Use Of Herbal Medicinal Products Research Articles

Rationalising Optimal Dosing of Phytotherapeutics For Use In Children: Current Status - Potential Solutions - Actions Needed.

"Children are not small adults with respect to the treatment with medicinal products." This statement of the WHO was the basis for the initiative of the European Commission for the establishment of a paediatric regulation in 2007 to improve the health of children by facilitating the development of medicines for children and adolescents. Seventeen years later, in the field of herbal medicinal products, results are still sobering. Therefore, the Foundation Plants for Health, Society for Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research, and German Society for Phytotherapy organised a symposium to assess the status quo for the paediatric use of herbal medicinal products (HMPs), to analyse the causes of the current situation, and to discuss strategies for establishing the proof of safe and efficacious HMPs for children.The current situation for HMPs and their use in children is not fulfilling the requirements of legislation. HMPs in paediatrics are effective and safe, but considering the needs of children is necessary. In European countries, the use, registration, and marketing of HMPs are different, depending on the respective national regulations and specific traditions. EU herbal monographs are the best common denominator for such procedures. Emerging safety discussions must be considered. New approaches with real-world data might be a solution. The regulatory framework is to be adapted. Defining rationalised dosing for HMPs can be achieved by the extrapolation of data from adults, by using existing clinical data for children, and by using RWD. Therefore, a strong need for revising restrictions for the use of HMPs in children and rationalising defined dosage regimes is obvious.

Effect of Supplementation with Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extract on Inflammatory Status and Selected Markers of Iron Metabolism in Young Football Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements in amateur and professional sports has increased in the last decades. This is because most of these products and supplements contain bioactive compounds with a variety of biological properties that exert a physiological effect on the human body. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin, and selected markers of iron metabolism in a group of young football players. This double-blind study included 22 male football players (mean = 19.96 ± 0.56), divided into two groups: supplemented and placebo. Before and after a 90-day period of training combined with supplementation (6 g of lyophilized black chokeberry extract), participants performed maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run tests at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation period, with blood sampled for analysis at different times before and after exercise. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ferritin, myoglobin, hepcidin, 8-OHdG, albumin, and TAC were analyzed. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of 90-day supplementation with the lyophilized extract on changes in the IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and TAC induced by maximal aerobic effort. In conclusion, supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract improves the performance and antioxidant status of serum in humans and induces protective changes in inflammatory markers.

Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Legundi Leaf Essential Oil Toxicity (Vitex Trifolia L.)

Introduction: Caring for the environment means participating in preserving the environment as well as possible, one concern for the environment is regarding the development of the use of natural materials. This is done to ensure the safety of consumers' use of herbal medicinal products or food products. One of the plants that are often used for traditional medicine is the legundi plant (Vitex trifolia L.). Legundi leaf essential oil is used for humans for environmental health and food products. Methods: Samples of legundi leaves were collected in stages from the Sukawati Gianyar area. Furthermore, essential oil isolation was carried out using the maceration method, then a shrimp larvae toxicity test was carried out, then analysis was carried out by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results and Discussion: Toxicity test analysis show that the essential oil of legundi leaves has an LC50 value of 51,541 ppm, so it can be said that legundi leaf essential oil is toxic. GC results obtained eight chromatogram peaks. Of the eight peaks, there was one peak of the compound with 41.77% of the high area, namely the compound furan-2-carboxaldehyde. Conclusion: Legundi leaf essential oil is toxic, so this finding is important for developing science in environmental health and food product development. Environmental Health is used to increase public knowledge in the field of the utilization of food products.

Standardization, evaluation and quantification of herbal drugs by various analytical methods

This review article encompasses the various evaluation parameters of standardization of different medicinal plants and its constituents. In today’s life, more and more people of the world are turning towards the use of natural or herbal products as these have very less or negligible side effects. As the use of herbal medicinal products is increasing day by day, the questions regarding their quality are also arising. This is due to lack of parameters for the standardization of these products. There is a need to set different parameters or methods that can help to standardize the herbal medicinal plant materials. Various methods like physical, chemical, biological is used for standardization and quality evaluation of herbal medicinal plants. These methods can act as a basic tool for the quality evaluation of herbal plant materials. Different parameters of standardization are the fundamental tool for evaluating and assuring the quality of the herbal plant material and its products. This review article includes the quantitative evaluation of more than 20 herbal drugs. The evaluation parameters such as TLC, HPLC, HPTLC, GC, LC-MS, UPLC, UHPLC, UPLC-MS, UHPLC-MS will help to maintain quality of different herbal medicinal drugs as well as its formulations. The set parameters can ultimately lead to the quality and efficacy of the herbal medicinal formulations. Analytical methods and standardization can ensure the quality and consistency of active ingredients in herbal medicinal formulations.

