Remedy In Traditional Medicine Research Articles

Pain after Licorice or Sugar-Water Gargling in Patients Recovering from Oropharyngeal Surgery-A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

Glycyrrhiza glabrata (licorice) is used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies and reduces sore throats consequent to intubation, but whether it is protective for more intense pain after oropharyngeal surgery remains unclear. We thus tested the joint hypothesis that gargling with licorice, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reduces postoperative pain and morphine consumption. We enrolled patients having elective oropharyngeal surgery. Participants were randomly allocated to gargle with either 1 g licorice or a sugar placebo before and for up to three days after surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain along with morphine consumption was evaluated every 30 min during the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and then three times daily for three days. We pre-specified that licorice gargling would be deemed better than sugar gargling only if found non-inferior on both morphine consumption and pain score and superior on at least one of the two. 65 patients were randomized to the licorice group and 61 to placebo. We found noninferiority (NI) in pain scores with an estimated mean difference of -0.09 (95.2% CI: -0.88, 0.70; p = 0.001; NI delta = 1) between licorice and placebo gargling. There were no adverse events reported in either group that required treatment discontinuation. Gargling with licorice did not significantly or meaningfully reduce postoperative pain or morphine consumption in patients recovering from oropharyngeal surgery. While higher doses might prove more effective, our results suggest that other topical analgesics should be considered.

Comprehensive phytochemical profiling and biological activities of Hodgsonia heteroclita subsp. indochinensis seed extracts

Hodgsonia heteroclita subsp. indochinensis, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is utilized in traditional medicinal remedies based on indigenous wisdom. This study aimed to comprehensively identify and analyze the bioactive phytoconstituents within H. heteroclita subsp. indochinensis seeds. Seeds were sequentially extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis detected ferulic acid, salicylic acid, cucurbitacin E, stigmasterol glucoside, and β-sitosterol glucoside in all extracts. The total phenolic content in the HH(S)-EtOAc and HH(S)-MeOH was 14.22 ± 1.58 and 12.98 ± 1.03 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, respectively. Consequently, the HH(S)-EtOAc demonstrated antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 1.10 ± 0.28 mg/mL, while the HH(S)-MeOH displayed strong antioxidant potential with an IC50 of 0.04 ± 0.00 mg/mL according to an ABTS assay. Antibacterial evaluations of both the HH(S)-hexane and HH(S)-EtOAc revealed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus (zone of inhibition (ZOI): 13.67 ± 2.31 and 11.67 ± 1.53 mm, respectively) but limited activity against Escherichia coli (ZOI: 7.33 ± 0.58 and 7.67 ± 0.58 mm, respectively). Additionally, the extracts exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, ranging from 62.50 to 250 mg/mL. The antiproliferative activity of seed extracts was assessed against two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), normal breast cells (MCF10A), and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells, through MTT and clonogenic assays. The results revealed IC50 values exceeding 400 μg/mL, indicating that the extracts are safe. Furthermore, all seed extracts (50 μg/mL) exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, evident by their substantial inhibition of nitric oxide production (p < 0.001) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression (p < 0.05) in LPS-induced RAW264.7. These findings demonstrate the potential for H. heteroclita subsp. indochinensis seed extracts in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements due to their diverse bioactive compounds and substantial biological activities, particularly their anti-inflammatory effects.

Phytochemical analysis and pharmacological activities of essential oils extracted from Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) used in mediterranean diet: in vitro and in silico studies

ABSTRACT For their pungency and tanginess, ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) are often used in cooking. Ginger has long been used in traditional medicine and home remedies to treat pain and inflammation. This research tests Z. officinale (EOZ) essential oils’ chemical composition, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties in vitro and in silico. EOZ yielded 0.69% of root mass with 23 chemicals. The main chemicals in EOZ were α-zingiberene (23.850%), Geranial (14.160%), and (E,E)-α-farnesene (9.980%). EOZ demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant activity in all tests, with an IC50 of 9.53 ± 0.41 mg/mL in the DPPH test and an EC50 of 87.46 ± 3.19 mg/mL in the FRAP system. The results indicate that EOZ has strong efficacy against C. maculatus, even at low concentrations (1.00 μL/100 g). Note that EOZ killed 20 ± 0% and 13.33 ± 4.44% of adult C. maculatus in inhalation and contact tests, respectively. High concentration (20.00 μL/100 g) resulted in 100% adult mortality in inhalation tests and 96.67 ± 4.44% mortality in contact testing. We then used molecular docking to identify EO major component binding modes by targeting insecticidal and antioxidant protein structures 1R20 and 1R4U. This research helps create insecticides and antioxidants from common ginger essential oil.

