Traditional Medicine Practitioners Research Articles

In Vitro Comparative Analysis of Paranti (Ixora coccinea Linn) Roots and Leaves against Bacteria causing Diarrhea

Paranti (Ixora coccinea Linn) is used in several regions of India, especially in rural communities, by traditional medicine practitioners to treat diarrhoea. However, no scientific data is available to justify the traditional potentials of the plant species in gastrointestinal disorders. This study evaluates the In vitro antibacterial activities on diarrhoea causing organisms. In vitro antidiarrheal activity of the decoction of leaves and roots of Paranti (Ixora coccinea Linn), was evaluated against Salmonella para typhi A, and Shigella flexneri by Agar Dilution Method and Time Kill Assay. The Agar Dilution Method showed no antibacterial activity of Paranti (Ixora coccinea Linn) root and leaf decoction against Shigella flexneri and Salmonella para typhi A at volumes ranging from 0.5 ml to 5 ml. In the Time Kill Assay, both root and leaf decoction exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against both bacteria at all time points, except for a lack of activity at 8 hours for the leaves against Salmonella para typhi A. These results suggest high antibacterial effectiveness, particularly in a time-dependent context, against bacteria causing diarrhoea. Thus In vitro antibacterial activities which support its use in traditional herbal medicine practice.

The Wood Element and Chinese Herbal Medicine

The Liver is the Zang-fu organ that corresponds to the Wood element and springtime according to the Five Element theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is often referred to as "the viscus of Wind and Wood". As in nature, after a quiet dormant winter, we enter into spring with a burst of energy and new growth. The Liver regulates the free flow of Qi, regulates and stores the Blood, regulates the emotions, governs the tendons/ligaments (sinews), nourishes and supports the eyes, and helps regulate the hormones to promote normal reproductive health. If these functions are disrupted, then Stagnation of Qi and fundamental substances can occur which leads to problems with digestion, blood circulation, reproduction, vision, weakness/inflexibility of the joints and emotional disorders. There are many patterns of disharmony identified in Chinese medicine that cause Liver dysfunction and disease. This paper is intended to discuss the five most common patterns and their pathophysiology to promote clarity and understanding of how these patterns develop and to help the practitioner of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) to advance their knowledge and use of Chinese herbal medicine to treat disharmonies of the Wood element. The patterns of Liver disharmony that will be reviewed are, Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Fire and Liver Yang Rising, Liver-Spleen disharmony and Liver Blood Deficiency.

Curbing the trade in pangolin scales in China by revealing the characteristics of the illegal trade network

Globally, pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammals and China is one of the main destinations for their scales and meat. Conducting separate studies on the characteristics of the illegal trade in pangolin meat and in scales in China will provide a basis for devising more targeted protection strategies and actions. This study focused on the illegal pangolin-scale trading network in China by collating relevant cases of smuggling published in China Judgements Online, revealing that most scales came from Africa. The six main cities involved in the illegal trade in China were Bozhou, Chongzuo, Dehong, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Kunming. Seizures of illegally traded scales have decreased significantly due to strengthened law enforcement and increased public awareness of their protected status. We recommend that, in addition to advocating for stronger pangolin protection legislation and law enforcement in Africa, the inspection in China of cargo and baggage on ships and aircraft from Africa and of trucks entering and leaving Bozhou City should also by strengthened, as should the raising of awareness of pangolin protection among express delivery personnel, and in particular, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine should be discouraged from using pangolin scales in treatments. These measures will further effectively curb the illegal trade in pangolins in China.

Neurological Complications of Cupping Therapy: A Comprehensive Review.