Microbiological Analysis, Quality and Safety Evaluation of Commercially Sold Medicinal Herbal Cocktails from Local Herb Seller within Akoko South West, Ondo State, Nigeria

The use of herbal plants has been growing rapidly worldwide; it has been widely and extensively used locally as medicinal products in the treatment of different diseases. The extensive use of herbal medicinal products in the treatment and management of disease made it imperative to investigate the microbial analysis of locally prepared herbal cocktails sold in Akoko South West. Nigeria  Different samples of local herbs were randomly collected from different locations into sterile polythene and transported to the microbiology laboratory for further microbial analysis. The samples were analyzed using pour plate techniques. The bacteria isolates were characterized and identified based on their colonial, morphological characteristics, and biochemical tests according to Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the isolates was carried out using the disc agar diffusion method. The killing rate and growth dynamics of the bacterial isolates were determined using a Ultra-violet spectrophotometer. Twelve species of the isolates were recovered. Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium sporogenes showed a high susceptibility rate to Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, Gentamicin, ampiclox, rifampicin, and Amoxillin while they were both resistant to Streptomycin, Norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, and Erythromycin. The Gram-positive isolates were 100% resistant to Norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, Erythromycin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. UV-VIS spectrophotometer was used to measure the material of absorbance and quantitative analysis at the visible or ultraviolet light (200 ~ 760nm). Ultra-violet (UV) spectrophotometer was used to determine the growth dynamics and killing kinetics of isolated organisms, and to predict the wavelength of killing ratio of organisms isolated from the herbal cocktail. The addition of antibiotics to the isolated organisms at the 84th-hour speed up the death rate of the isolates from commercially sold herbal cocktail between 450-480nm wavelengths. Water used for production of herbal cocktail needed prolong hours of exposure to Ultraviolet rays/ light is necessary, to reduce microbial load drastically, with a great effect on the quality and safety of commercially sold herbal cocktail. There is a need for constant monitoring and quality control of herbal medicinal products being manufactured, sold, and used in Nigeria so as to reduce and or eradicate the effect of the organisms on human health.

Review: Use of Herbal Medicinal Products in Skin Treatments

Traditional medicine covers the rescue of the methodologies and techniques of cure, therapy, and prevention of diseases using medicinal plants. The objective of this paper is to conduct a literature review on the use of herbal medicines in skin treatment. The methodology used was a literature review conducted between 2015 and 2022 in national journals. The databases used were Google Scholar, SciELO, VHL, PubMed, and LILACS, using the following descriptors: "use of herbal medicines in skin treatments", "herbal medicines in skin treatments" and, "phytotherapy". The most commonly used medicinal plants were babosas (Aloe vera L.), arnica (Arnica acaulis L.), and barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), confrei (Symphytum officinale L.), calendula (Calendula arvensis L.) and melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia L.). The most commonly used parts were leaves and bark, and infusion (tea) was the most commonly used preparation method. Most of the medicinal plants cited have their healing power evidenced by the scientific literature, thus favoring the quality of life of the individual who uses them. Thus, this article, obtained expressive results for human health, moreover, they establish an important step of bioprospecting, assisting in the choice of target plants for pharmacological verifications. 

