Use Of Traditional Medicine Research Articles

Perception of Traditional Medicine During Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum in the Tacueyo Indigenous Reservation, Cauca, Colombia

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the perception of traditional medicine use during gestation processes in the Tacueyo Indigenous Reservation. The aim is to understand how indigenous women in the reservation perceive and utilize this resource during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum in the period 2021-2022. Theoretical Framework: This study is relevant in a context of high maternal and perinatal morbidity rates, focusing on ancestral practices to improve adherence to prenatal and postpartum care, contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality. Method: The study was guided by qualitative methodology and an ethnographic approach, using semi-structured interviews with 10 women. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the use of medicinal plants, interculturality as a protective factor, and barriers to accessing effective medical care. Research Implications: The implications of this research highlight the need to strengthen collaboration between traditional health practices and local health institutions within the framework of the Indigenous Own and Intercultural Health System (SISPI). Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting its intercultural approach and the integration of ancestral knowledge with modern public health to improve maternal health outcomes in indigenous communities.

Socialization, cultivation, and utilization of empty land for family medicinal plants

The prevalence of illness complaints among the Indonesian population is 228.15 percent, with 65.01 percent opting for self-treatment using synthetic drugs, while 38.30 percent prefer traditional medicine. The use of traditional medicines in communities, including in Katimbang Village, remains significantly lower compared to synthetic alternatives. A comprehensive strategy is needed to enhance public knowledge and understanding of how to obtain and utilize traditional medicine from medicinal plants found around the home. This socialization and cultivation activity was conducted at Integrated Service Post (Posyandu) RW 04, Katimbang Village, involving 21 community members. The event included a socialization session on family medicinal plants, pre- and post-tests, QA discussions, and the planting of 50 medicinal plant seeds, with participation from students and local residents. Statistical tests revealed the success of this intervention in improving participants' understanding of medicinal plants, with an average pre-test score of 8.4762 increasing to 8.6190 in the post-test. More than 50 percent of participants scored ≥80 in the post-test. The success of this outreach and planting activity provides a strong foundation for further increasing public awareness of the use of medicinal plants as complementary treatments for various illnesses.

Community Behavior Based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge Towards Environmental Health and Disease Prevention

This study explores how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) affects community behavior related to environmental health and disease prevention. Traditional Ecological Knowledge, which includes customary practices, cultural beliefs, and local wisdom, plays a crucial role in how communities interact with their environment. Focusing on the relationship between Traditional Ecological Knowledge and public health, this study investigates how indigenous peoples utilize traditional ecological knowledge to maintain and maintain natural beauty, natural habitats, environmental cleanliness, utilize available facilities, infrastructure, natural potential, reduce health risks, and prevent the spread of disease. The study used qualitative methods, including interviews and field observations, to collect data from community members who actively practiced Traditional Ecological Knowledge in their daily lives. The findings suggest that TEK-based behaviors, such as natural resource management, traditional medicine use, and community-led environmental monitoring, significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, improving sanitation, and fostering overall environmental resilience. This study underscores the importance of integrating and synergizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge into modern public health frameworks, demonstrating that recognizing and preserving indigenous knowledge systems (Traditional Knowledge) can enhance community-based approaches to disease prevention and environmental sustainability. The study concludes that encouraging collaboration between traditional and modern health practices is key to developing more effective and efficient strategies for safeguarding the health of the environment and people.

Total Synthesis of the Humulene‐Derived Sesquiterpenoid (‐)‐Integrifolian‐1,5‐dione

AbstractThe oxygenated sesquiterpenoid (‐)‐integrifolian‐1,5‐dione, which originates from a plant that finds widespread use in South American traditional medicine, is distinguished by a rigid bicyclic framework consisting of a cyclopropane that is cis‐annulated to a cyclodecane ring. The first total synthesis of this demanding target is described, which relies on a highly selective cyclopropanation reaction of an α‐stannylated‐α‐diazoester catalyzed by a heteroleptic dirhodium paddlewheel complex, followed by an unprecedented Stille‐type cross coupling of the resulting stannylated cyclopropane with methyl iodide as the electrophilic partner to form the all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter at one of the bridgehead positions. Equally decisive was the bicyclization strategy based on lactonization/ring expansion that ultimately allowed the strained ten‐membered carbocycle to be forged.