Cupping therapy, a traditional treatment method, has been shown to be effective in various studies. However, there have been reports of significant neurological complications following cupping therapy. This comprehensive review aimed to investigate the important and potentially severe neurological complications documented in the literature. The review analyzed case reports and case studies published in three major databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) up to June 2024. The search strategy involved a three-step process, where two traditional medicine experts independently searched for case reports and published case series, and then a 3-person committee consisting of two traditional medicine experts and a neurologist reviewed the selected articles. Out of 280 case reports and case series, 12 studies were included in the review, reporting 14 patients with neurological complications. The majority of cases (7/14) involved interventions combining cupping with other traditional medicine manual therapies. Complications reported included vascular and infectious complications, with subdural hemorrhage being the most common (4/14). Most patients (11/14) were free of underlying diseases, and all but three patients recovered from their complications with surgical and medical treatments. The study concludes that although rare, neurological complications of cupping therapy can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential for traditional medicine practitioners to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to prevent them. Adopting proper techniques and adhering to health guidelines can help mitigate the likelihood of complications. The creation of an international system to record and report the side effects of cupping therapy is also recommended.

Rab21-Targeted Nano Drug Delivery System-Based FFPG for Efficient Paclitaxel Delivery to Inhibit Lung Cancer Progression.

Background/Objectives: Platycodon grandiflorus (PG) has been widely researched as a conductant drug for the treatment of lung diseases by ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. Inspired by the mechanism and our previous finding about fructans and fructooligosaccharides from Platycodon grandiflorus (FFPG), we developed a nano drug delivery system (NDDS) targeting lung cancer. The aim was to improve the efficiency of the liposomal delivery of Paclitaxel (PTX) and enhance the anti-tumor efficacy. Methods: The FFPG-Lip-PTX NDDS was prepared by electrostatic adsorption. Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy were used for physical characterization. The release behavior of the NDDS was simulated by dialysis. The uptake of the NDDS was observed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, migration, and invasion experiments were used to evaluate the anti-tumor ability of the NDDS in vitro. The penetration and inhibition of tumor proliferation were further analyzed via a 3D tumor sphere model. Finally, in vivo biological distribution and pharmacodynamic experiments verified the targeting and anti-tumor ability of the FFPG-Lip-PTX NDDS. Results: FFPG-Lip-PTX possessed a homogeneous particle size distribution, high encapsulation efficiency, and stability. In vitro experiments confirmed that FFPG promoted the uptake of the NNDS by tumor cells and enhanced cytotoxicity. It also increased the anti-tumor effect by promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting invasion and metastasis. The same conclusion was obtained in 3D tumor spheres. In vivo experiments exhibited that FFPG-lips-PTX showed more significant lung cancer-targeting activity and anti-tumor effects. Conclusions: In this study, a novel lung-targeted NDDS is proposed to enhance the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy drugs on lung cancer.

A Panoramic Review on the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis through Herbalism.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The conventional treatment options for arthritis often come with limitations and potential side effects, leading to increased interest in herbal plants as alternative therapies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the use of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, focusing on their traditional remedies, active components, mechanisms of action, and pharmaceutical approaches for enhancing their delivery. Various herbal plants, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia, and willow bark, have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them valuable options for managing arthritis symptoms. The active components of these herbal plants, such as curcumin, gingerols, and boswellic acids, contribute to their therapeutic effects. To enhance the delivery of herbal medicines, pharmaceutical approaches like nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, microneedles, and inhalation systems have been explored. These approaches aim to improve bioavailability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of herbal compounds. Safety considerations, including potential interactions with medications and the risk of allergic reactions, are also discussed. Future perspectives for this field involve conducting well-designed clinical studies, enhancing standardization and quality control measures, exploring novel drug delivery systems, and fostering collaborations between traditional medicine practitioners and healthcare professionals. Continued research and development in these areas will help unlock the full potential of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, offering personalized and effective care for affected individuals.

