoing scientific evaluation of its interventions and the implementation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) encounters various barriers. Therefore, comprehending the characteristics and interactions of stakeholders is pivotal in advancing EBM within TPM policies. In this study, we utilized both classical stakeholder analysis and social network analysis to identify key stakeholders and potential communication patterns, thereby promoting EBM in TPM policy-making.MethodsA cross-sectional nationwide stakeholder analysis was conducted in 2023 using snowball sampling. The interviews were carried out using a customized version of the six building blocks of health. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Stakeholders were assessed based on five factors (power, interest, influence, position, and competency). The connections and structure of the network were analyzed using degree, betweenness, closeness centrality, and modularity index to detect clusters of smaller networks.ResultsAmong twenty-three identified stakeholders, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) and the Public were the most powerful and influential. The Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences was the most competent stakeholder. Social network analysis revealed a low density of connections among stakeholders. Pharmaceutical companies were identified as key connectors in the network, while the Public, supreme governmental bodies, and guilds acted as gatekeepers or brokers. The MOHME and Maraji were found to be high-ranking stakeholders based on four different centrality measures.ConclusionThis study identifies powerful stakeholders in the network and emphasizes the need to engage uninterested yet significant stakeholders. Recommendations include improving competence through education, strengthening international relations, and fostering stronger relationships. Engaging key connectors and gatekeepers is essential for bridging gaps in the network.

Formulation, Optimization and In-Vivo Characterization of Thermosensitive In-Situ Nasal Gel Loaded with Bacoside a for Treatment of Epilepsy.

The intranasal route has demonstrated superior systemic bioavailability due to its extensive surface area, the porous nature of the endothelial membrane, substantial blood flow, and circumvention of first-pass metabolism. In traditional medicinal practices, Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is known for its benefits in enhancing cognitive functions and potential effects in epilepsy. This study aimed to develop and optimize a thermosensitive in-situ nasal gel for delivering Bacoside A, the principal active compound extracted from Bacopa monnieri. The formulation incorporated Poloxamer 407 as a thermogelling agent and HPMC K4M as the Mucoadhesive polymer. A 32-factorial design approach was employed for Optimization. Among the formulations. F7 exhibited the most efficient Ex-vivo permeation through the nasal mucosa, achieving 94.69 ± 2.54% permeation, and underwent a sol-gel transition at approximately 30.48°C. The study's factorial design revealed that gelling temperature and mucoadhesive strength were critical factors influencing performance. The potential of in-situ nasal Gel (Optimized Batch-F7) for the treatment of epilepsy was demonstrated in an in-vivo investigation using a PTZ-induced convulsion model. This formulation decreased both the occurrence and intensity of seizures. The optimized formulation F7 showcases significant promise as an effective nasal delivery system for Bacoside A, offering enhanced bioavailability and potentially increased efficacy in epilepsy treatment.

Significance of Chalcone Scaffolds in Medicinal Chemistry.

Chalcone is a simple naturally occurring α,β-unsaturated ketone with biological importance, which can also be easily synthesized in laboratories by reaction between two aromatic scaffolds. In plants, chalcones occur as polyphenolic compounds of different frameworks which are bioactive molecules that have been in traditional medicinal practice for many years. Chalcone-based lead molecules have been developed, possessing varied potentials such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperurecemic, and anti-ulcer effects. Chalcones contribute considerable fragments to give important heterocyclic molecules with therapeutic utilities targeting various diseases. These characteristic features have made chalcone a topic of interest among researchers and have attracted investigations into this widely applicable structure. This review highlights the extensive exploration carried out on the synthesis, biotransformations, chemical reactions, hybridization, and pharmacological potentials of chalcones, and aims to provide an extensive, thorough, and critical review of their importance, with emphasis on their properties, chemistry, and biomedical applications to boost future investigations into this potential scaffold in medicinal chemistry.

Rapid Mold Detection in Chinese Herbal Medicine Using Enhanced Deep Learning Technology.

