Use Of Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Articles

Evaluation of blood boosting potentials of combined administration of Vigna unguiculata and Citrus limon ethanol extracts using Wister rat models

The use of traditional herbal medicines started in ancient times. It is estimated that 80% of world population depend on it for solutions to their health challenges. Currently, there has been enormous increase in the use of herbal medicines attributable to their readily availability, affordability, efficacy and good safety profile. This study evaluated the blood boosting potentials of combined administration of Vigna unguiculata and Citrus limon in rat models. Wister rats (135 – 140 g) were used and Vigna unguiculata and Citrus limon were extracted in ethanol. Apart from some preliminary tests, hematology studies were done using standard methods. The parameters tested included red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) using hematological analyzer (DxH 560 AL). In the RBC test, combination of Vigna unguculata and Citrus limon recorded a count of 8.07 ± 0.20 x 10-6 on day 15 of treatment. This was highest when compared with the individual administrations which attained 4.04 ± 0.18 and 3.57 ± 0.07 x 10-6 respectively. The combination treatment approached that of the normal control which had RBC count of 8.29 ± 0.13 x10-6. This trend was applicable to other tested parameters. In conclusion, V. unguiculata and C. limon had blood boosting potentials which was more remarkable in the group treated with combination of the two herbs and this was attributed to their phytochemicals such as iron, protein and citric acid as well as their synergistic herb-herb interaction.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Acute Toxicity and Antinociceptive Activity of Aqueous Extract of Marrubium vulgare L.

Marrubium vulgare L. has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, inflammatory conditions, and pain. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract from M. vulgare leaves (AEMV). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and reducing power assays. The chemical composition of AEMV was determined through LC-MS/MS, and the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in male Swiss mice with a single oral dose of AEMV (1, 2, 5 g/kg). The analgesic impact was examined through writhing, hot plate, and formalin tests. Our findings not only confirmed the safety of the extract in animal models but also revealed significant antioxidant activity in AEMV. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified important bioactive compounds, with marrubiin being a major component. Furthermore, AEMV demonstrated robust antinociceptive properties in all conducted tests, highlighting its potential as a valuable natural source of bioactive compounds suitable for a wide range of therapeutic applications.

An account of the genus Cistanche (Orobanchaceae) in Iraq and taxonomic considerations in the Middle East.

Species limits in the genus Cistanche are poorly understood, despite the plants' long history of use in traditional herbal medicine and food across their range. Here we present a taxonomic account for the genus Cistanche in Iraq, where several taxa have been reported, most of them doubtfully. Using herbarium specimens, images of living material, and taxonomic literature, we found evidence of only one species occurring with certainty in Iraq: Cistanchetubulosa. We found no evidence for the occurrence of other Cistanche species in Iraq, including a putative new entity reported for the region. Our work highlights inconsistencies in the literature, and underscores the importance of examining multiple stable characters for delimiting species in the genus Cistanche.

Traditional herbal medicine use doubled the risk of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome in children: A prospective cohort study.

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is frequently used in pediatric populations in many low-income countries as a form of healthcare and has been associated with a range of adverse events, including liver toxicity, renal failure, and allergic reactions. Despite these concerns, its impact on multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) risk has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of MODS in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Ethiopia, with a focus on the association between THM use and the risk of MODS. This was a single-center prospective cohort study conducted at a PICU in the university of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. The study enrolled eligible patients aged one month to 18 years admitted to the PICU during the study period. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical and laboratory data, and outcome measures using standard case record forms, physical examination, and patient document reviews. The predictors of MODS were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, with a focus on the association between traditional herbal medicine use and the risk of MODS. A total of 310 patients were included in the final analysis, with a median age of 48 months and a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. The proportion and incidence of MODS were 30.96% (95% CI:25.8, 36.6) and 7.71(95% CI: 6.10, 9.40) per 100-person-day observation respectively. Renal failure (17.74%), neurologic failure (15.16%), and heart failure (14.52%) were the leading organ failures identified. Nearly one-third of patients (32.9%) died in the PICU, of which 59.8% had MODS. The rate of mortality was higher in patients with MODS than in those without. The Cox proportional hazards model identified renal disease (AHR = 6.32 (95%CI: 3.17,12.61)), intake of traditional herbal medication (AHR = 2.45, 95% CI:1.29,4.65), modified Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (mPIM 2) score (AHR = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.38,1.71), and critical illness diagnoses (AHR = 2.68 (95% CI: 1.77,4.07)) as predictors of MODS. The incidence of MODS was high. Renal disease, THM use, mPIM 2 scores, and critical illness diagnoses were independent predictors of MODS. A more than twofold increase in the risk of MODS was seen in patients who used TMH. Healthcare providers should be aware of risks associated with THM, and educate caregivers about the potential harms of these products. Future studies with larger sample sizes and more comprehensive outcome measures are needed.

