Use Of Medicines Research Articles

Valuing seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) ecosystem services for sustainable development and livelihood: a case study in Ladakh cold desert

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a vital shrub species of cold desert region of Ladakh, India, emphasising its provisioning services. Known as the ‘Wonder Plant,’ it is essential for fuelwood, medicinal use, and berries that significantly contribute to local income. The research focuses on Nubra Valley, where field surveys were conducted across ten villages, collecting data from 163 households and 22 berry processing centers of seabuckthorn. The study reveals the extent of seabuckthorn’s contribution to local economies. Results indicate that the average collection of fuelwood per household is ~930 kg per year valued at 189.52 USD, resulting in an estimated total economic value of 0.68 million USD for the entire valley. Additionally, the processing of berries yields 464.25 metric tons of pulp, generating a market value of 1.14 million USD annually. Findings indicate that community members are more aware of provisioning services than regulating or cultural services, highlighting their direct reliance on seabuckthorn resources. However, the increasing demand puts huge pressure on seabuckthorn ecosystems. Hence, the study emphasises the urgent need for sustainable management approaches to ensure the conservation of seabuckthorn forests, which are vital for Nubra Valley residents’ livelihoods and the region’s ecological stability.

Assessing the environmental impact of medicines in Italy using data from the Italian Medicines Agency.

This study builds on the environmental risk analysis presented in the 2022 National Report on Medicines Use in Italy by the Italian Medicines Agency and aims to assess the environmental risk posed by medicines in Italy and its regions. The analysis selected 90 medicines based on three criteria: high utilization, low predicted no effect concentration (PNEC), and inclusion or candidacy for the European Watch List. For each medicine, the environmental risk was computed as the ratio between the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) and the PNEC. The PEC was derived following the approach of the Swedish Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and Italian drug utilization data. The risk was classified high if the ratio was greater than 10 and moderate if greater than 1. Overall, 13 medicines were identified as posing a high risk, including cardiovascular agents, antibiotics, analgesics, antidepressants and antiparasitic agents. The high risk was driven by either a very low PNEC (eg, estradiol and lacidipine) or high utilization (eg, amoxicillin, ibuprofen and diclofenac). Regional analysis showed higher risk due to high consumption for azithromycin and ofloxacin in central and southern Italy, and for levonorgestrel in northern Italy. This study points to the need for prioritizing targeted sampling in surface waters for medicines estimated at high risk. To prevent and mitigate the risk, a more conscious clinical practice coupled with appropriate waste management are required.

Elective surgery cancellations: do you catch these patients?

AbstractBackgroundPatients are often advised to withhold their medications prior to surgery. If the surgery date changes, a plan regarding medicine use needs to be communicated to the patient. Bulk cancellations of elective surgery due to the COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted a gap in practice.AimTo report on intervention rate and time taken for pharmacist review of patient medications when bulk cancellations of elective surgery occurred.MethodA screening tool was developed for nursing staff to identify patients on high‐risk medications. Medication plans were developed by the pharmacist, with input from the broader surgical team. Time spent was recorded by the pharmacist. Data were collected over a 3‐week period in July 2022. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: CM0602202402). The justification for this exemption was as follows: the study complied with Chapter 2.3 of the National statement of ethical conduct in human research and presented no foreseeable risk of patient harm.ResultsThe pharmacist reviewed 154 cancellations, of which 17% (n = 26) required intervention by the pharmacist as they met the high‐risk criteria identified by the screening tool. Of these, 34% (n = 9) had not attended pre‐admission clinic for an original medication plan. The time to conduct a pharmacist review ranged from 10–14 min. At the time of cancellation, 84% (n = 130) of patients were awaiting a new surgery date. Surgical specialties most implicated included orthopaedic surgery (36%, n = 55) and urology (17%, n = 26). The average time between the cancellation date and a new surgery date was 7 days.ConclusionA pharmacist‐led process to review medication plans in patients whose elective surgery procedure date had been cancelled was developed. Communication of these plans is essential to ensure patient safety and reduce medication‐related harm.

A Comprehensive Review on Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry of Mylabris, and Pharmacology of Cantharidin.