Mold contamination poses a significant challenge in the processing and storage of Chinese herbal medicines (CHM), leading to quality degradation and reduced efficacy. To address this issue, we propose a rapid and accurate detection method for molds in CHM, with a specific focus on Atractylodes macrocephala, using electronic nose (e-nose) technology. The proposed method introduces an eccentric temporal convolutional network (ETCN) model, which effectively captures temporal and spatial information from the e-nose data, enabling efficient and precise mold detection in CHM. In our approach, we employ the stochastic resonance (SR) technique to eliminate noise from the raw e-nose data. By comprehensively analyzing data from eight sensors, the SR-enhanced ETCN (SR-ETCN) method achieves an impressive accuracy of 94.3%, outperforming seven other comparative models that use only the response time of 7.0 seconds before the rise phase. The experimental results showcase the ETCN model's accuracy and efficiency, providing a reliable solution for mold detection in Chinese herbal medicine. This study contributes significantly to expediting the assessment of herbal medicine quality, thereby helping to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicinal practices.

Metabolome mapping and DNA fingerprinting of Tribulus terrestris from three different Egyptian populations with the assessment of their morphological characters and antioxidant activity

Tribulus terrestris L. is a cosmopolitan annual herb that grows under various ecological conditions, reflecting the variation in its morphological, chemical, and biological features. T. terrestris was collected from three different populations (I, II, III) in Egypt and subjected to comparative investigation to evaluate the morphological, metabolomic, and genetic variations among these populations. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the collected specimens was assessed. Significant variations in vegetative morphology were observed among the three populations. Detailed microscopic examination revealed unique traits in the foliar epidermal and pollen grains characteristics of each population. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of aqueous methanol extracts led to the tentative identification of 101 compounds across 17 different chemical classes from which flavonoids are predominant and represented by 28 compounds; Polymethoxylated flavones were reported for the first time in the three investigated extracts. GC/FID analysis of diethyl ether extracts identified 12 saturated and 8 unsaturated fatty acids, with linolenic acid being the major component, constituting 52.21 %, 65.71 %, and 49.52 % in populations I, II and III, respectively. The DNA fingerprinting showed variations with 54.54 % polymorphism in ISSR markers, confirming the existence of two distinct genotypes among the studied T. terrestris plants. Furthermore, the extracts from the three populations exhibited weak antioxidant activity against DPPH. The obtained data revealed considerable morphological, metabolomic, and genetic diversity among the three populations of T. terrestris. These findings suggest treating T. terrestris (I) as a distinct variety of T. terrestris and enhancing the understanding of the plant's diversity, which is essential for its effective application in traditional and modern medicinal practices.

The Impact of Tadbir as a Pre-Application Treatment of Medicinal Plants on Their Chemical Profiles and Biological Activities in Traditional Persian Pharmacy

Based on basic traditional medicine practice, many plants undergo primary treatments to improve their pharmacological characteristics or to attenuate unwanted or unfavorable features of drugs before incorporating them into drug formulations. These treatments are called “Tadbir” in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). The purpose of these processes includes but is not limited to eliminating unnecessary compounds, excluding harmful properties such as toxicity and poignancy, and improving their overall natural properties and effectiveness. Here, the effect of vinegar and acetic acid treatment on three herbal specimens, including Carum carvi L. fruits (CC), Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague fruits (TA), and Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) were investigated. The treated and non-treated samples were subjected to essential oil and methanol extraction. Further, to assess the alterations in the essential oil constituents caused by Tadbir, samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and HPTLC fingerprinting techniques. Total phenol and flavonoid content and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of methanol extracts were evaluated. As a result of the treatments, TA extracts showed significant rise in phenol and flavonoid contents. Total phenol content increased from 98.50±1.01 in non-treated increased to 181.20±0.27 mg GAE/g Ext. in the vinegar-treated TA fruit extract and total flavonoid showed a rise from 8.97±1.12 to 12.89±0.41 mg QE/g Ext. This may be the reason behind its lower IC50 values in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Interestingly, Tadbir treatment of TA fruits with 4% acetic acid, lowered the IC50 value from 1019.42±75.65µg/mL in non-treated control to 274.2±17.22 µg/mL; while vinegar caused a lower degree of reduction in IC50 value (369.4±5.54 µg/mL) in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. However, CC fruit extracts, showed a decrease in phenolic content; while demonstrating an increase in flavonoids. Interestingly, phenol and flavonoid contents were significantly enhanced in treated NS seed extracts. The results of all extracts were found significantly different (p<0,05) from each other and the non-treated control. The conclusive results of the present study may partly justify the pre-application of Tadbir treatments of medicinal plants in traditional pharmacy.