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Some Vietnamese Remedies Used to Treat Bi Syndrome in Traditional Medicine

Background Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormalities in purine metabolism that increase serum uric acid. Some traditional medicine remedies have been proven to cause hypouricemia by inhibiting xanthine oxidase. In Vietnam, some remedies that eliminate wind, cold, and dampness have been used to treat gouty arthritis, but there is still a lack of scientific evidence regarding the underlying biological mechanisms involved. This study aimed to assess the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in vitro and the hypouricemic effects of several Vietnamese remedies used to treat Bi syndrome in traditional medicine. Methods The chosen remedies that met our criteria were successively extracted with 70% ethanol. A preliminary investigation of the chemical composition of the extracts was performed by common chemical reactions. The in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the extracts was investigated using the procedure of Noro et al (1983). Acute toxicology and hypouricemic effect of the remedy that showed the highest xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity were investigated in vivo using a potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mouse model. Results Five remedies that met the criteria were chosen. Phytochemical screening of all the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and carbohydrates. The Bai nghiem phuong 2 extract did not show xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity whereas the Thang Tri Te Thap extract, which exhibited the highest inhibitory xanthine oxidase activity with an IC50 value of 48.33 ± 0.41 µg/mL, was selected for the subsequent in vivo experiments. The Thang Tri Te Thap extract did not cause acute toxicity, with a Dmax of 31.67 g/kg. At doses of 1.5 g/kg and 3 g/kg, Thang Tri Te Thap significantly reduced the serum uric acid concentration by 59.84 ± 5.79% and 65.01 ± 12.73%, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Thang Tri Te Thap showed xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in vitro and hypouricemic effects in vivo.

Morphological and phenological characteristic, oil yield, quality and economics of Lemon bee balm (Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex-Lag) at diverse environment condition, India

Lemon bee balm (Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex-Lag) is a noble industrial medicinal and aromatic plant species, which is used as digestive, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and menstrual irregularity remedies in traditional medicine. It is a common source of thymol and other active constituents with recognized antimicrobial properties. A multilocation field trial was performed to evaluate essential oil (EO) yield stability, secondary metabolites and economic returns in eight diverse geographical environment conditions (GEC) in India. The secondary metabolites viz., essential oil content and oil yield were found to be highest in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The essential oil content was found to be higher in inflorescence part at all the experimental sites and found to be highest (0.85±0.21%) at BR-JALAUN. The highest EO yield (130.25±3.25 kg ha−1), net return (Rs. 1,22,125.00±245.21 ha−1) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (2.67±0.17) was recorded at FFDC-KANNAUJ. The thymol content percentage was found to be highest on physiological maturity (>95% flowering) [PM] and on 75% flowering [FS-II] and it began to decline on seed formation stage at all the experimental sites. The significantly highest thymol content percentage was found on PM (86.65±3.91%) and on FS-II (84.21±3.78%) at TBR-JHANSI. On the basis of the gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry analysis, twenty constituents were isolated. The inflorescence EO contains more thymol than the EO from leaves with stem which in turn was characterized by a higher content of p-cymene, γ-terpinene, carvacrol, α-phellandrene, α-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, citral and β-caryophyllene.

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu.

Traditional Iranian medicine is usually used for both prevention and relief of cold and flu symptoms in China, Iran, and many other Asian countries all over the world. There are 4 kinds of influenza viruses. Unlike type B, which may cause seasonal epidemics, type A viruses can cause pandemics, and influenza C may lead to mild human infection with little public health effects. A literature review was done by using multiple databases such as ISI Web of knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The most notable antiviral medicinal plants for flu and cold are honeysuckle flowers, thyme leaf, green chiretta, andrographis, peppermint oil and leaf and calendula. The most important expectorant medicinal plants for cold and flu are snake root, tulsi, licorice root, slippery elm, clove, and sage leaf. Recommended immunostimulant medicinal plants for cold and flu are eucalyptus, Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, slippery elm, marshmallow, Usnea lichen, Isatis root, ginger root, and myrrh resin. Iranian traditional medicine, which is one of the oldest schools of traditional medicine, is one of the main concepts of disease and health, and it can be considered as an important complementary and alternative medicine, as in some cases, modern medicine has many side effects, low efficiency, and high costs. Medicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.