HERG Channel-Related Cardiotoxicity Assessment of 13 Herbal Medicines

Objectives: As the use of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) increases worldwide, systematic verification of the safety of HMPs is required. The induction of cardiotoxicity is one of the major factors in post-approval withdrawal of medicinal products, and drug-induced cardiotoxicity assessment is emerging as an important step in drug development. In the present study, we evaluated human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel-related cardiotoxicity to predict the risk of cardiac arrhythmia in thirteen herbal medicines known to have cardiac toxicity. Methods: We measured the inhibition rate of hERG potassium channel activity of 13 medicinal herbal extracts in hERG-expressing HEK 293 cells using an automated patch-clamping system. Quinidine was used as a positive control for inhibition of hERG activity. Results: Extracts of Evodiae Fructus, Strychni Semen, and Corydalis Tuber potently inhibited the activity of hERG, and IC<sub>50</sub> values were 3.158, 19.87, and 41.26 <i>μ</i>g/mL, respectively. Cnidi Fructus, Ephedra Herba, Lithospermi Radix, Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Visci Ramulus et Folium, Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma, and Scolopendra weakly inhibited hERG activity, and the IC<sub>50</sub> value for each herbal medicine was more than 400 <i>μ</i>g/mL. Aconiti Kusnezoffii Tuber and two types of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (Po and Yeom) had weak inhibitory activity against hERG, and the IC<sub>50</sub> values were more than 700 <i>μ</i>g/mL. The IC<sub>50</sub> value of quinidine against hERG was 1.021 <i>μ</i>M. Conclusion: Evodiae Fructus, Strychni Semen, and Corydalis Tuber acted as potent inhibitors against hERG. These herbal medicines may cause cardiac arrhythmia through QT prolongation, so care should be taken when taking them.

Use of Herbal Medicinal Products among Children

The use of herbal medicinal products for the treatment and prevention of diseases has a long tradition over the world. The herbal medicinal products are defined as exclusively herbal active substances-contained medicinal products which used for prevention or treatment of disease. Because of its process, it chemically different defined substances in several aspects; mostly because they consist of complex multi-component mixtures which from the extraction of plant parts such as roots and leaves. Many substances could be used for relieving clinical symptoms among children. The perception that “natural” products are harmless is still dominant in many consumers. Therefore, adverse effects of herb medicines are rarely reported by patients who have taken them.4 This review will discuss about use of herbal medicinal products and what is the impact for using this in children.

Identification of herbal products used by families in the campus of Darussalam Gontor University

Background: The development and the use of herbal medicinal products is increasing in Indonesia.     Aim: To identify the safety of herbal medicine product used by families of Darussalam Gontor University (UNIDA) Gontor.   Method: This research was conducted to identify herbal products that are used based on features, functions, and benefits. The method used was Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) with a qualitative approach.    Results: The results showed there were 100 products used by 72 respondents. The level of product safety used based on raw materials was 96% and the efficacy claimed was 76%. The most type of product used was jamu (Indonesian indigenous traditional medicine) (94.7%). The range of understanding level of of respondents based on features and benefits was between good and very good.  Conclusion: The use of herbal products by respondents can be viewed from the aspect of product safety levels based on raw materials (96%) and efficacy claims (76%). This was still classified as safe.

Limits for the Content of Heavy Metals and Arsenic as a Means of Ensuring Safe Use of Herbal Medicinal Products

Herbal medicinal products (HMPs) are widely used in medical practice due to their availability, ease of use, and relatively safe pharmacological profile. However, medicinal plants are capable of accumulating heavy metals and arsenic which can have toxic effect on the human body when found in HMPs. The aim of the study was to summarise and analyse requirements of the Russian and foreign pharmacopoeias for the limits of heavy metals and arsenic in HMPs. National and regional pharmacopoeias have limits for the content of the major toxic elements (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and arsenic) in HMPs. The study showed that the Indian and Japanese pharmacopoeias include only semi-quantitative methods for determination of heavy metals and arsenic, while the Russian and Chinese pharmacopoeias allow for the use of both quantitative and semi-quantitative methods. It was demonstrated that the limits for heavy metals and arsenic are the same for herbal substances and HMPs. The development of consistent approaches to determination of heavy metals and arsenic content, a systematic transition to quantitative methods of analysis, and establishment of individual limits for toxic elements in different HMP dosage forms, will make it possible to achieve the so-called consistent harmonisation, ensure reliable assessment of the content of heavy metals and arsenic, and minimize the risk of their entering human body with HMPs.

