Traditional Medicine Practitioners Research Articles

Abstract PS18-08: Bridging Disparities in Survivorship Care: Leveraging Telehealth for Diverse Patients in Safety Net Hospital

Abstract Background There are 3.8 million breast cancer survivors (BCS) in the United States and 67-88% of them report unmet needs in survivorship care. With advancements in breast cancer treatment and improved survival rates, there is a growing need to expand survivorship care to address the long-term physical, psychosocial, and medical needs of cancer survivors. There is a significant disparity in access to high-quality survivorship care, particularly for diverse patient populations in safety net hospitals. BCS in marginalized communities experience worse health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes following cancer treatment in the management of symptoms, complications of treatment, and overall health-related distress. Thus, new models that leverage complex care management principles and novel care delivery systems, such as telehealth, are needed to provide multidisciplinary care and support for self-management. Methods We conducted a single-arm, pilot intervention trial of telehealth group medical visits (tGMV) in a safety net hospital serving low-income and racially and ethnically diverse BCS. The study team included physicians, advanced practitioners, PCPs, clinical psychologists, nurses, dieticians, exercise instructors, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, sexual health counselors, research coordinators, and patient navigators. We enrolled a total of 6 cohorts of 7-10 BCS for the tGMV intervention (2 cohorts each in English, Spanish, and Cantonese). Each cohort had four weekly sessions on the following topics: 1) Reclaiming your health after cancer, 2) Managing emotional health, 3) Sexual health and relationship, and 4) Food is medicine. All participants were trained on the telehealth video conference platform. The curriculum was culturally adapted in the Spanish and Cantonese cohorts. Study staff followed up with participants by phone after each session. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability as primary outcomes with prespecified thresholds for >90 % completion of planned sessions and >70% attendance. Participants’ evaluation of the intervention and self-efficacy were secondary outcomes, which are not reported in this abstract. Results Fifty-three women with stage I-III breast cancer were enrolled in the study. The age was 37 to 75 (median: 58). There were 14 (26%) English-speaking participants, 19 (36%) Spanish-speaking participants, and 20 (38%) Cantonese-speaking participants. Eight (15%) participants identified as White, three (5.7%) Black A/A, 23 (43%) Asians, and 19 (36%) Hispanic; 43 (81%) participants were foreign-born. Twenty-seven (51%) participants reported food insecurity on the screening survey. The overall attendance rate was 98% (English: 97%, Spanish: 97%, and Cantonese: 100%). Of the 53 participants, 41 (77%) found the telehealth format acceptable, 47 (88%) agreed/strongly agreed that it was easy to log in and stay connected, 53 (100%) agreed/strongly agreed that tGMV were a good use of their time, 52 (98%) understood the purpose of the telehealth format, and 50 (94%) felt the information was easy to understand. Conclusions Telehealth-delivered group medical visits are feasible and acceptable in a safety net setting and are a promising intervention that may help in addressing the unmet needs of cancer survivors. We also found that despite the reported low uptake of telehealth in safety net settings, emphasis on training and technical support during sessions can increase the utilization of telehealth. Citation Format: Ivan Leung, Evelin Trejo, Ana Velázquez Mañana, Elizabeth Castillo, Barbara Cicerelli, Robin McBride, Piera Wong, Huiyu Xie, Lily Zhang, Nancy Burke, Niharika Dixit. Bridging Disparities in Survivorship Care: Leveraging Telehealth for Diverse Patients in Safety Net Hospital [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS18-08.

Medicinal ethnoveterinary plants used for treating livestock ailments in the omo-gibe and rift valley basins of Ethiopia