Traditional Herbal Medicine and its Prospects among Goat Breeders of Benin

Introduction: The use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases in livestock farming is a common practice in Benin. Various ethnoveterinary studies have documented plants that livestock farmers use to treat animal diseases. However, these studies have been limited mainly to inventorying these plants, without exploring farmers’ perceptions on the use of these plants to promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants. The current study aimed to fill this gap by gathering farmers’ views on the use of traditional herbal medicines. Materials and methods: A structured survey was conducted from February to April 2023 in the southern, central, and northern regions of Benin. This survey targeted 480 goat farmers who actively engage in veterinary phytotherapy practices. Data were collected through random individual interviews with farmers. The interviews focused on the socio-cultural characteristics of the farmers, their motivations for using medicinal plants, the different forms of preparation, the plant efficacy, the difficulties encountered when using them, and prospects for improvement using open-ended, multiple-choice, and yes/no questions. Results: There were three distinct groups of goat farmers based on their opinions on the use of traditional herbal medicines and their socio-demographic characteristics. Group 1 consisted mainly of married and illiterate men. Group 2 was predominantly composed of married and educated men. Group 3 consisted mainly of married men, with a slightly higher illiteracy rate compared to Group 2. Group 1 used plants due to their easy accessibility and knowledge acquired since childhood, while groups 2 and 3 used them due to the high cost of conventional medicines and the perceived effectiveness of herbal medicine. Group 1 mainly used decoctions and powders, group 2 utilized powders, macerations, and trituration, and group 3 used raw preparations, decoctions, and macerations. All three groups agreed on the widely recognized efficacy of medicinal plants. Nevertheless, they encountered difficulties concerning conserving traditional herbal remedies and the imprecision of dosage. All three groups expressed a willingness to explore new forms of traditional herbal medicines, such as suspensions and tablets, prioritizing efficacy, availability, and affordability. Conclusion: The results indicated that all three groups of goat breeders expressed a willingness to use herbal medicines. However, they prefer suspensions and tablets of herbal medicines rather than other forms. In addition, prioritizing efficacy, availability, and affordability are notable for using herbal medicine in current study farmers. These results offer prospects for improving traditional herbal medicines.

A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) in the Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs frequently among women of reproductive age and is a polygenic, multifactorial, endocrine, and metabolic disorder. PCOS is becoming more common as a result of risk factors such as current lifestyle, overnutrition, and stress. The use of traditional herbal medicine is higher among the global population. Hence, this review article focuses on the potential of Nigella sativa to manage women with PCOS. A literature search was carried out using databases including Medline, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Embase, and Science Direct, as well as reference lists, to identify relevant publications that support the use of N. sativa in the management of women with PCOS. Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the major bioactive constituent of black seed (N. sativa), thymoquinone, has potential for managing women with PCOS. Moreover, N. sativa may help to manage oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in women with PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. N. sativa has potential for use as a herbal medicine for managing women with PCOS as an integrative medicine along with traditional and modern medicine in conjunction with calorie restriction and regular exercise.