Mylabris, the dried body of the Chinese blister beetle, has been utilized in traditional medicine across Asia, Europe, South Africa, and North America for the treatment of tumors, carbuncles, and scrofula. Phytochemical studies revealed cantharidin and its derivatives as the main constituents. Mylabris extracts and its phytochemicals have demonstrated promising pharmacological efficacy, including anti-tumor, cardiovascular protective, anti-osteoporosis, anti-diabetic, and anti-leishmanial properties. Despite its extensive history of medicinal use and promising therapeutic potential, comprehensive reviews addressing the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Mylabris are still limited. This review aims to provide a detailed and systematic overview of ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of Mylabris, as well as pharmacology of cantharidin, highlighting the potential of Mylabris as a source of novel therapeutic agents. By summarizing the research findings, this review seeks to enhance the scientific understanding of Mylabris, support its rational clinical application, and guide future research directions, ultimately contributing to the development of new and effective treatments for various diseases.

Traditional practices versus modern healthcare: Determinants of traditional medicine use after potential dog bites among dog-owning households in Nigeria.

Canine rabies is endemic in Nigeria, with a low dog vaccination rate. Often, dog bite victims resort to traditional remedies, which can lead to fatalities. Our study investigated factors influencing decisions to seek traditional remedies in Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2022 involving 4,162 dog-owning households. A joint random effect Bayesian regression model was developed to examine the role of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and infrastructural covariates. This model included a latent variable measuring a respondent's understanding of rabies risk based on literacy levels and responses to questions about rabies epidemiology. Our results indicated that 27% (95% Confidence Interval [Cl); 26-27) of respondents would preferably seek traditional remedies following a dog bite. Male respondents were 24% more likely than female respondents to seek traditional remedies (odds ratio [OR]: 1.24; 95%, Credible Interval CrI): 1.07-1.31). Similarly, individuals residing in rural areas reported 55% higher likelihood of using traditional remedies than those in urban areas (OR: 1.55; 95% CrI: 1.43-1.67). Respondents residing in areas with no veterinary services reported 35% higher likelihood of using traditional remedies than those near such facilities (OR: 1.35; 95% CrI: 1.15-1.42). Children under 16 years reported 27% lower likelihood of using traditional remedies than adults (OR: 0.73; 95% CrI: 0.49-0.84). Private or unemployed individuals were more likely to seek traditional remedies than civil servants (OR: 1.99; 95% Crl: 1.53-2.37). Respondents with tertiary education reported 42% lower likelihood of using traditional remedies than those without formal education (OR: 0.58; 95% CrI: 0.49-0.62). Our latent variable representing understanding of rabies risk was negatively associated with the probability of seeking traditional remedies (OR: 0.67; 95% CrI: 0.54-0.73). Lastly, poverty was negatively associated with the likelihood of seeking traditional remedies (OR: 0.78; 95% CrI: 0.66-0.82). Our findings provide important insights into healthcare behaviour decisions and their possible associations with rabies outcomes in Nigeria. These results highlight the need to improve public education, enhance access to medical care, and involve traditional healers in rabies prevention and control programs.

Medicinal Plants and Traditional Uses and Modern Applications

Medicinal plants have played a pivotal role in the development of traditional healing systems throughout history. Across diverse cultures, these plants have been used to treat a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from minor ailments such as colds and digestive issues to more severe conditions like infections, cancer, and chronic inflammatory disorders. The use of medicinal plants is rooted in centuries-old knowledge, passed down through generations, that often combines both empirical observations and spiritual beliefs. In traditional medicine systems, these plants are typically utilized in the form of decoctions, infusions, poultices, or extracts, with specific dosage instructions determined by experienced practitioners. Despite their historical significance, modern pharmacological research has only recently begun to rigorously explore and validate the therapeutic potential of many of these plants, uncovering a wealth of bioactive compounds that contribute to their medicinal effects. This paper aims to examine the traditional uses of medicinal plants from a global perspective, highlighting specific plants that have shown consistent efficacy in the treatment of common and complex health conditions. Furthermore, it investigates how contemporary scientific advancements are reshaping the understanding and applications of these plants, from the isolation of active compounds to the formulation of plant-based pharmaceuticals. The paper also emphasizes the growing role of medicinal plants in modern healthcare, including their use in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the development of herbal supplements, and their integration into biotechnological innovations. Moreover, the challenges faced in the standardization, quality control, and regulation of plant-based medicines are explored, along with the growing demand for sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the conservation of valuable plant species. In the face of rising healthcare costs and growing concerns about the safety and efficacy of synthetic pharmaceuticals, there is renewed interest in the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants. The combination of traditional wisdom and modern scientific validation presents a unique opportunity for the future of healthcare. This paper aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary biomedical research, providing a holistic view of the role medicinal plants play in both ancient healing practices and their potential to shape future medical therapies.

