Use Of Traditional Medicine Research Articles

The use of traditional and complementary medicine by cancer patients in SSA: A scoping review

Background: The rate of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use is increasing worldwide, including among cancer patients who are often willing to try alternate therapies. Despite TCM popularity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there are limited data on its use with conventional treatments.Aim: This scoping review aims to describe the prevalence of use, reasons for use, most common types of TCM used, patient satisfaction with TCM and disclosure of TCM use to physicians among cancer patients in SSA.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for articles published from 2013 to 2022 across four databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and EBSCOhost. A scoping review approach was used to map relevant literature. Forty-six articles were assessed based on their titles and abstracts. After full-text screening, 10 articles were included.Results: Average TCM use was calculated to be 66.7%. Reasons for TCM use included: to improve psychological well-being, boost the body’s immunity and provide symptomatic relief. An average of 21.2% of TCM users informed their physician. Nine articles addressed patient satisfaction with TCM. An average of 39.1% of patients reported general TCM satisfaction.Conclusion: The use of TCM is common among cancer patients. It is important for healthcare providers to expand their knowledge in order to counsel patients and avoid potential hazards when combining TCM with conventional treatments.Contribution: These findings highlight commonly used TCM and provide insight on the portion of cancer patients informing their doctors about TCM use. This information will help understand the attitude cancer patients have towards TCM.

Therapeutic and Health Promoting Potential of Terminalia chebula: An Exploratory Literature Review

: The plant Terminalia chebula has been used traditionally in many regions of the world for its therapeutic properties, especially in India. Its therapeutic and health-promoting potential has been recognized for centuries, and modern research continues to unveil its numerous benefits. One of the most significant applications of this plant is its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The plant contains high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which scavenge harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage. This antioxidant action contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, Terminalia chebula exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi, including those responsible for common infections. It has been used to treat respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin ailments. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects make it a valuable natural remedy for combating microbial pathogens. Moreover, Terminalia chebula shows potential in managing diabetes and promoting cardiovascular health. Studies have indicated its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce lipid abnormalities. These properties make it a promising adjunct therapy for individuals with diabetes or at risk of heart disease. In conclusion, Terminalia chebula possesses remarkable therapeutic and health-promoting potential. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits make it a valuable natural remedy for various ailments. While research on Terminalia chebula is ongoing, its long-standing use in traditional medicine and emerging scientific evidence solidify its status as a potent medicinal plant with diverse applications in promoting overall well-being.

Natural Remedies and Health; A Review of Bee Pollen and Bee Bread Impact on Combating Diabetes and Obesity.

Diabetes and obesity are complicated multifactorial conditions that have been highlighted as a significant global burden for both health care and national budgets and their complications are considered a substantial public health concern. This review focuses on the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties of bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB), two bee products with a long history of use in traditional medicine and supplemental nutrition. Recent studies, encompassing cellular models, experimental models, and clinical trials, have shed light on the therapeutic potential of these bee products. BP and BB are rich in phytochemical constituents like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are believed to confer their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. These bee products have shown promising results in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, underscoring their potential as natural therapeutic tools. BP and BB possess properties that aid in decreasing blood glucose levels and body weight. BP and BB have been found to enhance insulin sensitivity, alleviate oxidative stress, regulate appetite, adjust levels of hormones linked to obesity, while bolstering anti-oxidant defense systems. BP and BB nutritional qualities and health benefits make them promising candidates for further research towards diabetes and obesity treatment strategies.

Therapeutic Effects of Cortex Phellodendri, Epimedium brevicornu, and Earthworm on Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Mice

Background: The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is widespread. The purpose of this study is to investigate the preliminary mechanism of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim., Cortex Phellodendri Chinesis (CPC), and Earthworm in the CP/CPPS model. Methods: Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into five groups: control, model, Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, Earthworm, and Cortex Phellodendri chinensis (CPC). To induce experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP), T2 peptide immune emulsion was subcutaneously injected into all groups except the control group on days 0 and 14 to induce experimental autoimmune prostatitis. Except for the control and model groups, all other groups were treated with Epimedium brevicornu Maxim., CPC, and earthworm after the successful induction of EAP. Results: On days 1, 28, and 56, the micturition habits and pain sensitivity of rodents in each group were evaluated. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine prostate inflammation, whereas enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF). The Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. group significantly reduced the number of urine spots and frequency of pain response compared to the model group. Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. group and CPC group significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory lesions more than Earthworm groups. The serum levels of TNF-α were substantially reduced in the Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. and CPC groups compared to the model group. Conclusion: Our findings showed that Epimedium brevicornu Maxim outperformed CPC and Earthworm for EAP treatment, which relieves urinary tract symptoms, enhances pain threshold, and lowers inflammation.