In Vitro Effect of Herbal Medicines with Thermal Characteristics on Heat Sensitivity in Cancer Cells

Background: Cancer remains a major public health threat even though there have been breakthroughs in conventional diagnostics and therapies. Alternatively, treatment with mild hyperthermia and herbal medicine treatment [selected using traditional Korean medicine theory 4 qi (cold, cool, warm and hot) and using the 5 senses of taste (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty)], may be an option to promote cancer cell death in patients where the cancer is accessible.Methods: To investigate effect of combination treatment of herbal medicines and hyperthermia in vitro on cancer cell lines (ACHN, AGS, A549 and U937), the qualities of 38 medicinal herbs and sensitivity to mild hyperthermia (42 and 43°C) treatment were examined. An assay was performed to detect cell viability and proliferation (MTT) following exposure to medicinal herbs and hyperthermia.Results: Heat sensitizing herbal medicines were determined to be larger in the warm and hot groups of medicinal herbs (29.6%) than the groups which were neither warm nor hot (18.2%). In addition, the proportion of heat sensitizing effect with bitter and pungent flavors was 33.3 % and 32.1 %, respectively, greater than the average (26.3 %).Conclusion: In conditions of mild hyperthermia in cancer cell lines, incubation with herbal medicines caused cancer cell death in vitro. These results suggest that the use of traditional herbal medicines with warm, hot, pungent and bitter characteristics may be a useful treatment for cancer using conditions to induce mild hyperthermia and this requires further investigation.

History of use of traditional herbal medicines

History of use of traditional herbal medicines

The effects of Dendrobium species on the metabolic syndrome: A review.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known as a global health challenge with different types of health conditions such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, the increasing prevalence of obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Despite much recent scientific progress, the use of traditional herbal medicines with fewer side effects is increasing worldwide. Dendrobium, the second-largest orchid genus, has been used as a natural source of drugs for the treatment of MetS. The beneficial effects of Dendrobium, including anti-hypertension, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-obesity, and anti-hyperlipidemic against MetS have been shown in the scientific evidence. The anti-oxidant and lipid-lowering effects of Dendrobium modulate hyperlipidemia via reducing lipid accumulation and maintaining lipid metabolism. Restoring pancreatic beta cells and regulating the insulin signaling pathway are involved in its antidiabetic properties. The hypotensive effects contribute to increasing nitric oxide (NO) generation and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. More research projects, especially clinical trials, are needed to investigate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of Dendrobium in patients. This review article provides, for the first time, comprehensive information about the efficacy of different species of Dendrobium. The described species can be a source of medicines for the treatment of MetS, which are reported in various evidence.

Dangers associated with the use of traditional herbal medicine in treating COVID-19

Dangers associated with the use of traditional herbal medicine in treating COVID-19

Predictors of herbal medicine use among cancer patients.

Moroccan studies have shown a high frequency of use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM). No survey has investigated the predictive factors of the use of traditional herbal medicine. This study aims to assess the prevalence, the determinants, and the predictors of this use. At the regional oncology center of Beni Mellal, we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with 530 adult cancer patients chosen by quota sampling. A 54-item questionnaire was used to perform the face-to-face survey. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) healthcare model was used to create this instrument. The prevalence of traditional herbal medicine use was 36.6%. Several variables of the conceptual model were associated with the use of herbal medicine (gender, attitude, and belief towards T&CM, financial resources, and clinical characteristics of patients) (p < 0.05). Predictors of traditional herbal medicine use were female gender (OR = 4.687; p < 0.000), social impact of cancer (OR = 2.314; p < 0.05), emotional impact of cancer (OR = 2.314; p < 0. 05), expected benefits of T&CM use (OR = 3.453; p < 0.000), perceived scientific barriers (OR = 0.580; p < 0.000), perceived socioeconomic barriers (OR = 0.657; p < 0.005), and social norms of relatives (OR = 3.238; p < 0.000). The use of herbal medicine is quite frequent. The profile of users is represented by women who experience pain and the psychosocial impact of cancer and who have positive beliefs about TCMs, are influenced by their relatives and who did not perceive the barriers of this use.