BackgroundTraditional medical practices have been used to maintain animal health for millennia and have been passed down orally from generation to generation. In Ethiopia also, plants are the primary means by which the indigenous people in remote areas treat the illnesses of their animals. The present study was therefore, carried out to document the type and distribution of medicinal plants of the county.MethodsTo collect ethnobotanical information, a total of 205 informants (133 men and 72 women) were selected. Among these 121 traditional medicine practitioners, while the remaining 84 were selected through a systematic random sampling method. Ethnobotanical data were collected between January 2023 and August 2023 through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, guided filed walks and focus group discussions. Using descriptive statistics, the ethnobotanical data were analyzed for the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) values, preference, and direct matrix rankings. SPSS 26.0 and PAST 4.11 software were used in data analysis.ResultsTotally, 78 ethnoveterinary medicinal plants distributed in 36 families were identified in the study area. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 9 species (14%), followed by Euphorbiaceae with 8 species (12%). Herbs 42(56%), wild collected 62 (66%), and leaf part (52%) made the highest share of the plant species. Hordeum vulgare L. had the highest fidelity level (FL = 98%) for treating bone fractures. Blackleg, bloat, and endoparsistes each had the highest values of the consensus factor among the informants (ICF = 1). According to preference ranking, Withania somnifera was the most potent remedy for treating blackleg. Knowledge of medicinal plants was shared through storytelling within families.ConclusionIn the study area, there is broad access to traditional medicinal plants that can treat ailments in animals. Conservation efforts should be prioritized to protect medicinal plants from threats such as agricultural expansion, drought, and development. Further research should be conducted to explore the potential of different medicinal plants for treating common livestock ailments.

Traditional herbal medicine regulatory implementation in Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Background: Approximately 80% of the Ethiopian population predominantly depends on herbal medicines (HMs) for their primary healthcare needs. Nevertheless, worries regarding the safety, efficacy, and standard of herbal-based treatments have been escalating due to the lack of strong regulatory frameworks. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the presence of regulatory frameworks for traditional herbal medicines and their enforcement in Ethiopia. Methods: The qualitative-phenomenological study design was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022 G.C. The study included 25 regulatory official key informants (KIs) who work for national and regional medicine regulatory agencies, and 15 traditional herbal medicine (THM) practitioners who work at the regional level were purposefully selected for an in-depth interview (IDI). An in-depth interview guide was developed through the purposive sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis techniques. Results: The study found that the current national medicine proclamation is deemed inadequate in the regulation of THM. Both conventional and traditional herbal medicines are regulated by a single agency. Weak legal enforcement, a lack of government commitment and support, resource constraints, and inadequate regulatory tools are the main challenges faced in THM regulation. Conclusion: Overall, the study found inadequate legal frameworks and weak THM regulatory implementations in Ethiopia. Consequently, it is critical for all regulatory authorities in Ethiopia to exert their utmost efforts to effectively regulate THM.

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.

Documentation on traditional medicine used for Menstrual Disorders among The Poumai-Naga Women in Senapati District, Manipur

Menstruation is a natural and biological phenomenon in women of reproductive age. It is often associated with certain disorders. Millions of women across the globe are challenged with social stigmas and taboos related to menstruation. This paper aims to assess and compare the menstrual health information between rural and urban areas and explore the herbal medicine used by the Poumai-Naga community to combat menstrual disorders. Respondents included 5 traditional medicine practitioners and 230 women. An interview and survey questionnaire were employed to meet the objectives. After cross checking from literature published in menstrual disorders from different states of India and abroad, nine medicinal plants were noted to be extensively used by the people. Rhododendron arboreum Sm. was not found to be reported in any of the literature to treat menstrual disorders. Results also showed that women heavily rely on and prefer traditional medicine and home remedies over modern medicine. Though Traditional Herbal Medicine is used globally, it may come with undocumented risks. And therefore, it is recommended to test and validate every potential herb passing through the proper channel for proper and safe use.

Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Liu Zhibin's Experience in Treating Chronic Pain with the "Sting Bones and Boosting Yang Method"

Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Liu Zhibin's Experience in Treating Chronic Pain with the "Sting Bones and Boosting Yang Method"