Antimicrobial Effect of Manilkara Zapota Plant : Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Background-The research aims to provide a detailed description of the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition of Manilkara zapota.Sapodilla, another name for Manilkara zapota, is widely available throughout the Indian subcontinent. Due to its widespread use in traditional medicine, it is a highly valued member of the Sapotaceae family. Objective-The objective of the review is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Manilkara Zapota plant and to identify the bioactive compounds that responsible for antimicrobial activity in Manilkara Zapota plant. Methods-The methods used in this area in vivo, in vitro methods. Microbial strain, extraction method also used in this research. Phytochemical analysis of manilkara zapota plant is carried out in this research. Conclusion -Many phytoconstituents, including tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins from the plant, have been reported by various authors to have a variety of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-diabetic properties. Result-This page presents a systematic, in-depth assessment of the research on this plant species, covering taxonomy, pharmacology, and phytochemistry. This review study will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for any upcoming scientific studies pertaining to this plant.

Aspects of the illegal hunting and trade of vultures in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The harvesting and trade of species for use in traditional medicine, or muthi, is predominantly illegal, unregulated, and likely unsustainable, representing a major conservation challenge. In South Africa, vulture populations have declined considerably in recent decades, but evidence shows a consistent use of vultures by traditional health practitioners. However, less is understood about the key factors that underpin the hunting of these birds. We evaluated aspects of the illegal hunting and trade of vultures in northern KwaZulu-Natal Province. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with local hunters and muthi traders. A mixed-method sampling design was used, and data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. The results revealed that vultures were hunted mainly by local men aged 24–40 years. The vultures were obtained using multiple techniques, but poison (38%) and firearms (31%) were the preferred methods. Vultures were hunted upon request and traded through local networks comprising hunters, traditional health practitioners and muthi traders. Carcasses were sold directly to traditional health practitioners, but some were destined for the local market. Prices for the whole carcass ranged from ZAR500 (US$29) to ZAR2 000 (US$116). Perceptions held by respondents concerning the hunting and trade of vultures alluded to the difficulty of obtaining birds. This was attributed to vultures’ conservation status and the risk of being found in the possession of a vulture or any of its by-products. Live vultures were reportedly hard to find as they mostly inhabited protected areas, and their low numbers were also highlighted as an exacerbating factor. The use of vultures in African traditional medicine is a well-established practice; however, presently, this threatens the long-term persistence of vultures in the wild. Intricate socio-economic influences are at play, and addressing these may facilitate positive conservation outcomes for vultures and other target species in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Comparative Metabolomic Analysis and Antinociceptive Effect of Methanolic Extracts from Salvia cinnabarina, Salvia lavanduloides and Salvia longispicata.

Mexico is considered one of the countries with the greatest diversity of the Salvia genus. A significant percentage of its species are known for their use in traditional medicine, highlighting their use as an analgesic. The objective of this work was to determine the chemical composition of the methanolic extracts of S. cinnabarina, S. lavanduloides and S. longispicata through untargeted metabolomics, as well as the in vivo evaluation of the antinociceptive effect and acute oral toxicity. The chemical profiling was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI+/--MS-QTOF) system and tentative identifications were performed using a compendium of information on compounds previously isolated from Mexican species of the genus. Pharmacological evaluation was carried out using the formalin test and OECD guidelines. The analysis of the spectrometric features of the mass/charge ratios of the three salvias shows that a low percentage of similarity is shared between them. Likewise, the putative identification allowed the annotation of 46 compounds, mainly of diterpene and phenolic nature, with only four compounds shared between the three species. Additionally, the extracts of the three salvias produced a significant antinociceptive effect at a dose of 300 mg/kg administered orally and did not present an acute oral toxicity effect at the maximum dose tested, indicating a parameter of LD50 > 2000 mg/kg. The exploration of the chemical profile of the three salvias by untargeted metabolomics shows that, despite being species with antinociceptive potential, they have different chemical profiles and therefore different active metabolites.