Detection of isoflavones and phytoestrogen-rich plant extracts binding to estrogen receptor β using a yeast-based fluorescent assay

Alchemilla vulgaris L., Trifolium pratense L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. are important remedies in traditional medicine, known for many usages, including treating gynecological diseases. Despite folkloric use of the plant materials, there is a lack of scientific data to support their therapeutic application. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the relative binding affinities (RBAs) of plant-derived phytoestrogens for estrogen receptor β (ERβ) using fluorescent biosensor in yeast and to apply this assay for the assessment of the potential of plant materials towards ERs and treatment of estrogen-related disorders. Ligand-binding domain of ERβ fused with yellow fluorescent protein (ERβ LBD-YFP) was expressed in S. cerevisiae and fluorescence was detected by fluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy. Structural basis for experimental results was explored by molecular docking. Yeast-based fluorescent assay was successfully optimized and applied for identification of natural phenolic compounds and phytoestrogen-rich plant extracts that interact with ERβ-LBD, making this biosensor a valuable tool for screening estrogenic potential of a variety of plant extracts. This assay can be used for preliminary testing of plant-derived or fungal extracts, but also other sources of environmental substances with ER-modulating activity in order to assess their possible effects on the female reproductive system.

Protective activities of silver nanoparticles containing Panax japonicus on apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative alterations in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity

Abstract Panax japonicus has long been utilized as an herbal remedy in Chinese traditional medicine for treating various diseases. In this investigation, we present the environmentally friendly silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis by the aqueous extract of P. japonicas to follow its cardioprotective effects. Through various analytical methods, we identified the nanoparticles (NPs). Our XRD findings revealed the formation of Ag@P. japonicus, while FE-SEM imagery indicated a spherical shape, with NPs measuring less than 40 nm. The UV–Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy confirm the green synthesis of Ag@P. japonicus. In the medicinal section, 45 Wistar rats were utilized. These groups consisted of a normal group, a group that was solely treated with isoproterenol for inducing myocardial infarction, and two groups that were pretreated with AgNPs at different doses for 14 days. These pretreated groups were then challenged with isoproterenol. The expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and other downstream inflammatory and apoptotic mediators were followed. Additionally, the expression of Keap1, Nrf2, ECG, cardiac markers, and other downstream antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Treatment with AgNPs ameliorated the apoptosis, inflammation, and myocardial autophagy, regulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, increased the antioxidant enzyme efficacies, and activated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The findings suggest that AgNPs may have a cardioprotective efficacy on myocardial infarction by mitigating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, GST, GPx, GSH, SOD, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl2, caspase-9, caspase-3, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, the treatment decreased the infarct region size, attenuated the cardiac indicators levels, and mitigated immune cell infiltration and myocardial necrosis.

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.

Macleaya cordata Extract Inhibits LPS-Induced IPEC-J2 Inflammation Through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Objectives: The Macleaya cordata has long been utilized as a traditional medicinal remedy for treating inflammation in certain countries, and it is also being considered as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in livestock breeding. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory characteristics have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of the Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) and elucidated the molecular mechanism in the porcine intestinal epithelial cell line J2 (IPEC-J2) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The IPEC-J2 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of MCE (50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, and 150 ng/mL) prior to stimulation with LPS to induce of inflammation. Subsequently, the secretion levels and mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were assessed. The impact of MCE on the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways was investigated. Results: The results demonstrated that MCE significantly suppressed the production and mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, it down-regulated the phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65) and attenuated the expression of phosphorylated JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPKs in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, MCE downregulated the expression of TLR4 and MyD88, which serve as crucial upstream signaling molecules. The findings of this study suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of MCE is attributed to its ability to regulate inflammatory cytokines and mediators by inhibiting the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions: Therefore, MCE holds promise as a potential therapeutic and preventive agent for managing inflammatory reactions and diseases in livestock and poultry breeding, warranting further investigation.