Acute oral toxicity study of “Polyherbal formulation (Rosmarinus officinals, Ashwaghandha and Amla) in Wistar rats”

Today in this present globe many part of the continents the use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide trusting on them for some part of primary healthcare. The study was focused to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of polyherbal formulations (PHFs) and the developed polyherbal formulation includes three herbs viz. the roots of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), leaves of R. officinalis (Rosemary) and fruit of Emblica officinalis (Amla) detect the effect of this polyherbal formulation on higher mammals. The raw materials were standardized according to the WHO guidelines and the three holistic extracts were mixed in 1:1:1 ratio for further study by bio-guided method and also in combination to control and curing or managing of different diseases. However, to confirm the drug’s safety and efficacy in the appropriate dosages we used healthy nulliparous and non-pregnant female Wister Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) with average body weight of 160 g - 180 g and age between 8–12 weeks were used throught the experiments in the present study administered a single dose of 2000mg/kg of body weight by oral gavage in female Wistar rats the observation period of 14 days. The rats were maintained under standard laboratory conditions (room temperature of 22.1 to 24.6°C with optimal air cycle changes 12-15 per hour and relative humidity of 48-61 % with 12 hours light & dark cycle). The animals were fed with laboratory animal feed and UV sterilized drinking water was provided ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. Hence the present study is designed to test the acute (limit dose) toxicity of two herbal extracts of rosemary leaf and ashwagandha and amla root in Wister rats following the OECD guidelines 423, which would help in suggesting the minimum safety level of herbal extracts.

Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Oral Capsules and Suspension from the Ethanolic Extract of Cola nitida Seeds for the Treatment of Diarrhea.

Management of diarrhea has evolved over the years from relatively inadequate interventions in the early years to more successful physiological approaches. The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has grown significantly over the past three decades, with more than half of the global population depending on it for some aspect of their primary health care needs. This study is aimed at formulating solid and liquid oral dosage forms of the ethanolic extract of Cola nitida seeds for the treatment of diarrhea. The flow property of the dried ethanolic extract was determined and subsequently formulated into granules for encapsulation. The ethanolic extract was also used in formulating an oral suspension. Pharmacopeia tests such as uniformity of weight, disintegration, drug content, and dissolution were carried out on the formulated capsules. The formulated suspension was also assessed using the following parameters; viscosity, flow rate, drug content, dissolution, sedimentation rate, and sedimentation volume. The dried ethanolic extract and formulated granules exhibited good flow properties. The formulated capsules exhibited optimal in vitro release of extract (>90% after 45 minutes) and passed the uniformity of weight, disintegration, and drug content tests. The formulated suspension also passed the drug content test and had a good sedimentation rate, sedimentation volume, and flow rate. The formulated suspension also exhibited pseudoplastic flow, optimal viscosity, and a good in vitro release profile (>90% after 45 minutes). Capsules and suspension of the ethanolic extract of Cola nitida seeds have been successfully formulated and can be used as standard dosage forms for the management of diarrhea.

Monitoring of residual solvent contamination in herbal medicinal products in Ghana: A pilot study

The use of herbal medicinal products for complementary and alternative medicine is well established in Ghana. The potential public health risks associated with the use of these products due to the presence of residual solvents have not yet been investigated and/or reported. In this pilot study, 7 liquid dosage forms of herbal medicinal products obtained from pharmacies and licensed chemical seller shops within the Accra metropolis in Ghana were investigated for the presence of 28 residual solvents using a combination of two orthogonal headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detector methods from a compendial approach in the general chapter <467> Residual Solvents in the United States Pharmacopeia without modification. One herbal medicinal product was contaminated with 498.33 ppm of chloroform, resulting in daily exposure of 41.82 mg/day, which is above the permissible daily exposure level of 0.6 mg/day. The detection of chloroform in herbal medicinal products suggests further investigation into the profile of residual solvent contaminants in herbal medicinal products as a matter of public health concern and the potential need for more stringent regulation of herbal medicinal products marketed in Ghana.

Acute oral toxicity study of “Polyherbal formulation (Rosmarinus officinals, Ashwaghandha and Amla) in Wistar rats”

Today in this present globe many part of the continents the use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide trusting on them for some part of primary healthcare. The study was focused to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of polyherbal formulations (PHFs) and the developed polyherbal formulation includes three herbs viz. the roots of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), leaves of R. officinalis (Rosemary) and fruit of Emblica officinalis (Amla) detect the effect of this polyherbal formulation on higher mammals. The raw materials were standardized according to the WHO guidelines and the three holistic extracts were mixed in 1:1:1 ratio for further study by bio-guided method and also in combination to control and curing or managing of different diseases. However, to confirm the drug’s safety and efficacy in the appropriate dosages we used healthy nulliparous and non-pregnant female Wister Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) with average body weight of 160 g - 180 g and age between 8–12 weeks were used throught the experiments in the present study administered a single dose of 2000mg/kg of body weight by oral gavage in female Wistar rats the observation period of 14 days. The rats were maintained under standard laboratory conditions (room temperature of 22.1 to 24.6°C with optimal air cycle changes 12-15 per hour and relative humidity of 48-61 % with 12 hours light & dark cycle). The animals were fed with laboratory animal feed and UV sterilized drinking water was provided ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. Hence the present study is designed to test the acute (limit dose) toxicity of two herbal extracts of rosemary leaf and ashwagandha and amla root in Wister rats following the OECD guidelines 423, which would help in suggesting the minimum safety level of herbal extracts.