Antiplasmodial potential of compounds isolated from Ziziphus mucronata and their binding to Plasmodium falciparum HGXPRT using biophysical and molecular docking studies.

The increasing resistance of Plasmodium parasites to currently available antiplasmodial therapies poses a significant challenge in treating malaria. Since ancient times, plants have served as a primary source of novel pharmacologically active compounds for drug development. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the antiplasmodial properties of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Ziziphus mucronata bark, with an emphasis on their mechanism of action. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark were subjected to silica gel column chromatography, which led to the isolation of three known triterpenoids: betulinic acid, methyl betulinate, and lupeol. The compounds were then evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum NF54 strains using the Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. In silico evaluation of the isolated compounds was conducted through molecular docking and further validated with in vitro experiments against a purified protein target, Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine-guanine-xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (PfHGXPRT). Betulinic acid, methyl betulinate, and lupeol exhibited potent antiplasmodial activities with IC50 values of 20, 10.11, and 7.56µg/mL, respectively. Lupeol exhibited the highest binding energy of - 7.6kcal/mol. Differential scanning fluorimetry revealed that lupeol decreases the Tm of PfHGXPRT, thus decreasing the protein's thermal stability. At high concentrations, lupeol also increased protein absorbance, indicating the detection of hydrophobic amino acids and protein unfolding. This study proves that Z. mucronata could serve as a reservoir of effective agents for treating malaria, while also scientifically validating its use in traditional medicine. However, further experimental studies are required to substantiate its relevant therapeutic effects.

Unleashing the power of golden berry leaves to counteract cyclophosphamide's toll with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neurotransmitter boosting effects

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGolden berries (Physalis peruviana) are esteemed for their healing properties and widespread use in traditional medicine, particularly for their neuroprotective benefits. Aim of the studyThis work aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of golden berry total leaf extract cultivated in Egypt (TLE) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced neurotoxicity and to identify the chemical composition of different organs of P. peruviana from both Egypt and USA. Material and methodsMetabolite profiling of TLE was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). In the animal model experiment, CP (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered once weekly for four weeks to induce neurocognitive dysfunction. Concurrently, TLE (500 mg/kg, orally) was administered twice weekly throughout the four weeks to evaluate its effectiveness in alleviating CP-induced neuronal deficits. Behavioral assessments, Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests, were conducted, followed by, histological evaluations of brain tissue samples. Additionally, biochemical analyses were performed on hippocampal tissue samples, examining the following markers, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activity, nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB p65) (Ser536), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bax (Bcl-2-associated X) levels. ResultsTLE significantly preserved hippocampal neurons and improved cognitive performance in behavioral tests. TLE achieved these beneficial effects by suppressing AChE activity, diminishing the oxidative stress and restoring redox balance via inhibiting p-NFκB/IL-1β,/TNFα/IL-6 cascades. Leaf extract revealed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (2.7 ± 6.41 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (0.37 ± 1.19 mg QE/g) and the strongest antioxidant effects in Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays with IC50 values of 21.13 ± 1.48 and 18.19 ± 1.29 μg/mL, respectively. UHPLC–QTOF-MS/MS analysis resulted in the tentative identification of 20 metabolites including phenolic acids, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid amides, and alkyl resorcinols. ConclusionsFindings verify for the first time the neuroprotective potential of golden berry leaf, currently discarded as agricultural waste, and highlight its multifaceted mechanism of neuroprotection in CP-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting its suitability as a promising therapeutic agent for neurotoxicity management.

Khajur (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Medicinal importance in perspective of Unani medicine and pharmacological studies

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is recognized as one of humanity's earliest cultivated plants, having served as a food source for over 6000 years. It holds a prominent status as the most favoured fruit in the Middle East and North Africa. Date fruit has a long history of consumption and traditional medicinal use. Whether eaten fresh or dried, dates offer a rich source of energy due to their exceptional nutritional content and extended shelf life. They provide an economical means of obtaining essential nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. Furthermore, date fruit exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic and many more. It is also beneficial in disorders of paralysis, sexual debility, fever etc. Date palm fruits offer a natural and safe alternative or complement to synthetic drugs in managing numerous health conditions. Keywords: Dates, Phoenix dactylifera, Arecaceae/Palmae, Khajur, Unani Medicine.