Use of Kaolin in the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries

Kaolin, a white clay mineral composed mainly of kaolinite with the chemical formula Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O, has been a subject of interest since the days of medieval western literature. This interest increased especially after the advent of a more empirical approach to pharmacology, the establishment of pharmacopoeias, and developments in mineralogy, chemistry, as well as pharmaceutical technology. The use of kaolin in pharmaceutical (both topical and oral) and cosmetic applications has become important. Although it has long been recognized as a remedy in traditional medicine, the use of kaolin as an active ingredient for various diseases continues to be researched. Unfortunately, research focused on the use of kaolin in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is still fairly limited. Therefore, this article aims to highlight the role and benefits of kaolin in both fields. Kaolin has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antidiarrheal properties when administered orally, as well as serve as a skin-protective agent when used topically. Aside from being an active ingredient, kaolin is also often used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, acting as a filler, emulsifier, suspending agent, and crusher. In the cosmetic world, kaolin is often used as a sunscreen and to treat the skin. This article is organized based on a literature review of various articles and journals relevant to the topic discussed.

Chemical Composition, Anti-bacterial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of Essential Oil Isolated from Sa Sam Nam (Launaea sarmentosa).

Launaea sarmentosa, also known as Sa Sam Nam, is a widely used remedy in Vietnamese traditional medicine and cuisine. However, the chemical composition and bioactivity of its essential oil have not been elucidated yet. In this study, we identified 40 compounds (98.6% of total peak area) in the essential oil via GC-MS analysis at the first time. Among them, five main compounds including Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether (52.4%), (E)-α-Atlantone (9.0%), Neryl isovalerate (6.6%), Davanol D2 (isomer 2) (3.9%), and trans-Sesquisabinene hydrate (3.9%) have accounted for 75.8% of total peak area. The anti-bacterial activity of the essential oil against 4 microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also investigated via agar well diffusion assay. The results showed that the essential oil exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with the inhibition zones ranging from 8.2 to 18.7 mm. To elucidate the anti-bacterial effect mechanism of the essential oil, docking study of five main compounds of the essential oil (Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, (E)-α-Atlantone, Neryl isovalerate, Davanol D2 (isomer 2), and trans-Sesquisabinene hydrate) against some key proteins for bacterial growth such as DNA gyrase B, penicillin binding protein 2A, tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, and dihydrofolate reductase were performed. The results showed that the main constituents of essential oil were highly bound with penicillin binding protein 2A with the free energies ranging -27.7 to -44.8 kcal/mol, which suggests the relationship between the antibacterial effect of essential oil and the affinity of main compounds with penicillin binding protein. In addition, the free energies of main compounds of the essential oil with human cyclooxygenase 1, cyclooxygenase 2, and phospholipase A2, the crucial proteins related with inflammatory response were less than diclofenac, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug. These findings propose the essential oil as a novel and promising anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine or cosmetic products.

The Ethno-pharmaceuticals Fighting UTI-Resistant Bacteria: Synergistic Potential Exploration

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a pressing global health concern, exacerbated by the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Bioprospecting, involving the exploration of natural resources for therapeutic potential, offers a promising approach to tackling this challenge. Ethnopharmaceuticals, traditional medicinal practices and remedies from indigenous communities, present a valuable source for discovering novel bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively evaluates the bioprospecting of ethnopharmaceuticals and their synergistic potential against antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Drawing from existing literature, we analyze a diverse range of ethnopharmaceuticals, elucidating their mechanisms of action and experimental evidence supporting synergistic interactions. Ethno-pharmaceuticals encompass various plant-based extracts, traditional herbal remedies, and indigenous healing practices utilized across generations to manage infections. We examine the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in treating UTIs, clarifying their bioactive components and modes of action. Integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies is crucial to addressing contemporary health challenges. By harnessing the synergistic potential of ethno-pharmaceuticals, we can develop alternative therapies for UTIs, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes amidst antibiotic resistance.