Molecular insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of Bushen-Qiangdu-Zhilv decoction for ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic immune disease characterized by high disability rates, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. BuShen-QiangDu-ZhiLv Decoction (BQZD), developed by the renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Jiao Shude, has been traditionally used for AS treatment. However, the bioactive components and the precise mechanisms underlying BQZD's therapeutic effects remain largely unexplored. To investigate the protective effects and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of BQZD in treating ankylosing spondylitis. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to identify active compounds in BQZD. Bulk RNA-seq and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were conducted to assess changes in pathway activity in AS patients before and after three months of BQZD treatment. We also utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to predict potential mechanisms, identifying key target genes such as IL-6, NFATc1, and c-FOS. Animal experiments were performed to validate these findings. UPLC-MS/MS identified 28 active compounds in BQZD capable of entering the bloodstream, with potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and bone metabolism-regulating effects. BQZD treatment led to a significant reduction in ESR, CRP, and ASDAS-CRP scores, indicating clinical improvement in AS patients. RNA-seq analysis showed decreased GSVA scores for the ossification pathway, with moderate reductions in inflammatory response and RANKL signaling pathways. Positive correlations were found between pathway activity and clinical indicators. Network pharmacology and transcriptomic analysis identified IL-6, NFATc1, and c-FOS as key targets. In vivo experiments confirmed that BQZD reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels, inhibited ectopic ossification, and modulated the expression of DKK-1, MMP-9, and OPN in the CAIA model. BQZD exerts therapeutic effects in AS by regulating inflammation and abnormal ossification through multi-pathway, multi-target mechanisms. The identification of key target genes such as IL-6, NFATc1, and c-FOS provides a solid foundation for future research and clinical applications of BQZD in AS management.

Policy on Prohibition of Advertising Traditional Health Services Conducted by Traditional Healers in Bali

The existence of misleading and false advertisements for traditional health services from unqualified and incompetent sources has led the central and regional governments in Bali to issue a policy banning the advertisement of traditional health services by healers or practitioners of traditional medicine who are considered to lack professional competence. In its implementation, this policy still finds many traditional healers advertising in the field, so a study needs to be conducted to provide a good understanding for traditional healers and the community to avoid misleading traditional health advertisements. This research uses a normative method, with a case and legislative approach to examine the nature of the policy banning advertising for traditional healers and the impacts it has on traditional healers and the community as users of the traditional health advertising ban policy implemented in central and regional legal products. Overall, the policy banning the advertising of traditional health services by traditional healers in Bali aims to protect public health and safety, improve the quality of traditional health services, and maintain a balance between traditional and modern medicine in Bali. By limiting excessive promotion, the government hopes to encourage safe, responsible, and integrated traditional medicine practices within the modern healthcare system. This will provide greater benefits to the Balinese community in obtaining comprehensive and quality healthcare services. The impact of the advertising ban on Traditional Healers generally reduces the number of services provided to the community, while for the service-using community, this ban has a positive effect by providing information and education about traditional health services from expert and competent sources.

Clinical Experience of Yan Changhong in the Treatment of Acne with Modified Loquat Qingfei Decoction Combined with Bloodletting and Cupping at Special Acupoints

Acne is one of the common and frequent diseases in clinic, Prof. Yan Changhong is a famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in Baotou City with rich clinical experience. He believes that the key organs of acne are in the lungs and the disease is in the skin, it is also related to the spleen and the stomach. The main mechanism is that the lungs and the stomach are full of heat, the heat and toxin are embedded in the skin, and the main pathological factors are toxicity, heat, dampness, phlegm, and blood stasis. Prof. Yan Changhong often applies the modified Loquat Qingfei Decoction combined with bloodletting and cupping at special acupoints.

Medicinal Herbs for the Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

: Peptic ulcers are common gastrointestinal disorders characterized by the erosion of the stomach lining, duodenum, or esophagus. Conventional treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori eradication, have been the mainstay of therapy. However, the emergence of drug resistance and potential side effects have led to the exploration of alternative and complementary approaches, including medicinal herbs. This comprehensive review examines the potential use of medicinal herbs in the management of peptic ulcers. Ten herbal remedies, including Liquorice, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Ginger, Turmeric, Meadowsweet, Fenugreek, and Cabbage, are analyzed for their therapeutic properties and scientific research findings. These herbs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoprotective effects that may support ulcer healing and symptom relief. Herbal formulations, such as teas, capsules, tablets, and extracts, offer convenient delivery methods for patients seeking herbal remedies. However, safety considerations and potential herb-drug interactions must be carefully monitored. Integrating herbal remedies with conventional treatments presents a comprehensive approach to peptic ulcer management. By combining these therapies, patients may experience enhanced therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life. Dietary recommendations also play a crucial role, with the inclusion of soothing and beneficial foods, while avoiding trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms. As the evidence base grows, collaborative efforts between traditional herbal medicine practitioners and mainstream medical professionals are vital to ensure safe and effective integration.