Improving Tuberculosis Active Case Finding Through the Engagement of Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in high-burden countries like Nigeria. Despite efforts to combat TB, a substantial number of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, contributing to the continued spread of the disease. In response to this public health crisis, the USAID/Nigeria Tuberculosis Local Organization (USAID/Nigeria TB LON) project, implemented by the Equitable Health Access Initiative (EHAI) in Lagos State, initiated a novel approach to TB case finding. This journal article provides an overview of the strategies, activities, challenges, and achievements of the Program within the USAID TB LON 3 project in Lagos State, with a focus on the period from March to September 2021 Methods: This approach involves collaboration with Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) to identify and link presumptive TB cases to testing and treatment services. Result: From March to September 2021, only 30 out of the 94 TMPs trained reported a total of 8,333 clients screened for Tuberculosis infections across 7 LGAs in Lagos State. 715 presumptive TB cases were identified (representing 0.09% of screened cases) and 628 samples were further evaluated for TB (88% of identified presumptive cases) with 12 confirmed TB positive cases reported (2% of presumptive cases), 11 linked to treatment, and 1 death reported. Conclusion: This research offers compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of engaging Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in enhancing active Tuberculosis (TB) case finding in Lagos State. The substantial and positive impact observed underscores the potential of this approach to play a pivotal role in TB control initiatives, fortifying the healthcare system's resilience in addressing TB within community outside hospital facility. Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMP),

Bioactive potentialities of Grewia flavescens root extract in the treatment of alcohol dependence: Preliminary phytochemical study

Although the use of plants for medicinal purposes is an ancient practice, there is a perception that in the field of chemical dependency, its role has been and is little studied. With regard to alcohol dependence, the third leading cause of hospitalization in psychiatric hospitals in Mozambique, an ethnobotanical work was carried out in 2018 in the Municipality of Massinga, province of Inhambane, with the aim of identifying with practitioners of traditional medicine, the plants they use in their treatment, having resulted, among other plants, in the identification of Grewia flavescens, from which the need arose, based on phytochemical prospecting and literary framework support, to carry out a study of a preliminary nature on the bioactive potential of the root extract (part indicated in the survey) of Grewia flavescens in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The results showed the presence of Flavonoids, Tannins, Alkaloids, Triterpenoids and Saponins. About this group of bioactives, there is bibliographical evidence that points to the anxiolytic and anti-depressant action of Flavonoids, Saponins and Alkaloids, allowing to infer that these can act as mood stabilizers in patients in the phase of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and craving during treatment, not despite deepening from preclinical studies.

Underutilized Medicinal Plant in Ethiopia: The Case of Aloe Species

Ethiopian aloe species are known for traditional medicine for both human and livestock as well as for the preparation of various cosmetic products such as soap and lotion. The aloe species contributed great economic and social benefits for many local communities. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of aloe species in the beauty and wellness industry. Many international companies have started to source aloe from Ethiopia, recognizing its high quality and potency. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of aloe harvesting in Ethiopia. Due to the high demand for aloe products, there has been an increase in over-harvesting without replanting and unsustainable practices. This has led to a decline in some aloe species that hastens the need for better management and conservation efforts. Government and non-government groups should pay attention in order to minimize the damage to the aloe species. Traditional medicine practitioners, research institutes, and universities as well as biodiversity conservation institutes should give attention to the valuable aloe species in the country. As the species are declining from time to time, the devotions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Labor and Skill, and Biotechnology Institute are essential to ensure the sustainability and proper uses of these valuable plants for future generations.

The Making of a Health Profession: How Chinese Medicine Became a Nationally Registered Allied Health Profession in Australia

Abstract In 2012, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in Australia became nationally-registered allied health professionals in three categories: acupuncturist, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, and Chinese herbal medicine dispenser. Australia was the first Western country to introduce national registration for Chinese medicine, followed by Portugal and, recently, New Zealand. The practice of TCM in Australia can be traced back to the beginning of Chinese immigration to Australia during the Victorian Gold Rush which began in the 1850s. The process which led to national registration commenced in the early 1970s with the establishment of the first acupuncture courses. Decades of gradual development of courses from unaccredited part-time diplomas to accredited bachelor degrees, and the development, by the profession, of national consensus on educational standards were essential elements in the process which led to registration. Professional associations, such as the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd. (AACMA), also developed a framework of professional self-regulation, including Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, ongoing professional development requirements and Infection Control Guidelines, and provided leadership in the development of the profession. After decades of tribalism and division within the TCM profession, the National Academic Standards Committee brought almost all stakeholders together to reach a consensus on the Australian Guidelines for Traditional Chinese Medicine Education which were published by AACMA in 2001. Professional associations also collaborated on joint submissions to the government in support of registration, which was introduced first in the state of Victoria in 2000, and subsequently became national in 2012. Despite national registration, some barriers still remain, and professional associations continue to lobby the federal government for inclusion in Medicare, chronic disease management scheme, and Veterans Affairs.