HOUSEHOLD PREFERENCE FOR TRADITIONAL/HERBAL AND MODERN MEDICINE IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased enormously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people globally depending on them for some part of primary healthcare. However, this might be the case in many Cities. This study seeks to determine. Household preference for traditional/herbal and modern medicine in Abuja, Nigeria. Cross-sectional data from the primary source was used for this study. Two hundred and twenty (220) individuals responded to the survey hence that constitutes the sample size used for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data set. From the result, the mean age was 33.7 years. About 90.9% of the respondents in the study area had tertiary education. Most (60%) of the respondents were female in the study. Most (50%) of the respondents were civil servants and 58.63% of the respondents have a household size below 5 persons. 60% of the respondents prefer modern/contemporary drugs, 25.91% prefer traditional/local drugs, and 14.09% prefer to seek out spiritual prayers when they are sick. Dosage of traditional medicine cannot be regulated was the most ranked perception of the respondents. Most (55%) of the respondent posit that they were dizzy after taking traditional medicine. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that the usage of traditional medicine was still poor, as most of the households in the study posit that they preferred modern drugs. Majority of the respondent also opined that the dosage of traditional drugs could not be properly regulated. Traditional drugs had negative side effects including heavy dizziness, purging among others. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore recommended that training and re-training be done for the producers of traditional medicine on how to better prescribe the necessary dosage per time. It is also recommended that an advocacy campaign be carried out to encourage patronage of locally produced herbs given that some of the imported or foreign drugs are made from herbs as well.

Research Progress of Therapeutic Enzymes and Their Derivatives: Based on Herbal Medicinal Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) acts as one of the most common, agnogenic and chronic inflammatory-autoimmune disorder which is characterized by persistent synovitis, cartilage destruction, and joint deformities, leads to a wide range of disabilities, and increased mortality, thus imposing enormous burdens. Several drugs with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties such as celecoxib, diclofenac and methotrexate are being selected as conventional drugs in the allopathic system of medicine for the treatment of RA in clinic. However, there are some serious side effects more or less when using these drugs because of their short poor bioavailability and biological half-life for a long time. These shortcomings greatly promote the exploration and application of new low- or no-toxicity drugs for treating the RA. Meanwhile, a growing number of studies demonstrate that several herbs present certain anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities through different enzymes and their derivatives, which indicate that they are promising therapeutic strategies when targeting these mediators based on herbal medicinal products in RA research. This review article summarizes the roles of the main enzymes and their derivatives during the pathogenesis of RA, and clearly clarifies the explicit and potential targeted actions of herbal medicinal products that have anti-RA activity. Our review provides timely and critical reference for the scientific rationale use of herbal medicinal products, with the increasing basic research and clinical application of herbal medicinal products by patients with RA.

Prevalence, patterns and beliefs about the use of herbal medicinal products in Ghana: a multi-centre community-based cross-sectional study.

Worldwide, herbal medicinal products (HMPs) play key roles in healthcare systems, especially in developing countries, yet there is inconsistent evidence about their prevalence and patterns of use in Ghana. This study therefore sought to determine the prevalence, patterns and beliefs about the use of HMPs in Ghana. A descriptive community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a researcher-administered questionnaire on 1364 adults, selected from five communities for each of the ecological zones in Ghana using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The study was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020. The prevalence of ever use of HMPs was 76.5% with 73.0% of respondents using these products within the past year. Almost 60% of respondents reported using HMPs that were registered by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority. About 56.7% used these products to cure diseases. All the sociodemographic characteristics (age, religion, marital status, educational level and employment status) except for sex were significantly associated with the use of HMPs (P < 0.001). For beliefs about HMPs, the proportion of respondents classified to be accepting, ambivalent, indifferent and sceptical was 14.3%, 25.2%, 47.5% and 13.07%, respectively. About 62.2% of study participants had plans to use HMPs in the future, and 69.1% were willing to encourage others to use such products. However, 51.6% of the participants did not perceive HMPs as more effective and safe compared with orthodox products. The prevalence of use of HMPs in Ghana is high, thus suggesting an appropriate public health policy to improve the regulation of these products and also provide basis for the integration of HMPs into the healthcare system in Ghana.