An update on natural bioactive components of traditional preparations for the treatment of nephrolithiasis; a review

Nephrolithiasis is a condition characterized by the formation of crystal concretions within the kidneys or urinary tract. This urological disorder is on the rise globally, affecting both male and female populations. Unfortunately, conventional medicines used in the treatment of nephrolithiasis often lead to certain complications, eventually resulting in end-stage renal disease. As a result, there has been a growing interest in seeking risk-free therapies from nature to address this issue caused by the undesired effects of synthetic drugs. Evidence-based traditional medicine has emerged as a significant approach to treating nephrolithiasis, gaining recognition within the scientific community. In this review, we summarize recent scientific reports on various herbal drugs with clinical relevance in the treatment of nephrolithiasis, utilizing them as part of traditional medicine practices in the Asian continent. Additionally, several traditional medicine formulations from Ayurveda, Unani, and homeopathic systems, known for their potential lithotriptic effects and clinical applications, are highlighted. The primary focus of this review is to explore the mechanisms involved in the formation of kidney stones and provide a concise compilation of therapeutically effective herbs used in nephrolithiasis treatment.

Medicinal flora of the baiku yao people — An ethnobotanical documentation in South China

BackgroundThis study explores the medicinal plant knowledge of the Baiku Yao, a unique ethnic group in China. Despite existing research on their ethnobotanical practices, a comprehensive understanding of their medicinal flora remains lacking. This study aims to document and analyze the species distribution, utilization, and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by Baiku Yao.MethodsEthnobotanical surveys were conducted in various Baiku Yao villages across different seasons from 2019 to 2023. Informants were interviewed, and plant specimens were collected and identified. Statistical analyses, including the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), were employed to understand plant importance in Baiku Yao culture.ResultsIn an ethnobotanical survey conducted in the Baiku Yao region, 434 medicinal plant species were documented, highlighting significant ethnobotanical diversity and a deep cultural integration of traditional medicinal practices. The study revealed pronounced geographical variations in plant knowledge among villages, with a notable reliance on wild plants, as 85.48% were sourced from the wild, reflecting unique local ethnobotanical knowledge. Predominantly herbs and shrubs were used due to their accessibility and abundance in the local environment. High Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) values for certain species underscored their importance for local health needs and additional economic value. The utilization of various plant parts, particularly whole plants, roots, and leaves, indicates a holistic approach to medicinal applications, adapted to combat prevalent health issues such as skin and infectious diseases. The study also uncovered the Baiku Yao’s cultural practices for countering “Gu” afflictions—a range of pathogenic conditions—with 18 diverse antidote plants used for skin, digestive, and musculoskeletal disorders. The study underscores the imperative of preserving this rich medicinal heritage through innovative models that engage youth and leverage new media, ensuring the inheritance and evolution of Baiku Yao’s traditional knowledge.ConclusionsBaiku Yao’s medicinal plant use reflects a deep, culturally ingrained knowledge, closely tied to local ecology. The study highlights the importance of preserving this unique ethnobotanical heritage and suggests interdisciplinary approaches for future research.

Phytochemical Profile of Eruca sativa and Its Therapeutic Potential in Disease Prevention and Treatment

Eruca sativa (E. sativa), commonly known as arugula, salad arugula, or simply arugula, is an annual plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This leafy vegetable is widely cultivated for its edible leaves, characterized by a distinctive peppery flavor. The seeds are used for their rich fatty acid oils. This botanical specimen has been incorporated into various forms of traditional medicinal practices such as anti-inflammatory, depurative, diuretic, digestive, aphrodisiac, and rubefacient effects. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and flavonoids. This vegetable's broad therapeutic potential and diverse components are under ongoing research, enhancing our understanding of its medicinal properties. This review explores the phytochemical components of E. sativa and its efficacy in treating various diseases, offering a summary of its medicinal properties. Furthermore, it emphasizes the plant's importance in human health and suggests potential directions for future research in natural medicine.