Characteristics of the current situation of drug use in elderly patients with chronic diseases in Chongqing: A cross-sectional survey.

Following improved accessibility to medical services, the phenomenon of polypharmacy in elderly patients with comorbidity has been increasing globally. Polypharmacy patients are prone to drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and even the risk of death etc. Therefore, there is an urgent need to fully understand the current status and characteristics of drug use in elderly patients with chronic diseases, focusing on polypharmacy factors to ensure that medications for elderly patients are effective and safe. To collect and analyze the characteristics of the current drug use situation in elderly patients with chronic diseases in Chongqing and further explore the influencing factors for polypharmacy, providing references for formulating more effective and safe medication regimens for elderly patients. Most elderly patients affected with chronic diseases in Chongqing were willing to go to hospitals or pharmacies to buy medicines. However, they were not familiar with their disease conditions and drug-related adverse reactions and could not be regularly followed up or monitored. The number of diseases, medications, and adverse drug reactions increased with the increasing age of elderly patients. The problem of irrational use of drugs in elderly patients with chronic diseases was relatively prominent, especially the use of traditional Chinese medicines. The medication situation in elderly patients with chronic diseases was not optimistic, and the problem of polypharmacy was relatively prominent. Further large-scale studies are needed to provide a certain reference for improving the current status of drug use in elderly patients.

Nutraceuticals as Modulators of Molecular Placental Pathways: Their Potential to Prevent and Support the Treatment of Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious condition characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or organ dysfunction after the 20th week of gestation, making it a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms underlying PE, contributing to the ineffectiveness of current prevention and treatment strategies. Consequently, premature cesarean sections often become the primary intervention to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence indicates that placental insufficiency, driven by molecular disturbances, plays a central role in the development of PE. Additionally, the maternal microbiome may be implicated in the pathomechanism of preeclampsia by secreting metabolites that influence maternal inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby affecting placental health. Given the limitations of pharmaceuticals during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development and concerns about teratogenic effects, nutraceuticals may provide safer alternatives. Nutraceuticals are food products or dietary supplements that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including plant extracts or probiotics. Their historical use in traditional medicine has provided valuable insights into their safety and efficacy, including for pregnant women. This review will examine how the adoption of nutraceuticals can enhance dysregulated placental pathways, potentially offering benefits in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.

Exploring Moroccan Medicinal Plants for Anticancer Therapy Development Through In Silico Studies.

Angiogenesis is a crucial process in the growth and proliferation of cancer, enabling tumor growth through the formation of new vasculature and the supply of nutrients and oxygen to growing malignant cells. This disease-promoting process can be targeted through the inhibition of tyrosine kinase enzymes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of various Moroccan plants from different regions. While these plants have a rich history of traditional medicinal use, they have not been extensively investigated as anticancer therapies. This study employed a multifaceted approach to evaluate the anticancer potential of various Moroccan plants. Receptor-ligand docking and virtual screening were used to assess the binding affinity of phytocompounds to the EGFR and VEGFR2 receptors. Additionally, predictive pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted to evaluate the ADMET properties of the selected compounds, followed by molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the stability of the receptor-ligand complexes. In our research, we identified three notable active compounds-catechin, 4-O-glucoside ferulic acid, and 3-glucoside resveratrol-in the Moroccan plant Ajuga iva L. These findings suggest that Ajuga iva L. may possess significant potential for cancer inhibition. This research highlights the potential of the Moroccan plant Ajuga iva L. as a source of active compounds with significant anticancer properties. Further investigation is essential to validate these findings and explore new therapeutic avenues based on these traditional resources.

Therapeutic Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Underlying Mechanism for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a prevalent disease with high mortality rates worldwide. The course of MI is intricate and variable, necessitating personalized treatment strategies based on different mechanisms. However, variety of postoperative complications and rejections, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiac rupture, and left ventricular thrombus, contribute to a poor prognosis. Despite the inclusion of antiplatelet agents and statins in the conventional treatment regimen, their clinical applicability is constrained by potential adverse effects and limited efficacy. Additionally, the mechanisms leading to MI are complex and diverse. Therefore, the development of novel compounds for MI treatment. The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including MI, is grounded in its profound historical background, comprehensive theoretical system, and accumulated knowledge. An increasing number of contemporary evidence-based medical studies have demonstrated that TCM plays a significant role in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for MI patients. Chinese herbal formulations and active ingredients can intervene in the pathological process of MI through key factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, myocardial fibrosis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. This article critically reviews existing herbal formulations from an evidence-based medicine perspective, evaluating their research status and potential clinical applications. Additionally, it explores recent advancements in the use of herbal medicines and their components for the prevention and treatment of MI, offering detailed insights into their mechanisms of action.