Alleviation of colitis by honeysuckle MIR2911 via direct regulation of gut microbiota

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic relapsing diseases associated with inflammatory disorders and microbial dysbiosis of the intestine. The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat colitis has the advantage of fewer side effects, but the molecular mechanism is not clear. Recently, miRNAs have been recognized as novel functional small molecules in plants that have regulatory effects on biological activities. This study mainly investigated the mechanism of action of MIR2911 from Honeysuckle, the main component of TCM preparations for colitis. The results demonstrated that MIR2911 can be absorbed through the diet and secreted within host small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), acting directly on intestinal bacteria, reducing the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, and improving colitis symptoms. This study provides a new theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of TCM therapy and identifies a potential new drug a new drug target for the treatment of colitis.

Exploring aegle marmelos (bael fruit): understanding its health benefits and potential for therapy

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance through precise regulation of sodium, chloride, and water levels. They expel sodium and chloride, prompting water release and reducing fluid volume. Conversely, retaining these elements leads to water retention and increased fluid volume. This intricate mechanism ensures internal stability. Kidneys filter these substances into tubules, with most being reabsorbed into the blood and exiting as urine. Complex processes in various tubule segments complicate sodium and chloride reabsorption. Diuretics are valuable in treating edema, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Bael (A. marmelos), a significant herb in Ayurveda, contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids. It's used for diarrhea, diabetes, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia. An alcoholic extract from the mature fruit of Aegle marmelos exhibits diuretic activity, potentially assisting with common kidney ailments. Bael's therapeutic potential arises from its diverse compounds and established use in traditional medicine.

Development of Indonesian Original Medicines Study of Standardized Herbal Medicine Products "Tolak Angin" as Traditional Medicine

The use of traditional medicine continues to grow rapidly in Indonesia, reflecting the country's abundant natural and cultural wealth. One of the leading herbal medicine products is Tolak Angin, which is produced by PT. Sidomuncul Herbal and Pharmaceutical Industry, Tbk. Tolak Angin is a Standardized Herbal Medicine (OHT) that has been scientifically tested for its safety, quality, and benefits. This article presents an overview of the ingredients, production process, and clinical trials of Tolak Angin, as well as its impact in the context of Indonesian public health. By involving literature studies and secondary data analysis, this article highlights the importance of standardization in the development of effective and safe traditional medicine products. In conclusion, Tolak Angin not only represents local cultural heritage and knowledge, but also plays a vital role in providing affordable and reliable treatment alternatives for the community.

Prevalence and factors associated with the use of traditional medicine in individuals with hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycaemia, and arterial hypertension in Ecuador: results from a population-based study in two health districts.

While traditional medicine (TM) is employed by a significant portion of the global population for managing health issues, clinical guidelines and state recommendations often overlook this practice. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of use of TM to control 3 metabolic risk factors (MRF): hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycaemia; and the sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics associated with the use of TM. Cross-sectional descriptive study that analyses data obtained from a representative population survey in 2 health districts, one urban in the south of Quito and another in a forested rural area with diverse ethnic groups in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. We include 602 individuals with at least one MRF. We calculated the proportion of people reporting the regular use of TM (herbal or traditional remedy) to control their MRF and we assessed potential associations with sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics with a multivariable logistic regression model. In two very different sociocultural contexts in Ecuador we found that use of TM to control MRF was frequent (39.4% in Esmeraldas, 31.1% in Quito), frequently in combination with CM. There is a notable percentage of people, 33.9% in Esmeraldas and 39.0% in Quito, who did not take any treatment for their MRF, and the remainder used CM alone. In both settings, an individual's education lever was significantly associated with TM use. Whereas in Quito individuals with higher education more frequently treated their MRF with TM (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.03-3.90), in the rural, hard-to-reach context of Esmeraldas, it was more frequent among people with no formal schooling (aOR: 3.76; 95%CI 1.59-8.88), as well as those of younger age (aOR by year: 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99) and afro ethnicity (aOR: 2.13; 95%CI 1.02-4.45). Traditional medicine is used by a significant proportion of the population in Ecuador, highlighting the need for a more accessible and intercultural healthcare approach. The health system should ensure access to the necessary information and resources for the management of their metabolic risk factors.