Safety assessment of marigold flavonoids from marigold inflorescence residue

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMarigold flavonoids, extracted from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) inflorescence residues, have attracted significant attention with respect to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chelating properties. However, the toxicity of marigold flavonoids have not yet been fully investigated. Aim of the studyThe main purpose of this study was to assess the safety of marigold flavonoids extracted from Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) in order to provide information on its nonclinical safety. Thus, the acute oral toxicity, in vitro Ames test, sperm aberration study, bone marrow micronucleus test, subchronic oral toxicity test, and teratogenic potential were carried out in rats or mice. Materials and methodsFor an acute oral toxicity test, SD rats and ICR mice (male and female, n = 5) orally received a single dose of 5000 mg/kg marigold flavonoids. Evaluation of marigold flavonoids genotoxic potential with a battery of tests, including an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation test using four mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA97、TA98、TA100、TA102), an sperm aberration test and an in vivo micronucleus test using bone marrow cells ICR mice that were orally administered marigold flavonoids, an subchronic oral toxicity study and teratogenic test employing male and female SD rats that were orally administered marigold flavonoids. All animals tests were completed in accordance with GB 15193 for toxicity tests. ResultsIn the acute oral toxicity test, marigold flavonoids given at the dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days didn't produce any abnormal clinical symptoms or mortality in SD rats and ICR mice (both sex, n = 5). There was no evidence of genotoxicity of marigold flavonoids based on the results of the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation test (up to 1250 μg/plate), the sperm aberration test (up to 5000 mg/kg body weight), the in vivo micronucleus test (up to 5000 mg/kg body weight), the subchronic oral toxicity study (up to 10 g/kg feed dose) and the teratogenic test (up to 1250 mg/kg body weight). ConclusionsWe found that marigold flavonoids are safe with regard to acute toxicity in rats or mice as well as genotoxicity such as mutagenesis or clastogenesis under the present experimental conditions. These results might support the safety of marigold flavonoids as a potential therapeutic material for the traditional use of herbal medicines and for the further development of novel antioxidant.

The Global Revival of Interest in the Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines and nutraceuticals are becoming increasingly popular and more and more individuals are turning to these products to tackle a wide range of health-related issues. In the last 10 years alone, the use of herbal medicine has spiked significantly in the world, where herbal and natural drug preparations have made their way into drug stores, food stores, and supermarkets. About 70% of the global population which make up about 4 billion people see herbal medicines as the primary source of health care. Orthodox medicinal practice and the use of herbs is an essential part of the culture of these communities The United Kingdom, North America, Europe, and Australia are also beginning to recognize the benefits of herbal remedies and are working to bring Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into mainstream therapeutics. UK and Europe, interestingly, have a well-reported history when it comes to the use of traditional herbal medicines. The primary school of thought behind the uplift in the use of herbal medicines is that it will promote a healthier lifestyle among the population of rich countries where obesity and sedentary lifestyle are bigger problems. Considered a moderate approach to healing, people in developed countries spend billions on herbal medicines as traditional home remedies and over-the-counter drugs. Henceforth, it is reasonable to conclude that the sales of traditional medicines will rise and this boom will allow herbal products to make a substantial chunk of the international drug market With the advent of herbal medicines and their use becoming increasingly common, questions with regard to their safety are also being raised. Herbal medicines, even today, remain untested and most of their use goes unregulated despite the fact that they bear significant therapeutic potential. Henceforth, there is little information about the potentially harmful effects of these products and how their use can be rationalized. The safety of these traditional therapies is further questioned due to the absence of quality control, poor labeling, and insufficient patient information. It is vital that healthcare professionals and the general public both be made aware of the traditional medicines in order to ensure maximum health benefits for them as well as enhance the quality of these herbal products. However, challenges remain to tackle matters pertaining to the toxicity of herbal medicines as well as the factors that are associated with increasing/decreasing them. It is time to ensure the safety of these traditional herbal products by drawing the attention of the regulatory bodies to the need of making sure appropriate safety of public health.  

Modulatory Effects of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid on Gut Microbiome Homeostasis Based on Healthy Adults and Antibiotic-Induced Gut Microbial Dysbiosis Mice Model.