Effect of Surface Modification of Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Small Nucleic Acid Sequences on Cytotoxicity and Uptake: A Comparative Study In Vitro.

Nanoparticle technology, particularly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), is being developed for a wide range of applications, including as a delivery system of peptides or nucleic acids (NA). Their use in precision medicine requires detailed engineering of NP functionalization to optimize their function and minimize off-target toxicity. Two main routes can be found in the literature for the attachment of NA strands to AuNPs: covalent binding via a thiol group or passive adsorption onto a specially adapted coating previously applied to the metallic core. In this latter case, the coating is often a positively charged polymer, as polyethylenimine, which due to its high positive charge can induce cytotoxicity. Here, we investigated an innovative strategy based on the initial coating of the particles using calix[4]arene macrocycles bearing polyethylene glycol chains as an interesting alternative to polyethylenimine for NA adsorption. Because any molecular modification of AuNPs may affect the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake, we compared the behavior of these AuNPs to that of particles obtained via a classical thiol covalent attachment in MCF-7 and GC-1 spg cell lines. We showed a high biocompatibility of both AuNPs-NA internalized in vitro. The difference in subcellular localization of both AuNPs-NA in MCF-7 cells compared to GC-1 spg cells suggests that their subcellular target is cell- and coating-dependent. This finding provides valuable insights for developing alternative NA delivery systems with a high degree of tunability.

Off-label drug use in palliative medicine: Delphi study for the consensus of evidence-based treatment recommendations.

Off-label use of drugs is an integral part of everyday clinical practice in palliative medicine. However, it is associated with many uncertainties, that is, drug therapy safety or legal issues including cost coverage. Healthcare professionals often lack time and resources for comprehensive literature search and patient-specific risk-benefit analyses. The aim of this project is to develop, evaluate and rate agreement/disagreement on treatment recommendations for off-label use in adult palliative medicine. Online Delphi study with two rounds each to rate agreement/disagreement with treatment recommendations for off-label use in adult palliative medicine. An international expert panel consisting of physicians, pharmacists and nurses working in palliative care evaluated previously developed recommendations based on the best available evidence. /participants:Professionals (physicians, pharmacists, nursing staff) working in inpatient and home palliative care involved in the medication process were recruited as experts to participate. Between 64 and 75 experts participated in the first two Delphi studies. A total of 64/68 recommendations on 21 drugs and 14 applications were agreed upon. Topics related to routes of administration as well as indications for sialorrhea, bronchorrhea, xerostomia, pruritus, singultus, fistula, gastroparesis and hot flashes. Recommendations that reached consensus are available to health care professionals via a free of charge database. For many off-label use applications, it is likely that there will be no registration studies and therefore no drug approvals in the future. The consensus-based recommendations are intended to facilitate individual treatment planning for prescribers and to enable a more reflected handling of off-label use.

Visionary Health Architects and Leaders: The Strategic Role of Medical Advisors in Modern Pharma.