Exploring the experiences of traditional practitioners while managing hypertension in Rwanda

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is a major global health concern, affecting approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide. In Rwanda, hypertension contribute to 2.81 of the disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and 1.87% of hypertensive heart disease mortality. Traditional medicine remains popular in Africa with some herbal remedies which have shown antihypertensive properties. However, no study was done to explore traditional Practitioners’ approach to hypertension in Rwanda.ObjectiveTo explore the experience of traditional Practitioners while managing hypertension in Rwanda.MethodologyThis qualitative study utilized an ethnographic approach to explore the experience of traditional Practitioners (TPs) while managing HTN in Rwanda. Semi- structure interviews were conducted with 20 traditional Practitioners from three districts known for their popular use of traditional medicine in Rwanda. Participants were purposively selected, and interviews were guided by a pretested semi-structured interview guide in local language. Thematic analysis was used to generate the key themes.ResultsThree main themes emerged from analysis: first, traditional medicine is often undervalued by modern medical providers, resulting in limited collaboration and communication between traditional Practitioners and modern medical providers. Despite this, TPs are trusted by the community, often receiving referrals from patients dissatisfied with modern treatment. Second, TPs face challenges in diagnosing HTN due to lack of diagnostic tools, often relying on their observation, patients’ description of symptoms and patient’s response to treatment. TPs expressed desire for collaboration with modern medicine and access to diagnostic tools. Third, lack of legal framework and standardized practices for traditional medicine remains a challenge.ConclusionThe study highlights the need to promote collaboration between traditional and modern medicine in Rwanda. To enhance HTN management, we recommend training of traditional Practitioners, setting standardized practice and legal framework to guide traditional Practitioners in Rwanda as well as improving their access to HTN diagnostic tools.

Therapeutic resources used by traditional communities of the Brazilian Amazon: a scoping review.

The traditional communities of the Brazilian Amazon possess significant knowledge regarding the huge therapeutic arsenal available from natural sources that can be used to care for their health problems. This study aimed to identify, map and synthesize the scientific evidence on the use of traditional medicine as a therapeutic resource when used by traditional communities of the Brazilian Amazon. This is a scoping review, which is a method used to map the main concepts of a research area, the available evidence and its sources. It is developed in five steps: (1) identification of the research question; (2) identification of relevant studies; (3) selection of studies; (4) data analysis; and (5) grouping, synthesis and presentation of data. Medicinal plants, vertebrates and invertebrates, among other medicinal products, are elements that are widely used by traditional populations. Plant stems, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and even the whole plant are prepared in various forms, such as teas, infusions, smoke for rituals, baths, macerations, oils, ointments, concoctions, dressings, incenses and exfoliants, among others. The main structures and forms used from animals are lards, fats, viscera, horns, cocoons, nests, feathers and beaks of birds, eggs and roes. These therapeutic practices are often carried out using endogenous, wild and domesticated natural resources present in the biodiverse environments of traditional populations. They involve magical-religious beliefs to treat all types of illnesses, including cultural syndromes that affect children, young people, adults and the elderly. This scoping review has an important role to disseminate and expand the discussion of traditional medicine practices, inviting readers - whether they are health professionals, community members, managers or decision-makers - to a continuing debate using an intercultural dialogue necessary to improve approaches. From this perspective, it is essential to consider the comprehensive legal and legal framework that guides the public policies of national health systems.

Lifetime prevalence of questionable health behaviors and their psychological roots: A preregistered nationally representative survey.