Honey: A Bioactive Resource for Diversified Therapeutic Use in Traditional Medicine

Abstract: Honey, a natural bioactive resource is obtained from Apis mellifera. It has been cherished as a natural product known for its dietary supplement and an effective remedy in traditional medicine to creation of nutraceuticals and functional foods in modern medicine of present generations. Apiculture is the practice of rearing honeybees, keeping them healthy and utilizing products like honey, bee pollen, bee bread and royal jelly for various purposes. The myriad benefits of natural products obtained from honeybees has been mentioned in the inscriptions and documents of several holy books like the Vedas, the Bible, and the Quran. and Bible. Bee products are known for their therapeutic use since ancient times in Egypt, Greece, and China. In India honeybee rearing is one of the traditional practices of indigenous community of ethnic tribes. It is a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites like flavonoids, polyphenols, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals and thus contributes to its effectiveness in dietary supplement both as food and medicine. It also acts as an immunomodulator, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant source and hence helps in curing various diseases. Due to its therapeutic characteristics, honey can be used to cure bronchial asthma, cough, TB, hepatitis, GI disorders and a variety of other ailments. Research investigations have proven that honey can also help in wound healing and in the treatment of ulcers. It is used in cosmetics to repair the skin by acting as an exfoliating agent and moisturizer in anti-tanning sunscreen lotions. The present research article highlights the comprehensive study on the efficacy of honey as a bio-resource for diversified therapeutic use in traditional medicine.

The In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Qt-2 (A Traditional Medicine Remedy) Water Extract

The In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Qt-2 (A Traditional Medicine Remedy) Water Extract

Inhibition of multidrug-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells with combinations of clinical drugs and resin glycosides from Operculina hamiltonii

The jalap roots, Operculina hamiltonii D.F. Austin & Staples (Convolvulaceae), are extensively commercialized as a depurative and laxative remedy in traditional medicine of the north and northeast regions of Brazil. The purification by recycling HPLC and structure elucidation of three new acyl sugars or resin glycosides are described here from a commercial product made of powdered roots. Three macrocyclic structures of a tetrasaccharide of (11S)-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, operculinic acid C (1), the undescribed hamiltonins II and III (3 and 4), in addition to the known batatinoside III (5), presented a diastereoisomeric relationship as one residue of n-dodecanoic acid esterified the oligosaccharide core on a different position in each compound. Furthermore, hamiltonin IV (6) was characterized as an ester-type homodimer of acylated operculinic acid C with the same substitution pattern identified in hamiltonins II (3) and III (4) for each of the dimer subunits. All the isolated resin glycosides did not display any intrinsic cytotoxicity (IC50 > 25 μM). However, a combination of the individual isolated compounds 3–6 (1–50 μM) demonstrated an enhancement of cytotoxic effects with sublethal doses of vinblastine and podophyllotoxin (0.003 μM) in multidrug-resistant breast carcinoma epithelial cells (MCF-7/Vin).

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of plant leaf extract against enteric bacterial pathogens

Punica granatum, a fruit-bearing shrub belonging to the Lythraceae family, offers various benefits to humans, with both its fibers and seeds being valuable. The seeds contain important oil acids such as palmitic, punica, stearic, and oleic acids. In India, P. granatum (pomegranate) leaves have been investigated for their potential antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections and are often associated with antibiotic resistance. The study aims to explore whether pomegranate leaves possess properties that can combat these enteric pathogens effectively. This research holds promise in identifying a natural and alternative approach to address antibacterial challenges, potentially contributing to the development of novel antimicrobial agents pomegranate is commonly used as a traditional remedy for treating enteric bacterial pathogens. To investigate its antibacterial properties, researchers studied the aqueous extract of P. granatum leaf against enteric pathogens, conducting tests like biochemical examinations and microscopy on the isolates. The phytochemical analysis of P. granatum (pomegranate) leaf aqueous extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. These compounds include amino acids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and phenols. To evaluate its antimicrobial activity, the researchers used antibiotic discs, including chloramphenicol, vancomycin, and gentamicin, employing the standard Kirby Bauer method. Results showed that vancomycin had the highest zone of inhibition, followed by chloramphenicol and gentamicin, with respective measurements of 20 mm and 19 mm. Chloramphenicol exhibited sensitivity against Escherichia coli (19 mm), while gentamicin showed sensitivity against Salmonella typhi (20 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), and E. coli (18 mm). Vancomycin demonstrated sensitivity against S. aureus (21 mm). The aqueous leaf extract displayed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 20, 40 mcg, and 60 μg, showing effective zones of inhibition ranging from 15 mm to 22 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, Shigella dysentriae, Proteus vulgaris, and S. typhi. In conclusion, the study established that P. granatum leaf extracts possess remarkable antibacterial properties and contain valuable pharmaceutical bioactive compounds. Due to its efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders, it is utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine.