The seeing eye, the narrating I: Animals in Eben Venter’s Decima (2023)

Eben Venter’s 2023 novel, Decima, centres on the titular rhinoceros living in the Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa, under constant threat of poachers after her horn. Decima shares the narrative with human characters, some out to harm her (poachers, the rhinoceros-horn kingpin, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine—TCM) and those willing to protect her (scientists intent on debunking the efficacy of TCM, conservationists working at the reserve). The novel’s remarkable quirk is that we are privy to Decima’s thoughts, feelings and her perceptions. The relationship between how animals look and how that looking is narrated, by both the narrator and the animals themselves, is the concern of this article. The various eyes that look within and look out of the text serve to validate the experiences of the beings who observe. This is especially true of the novel’s animals—Venter reminds us through their eyes, which the novel designates as indexes of life and power, that animals can look back, that what they perceive in the material world and internally with their mind’s eye is a story of which they are in full possession, but one we may never know completely.

Doctor-patient Narrative Re-discovered from Overseas Traditional Chinese Medicine Practices

Abstract The doctor-patient narrative has been revisited and appreciated in both the West and the East due to the negative impact of biochemical medicine in the past two centuries on healthcare. Biochemical medicine system simply marginalized the roles of doctors and patients. More research and practice of “doctor’s benevolence” and “humanistic medicine” have called for the return of the doctor-patient narrative. This paper draws on interviews with several non-Chinese overseas traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, whose clients are also non-Chinese. We adopted discourse analysis to explore our data. We found that they actively engaged in doctor-patient narrative with localized interpretation of TCM. We believe such a return to basic doctor-patient narrative is caused by fundamental needs for doctor-patient narrative coinciding with loose control of TCM practices in the studied countries. This discovery may inspire further study on re-establishing doctor-patient narratives in healthcare institutions by re-positioning biochemical medicine.

Integrating Traditions: Dr. Janki Nath Hakim’s Impact on Ayurveda and Unani Medicine in India

Abstract Dr. Janki Nath Hakim (1913–1985) was a prominent figure in the development of Ayurveda and Unani medicine in India, leaving a significant legacy within the traditional healthcare and educational sectors. Born into a family of esteemed Unani practitioners in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, Dr. Hakim earned a B.Sc. and an A.M.S. degree from Banaras Hindu University, fostering a foundation that would enable him to bridge both Ayurveda and Unani systems. Throughout his career, he held influential leadership positions, notably as Principal of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Odisha and the Unani and Tibbia College in Srinagar, where he introduced innovative educational programs. His accomplishments include instituting the BAMS curriculum, launching a postgraduate course in Kayachikitsa at Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, and advancing the institutional presence of Unani and Ayurveda education. Dr. Hakim was also a strong advocate for equal professional recognition for traditional medicine practitioners within Jammu and Kashmir, successfully working to achieve parity with allopathic systems. His legacy, carried forward by his family’s continued involvement in traditional medicine, remains a source of inspiration, contributing to the integration and broader acceptance of Ayurveda and Unani practices within India’s healthcare framework.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity of Wild Medicinal Plants of Himalayan Range

Plants that are indigenous to the Himalayas have been exploited for their therapeutic properties for over 6,500 years. Using their deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, traditional healers in the region are able to treat a wide variety of maladies with herbal treatments. People who live in rural areas of the Himalayas rely on wild medicinal plants for their health, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that these plants continue to thrive in the harsh desert climate of the Himalayas. Raw materials that are obtained from wild plants are in high demand all around the world, particularly among pharmaceutical companies, ethnomedics, and practitioners of traditional medicine as well as other medical practitioners. India has been a top exporter of raw herbal medications all over the world. This is mostly due to the number of medicinal plants that can be found in the Himalayas. The aim of this study was to determine the Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of various parts of 20 selected wild medicinal plants, found in the Himalayan regions in India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan including Swertia bimaculate, Ficus neriifolia, Rubus treutleri, Periploca calophylla, G. depressa, Buddleja napaulensis, Habenaria edgeworthii, Pyracantha crenulate, Roscoea procera, Allium rubellum, Berberis chitria, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Artemisia maritima, C. glanduliferum, C. distans, Juniperus macropoda, Origanum vulgare, Valeriana jatamansi, Polygonatum verticillatum, Meconopsis aculeate and Fragaria nubicolais. There were several different parts of the species that were examined to determine their total polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, and tannin concentrations. One fraction of the plant extracts was found to contain a higher quantity of phytochemicals when compared to the other portions. Through the utilisation of the DPPH and FRAP model systems, the antioxidant capacity of a number of different components was assessed. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique can be combined with the DPPH and/or ABTS tests in order to rapidly screen extracts for the presence of active chemicals.