Study of Sociological Aspects of Traditional Medicine in Inland Communities in West Java, Indonesia

Traditional medicine is a form of health service that has existed for a long time in Indonesia. Traditional medicine is still used by some people, especially people in rural areas. This research aims to examine the sociological aspects of traditional medicine in rural communities in West Java, Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. The research informants consisted of 10 people who were traditional medicine practitioners and people who used traditional medicine. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations. The results of the research show that traditional medicine in rural communities in West Java, Indonesia, has an important role in people's lives. Traditional medicine is used to treat various diseases, both physical and non-physical. Traditional medicine is also used to maintain health and improve people's quality of life. The discussion shows that traditional medicine has important social values for the people of inland West Java, Indonesia. These social values include the value of togetherness, the value of local wisdom, and the value of solidarity. Traditional medicine also plays a role in strengthening the cultural identity of the people of inland West Java, Indonesia. The research conclusion shows that traditional medicine is an inseparable part of the lives of the people in the interior of West Java, Indonesia. Traditional medicine has an important role in social, cultural, and public health aspects.
  

Medicinal Herbs and Biodiversity Resources in Nigeria: An Ethnographic Analysis of their Governance Mechanisms and Implications for Sustainable and Economic Development

This article examines the present systems for regulating biodiversity resource use, with a specific focus on Osun State, Nigeria. The study undertakes an exploratory research design due to the novelty of the subject matter. For data collection, qualitative research methodologies, specifically in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), were purposefully adopted. Herbal medicine sellers were key participants in the in-depth interviews, while key informant interviewees included a diverse group of leaders of herb sellers' associations, traditional healthcare providers, government officials responsible for Forestry Resources Management, practicing ethnobotanists, and knowledgeable academics with expertise relevant to the subject matter. The study further unfolds a comprehensive analysis of the threats to biodiversity, delving into the underlying causes and far-reaching consequences of biodiversity depletion in Nigeria. The study's findings further shed a discerning light on the regulatory mechanisms governing biodiversity utilisation in Nigeria. Despite the existence of these mechanisms, they have struggled to realise the anticipated positive outcomes. This predicament is largely attributable to a lack of strong political will on the part of the government to ensure compliance among users of Nigeria's rich biodiversity. A critical observation is that the legal and policy frameworks that oversee biodiversity in Nigeria have not undergone periodic reviews, rendering them out of touch with current societal dynamics. Consequently, traditional medicine practitioners and vendors of medicinal herbs, among other biodiversity users, have exploited this policy vacuum to exploit plant, tree, and other biodiversity resources unabated. Of notable concern is the unregulated exploitation of plants for medicinal purposes, particularly the trade in herbs, which has emerged as a significant threat to public health and well-being. This unchecked practice undermines the prospects of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), which prioritises health and well-being. In light of these findings, the study strongly advocates for a two-fold approach to address this pressing issue. First, it underscores the critical importance of fostering robust political will to enforce existing regulations and institute much-needed reforms. Secondly, constant monitoring and oversight of medicinal herb utilisation and other biodiversity resources in Nigeria by government agencies are deemed imperative to safeguard the nation's natural wealth and the health of its citizens.
 Keywords: Biodiversity, Mechanisms, Medicinal Herbs, Ethnobotanist, SDGs
 JEL CLASSIFICATION: I30; I38; J18; J38; Q01

Khuzāma (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.): Pharmacological Action and Therapeutic Uses in Perspective of Unani Medicine: A Review