A growing body of evidence suggests that questionable health behaviors- not following medical recommendations and resorting to non-evidence based treatments-are more frequent than previously thought, and that they seem to have strong psychological roots. We thus aimed to: 1) document the lifetime prevalence of intentional non-adherence to medical recommendations (iNAR) and use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) in Serbia and 2) understand how they relate to 'distal' psychological factors-personality traits and thinking dispositions, and 'proximal' factors-a set of beliefs and cognitive biases under the term 'irrational mindset'. In this preregistered cross-sectional study on a nationally representative sample (N = 1003), we observed high lifetime prevalence of iNAR (91.3%) and TCAM (99.2%). Irrational beliefs, especially magical health beliefs and medical conspiracy theories, were the strongest predictors of TCAM. They also mediated the relation between Disintegration/lower cognitive reflectiveness and TCAM. High Disintegration, and low Conscientiousness predicted iNAR directly, whilst negative experiences with the healthcare system facilitated both types of questionable health practices. The established psychological profile of people prone to questionable health behaviors and the fact they can be tracked to negative experiences with the system can be used to tailor public health communications.

Acorns: From an Ancient Food to a Modern Sustainable Resource

Acorns, the seeds of oak trees, are pivotal in the Mediterranean region, historically serving as vital sustenance for wildlife and humans. Although traditionally used for livestock, in times of scarcity, acorns were also used in human diets together with their use in traditional medicine. In this review, we explore and deepen the multifaceted significance of oak species, consolidating nutritional data while emphasizing sustainable practices for modern dietary integration and potential applications in other areas, promoting long-term ecological balance. In the Mediterranean region, notable species are Quercus ilex, Q. faginea, Q. suber, and Q. coccifera, which differ in flavor, texture, and nutritional content. Rich in carbohydrates, acorns can contain up to 50% starch as well as amino acids, proteins, and lipids. This nutritional composition favors the preparation of flour for use in bread doughs or even diverse types of processing such as roasting, which makes it a substitute for coffee. Furthermore, acorn by-products, containing tannins, find applications in leather processing. This review highlights and summarizes in detail the nutritional potential, culinary adaptability, and diverse applications of acorns, emphasizing the need to preserve and utilize natural resources sustainably. In doing so, it sheds light on the often-overlooked value of these humble seeds.

Moss Species Discovered in Absheron National Park

Detailed information is given on the distribution, ecology, botanical properties and uses of mosses studied in the Absheron National Park, in Azerbaijan and in the world. The types identified as a result of the study are shown and information about their relevance is given. The main objective of the study was to evaluate modern scientific knowledge about the biomorphological properties of 9 species of moss, its use in traditional and folk medicine, its properties, presence and their impact on various diseases. As a result of the study, Grimmia Hedw of the family Grimmiaceae Arnott. 6 species belonging to the genus (Grimmia unicolor Hook, Grimmia pulvinata (Hedw.) Sm., Grimmia reflexidens Müll., Grimmia muehlenbeckii Schimp., Grimmia trichophylla Grev., Grimmia anomala Hampe.), Orthotrichum Hedw. of Orthotrichaceae Arnotta family. belonging to the genus, (Orthotrichum spesiosum Nees in Sturum, Orthotrichum strangulatum P. Beauv), Fontinalaceae Schimp. of the family Fontinalis Hedw. of the genus Fontinalis antipyritica Hedw. types have been discovered. As a result of scientific research, 9 species of moss were discovered. Of them: Grimmia muehlenbeckii Schimp. as a species is new to the bryoflora of Azerbaijan.

The willingness to transition to a more plant-based diet among omnivores: determinants and socioeconomic differences

Plant-based diets benefit individual health and the environment, yet most people eat omnivorous diets. We aim to (1) assess the role of multiple determinants for transitioning to more plant-based diets in a sample of omnivorous respondents, such as recommendations from doctors, scientists and politicians; lower costs; and increased availability, and to (2) identify which subpopulations are most receptive to which determinants. Using data from a survey on the use and acceptance of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Germany (N=4,065; N omnivorous=3,419; 84%), we find that the overall willingness to change to a more plant-based diet is low (mean=2.25 on a scale of 1 to 4). Respondents are most willing based on doctors’ recommendations (mean=2.61), and if prices for plant-based products were lower (mean=2.55), and least willing based on scientists’ and politicians’ recommendations (mean=1.86). Regression analyses reveal that men, the baby boomer cohort, and respondents with lower levels of education have a significantly lower willingness to transition to more plant-based diets. Further, recommendations from doctors, scientists, and politicians appear to be promising interventions for addressing the dietary behavior of men and older cohorts. Interventions by doctors and lower prices for plant-based products have the highest potential to induce dietary change even among the reluctant, reducing health inequalities and promoting environmentally friendly behavior.