Identification of Worm Medication Materials in Luhu Village (Strategy Towards Stunting Elimination with Local Wisdom Approach)

This research was motivated by the high stunting rate in Luhu Village, Maluku, which was triggered by intestinal worm infections due to low access to modern worm medicines. This condition encourages the importance of identifying alternative deworming from local natural ingredients as an effort to eliminate stunting through local wisdom. The purpose of this study is to find and analyze the potential of natural ingredients in Luhu Village that function as deworming drugs, as well as evaluate their effectiveness in reducing worm infections in children. The method used is qualitative research with an ethnobotanical approach, where data is collected through interviews with traditional medicine practitioners, participatory observation, and laboratory tests on local plant samples. The results of the study showed that these ingredients have significant antihelmintic activity, proven through laboratory tests that support their use as an effective traditional medicine. In conclusion, local natural ingredients can be a safe and effective treatment alternative to reduce worm infections, and have the potential to contribute to stunting elimination efforts in the village. The contribution of this research is to enrich health strategies based on local wisdom, reduce dependence on modern medicine, and support the sustainability of traditional medicine in remote areas.

Ethnopharmacological Insights into the Use of Chenopodium ambrosioides for Cough Treatment among Togolese Traditional Healers

Togo has an ethnobotanical potential with a great diversity of medicinal plants widely used to treat human diseases. Cough associated with respiratory diseases is one of the pathologies traditionally treated with medicinal plants in Togo. Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.) is a species used in the traditional treatment of cough in Togo. The aim of this study was to document the ethnopharmacological uses of Chenopodium ambrosioides in Togolese traditional medicine for treatment of cough. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using the semi-structured interview method among Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) from six health districts spread across four health regions. The ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical data collected were analyzed using the User Value (UV) and Frequency of Citation (FC) of medicinal plants associated with the species. A total of 127 TMPs participated in this study and 96 (76%) of them were male and 31 (34%) were female. 73% of the informants claimed usually use Chenopodium ambrosioides in the cough treatment compared to 27% who claimed to not use it to treat cough. Chenopodium ambrosioides was used in combination with fifty-two (52) other botanical species in the treatment of cough and in the study area, Abrus precatorius Linn. (13.59%) followed by Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (11.58%), Zingiber officinale Rosc. Trans. Linn. (9.73%), Mangifera indica Linn. (6.21%), Eucalyptus citriodora Hooker (4.87%), Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (4.36%) and Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb. (4.19%) were the most popular plants used for cough treatment among the plants recorded. Sixteen (16) other pathologies including pulmonary infections are also treated by Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.). Abscesses, intestinal parasitic diseases, incurable wounds, stomach aches and headaches are the most pathologies commonly treated by this plant. The whole plant (72%) and leaves (22%) are the primary parts utilized for medicinal purposes. Decoction (77.50%) is the main preparation method, with oral (80.83%) and cutaneous (10.83%) routes being the most common modes of administration. The findings from this study provide a solid ethnopharmacological foundation for future pharmacological and toxicological investigations into Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.).