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is used worldwide for its safety and effectiveness against various diseases. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) is an extensively used Chinese THM formula targeting gastrointestinal disordered gastroenteritis via regulating the intestinal microbiome/immuno-microenvironment. However, the specific mechanisms remain largely unexplored, besides as a lifestyle drug, its safety on the gut microbiome homeostasis has never been investigated. In this study, the effects of HXZQ on the gut microbiome of healthy adults were investigated for the first time, and the antibiotic-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis mice model was applied for verification. Based on healthy adults, our results revealed that HXZQ exhibited mild and positive impacts on the bacterial diversity and the composition of the gut microbiome in a healthy state. As for an unhealthy state of the gut microbiome (with low bacterial diversity and deficient compositions), HXZQ significantly restored the bacterial diversity and recovered the abundance of Bacteroidetes. In the antibiotic-induced mice model, HXZQ distinctly revived the deficient gut microbial compositions impaired by antibiotics. At the genus level, the abundances that responded most strongly and positively to HXZQ were Bifidobacterium in healthy adults and Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia in mice. In contrast, the abundance of Blautia in healthy adults, Enterococcus, and Klebsiella in mice showed inversely associated with HXZQ administration. At last, HXZQ might exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the concentration of interleukin-6 in plasma while causing no significant changes in the colon tissue structure in mice. In conclusion, our results elucidate that the safety of HXZQ in daily use further reveals the modulatory effects of HXZQ on gut microbial community structure. These results will provide new insights into the interaction of THM and gut microbiome homeostasis and clues about the safe use of THM as a lifestyle drug for its further development.

English

Traditional use of herbal medicines implies substantial historical use, and this is certainly true for many products that are available as &lsquo;traditional herbal medicines. The experimental study was conducted between February and May, 2016 at University of Gondar on antibacterial effect of leaf extract of Pterolobium stellatum. The purpose of the present study was to test the antimicrobial effect of P. stellatum extracted leaves against some standard pathogenic bacteria. The collected plant leave sample was extracted with the solvent ethanol, methanol, chloroform and distilled water. Finally, the antibacterial effect of the extract was tested with some bacteria species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Salmonella species, Shigella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) then the inhibition zone; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The extract of ethanol and methanol solvents showed high anti-bacterial activity on both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. The higher and statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) inhibition was seen in ethanol extract for all bacteria and the highest inhibition was shown against Shigella spp. (21.33&plusmn;1.52) whilst the lower inhibition was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) with chloroform extract. Both the MIC and MBC of the test extract were effective at the lowest concentration. Key words: Antibacterial, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), Pterolobium stellatum, sensitivity test.

The immunomodulatory effects of Qushi Jianpi Hewei Decoction (QJHD) for patients with COVID-19 by metagenomics and transcriptomic sequencing

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSeveral studies have confirmed that intestinal microflora dysbiosis correlates with the severity of COVID-19 patients. Clinical meta-analysis and our data show that the circulating miRNAs like miRNA-146 and the levels of serum cytokines in the peripheral blood are closely related to mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Despite the widespread use of traditional herbal medicine for COVID-19 in China, the mechanisms remain largely uncovered. Aim of the studyWe conducted an observational case-control study to verify the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Qushi Jianpi Hewei Decoction (QJHD) for mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, and investigated the potential biomolecular mechanisms through metagenomics and transcriptomic sequencing methods. Materials and methodsQJHD was given orally twice a day individually for 14 to 28 days. A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study and given QJHD. We observed advantages in clinical cure time rate, and the relief of gastrointestinal symptoms as compared with reports in the literature. The metagenomics sequencing data of fecal microflora and transcriptomic sequencing data of blood cell in patients with SARS-Cov-2 infection patients were selected compared to the healthy control donors. ResultsNo serious adverse events were reported. Meanwhile, the transcriptome analysis showed a decrease of the hsa-miR-21-5p expression in peripheral blood without QJHD. The species composition analysis showed an increase in the expression of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestinal tract; The interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression also in COVID-19 patient decreased in peripheral blood compared with healthy control donors. And we found an improvement in these parameters in patients taking QJHD. ConclusionsOur findings show that QJHD could improve clinical outcomes of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, probably through beneficial immunomodulatory effects by regulating Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestinal tract and hsa-miR-21 and IL-10 expression in peripheral blood. (chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2000030305)

The Prevalence and Pattern of Traditional Herbal Medicine Use during Pregnancy, Labour, and Postpartum: Implications for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in South Africa