Assessing traditional medicine in the treatment of neurological disorders in Mali: prelude to efficient collaboration

IntroductionNeurological disorders (ND) have a high incidence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this region, systemic challenges of conventional medicine (CM) and cultural beliefs have contributed to a large utilization of traditional medicine (TM). Yet, data on TM and those who use it in the treatment of ND in SSA are scarce. Here, we systematically analyze its role as a therapy modality for ND in Mali, the socio-demographic characteristics of its users, and propose next steps to optimize the dual usages of TM and CM for patients with ND.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire study in two phases. In phase one, patients with ND answered questions on their usage of and attitudes towards TM. In phase two, the TM therapists who provided care to the patients in phase one answered questions regarding their own practices for treating ND. Patients were recruited from the country's two university neurology departments.Results3,534 of the 4,532 patients seen in the Departments of Neurology in 2019 met the inclusion criteria. Among these 3,534 patients, 2,430 (68.8%) had previously consulted TM for their present ND. Patients over 60 years of age most often used TM (83.1%). By education, illiterate patients utilized TM the most (85.5%) while those with more than a secondary education used TM the least (48.6%). An income greater than the minimum guaranteed salary was associated with decreased use of traditional medicine (OR 0.29, CI 0.25–0.35, p < 0.001). Among those using TM, it was overwhelmingly thought to be more effective than CM (84.6%). Linking illness to supernatural causes and believing TM therapists had a better understanding of illnesses were the most common reasons patients used traditional medicine (82.3% and 80.5%, respectively).We then interviewed 171 TM therapists who had provided care to the patients in phase one. These providers most commonly “sometimes” (62.6%) referred patients to CM and 4.1% never had. A majority of TM providers (62.6%) believed collaboration with CM could be improved by having doctor “take into account” our existence.ConclusionOur work shows that TM plays a central role in the provision of care for patients with ND in SSA with certain cohorts using it at higher rates. Future development of treatment of ND in SSA will require optimizing TM with CM and needs buy-in from all stakeholders including conventional medicine clinicians, traditional medicine therapists, researchers, politicians, and most importantly, patients.

Bio-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory compounds from Tilia tuan Szyszyl. flowers via in vitro and in silico study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTilia tuan Szyszyl. is a perennial arboreal plant renowned for its medicinal and economic significance. All the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits have been used medicinally by the folk Bai and Yi people in Yunnan province, China, to treat inflammation, rheumatism and pain for a long time. The detailed chemical constituents and their anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain unexplored. Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to investigate the main anti-inflammatory constituents of T. tuan flowers through bio-guided isolation and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects relevant to its traditional medicinal use. Material and methodsBio-guided isolation was conducted on the extract of T. tuan flowers using a combination of column chromatography and preparative HPLC. The structures were established by a combination of extensive spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity in vitro was evaluated by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of COX-2 and NF-κB was assayed via western blotting, and in-silico molecular docking was conducted to explore the potential mechanism. ResultsTwenty-two compounds, including ten flavonoids (1−10), seven phenylpropanoids (11−17), three triterpenoids (19−21), one sterol glucoside 18, and one glyceride 22, were identified from T. tuan flowers for the first time. Among them, 1 is a new compound. It is noted that 1, 5, 7, 8, 10, 17, and 22 exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity against NO production with a range of 5.2–34.5 μM, superior to the positive control L-NMMA. Moreover, the new compound 1 inhibited significantly inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α. ConclusionThe results show that flavonoids including the new one and the phenyl-propanoid are the primary active constituents of T. tuan flowers, responsible for its ethno-pharmacological uses on osteoarthritis and rheumatism. T. tuan flowers could be a promising therapeutic agent to modulate inflammatory diseases.