Strengthening the traditional medicine regulation, education and practice in Nigeria

Background: Despite tremendous advances in medical sciences still a large section of the population in rural areas is heavily dependent on indigenous and Traditional Medicine (TM) for treatment. Moreover, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), globally. Objective: To review the overall regulator structure for the control of TM and the course curriculum for TM education in Nigeria. Method: Information on CAM and TM was collected via online search. Results: Responding to this unprecedented situation government of many countries have taken proactive steps to streamline and regulate the practitioners of CAM and TM in their countries as mandated by WHO. In many African countries because of the availability of research and training programs many traditional herbal medicines are now being sold over the counter. However, the situation is different in Nigeria, even though TM is very popular across the country, structured institutionalized teaching and research activity on TM are inadequate. Conclusion: Health is a key component in determining the Human Development Index (HDI) of a country. CAM and TM practitioner may play an important role in improving the HDI score of the country. Government-sponsored education & training program for TM practitioners is crucial.

Calming the Wind: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner's Approach to Wartime Acute Stress Disorder Symptoms.

In this narrative essay, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner describes the challenge of treating three survivors of a terror attack, all of whom were presenting various symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD). Working in new and exceptionally demanding circumstances - with thousands of people injured in an extensive and direct terror attack, with relatives taken hostages and entire communities evacuated from their homes - the practitioner looked for an effective treatment strategy to alleviate symptoms of stress response. He found it in the interface between TCM and the function of the autonomic nervous system.

Pengaruh kepercayaan dan kearifan tempatan terhadap amalan perubatan tradisional masyarakat Kadazandusun [The influence of local beliefs and wisdom on traditional medicine practices of the Kadazandusun community

This study aims to identify the influence and belief of local wisdom in the traditional medical practices of the Kadazandusun community in Sabah. The research methodology used is a qualitative field study and data is collected from informants who are identified and reside in several districts in Sabah. An instrument that is an individual interview method (in-depth interview) through recording. The researcher obtains information from the respondent through the village head. They are traditional medicine practitioners who are a reference in the village based on their expertise in terms of the local beliefs and wisdom of the supporting community. The results of the study found that local beliefs and wisdom from previous ancestors contribute to the knowledge and information of traditional medical practices that have been inherited by the supporting community from generation to generation. The implications of the study, the effectiveness of the traditional medical methods that were inherited caused the supporting community to believe that the medical practice is still practiced to this day. In conclusion, skills in the method of preparing medicines from plants as well as the ability to interpret certain meanings can be used for traditional medicinal purposes. Through the study, it is expected that with the existence of several Kadazandusun language lexical items such as sogit (fine according to custom), bobolian (shaman), kombura (white chicken), sunduan (spirit) and so on help to form sources of terms in the Malay language as well as in various fields of knowledge knowledge related to the life of today's society such as animal husbandry, agriculture, nature and animals, plants, carpentry and so on.

Survey on the Current Status of Elderly Health Services in 1,305 Medical Institutions in Guangxi.

To investigate the current status of elderly health services in medical institutions at all levels within Guangxi Province, China. Using a purposeful sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted from July 24, 2023 to October 24, 2023 on the general situation, human resources, rehabilitation medicine, nursing services, and the development of hospice care at 1305 medical institutions in Guangxi. Among the surveyed 1305 medical institutions in Guangxi, 172 (13.18%) had established departments of geriatrics, while 293 (22.45%) boasted departments of rehabilitation medicine. Furthermore, 909 (69.66%) of these institutions offered annual free physical examination services to individuals aged 65 and above. Notably, a total of 362 medical institutions, encompassing both comprehensive hospitals and grassroots hospitals, were recognized as elderly-friendly institutions, accounting for 31.4% of the surveyed sample.The highest demand for talents in medical institutions at all levels included specialized physicians/general practitioners (74.6%), traditional Chinese medicine practitioners (63.1%), rehabilitation therapists (56.1%), and specialized nurses for the elderly (41.7%). A total of 1038 medical institutions conducted popular science activities on elderly health, accounting for 79.5% of the total, focusing mainly on disease prevention (89.21%), nutritional diets (84.68%), rational medication use (79.77%), physical exercise (68.21%), and mental health (60.79%). Only 88 medical institutions provided hospice care services, accounting for 6.7% of the total. Guangxi medical institutions' elderly services are inadequate. Geriatrics and rehab departments are scarce, talent is lacking, and hospice care is underdeveloped. As aging accelerates, the country and society must support elderly care. Governments should introduce talent incentives, and medical institutions should enhance services, foster a positive work environment, and advance Guangxi's elderly health agenda.