Studying the Influence of School Culture on Health-related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine

With the development of the mobile internet and the intensification of the differentiated behaviour of communication audiences, there are many challenges and difficulties in content dissemination to younger generations about promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and improving health-related behaviour. Current literature lacks information on the association between knowledge, attitude, practice, and campus culture construction. This article investigates the relationship between traditiona Chinese medicine (TCM) campus culture construction and health-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among primary campus students in China. It employed structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyze the data. For this study, the data was collected through an online questionnaire from a group of students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory FactorAnalysis (CFA) was conducted on data for validation and reliability. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the influence of TCM campus culture construction on health-related KAP among primary campus students.

Comparative Efficacy of Oxitard Capsules and Immusante Tablets in Early Stages of Oral Submucous Fibrosis - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is manifested by symptoms such as palpable fibrotic bands, ulceration, presence of stiffness in the mouth and lip, xerostomia, pigmentation in the oral mucosal layer, and burning sensation and drying of the mouth. It poses a challenge for researchers as there is no viable therapy for this gradually debilitating disorder with a high malignancy potential. Ayurveda is a traditional medicinal practice of the past and present times which can be useful in providing a viable cure. Thus, the current study was designed to assess and compare the effect of Oxitard capsule and Immusante tablet on the clinical and subjective symptoms of OSMF. Material and Methods: The study included 36 patients with clinically diagnosed OSMF who were split evenly into two groups: Group A, the Oxitard group, and Group B, the Immusante group. For three months, Group A received two Oxitard capsules twice daily, while Group B received two Immusante tablets twice daily. At regular intervals, the clinical parameters were evaluated, and the data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test. P-value≤0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: On assessment of mouth opening, tongue protrusion, cheek flexibility and subjective symptoms there was significant improvement reported in both groups. In group comparison, the Oxitard and Immusante groups showed a significant difference in cheek flexibility at 3 months. There were no significant differences in subjective symptoms in either of the groups pre- and post-treatment. Conclusion: Efficacy of both the drugs were equall was found to be similar when used as an adjunct to tobacco cessation counselling in the management of early stages of oral submucous fibrosis when used as an adjunct to behavioral management.

Physiotherapy-rehabilitation, and nursing students’ complementary therapy attitudes and level of use

BackgroundThe World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health care about traditional and complementary medicine practices. Evaluating the attitudes of physiotherapy-rehabilitation students and nursing students toward conventional and complementary practices holds significant importance in healthcare education and practice. However, it is worth noting that a limited body of research focuses explicitly on these student groups. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 446 students in the departments of physiotherapy-rehabilitation and nursing in a university's faculty of health sciences. The data were collected using the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale (CACMAS) and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale (CAMAS). The analyses used percentages, averages, standard deviation, Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis analysis, the Scheffe post hoc test, and Pearson correlation. Results95.5 % of the students did not use complementary therapy previously; the education process of 89.7 % did not cover complementary treatment; 73.3 % stated that complementary therapy education should be given at schools; 74.2 % wanted to use complementary therapy. However, 94.2 % reported that the Ministry of Health did not know about complementary therapy regulations. The average total score was 25.44 ± 8.953 for the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale and 111.29 ± 16.092 for the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale. ConclusionThe students believed conventional and complementary therapy methods should be used for patients, and they expressed a keen interest in their professional practice after graduation.

A Holistic In Silico and In Vivo Approach to Exploring the Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Hepatoprotective Properties of Rose of Sharon.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health burden that necessitates the exploration of effective and accessible therapeutic options. Phytotherapy has played a vital role in healthcare, with plant extracts being integral to traditional medicinal practices. The therapeutic potential of Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), a plant with a rich ethnobotanical history, in the management of DM and its associated complications was investigated. In this study, the therapeutic potential of Hibiscus syriacus L. extract (HSE) against DM in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was assessed, focusing on its effects on glucose regulation, antioxidative defense, and liver protection. The administration of the HSE extract substantially reduced hyperglycemia and increased insulin production, with concurrent improvements in body weight and hydration. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), suggests reduced oxidative stress, which is further supported by molecular docking results with the 3GTV superoxide dismutase enzyme, showing a binding energy of -6.3 kcal/mol. A decrease in MDA levels also indicates a reduction in oxidative stress. Notably, HSE treatment led to decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and improved lipid profiles, indicating its hepatoprotective and lipid-modifying benefits. These findings support the inclusion of HSE as an adjunctive therapy in DM management strategies. This study promotes the consideration of Hibiscus syriacus L. therapeutic properties in global health contexts.