The Impact of Traditional Chinese Herbal Decoctions Combined with Rehabilitation Therapy on Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in COVID-19 Recovery Patients.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment during the recovery period of COVID-19, providing a scientific basis for developing more effective rehabilitation protocols. The study included 120 COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) recovery patients treated at our hospital from November 2021 to April 2022. After registration, patients were randomly divided into two groups, namely the study group and the control group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the study group underwent integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment, with 60 cases in each group. The clinical observation indicators in this study include the results of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory and circulatory parameters, pulmonary function, changes in respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in both groups of patients. The 6MWT distance increased significantly in both groups, with the study group showing a larger improvement (P < 0.05). SpO2 and PaO2 values improved significantly in both groups, with greater increases in the study group (P < 0.05). Lung function parameters (FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) improved significantly in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Diaphragmatic thickness and mobility were also significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). The SF-36 quality of life scores were significantly better in the study group (P < 0.05). Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment has achieved significant efficacy during the recovery period of COVID-19. The complementary use of traditional Chinese medicine's differential diagnosis and treatment and modern medical approaches from Western medicine provides patients with comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation services, offering new ideas and methods to improve the quality of patient recovery.

The Use of Japanese Traditional (Kampo) Medicines Before and During Pregnancy in Japan: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study.

Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicines are often used for pregnant women in Japan. However, no comprehensive studies have been conducted regarding the self-reported use of these medicines during pregnancy. This study investigated the use of Kampo medicines during pregnancy in Japan using the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study (TMM BirThree Cohort Study). Questionnaires were distributed to pregnant women participating in the TMM BirThree Cohort Study (July 2013 to March 2017) at approximately 12 weeks (early pregnancy) and 26 weeks (middle pregnancy). We analysed Kampo medicines use over three periods: (1) 12 months before pregnancy diagnosis, (2) the period between pregnancy diagnosis and around Week 12 of pregnancy and (3) from around Week 12 of pregnancy. In total, 19 220 women were included in the analysis. The proportions using prescribed Kampo medicines were 4.1% before pregnancy diagnosis, 4.5% from diagnosis to Week 12% and 4.5% after Week 12 of pregnancy. The most frequently prescribed Kampo medicines were tokishakuyakusan (1.0%) before pregnancy diagnosis, shoseiryuto (1.3%) from diagnosis to Week 12 and shoseiryuto (1.5%) Post-week 12. Sixty of the pregnant women used Kampo medicines containing crude drugs, which should be administered cautiously during pregnancy. The proportion of Kampo medicines use before and during pregnancy was 4%-5%. Some pregnant women used Kampo medicines containing crude drugs that should be administered cautiously during pregnancy. Further research is required to determine the safety of Kampo medicines during pregnancy.

The influence of health education using herbal e-catalog media and conventional education community knowledge and interest in the use of toga as a tradisonal medicine for self-medication

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Inappropriate use of medicines in self-medication practice will cause drug-related problems due to limited knowledge about drugs and their use. Family medicinal plants (TOGA) can be an alternative to traditional medicine for safer self-medication practices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: This research aims to analyze the influence of health education using herbal e-catalogue media in increasing public knowledge and interest regarding the use of family medicinal plants (herbs) for rational self-medication practices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: The design of this research is Quasi Experimental with a pretest-posttest control group design. Knowledge measurements were carried out twice, namely before the intervention and three weeks after the intervention. The intervention was carried out 3 times with an interval of one week. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The instrument used in the research was a validated questionnaire. Data analysis to see differences in scores of people's knowledge and interest in using herbs for self-medication in the treatment group and control group was analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. To see the effect of using the Herbal e-catalog media, analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney test.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: The research results showed that there was a significant difference in the pretest and posttest results in the control group and intervention group with a value (p value = 0.000), but there was no difference in knowledge about the use of herbs for self-medication in the two groups (p value = 0.664).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: Health workers need to provide education to the public so that public knowledge about the use of traditional medicine in self-medication practices can provide the expected therapeutic results.&lt;/p&gt;