This paper reviews the pivotal role of the Medical Advisor (MA) within the medical department of the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting their essential contribution to the development, commercialization, and appropriate use of medicines. In an environment characterised by stringent regulations and increasing demands for transparency, the MA role has become an indispensable position for ensuring optimal integration between scientific innovation and commercial strategy. The work of MAs facilitates cross-functional collaboration between a board spectrum of internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring that scientific and clinical knowledge is effectively integrated at every stage of the product lifecycle. This includes leveraging emerging new technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital health solutions, as well as using machine learning to enhance predictive analytics. Such integration is critical to addressing unmet medical needs while aligning these initiatives with broader business objectives to drive innovation, market competitiveness, and patient outcomes. We explore the key responsibilities of today's MAs, which include contributing to the generation of data through clinical trials and post-authorization studies, providing continuing medical education, and communicating accurate information to diverse audiences, including healthcare providers, regulators, and patients. Furthermore, MAs promote innovation and therapeutic progress, acting as guardians of medical ethics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategic role of MAs in bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical practice. Their contributions are critical to addressing current industry challenges, ensuring that companies remain competitive and making a significant contribution to patient wellbeing and medical progress.

American Indian women’s perceptions of perinatal cannabis use

ABSTRACT Background: Cannabis use during pregnancy continues to rise, yet research examining cannabis use in perinatal American Indian women is lacking. Structural injustices have led to health inequities for American Indian people, including higher prevalence of past-month cannabis use and lower prevalence of receiving mental health treatment, compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Objective: To describe perceptions of risks and benefits of perinatal cannabis use in a sample of American Indian perinatal women who report regularly using cannabis while pregnant. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 10 American Indian perinatal women who reported using cannabis at least weekly while pregnant or postpartum. Participants were from three states where cannabis use is legal for adults (Washington, Oregon, and California). Themes were generated from implicit and explicit participant responses and principles of Indigenous research frameworks were utilized. Results: Four themes were derived from the data: 1) Perinatal cannabis use as better than other substances, 2) Medicinal use and perceived therapeutic effects of prenatal cannabis, 3) Unsure if cannabis use while breastfeeding impacts the baby, and 4) Minimal responses from healthcare providers perceived as approval. Conclusions: Cannabis was used for health-related issues and was perceived to be a safer option for than use of methamphetamine, heroin, alcohol, and prescription pharmaceuticals. With a focus on other substance use issues within participants’ communities, minimal discussion about cannabis use by healthcare providers was perceived as endorsement of use, highlighting the need for additional training for healthcare providers.

A Comprehensive Review on Genus Asystasia: Folk Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents and Pharmacologoical Activities.

Asystasia belongs to family Acanthaceae, which is a prominent family of dicotyledonous flowering plants encompassing various essential secondary metabolites that are crucial in numerous biological processes. A. gangetica (L.) T. Anderson, also known as Chinese violet, is considered anherbaceous edible weed.It exists from India to Southeast Asia, but its cultivation is more widespread in tropical environments. This review was purposed as a comprehensive literature review for the main phytochemical and biological aspects of the genus Asystasia. The literature survey included many reputed sources viz. Pubmed®, Web of Science®, Google Scholar®, with the keywords "Asystasia", "Acanthaceae", "antioxidant", "polyphenolics" and other relevant keywords. A. gangetica possesses numerous significant pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects which were detailed herein. Moreover, these vital activities can be attributed to the presence of various important secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. This review work concluded that genus Asystasia remains as a wealthy source for new natural products with a wide range of biological activities, and its high nutritive value and edible nature suggests its possible use as a food source in many regions.

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Colocasia esculenta in Commercial Herbal Products

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine in several countries worldwide. The corm of taro and two commercial products were analysed due to total phenolic, flavonoid, luteolin, and antioxidant properties. Taro corm was extracted with water and analysed for phytochemical screening, total flavonoids, total phenolic, luteolin, and antioxidant properties. The phytochemical screening of taro showed that it contains secondary metabolites of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and quinones. The results of the determination of total flavonoid content of taro extract, Product 1, and Product 2 capsule obtained 19.34 ± 0.26 mg QE/g extract, 18.58 ± 0.18 mg QE/g extract, and 16.29 ± 0.23 mg QE/g extract. The results of determining the total phenolic content of taro, Product 1, and Product 2 capsules obtained 39.75 ± 0.95 mg GAE/g extract, 38.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g extract, and 35.91 mg GAE/g extract. ± 0.82 mg GAE/g extract. The results of the determination of luteolin from taro, Product 1, and Product 2 capsules obtained 0.83 ± 0.05 %, 0.39 ± 0.04 %, and 0.18 ± 0.08 %. The results of the antioxidant activity test obtained IC50 of vitamin C of 4.6780 ± 0.0319 ppm, corm dry extract and ginger rhizome 141.2383 ± 3.4995 ppm and 97.6685 ± 7.8760 ppm, respectively, and capsule products 2; 126.0724± 1.3672 ppm. The water extract of corm and available products containing CE extract have met the quality standard parameters required for non-specific parameters, luteolin content, and antioxidant properties.