Hydrocolloids from the Mushroom Auricularia heimuer: Composition and Properties

The ear- to shell-shaped fruiting bodies of the genus Auricularia are widely used as food and in traditional medicinal remedies. This study was primarily focused on the composition, properties and potential use of the gel-forming extract from Auricularia heimuer. The dried extract contained 50% soluble homo- and heteropolysaccharides, which were mainly composed of mannose and glucose, acetyl residues, glucuronic acid and a small amount of xylose, galactose, glucosamine, fucose, arabinose and rhamnose. The minerals observed in the extract included approximately 70% potassium followed by calcium. Among the fatty and amino acids, 60% unsaturated fatty acids and 35% essential amino acids could be calculated. At both acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 10) conditions, the thickness of the 5 mg/mL extract did not change in a temperature range from −24 °C to room temperature, but decreased statistically significantly after storage at elevated temperature. At neutral pH, the studied extract demonstrated good thermal and storage stability, as well as a moisture retention capacity comparable to the high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, a well-known moisturizer. Hydrocolloids that can be sustainably produced from Auricularia fruiting bodies offer great application potential in the food and cosmetic industries.

Comparative Study on Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Propolis Collected from Different Regions of Bulgaria

Abstract Propolis (bee glue), a valuable biological mixture produced by European honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), is widely used as a remedy in traditional and alternative medicine, as an effective food biopreservative and as a nutritional value enhancer. The present study aimed to investigate eighty propolis samples collected from all twenty-eight districts of Bulgaria in the period of 2020–2022 in order to determine their physicochemical properties as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The raw propolis samples exhibited brown or green colour depending on the climatic zone from which they are collected and pH values from 4.82 to 5.87, while the moisture content ranged between 0.98% and 2.97%. The total phenolics content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) varied from 63.14 mg GAE/g to 737.27 mg GAE/g, and from 29.22 mg QE/g to 234.17 mg QE/g, respectively. The propolis samples demonstrated significant antioxidant potential determined by DPPH and FRAP methods, from 18.56 mM TE/g to 1598.66 mM TE/g and from 82.28 mM TE/g to 1208.81 mM TE/g, respectively, whose values showed a positive correlation (r 2) with the TPC and TFC. The results from the antimicrobial screening revealed that the methanolic propolis extracts in concentration of 20 mg/ml exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on the Gram-positive bacteria such as Micrococcus luteus 2YC-YT, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes NBIMCC 8632 and Listeria innocua ATCC 33090.

Literature Review: Punica granatum (pomegranate) with an emphasis on its anti-parasitic activity

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been known for its medicinal and nutritional benefits from time immemorial and across ancient civilizations. In addition, it is a very ancient plant that has existed since more than 3000 B.C. Pursuant to one source; it was cultivated for the first time in Iran; while another claimed it was in India or Turkey. Then it was expanded along trade routes to reach each region of the entire world. The pomegranate was highlighted in this study through a literature review in terms of its origin, classification, and description; its medicinal and therapeutic significance; the chemical content of the various pomegranate parts; and lastly, its antiparasitic activities. Pomegranate belongs to the Punicaceae family. Interestingly, it has been frequently employed in disease therapy since ancient times. Furthermore, pomegranate fruits, seeds, and peels are frequently utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. Flavonoids, ellagitannins, punicalagins, ellagic acid, vitamins, minerals, and other chemical components are the most significant ingredients in this plant. Researchers have been evaluating the fruit's characteristics in recent years and have revealed encouraging findings in areas such as cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. The pomegranate's unique blend of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive chemicals has been demonstrated to benefit several areas of human health. In this review, the researcher highlighted the substantial role of the pomegranate as an antiparasitic agent by reviewing numerous studies performed on this topic, whether in vitro or in vivo. Despite a scarcity of research to evaluate its anti-parasitic properties, this study concluded that the pomegranate has anti-parasitic properties that are very encouraging, such as anti-amoebic, anti-anthelmintic, cryptosporicidal, leishmanicidal, giardiacial, and other anti-parasitic characteristics.