Exploring Herbal Medicine Use during Palliative Cancer Care: The Integrative Physician as a Facilitator of Pharmacist-Patient-Oncologist Communication.

Oncology patients frequently use herbal and other forms of complementary medicine, often without the knowledge of oncologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals responsible for their care. Oncology healthcare professionals may lack the knowledge needed to guide their patients on the safe and effective use of herbal medicinal products, a number of which have potentially harmful effects, which include direct toxicity and negative herb–drug interactions. The current review addresses the prevalence and expectations of oncology patients from herbal medicine, as well as evidence for the beneficial or harmful effects of this practice (potential and actual), especially when the herbal products are used in conjunction with anticancer agents. Models of integrative oncology care are described, in which open and effective communication among oncologists, pharmacists, and integrative physicians on the use of herbal medicine by their patients occurs. This collaboration provides patients with a nonjudgmental and multidisciplinary approach to integrative medicine, echoing their own health-belief models of care during conventional cancer treatments. The role of the integrative physician is to facilitate this process, working with oncologists and pharmacists in the fostering of patient-centered palliative care, while ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment. Case scenario: W. is a 56 year old female artist who was recently diagnosed with localized hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Following lumpectomy and sentinel node dissection, she is scheduled to begin adjuvant chemotherapy with a regimen which will include adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel (AC-T protocol). She is worried about developing peripheral neuropathy and its impact on her ability to paint, and she asks about a number of dietary supplements which she heard could prevent this from happening: omega-3, vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-l-carnithine. She is concerned, however, that the supplements may negatively interact with her chemotherapy regimen.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Helichrysum graveolens for Biomedical Applications and Wastewater Treatment

The use of herbal medicine products is well recognized since the advent of mankind having very little side effects. Biological procedures as eco-friendly and cost-effective routes are important in the synthesis of nanoparticles and nanomaterials. In this work, biological attitude was aimed at production of nanoparticles by Helichrysum graveolens. Several procedures used to describe fabricated nanoparticles are transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Ultraviolet-visible technique indicated sharp peak in area 439 nm and TEM pictures show that the shape of the nanoparticles (NPs) is spherical and the mean diameter of synthesized nanoparticle is 11 nm. The biosynthesized NPs exhibited antimicrobial properties against predominant pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli). The green-synthesized NPs show anticancer activity against colon cancer cell line (C26) which depends on time and concentrations. Also, the synthesized AgNPs act as a green catalyst because of accelerate degradation of stable and organic dye (Methylene Orange). Consequences established this protocol as easy, fast, and alternative conventional physico-chemical approaches.

Potential Hepatotoxins Found in Herbal Medicinal Products: A Systematic Review.

The risk of liver injury associated with the use of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) is well known among physicians caring for patients under a HMP therapy, as documented in case reports or case series and evidenced by using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) to verify a causal relationship. In many cases, however, the quality of HMPs has rarely been considered regarding potential culprits such as contaminants and toxins possibly incriminated as causes for the liver injury. This review aims to comprehensively assemble details of tentative hepatotoxic contaminants and toxins found in HMPs. Based on the origin, harmful agents may be divided according two main sources, namely the phyto-hepatotoxin and the nonphyto-hepatotoxin groups. More specifically, phyto-hepatotoxins are phytochemicals or their metabolites naturally produced by plants or internally in response to plant stress conditions. In contrast, nonphyto-hepatotoxic elements may include contaminants or adulterants occurring during collection, processing and production, are the result of accumulation of toxic heavy metals by the plant itself due to soil pollutions, or represent mycotoxins, herbicidal and pesticidal residues. The phyto-hepatotoxins detected in HMPs are classified into eight major groups consisting of volatile compounds, phytotoxic proteins, glycosides, terpenoid lactones, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and phenolic acids. Nonphyto-hepatotoxins including metals, mycotoxins, and pesticidal and herbicidal residues and tentative mechanisms of toxicity are discussed. In conclusion, although a variety of potential toxic substances may enter the human body through HMP use, the ability of these toxins to trigger human liver injury remains largely unclear.