Multidisciplinary Integrative Medicine Approach for Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: The use of complementary integrative medicine (CIM) by cancer patients is currently very common. The main reasons why patients turn to CIM are to improve quality of life (QoL) and support the immune system. Unfortunately, many patients rely on CIM self-prescription, neglecting the risk of interactions with anticancer treatments (ACTs). The primary objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of combining CIM and ACT in a multidisciplinary approach to improve the QoL of cancer patients and to reduce ACT’s adverse events. Methods: Cancer patients were treated with CIM by expert physicians. CIM mainly consisted of vitamins C and D, the medicinal mushrooms blend U-CARE, and probiotics administered alone or in combination. The patients were followed-up by physicians and data were recorded in a detailed shared file. Results: A total of 54 cancer patients were treated with an integrative approach, especially during ACTs. The combination showed a good safety profile. No adverse events occurred in 92.6% of patients, whereas only 7.4% of patients experienced gastrointestinal or liver toxicity from the CIM approach. The main benefit of the CIM approach was improved fatigue and QoL, and this was mainly achieved by the concomitant use of polytherapy-based complementary medicine (PCM) and U-CARE. The toxicity improvement was mainly associated with the use of solely U-CARE. Conclusions: These results highlight the feasibility of the CIM approach in cancer patients addressed by a multidisciplinary team of experts in the field. The patient-centered and evidence-based approach of CIM is an example of the comprehensive and coordinated strategy pursued by the EU in its programmatic document against cancer aiming to focus on the QoL of patients and to avoid potentially harmful CIM self-prescription.

Therapeutic Potential of Green Synthesized Polyherbal Formulated Silver Nanoparticles in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Mellitus-An In Vivo Strategy.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome prevalent worldwide. One effective treatment for DM is the medicinal use of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are eco-friendly and cost-effective. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of greensynthesizedAgNPs derived from a polyherbal formulation (PHF). Characterization of PHF-AgNPs included UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX. Diabetes was induced in albino Wistar rats (N = 30, n = 6/group, 150-200g, 8weeks old) via intraperitoneal alloxan injection (150mg). Groups are as follows: 1) untreated control, 2) diabetic control (150mg/kg b.w. alloxan), 3) glibenclamide (0.5mg/kg), 4) PHF-AgNPs (10mg/kg), and 5) PHF-AgNPs (20mg/kg). Blood glucose levels (BGL) were monitored on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Blood samples were collected for the liver, kidney, and lipid profile analysis before euthanization. The results showed that PHF-AgNPs had an average size of 20nm and exhibited significant reductions in BGL, with PHF-AgNPs at both 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg demonstrating superior effects compared to glibenclamide. Histopathological analysis revealed tissue regeneration in the liver, kidney, and pancreas, indicating healing of alloxan-induced damage. Additionally, treatment improved liver and kidney function markers, and lipid profiles, with reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, AST, and creatinine levels compared to the diabetic control group. These findings suggest that green synthesized PHF-AgNPs effectively improved blood glucose control, body weight, and organ health, positioning them as a promising antidiabetic agent with potential for further clinical development.

Penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction: recommendations from the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine.