The use of traditional herbal medicines (THM) is widespread among pregnant women in many African societies. Cultural beliefs and social norms largely influence the use of THM. However, its use during pregnancy is not freely discussed during antenatal care and the extent of its use remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of THM use during pregnancy, labour, and post-delivery. The study was a quantitative cross-sectional design using a researcher administered questionnaire. Postnatal women enrolled in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) were recruited from healthcare facilities in a rural South African sub-district. Summary and inferential statistics were computed using STATA 14.0 statistical package. The sample consisted of 399 women with mean age of 28 years. A high proportion (158/42.5) were receiving antiretroviral treatment. The prevalence of THM use was 23% and 76/87.4% took THM in the second trimester of pregnancy, 50/57.5% used THM throughout pregnancy, and 27/60% ingested THM when labour started. The majority (50/58.1%) used one type of THM and 35/41.5% used up to four types. The prevalence of THM use on babies was 44%, 82/54.2% were introduced to THM before three months, and 22/14.2% within their first week of life. A third 52/32.3% of babies received more than one concoction of herbal medicines. The women took THM to protect mother and baby from evil spirits as well as to increase labour pains and shorten the duration of labour. The use of THM on the baby was despite the women being enrolled in the PMTCT program which advocates exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first six months. Mixed feeding practices including the use of THM on the baby before the end of the period of EBF have a negative impact on the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV.

Predictors of Traditional Herbal Medicine Use Among Cancer Patients in Morocco

Predictors of Traditional Herbal Medicine Use Among Cancer Patients in Morocco

Health system factors influencing traditional herbal medicine use during pregnancy amongst women in Mpigi District, Central Uganda.

An estimated 80% of the population in developing countries is dependent on traditional medicine for their health needs, including use during pregnancy despite limited knowledge of potential side effects including teratogenicity. Controlling use of traditional medicines during pregnancy requires understanding the driving factors. This study aimed at determining the health system factors that influence traditional herbal medicine use during pregnancy in a Ugandan setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 post-partum women obtained by random sampling from post-natal clinics of health facilities in Mpigi District after informed consent. We carried out concurrent triangulation by conducting two focused group discussions of 10 post-natal mothers each, and four Key informant interviews. Quantitative Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis and presented as narratives. Prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy was 79% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 68.1% - 86.9%), mainly consumed through oral route (96%). Costly health care adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 1.61 (95% CI 1.02-2.53), p-value 0.042, and presence and influence of Traditional Birth Attendants aPR 1.21(95% CI 1.05-1.41), p-value 0.011 were significantly associated with use of traditional herbal medicines during pregnancy. Use of traditional herbal medicines is driven by the high costs of quality health care and influence from Traditional Birth Attendants. Innovations in health financing should be promoted and Traditional Birth Attendants should be sensitized and incorporated in the mainstream health care system as community referral agents.

Cost of Traditional Herbal Medicines for Noncommunicable Diseases in Rural and Urban Communities in South Africa

ObjectivesThis study assessed traditional herbal medicine (THM) and conventional medicine (CM) utilization among participants with noncommunicable disease in South Africa. MethodsA cross-sectional study of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological study collected data through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires in 2014. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the effect of sociodemographic and economic factors on THM and CM use. All statistical analyses were conducted using the statistical computing and graphics language “R.” ResultsOf the total 417 randomly selected participants in this study, 85% were females, 95% with no health insurance, and 81% with monthly incomes of <2000 rand (R) ($137 equivalent) per month. Moreover, 73% spend <R100 per month (6.85 US dollar conversion) on THM compared with 46% of families spending <R100 on CM last year; 7% spent >5% of their income on THM, and 10% say they are willing to pay >R500 per year on THM to feel better. Age was significantly associated with different spending patterns after controlling for other demographic factors, given that older adults were 82% (odds ratio 0.18; 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.93) less likely to pay >R100 for THM whereas younger adults were 59% (odds ratio 0.41; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.97) less likely to pay for CM. ConclusionsThe cost of using THM and CM largely differed by age. The economic insight into this study reveals individuals more willing to pay for THM to payors, which can ultimately clue payors into areas for medication optimization from potential drug-drug interactions and adverse events and, therefore, reduce healthcare costs.