Lavandula angustifolia Mill., commonly known as lavender, is a highly regarded medicinal herb in Unani Medicine. Its aerial parts, including leaves and flowers, are utilized for their therapeutic properties, and the plant is a common ingredient in cosmetic products. The essential oil derived from lavender is known for its sedative, carminative, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These pharmacological effects are attributed to various bioactive compounds like betulin, betulinic acid, lactone, 3 beta-formyl ursolic acid, essential oil, glycolic acid, valeric acid, and linalyl acetate. This review aims to comprehensively explore Lavandula angustifolia Mill., covering identification, pharmacological actions, traditional uses, and recent scientific investigations. Utilizing a diverse range of sources, including scientific literature and research studies, the review adopts a comprehensive approach to compile information. The diverse array of bioactive constituents in lavender contributes to its medicinal profile, making it a versatile herbal remedy. Emphasis is placed on documenting and highlighting various pharmacological activities, reinforcing lavender's status as a potent therapeutic agent. Beyond its medicinal applications, the review delves into lavender's historical uses in Unani Medicine and its contemporary role in cosmetic formulations. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. emerges as a herbal powerhouse, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. This review serves as a valuable resource for practitioners of traditional medicine and modern science alike, bridging the gap between historical wisdom and contemporary research in the realm of herbal medicine.

Utilisation of traditional medicine among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana: a descriptive phenomenological study

BackgroundWomen living with breast cancer (BC) rely on traditional medicine (TM) in addition to orthodox medicine. There is a need to understand how and why women diagnosed with BC utilise TM. This study explored and described the lived experiences of women living with BC in terms of their utilisation of traditional medicine.MethodsA descriptive phenomenology design was used to purposively conduct 20 face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using NVivo-12 based on Collaizzi’s framework for thematic data analysis.ResultsOverall, five main themes emerged, namely: sources of knowledge on TM, motivations for using TM, treatment modalities, timing for the initiation of TM, the reasons for discontinuing use of TM, and the decision to seek orthodox medicine. Under the category of motivations for using TM, four themes emerged: financial difficulties and perceived cost effectiveness of TM, influence of social networks, including family and friends, assurance of non-invasive treatment, delays at the healthcare facility, and side effects of orthodox treatment. Non-invasive treatments included herbal concoctions, natural food consumption, and skin application treatments. Regarding the timing of initiation, TM was used in the initial stage of symptom recognition prior to the decision to seek orthodox medicine, and was also used complementarily or as an alternative after seeking orthodox medicine. However, patients eventually stopped using TM due to the persistence of symptoms and the progression of cancer to a more advanced stage, and disapproval by orthodox practitioners.ConclusionWomen living with BC in Ghana utilise traditional medicine (TM) for many reasons and report their family, friends and the media as a main source of information. A combination of herbal concoctions and skin application modalities is obtained from TM practitioners to treat their BC. However, they eventually discontinue TM when symptoms persist or when disapproval is expressed by their orthodox healthcare providers. We conclude that there is an opportunity to better integrate TM into the standard of oncological care for BC patients.

Techniques in Preserving Traditional Medicinal Knowledge in uMhlathuze in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT This article examined the techniques used in preserving traditional medicinal knowledge in UMhlathuze in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Four research objectives guided the study: to determine the types of traditional medicinal knowledge owners in uMhlathuze area; to determine techniques used by traditional medicinal knowledge owners in preserving their traditional medicinal knowledge; to establish the effectiveness of the techniques used by traditional medicinal knowledge owners in preserving their traditional medicinal knowledge and to identify the challenges associated with the preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge. The study adopted qualitative research approach underpinned by the interpretivism research paradigm, in order to understand the techniques or strategies used to preserve traditional medicinal knowledge, guided by Nonaka's knowledge creation model. Qualitative data was collected through interviews (primarily through open-ended questions incorporated in semi-structured interviews with traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners) and content analysis was used for qualitative data obtained from lliterature review and document analysis. The study interviewed fifteen (15) traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, included diviners (Izangoma), herbalists (Izinyanga), and faith healers/prophets (Abathandazi). The study identified the abundance, accessibility, and usage of traditional medicinal knowledge for the benefit of both owners and users of this knowledge. The findings reveal that the traditional medicinal practitioners employed various strategies, such as notebooks and diaries to record and preserve their knowledge. Traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners also passed on their therapeutic experiences to their loved ones. Even though most traditional medicinal knowledge practitioners used a written form of preservation, several obstacles were recognised when conserving knowledge. The lack of education, skills and ability to use technological gadgets to their full potential made conserving traditional medicinal knowledge challenging. The study recommends that traditional medicinal knowledge should be captured, stored, retrieved, and disseminated via technological devices.

Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Fruit Peel Extract Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Traditional herbal medicine practitioners in the Ashanti region of Ghana use the fruit peels of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (C. limon) in preventive and curative treatment of many cancers including liver cancer. This ethnobotanical claim remains to be verified scientifically. Aim of the Study. This study investigated prophylactic hepatoprotective and anti-HCC effects of C. limon peel extract (LPE) in CCl4/olive oil-induced HCC-like rats. After preparation of LPE, it was subjected to phytochemical screening using standard phytochemical methods. A total of 30 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups of 5 rats each. Rats in the control group received olive oil (5 mL/kg ip) twice weekly for 16 weeks. Rats in the model group received CCl4/olive oil (2 mL/kg, ip) twice weekly for 16 weeks. Rats in capecitabine (10 mg/kg po) and LPE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po) groups received CCl4/olive oil (2 mL/kg, i.p) in the morning and their respective treatments in the afternoon twice a week for 16 weeks. Rats in all groups had free access to food and water ad libitum. Body weight and survival rates were monitored. Rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, blood was collected, and liver and other organs were isolated. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), prothrombin time, bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha- (α-) fetoprotein (AFP), and liver histology were assessed. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins were detected in LPE. Model rats demonstrated increased serum levels of AFP, CRP, ALP, GGT, ALT, and AST, prothrombin time, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, but decreased serum albumin and total protein compared to control rats. Unlike the control, model rats demonstrated fat accumulation in periportal and centrilobular hepatocytes and neoplastic transformation. Semiquantitation of periodic acid Schiff- (PAS-) stained liver sections showed decreased glycogen storage in hepatocytes of model rats compared to control rats. Compared to the model, LPE treatment protected against CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, which was evidenced by decreased AFP, CRP, liver enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, prothrombin time, and blood lymphocyte and monocyte counts; attenuation of fat accumulation; and increased glycogen storage, albumin, and total protein. LPE abates CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by attenuating liver inflammation and improving metabolic, biosynthetic, and detoxification functions of the liver. The prophylactic hepatoprotective and anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects of LPE are attributable to its phytochemical composition raising hopes of finding potential anticancer bioactive compounds from C. limon fruit peels.

Medicinal Plants Used by Oromo Community in Kofale District, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study was to record the utilization of medicinal plants by the Oromo people in the Kofale District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, to control human and animal health problems. Data regarding the use of medicinal plants were collected using ethnobotanical methods from 84 traditional medicine practitioners and 304 general informants sampled employing purposive and systematic random sampling methods, respectively, in the Kofale District. Data were analyzed using different indices, including a preference ranking exercise, informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and relative popularity level (RPL). In the district, 106 medicinal plants were claimed to be used for the treatment of 43 human and 18 livestock illnesses, of which 75 (71%) were used to manage human health problems, 23 (21.5%) were used to treat both human and livestock ailments and eight (7.5%) were utilized to treat manage livestock health problems. Most (76.4%) plants were harvested from the wild. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (55.6%) in remedy preparations. Skin diseases scored the highest ICF value (0.97), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (ICF = 0.95), cancer (ICF = 0.93), and hemorrhoids (ICF = 0.91). Medicinal plants that record the highest fidelity level (FL) (100%) and rank order priority (ROP) (100%) values included Justicia schimperiana, Embelia schimperi, Ekebergia capensis and Datura stramonium, which have been used to treat liver disorders, tapeworm infections, babesiosis, and rabies, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the mean numbers of medicinal plants claimed by different social groups: older, illiterate, and traditional medicine practitioners reported higher mean numbers of medicinal plants than younger, literate, and general informants, respectively. This study indicated the richness of medicinal plant species in Kofale District. Medicinal plants with the highest FL and ROP values and those used to treat disease categories with the highest ICF values should be prioritized in future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