Penile prosthesis (PP) is one of the main approved therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). Greater than 50years of clinical use has led to considerable innovation in PP surgery and patient care. To summarize the current literature and provide updated clinical evidence to inform healthcare providers on best practices with PP. A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant peer-reviewed literature was reviewed with focus on research from but not limited to the last 10years. The quality of each individual study was judged with Oxford levels of evidence (LOE) criteria, but overall LOE were not used as systematic review was not performed. The expert panel generated consensus statements based on the quality of evidence and criteria of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). PP provides excellent outcomes for the treatment of ED. The panel developed 35 recommendations building upon previous recommendations. Nine recommendations (4, 5, 11,13,17, 25, 26, 31, and 32) are retained without change from 2015. Twelve recommendations (1, 2, 3, 7, 9,14,16,19,21, 28, 33, and 34) change syntax to make statements more active or change details. Fourteen recommendations (6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, and 35) are novel in this update. Since the 4th ICSM, new evidence has emerged to guide PP use in modern sexual medicine. While multi-institutional studies are needed to improve outcomes, key challenges remain: reducing infections, enhancing devices, and improving awareness and accessibility. We recommend following 5th ICSM guidelines while emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment and shared decision-making for optimal PP outcomes.

Action Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Components as Antimycosis: A Literature Review

Mycosis poses a significant threat to global health, particularly in immune-compromised individuals, and the rise of antifungal resistance has further complicated their treatment. The rise in fungal infections (FIs) is a growing concern, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality rates. Medicinal plants (MPs), with their long history of use in traditional medicine, have emerged as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potent antifungal properties. The current study explores the mechanisms by which plant active constituents (PACs) exert their antifungal effects, including inhibition of cell membrane (CM) and cell wall (CW) synthesis, mitochondrial dysfunction, the inhibition of Nucleic acids (Nas) and protein synthesis (PS), inhibiting the electron transport chain, decreasing ATP production, inhibiting glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and oxygen uptake by cells, and this lead to affect cell division, protein production, and /or inhibiting its mycelial growth and spore germination. Compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other PACs have demonstrated significant antifungal activity through these diverse mechanisms, offering potential alternatives to conventional antifungal drugs. This study highlights the potential of MPs as a foundation for developing novel antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of understanding the intraocular mechanisms of action (MsOA) to combat antifungal resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive analysis not only validates the use of MPs in traditional medicine but also provides a roadmap for future research and drug development in the fight against FIs. This study aligns with and supports sustainable development goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being (SDG 3) and other goals.

Growth characteristics, optimal harvest timing, and quality assessment of three Evodia species cultivated in Japan.

Immature Evodia fruits are used in herbal medicine for their analgesic properties; however, determining the appropriate time for harvesting these fruits remains challenging. Here, we investigated the growth characteristics and optimal timing for collecting the immature fruits of three Evodia species-E. rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth., E. officinalis Dode, and E. hupehensis Dode-cultivated at the Tanegashima Division of the Research Center for Medicinal Plant Resources, Japan. Evodiamine and rutaecarpine content in the three species were measured across different collection seasons, and the relationship between time elapsed from the start of flowering and the levels of these active ingredients was determined. We found that the optimal time to collect the immature fruits of E. officinalis for use in herbal medicine was 2weeks after flowering, when the fruit was heavier, contained more active ingredients, and had not yet dehisced. E. rutaecarpa fruits were heavier, contained more active ingredients, and retained their color (orange) until 3weeks post-flowering. This suggests that the optimal collection time varied among species. Overall, E. rutaecarpa was the most suitable species for cultivation in Japan for use in herbal medicines because its optimal collection time was easier to determine, and its pericarp and seeds did not separate during drying. Therefore, to efficiently harvest Evodia fruits, cultivation methods should be optimized to leverage the specific growth characteristics of each species, with particular emphasis on accurately determining the optimal harvest time.

Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Fraxinus spp.: A review.

Fraxinus species, with a long history of medicinal use, are diverse in type. All species that feature terminal inflorescences and exhibit a blue-purple fluorescence reaction under sunlight are considered to have medicinal value. However, only four species-Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Fraxinus chinensis, Fraxinus szaboana, and Fraxinus stylosa-are officially recognized in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Despite this, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reports on the research related to Fraxinus, preventing a deeper understanding of its full medicinal potential. A total of 326 chemical constituents have been identified across these species, including coumarins, secoiridoids, phenolic glycosides, lignans, flavonoids, terpenoids, and volatile compounds. These species have demonstrated various pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-hyperuricemic effects. This paper provides a systematic review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of Fraxinus, aiming to address gaps in the existing literature, highlight the biological mechanisms of its activity, and offer a foundation for the development and application of Fraxinus in drug research. Given the significance of Fraxinus, future research should take a more comprehensive and holistic approach.