Diversity and Utilization of Commelinaceae in Central Laos

This investigation examines the diversity and utilization of Commelinaceae in three research areas in central Laos. It identifies a total of 17 species, including Amischotolype divaricata Duist., Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson, Callisia repens (Jacq.) L., Commelina benghalensis L., Commeilina diffusa Burm.f., Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B. Clarke, Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don ex Sweet, Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don, Floscopa scandens Lour., Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden, Murdannia medica (Lour.) D.Y. Hong, Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan, Murdannia spectabilis (Kurz) Faden, Pollia thyrsiflora (Blume) Steud., Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt, Tradescantia spathacea Sw., and Tradescantia zebrina Bosse. There are ten species within this family that are utilized for food, medicine, ornamental purposes, or as animal feed. Floscopa scandens has the highest use value (UV) of 1.24, followed closely by Commelina diffusa with a UV of 1.22. Murdannia spectabilis has the lowest UV of 0.39 and is mostly utilized for ornamental purposes. Several species, including Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, are utilized in traditional medicine to address musculoskeletal ailments, provide food, and alleviate obstetric/gynecological concerns. The informant agreement ratio (IAR) is 1.00 for musculoskeletal symptoms and nourishment and 0.9 for obstetric and gynecological symptoms. The plant species Commelina diffusa, Tradescantia zebrina, and Floscopa scandens demonstrate a fidelity level (%FL) of 100% in traditional medicinal use, with Floscopa scandens showing %FL of 63.64% for back pain treatment and 36.36% for postpartum recovery.

Population structure and demographic history of two highly-trafficked species of pangolin in the Congo Basin.

African pangolins are hunted for their meat and for use in local traditional medicine, as well as for their scales, which are trafficked internationally, especially to growing Asian markets. Pangolin's population genetic structure can be used to trace the geographic origins of trafficked scales, but substantial sampling gaps across pangolins' ranges hinder these efforts. In this study, we documented population structure and dynamics in the two species of African pangolin, the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and the giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) in the underexplored Republic of Congo. Using the mitochondrial control region and two nuclear markers (beta-fibrinogen and titin), we identified high genetic diversity in both species. We document a distinct mitochondrial lineage of the white-bellied pangolin, which was most likely shaped by river barriers together with dynamics of forest refugia related to the climatic shifts during the Pleistocene. We detected population growth in the white-bellied pangolin coinciding with a dry period during the Pleistocene, suggesting some ability for this typically forest-dwelling species to persist under diverse environmental conditions. Using landscape genetics, we found all but one of the pangolins we sampled at bush meat markets originated locally. A single individual appeared to have been imported to Congo from Cameroon. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of pangolin population biology and local trade dynamics. In addition, our data from a previously unstudied part of pangolins' ranges will help us to better understand international wildlife trafficking patterns and to target conservation and protection strategies for these highly vulnerable species.

Safety and efficacy of Lippia multiflora in the management of stage I hypertension: outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionHypertension is a growing public health problem in the developing world. The chronic nature of the disease has been a driver for the use of traditional medicines. Clinical validation of such products for their safety and efficacy is thus of public health importance. We report on the clinical safety and effectiveness of a Lippia multiflora-based herbal antihypertensive (LMT-19). MethodsA randomised controlled study was conducted among 80 volunteers clinically diagnosed, per the WHO criteria, with stage I hypertension. Participants received either an aqueous infusion of LMT-19 plus a standard lifestyle and dietary recommendation based on a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet or the lifestyle and dietary recommendation alone. ResultsThe use of LMT-19 resulted in a significant decline of blood pressure over a 60-day period. Diastolic blood pressure in the LMT-19 group was found to be significantly lower compared to the control (mean diff: 8.25 (±1.50); P ≤ 0.001). Systolic blood pressure was also significantly better compared to the control group (mean diff: 12.70 ± 2.02; P ≤ 0.001). The product was also well tolerated as no adverse drug reactions were also recorded during the study. ConclusionThese outcomes suggest LMT-19 as a potential alternative remedy for management of stage I hypertension. Clinical trial registrationPan-African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR202107733803271.

Panic in the Pandemic: Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy and the Dilemma of Public Health Information Sharing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka.