Architectural Framework for Development of Fuzzy Integrated Data Repository (FIDR) for Medicinal Plants in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a tropical country known to be home to a vast array of plants, most of which are plants that have been found to be medicinal and have been used in traditional healthcare delivery for centuries. Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) have been the major custodians of the knowledge of herbal medicine in Nigeria. It is noted that there is lack of documentation of the practice of herbal medicine which has resulted in the loss of a vast majority of the knowledge. The absence of a centralized digital data repository on medicinal plants and their uses in Nigeria hampers the drive for standardization, scientific validation and quality control of herbal medicine products in Nigeria. This consequently undermines the health and wellbeing of those dependent on traditional herbal medicine for their primary health care needs. Much of the claims on the efficacy of herbal medicine are found to be based on traditional beliefs and myth and have not been subjected to scientific evaluation. This accounts for the introduction of fuzzy logic into the design of an architectural framework for design of Fuzzy Integrated Data Repository that will allow access to information using sharp and fuzzy queries. This will be a resource platform that will resolve the information impasse by providing adequate and correct information to all stakeholders in the traditional herbal medicine healthcare delivery as well as foster synergy between orthodox medicine and herbal medicine practitioners, improve research that will lead to standardization and quality control of herbal medicine products in Nigeria.

Interactive Nutrient Process (INP) in a Generative AI of a New Drug-6-Shogaol as a Potential Case.

The dynamically evolving science of pharmacology requires AI technology to advance a new path for drug development. The author proposes generative AI for future drugs, identifying suitable drug molecules, uncharacteristically to previous generations of medicines, incorporating the wisdom, experience, and intuit of traditional materia medica and the respective traditional medicine practitioners. This paper describes the guiding principles of the new drug development, springing from the tradition and practice of Tibetan medicine, defined as the Interactive Nutrient Process (INP). The INP provides traditional knowledge and practitioner's experience, contextualizing and teaching the new drug therapy. An illustrative example of the outcome of the INP is a potential small molecule drug, 6-Shogaol and related shogaol derivatives, from ginger roots (Zingiber officinalis fam. Zingiberaceae) evaluated clinically for 12 months for biological markers of iron homeostasis in patients with the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The study's preliminary results indicate that 6-Shogaol and related shogaols may improve iron homeostasis in low-risk/intermediate-1 MDS patients without objective or subjective side effects.

Guidelines for disclosure of TM use to AMPs by patients who use both TM and AM: Perspectives of AMPs in Gauteng, South Africa

Background: Concurrent use of traditional medicine (TM) and allopathic medicine (AM) is frequently not disclosed to allopathic medicine practitioners (AMPs) during a consultation in Gauteng, South Africa. To promote person-centred care and allow patients to be forthcoming about the details of their choice, AMPs could strive for longer engagements with patients who use both TM and AM during consultations. The TM clinical setting allows for longer patient engagement as well as empathic, individual-centred approaches that are characteristic of traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), whereas the AM clinical setting is limited by shorter patient engagements, limited progressive care, and less individual-centred care by AMPs. Guidelines for disclosure could help patients who use both TM and AM to disclose their use of TM.&#x0D; Objectives: To explore and describe AMPs' perceptions of patients who use both TM and AM without disclosing TM use to AMPs, to eventually develop guidelines for disclosing TM use to AMPs in Gauteng, South Africa.&#x0D; Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative research design was followed. The research population comprised 14 participants representing a group of AMPs. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used. Data collection was achieved through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews and qualitative observations. &#x0D; Results: Results indicate that the use of both TM and AM presents challenges that are associated with lack of scientific evidence; unspecified dosage of TM; non-adherence to the AMPs treatment plan and complications because of interaction between TM and AM. The disclosure was deemed critical to effectively ensure improved treatment outcomes from the prescribed AM treatment. Participants made recommendations to inform the development of guidelines to encourage the disclosure of TM use. &#x0D; Conclusions: Given the realities of negative interactions caused by patients' concurrent use of TM and AM in Gauteng, South Africa, facilitating disclosure to AMPs is advised. The recommendations could be used to develop strategies to encourage voluntary disclosure by gently probing patients who use both TM and AM to ensure that they receive the best treatment for their condition. &#x0D; Implication to practice: TM use among patients who consult AMPs is not uncommon therefore the developed guidelines could inform the disclosure procedures during AMP consultations with patients in South Africa.