Human–forest interaction of useful plants in the Wof Ayzurish Forest, North Showa Zone, Ethiopia: cultural significance index, conservation, and threats

BackgroundIndigenous communities have historically engaged in harvesting and management practices that have significantly influenced the state of forests globally. The Wof Ayzurish Forest community is almost entirely an agricultural society, familiar with the native flora, which has been integrated into their culture. Due to that, local communities have relied on these plants for centuries, passing down knowledge about their importance through generations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the interaction between humans and useful plants in the Wof Ayzurish Forest, North Showa Zone, Ethiopia, with a focus on their cultural significance, conservation status, and the threats they face. MethodsA snowball sampling technique was employed to select 100 informants and the data were collected through free listing, field walk, open-ended and semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. To evaluate the cultural importance (CI) of the plant species, three quantitative indices, namely, the relative frequency of citations (RFC), use reports (UR), and the cultural value index (CV), were employed. Each index aims to assess the CI of plant taxa statistically. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to compare the correlations among various indices since all the variables considered are not distributed normally. The Jaccard similarity index (JI) was calculated to assess the proportion of plant species shared between the study area and other regions within Ethiopia.ResultsThis study identified a total of 90 useful plants in the Wof Ayzurish Forest, categorized into ten groups based on their uses. The medicinal use category was the most represented (55 taxa), followed by firewood (44 taxa), fencing (40 taxa), and construction and furniture (37 taxa). Consequently, considering the use citations and key informant discussion, 15 plant species were identified for additional analysis using various quantitative measures including cultural importance index (CI). Based on CI score, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Juniperus procera, Carissa spinarum, Croton macrostachyus, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia, and Eucalyptus globulus were identified and reflecting their relative cultural importance and frequent utilization. Among these, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata was the most versatile plant and ranked first due to its greater number of citations and diverse use categories.ConclusionsThe frequency with which a species is mentioned provides relevant information about its cultural significance. More versatile plants are generally more familiar to people than those with only one purpose and are often subject to high pressure due to overutilization. Thus, this information can aid in establishing sustainable use of Wof Ayzurish Forest without depletion of resources by informing community-based strategies that incorporate ethnobotanical knowledge.

Phenylethanoid glycoside-enriched fraction of Clerodendrum glandulosum ameliorates oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction via PGC1α/TFAM upregulation.

Clerodendrum glandulosum is utilized as a soup or vegetable in Northeast India and has been reported to exhibit a range of medicinal and pharmacological properties. Its use in traditional cuisine and medicine highlights its potential importance in both dietary and therapeutic applications. This study focuses on the bioactive potential of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) derived from the hydro-alcoholic extract of C. glandulosum leaves against palmitate-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The EAF exhibited significant radical scavenging activities, with IC50 values of 29.56µg/mL (ABTS inhibition) and 36.61µg/mL (DPPH inhibition). Additionally, EAF demonstrated strong anti-glycation properties, effectively reducing fructosamine levels and protein carbonylation while increasing total thiol content. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds--namely verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and ferulic acid--associated with potential biological activities. Chromatographic analysis showed that verbascoside is the primary compound, with a concentration of 240.41 ± 8.62µg/mg. Furthermore, EAF pretreatment significantly lowered the levels of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and lactate dehydrogenase release in palmitate-induced cells. During extracellular flux analysis for mitochondrial and glycolysis stress tests, EAF treatment demonstrated effective recovery of mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in palmitate-induced cells. EAF also upregulated essential mitochondrial markers, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), which enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Overall, our study underscores the potential of the EAF from Clerodendrum glandulosum as a therapeutic agent to mitigate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study suggests the efficacy of the active compounds for further development of phytopharmaceutical interventions for metabolic syndrome and related disorders.