Vaccine hesitancy, a pressing global challenge in vaccination programs, was significantly amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proliferation of misinformation, including false claims and rumours, and the influence of anti-vaccine movements fuelled hesitancy. This study aims to explore the socio-economic determinants that influenced vaccine hesitancy and the impact of public health information sharing in Sri Lanka during the pandemic. The study employed a comprehensive mixed-method approach for data collection, administrating a household survey (n = 3330) and 206 semi-structured interviews. The survey results indicated that 37.8% (n = 3113) of respondents delayed or rejected vaccines for various reasons, the leading cause being the fear of side effects of the vaccine. Although fear of side effects was the prime reason for rejection (n = 1176, 46.29%), respondents demonstrated an extremely poor understanding of the potential side effects of vaccines, which was 55.39% (n = 3113). Notably, 84.60% (n = 3113) were unaware of the vaccine development process. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that middle-income people (AOR-0.42) and females (0.65) were less likely not to make decisions based on scientific information compared to underprivileged people and males. The survey also revealed that strong belief in the use of traditional medicines and remedies and religious beliefs (n = 1176, 3.95%) were among the main reasons for hesitancy. The findings illustrate that misinformation, lack of health knowledge, and lack of understanding to seek scientific information have fuelled vaccine hesitancy in Sri Lanka.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Use in the Pathophysiological Processes of Migraine

Abstract Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder and has been the second leading cause of disability worldwide for many years. The pathophysiology of migraines is complicated, and most available medications have unpleasant side effects. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanism of migraine to develop potential preventive and therapeutic agents. Studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can alleviate migraine by reducing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and regulating neurotransmitters and vascular function. Starting from the pathophysiological process of migraine, this review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM improves neurovascular function after migraine to provide clues and a reference for the clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of migraine and guide further research and development of new drugs.

Phytochemical Screening Using LC-MS to Study Antioxidant and Toxicity Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Atraphaxis pyrifolia Bunge.

Atraphaxis pyrifolia, a native medicinal plant of Central Asia, has a long history of traditional medicinal use; however, scientific research on its phytochemical and biological properties remains scarce. This paper aims to elucidate its chemical profile and assess its pharmacological potential through a comprehensive investigation of the phytochemical composition of stems and leaves using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), in conjunction with the assessment of its antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) and cytotoxicity test on Artemia salina. Predominantly, glycosylated flavonoids were detected in stems and leaves extracts, notably including 8-Acetoxy-3',4',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-7-methoxy-3-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyloxyflavone, pyrifolin, and dehydroxypyrifolin. While the latter compound is exclusive to A. pyrifolia, the former compounds serve as shared chemical markers with other Atraphaxis species. The methanolic extracts of A. pyrifolia leaves exhibited significant antioxidant capacity without toxicity against Artemia salina. This study contributes to current research through providing valuable insights into the chemical diversity and potential medicinal properties of this plant species.

Family strategies for managing childhood cancer: Using traditional and complementary medicine in Southern Egypt.

The use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is common in children with cancer globally. We aimed to assess the prevalence, types, reasons, perceived effectiveness, and disclosure rate of T&CM use among children with cancer in Southern Egypt. We also investigated whether T&CM use contributed to delays in initial presentation and treatment. A cross-sectional design was utilized. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Eligible children and their caregivers at the South Egypt Cancer Institute were invited to participate. Eighty-six children completed the study (response rate=86%). T&CM use was reported by 52 (60.5%) patients, with six (11.5%) experienced delayed presentation. The reasons for T&CM use were complementary for 37 (71%) and alternative for 15 (29%) of the participants. The types of T&CM used included herbal (63%), nutritional (33%), witchcraft (29%), and religious (19%) therapies. Approximately 48% of users employed multiple T&CM types. Family members recommended T&CM for 60% of the users. Most patients (65%) perceived T&CM as effective, with 71% initiating its use during the early phases of treatment. Almost all participants (98%) reported that healthcare providers did not inquire about T&CM use. T&CM usage was more prevalent among wealthier families (p=.023). There was no significant relationship between T&CM use and patient gender, diagnosis, residence, or paternal educational level. The significant utilization of T&CM among children with cancer highlights the need for healthcare providers to engage in open and early discussions with families regarding T&CM use.