Use Of Herbal Treatments Research Articles

Profile for use of herbal medicines in the municipalities of Volta Redonda and Barra Mansa/RJ

Herbal constitute a form of complementary therapy on health needs. Their use has grown in population in several countries, including Brazil, where the federal government encourages the use of herbal treatments in the public health system. Given the current scenario of the search for natural treatments, this study aimed to characterize the use of herbal medicines in the districts of Barra Mansa and Volta Redonda/RJ. The expectation is that the information gathered will assist municipal actions for the implementation of herbal medicine in public health. It was observed that most herbal medicines marketed is sold by prescription. The acquisition focuses on monodrogas anxiolytic action, with the Passiflora incarnata L. present in 14,29 % of the marketed formulations. The inserts of the highest-selling herbal medicines contain legal wording regulated by ANVISA. Among the users interviewed, 70% reported using herbal medicines, mostly female (68%), without having a specific economic pattern, aged 19 and 30 years, with a degree of complete or incomplete higher education. Of these, 31% use herbal or prescription for self medication and believe that herbal medicines are not toxic, can make good health.

Use of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among midwives in Turkey

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate the use of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among midwives in Turkey. Study designInformation was requested from 129 midwives at family health centers in Samsun concerning their suggestions for the use of complementary and alternative medicine for pregnant women. Results58.9% of the midwives in this study had suggested CAM methods to pregnant women. It was found that, among CAM methods, the midwives studied made use of herbal treatment, diets and exercises the most (32.6%, 27.9% and 28.7%, respectively) and acupuncture, relaxation techniques and fast walking the least (1.6%, 6.2%, and 7.0%, respectively). It was found that the CAM method most suggested by the midwives studied was herbal therapy, and this therapy was suggested for nausea-vomiting, anemia, gastralgic complaints, constipation, sore throat, insomnia, hypertension, sinusitis, cough, the common cold, stress, hemorrhoids and asthenia-fatigue. ConclusionComplementary and alternative medicine, especially herbal therapy, is commonly suggested to pregnant women by those midwives studied in Samsun.

Use of herbal treatments in pregnancy

Interest in herbal treatments has increased without data on safety, efficacy, or rates of use in pregnancy. We examined antenatal herbal and natural product use among mothers of nonmalformed infants in 5 geographic centers. We used data on nonmalformed infants from the Slone Epidemiology Center's case-control surveillance program for birth defects to examine rates and predictors of herbal use. Exposures were identified through maternal interview. In addition to overall use, 5 categories based on traditional uses and 2 natural product categories were created; topical products and herbal-containing multivitamins were excluded. Among 4866 mothers of nonmalformed infants, 282 (5.8%) reported use of herbal or natural treatments. Use varied by study center and increased with increasing age. Although rates of use are low, there remains a need for investigation of the safety of these products. Given sparse data on efficacy, even small risks might well outweigh benefits.

Traditional complementary and alternative medicine and antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Adherence to antiretroviral medication in the treatment of HIV is critical, both to maximize efficacy and to minimize the emergence of drug resistance. The aim of this prospective study in three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is to assess the use of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) by HIV patients and its effect on antiretroviral (ARV) adherence 6 months after initiating ARVs. 735 (29.8% male and 70.2% female) patients who consecutively attended three HIV clinics completed assessments prior to ARV initiation and 519 after six months on antiretroviral therapy (ART) Results indicate that the use of herbal therapies for HIV declined significantly from 36.6% prior to antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation to 7.9% after being on ARVs for 6 months. Faith healing methods, including spiritual practices and prayer for HIV declined from 35.8% to 22.1% and physical/body-mind therapy (exercise and massage) declined from 5.0% to 1.9%. In contrast, the use of micronutrients (vitamins, etc.) significantly increased from 42.6% to 87.4%. In multivariate regression analyses, ARV non-adherence (dose, schedule and food) was associated with the use of herbal treatment, not taking micronutrients and the use of over-the-counter drugs. The use of TCAM declined after initiating ARVs. As herbal treatment for HIV was associated with reduced ARV adherence, patients' use of TCAM should be considered in ARV adherence management.

Changes in Oxidative Stress Indices of Saliva by Menstrual Cycle and Endurance Exercise

Adherence to antiretroviral medication in the treatment of HIV is critical, both to maximize efficacy and to minimize the emergence of drug resistance. The aim of this prospective study in three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is to assess the use of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) by HIV patients and its effect on antiretroviral (ARV) adherence 6 months after initiating ARVs. 735 (29.8% male and 70.2% female) patients who consecutively attended three HIV clinics completed assessments prior to ARV initiation and 519 after six months on antiretroviral therapy (ART) Results indicate that the use of herbal therapies for HIV declined significantly from 36.6% prior to antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation to 7.9% after being on ARVs for 6 months. Faith healing methods, including spiritual practices and prayer for HIV declined from 35.8% to 22.1% and physical/body-mind therapy (exercise and massage) declined from 5.0% to 1.9%. In contrast, the use of micronutrients (vitamins, etc.) significantly increased from 42.6% to 87.4%. In multivariate regression analyses, ARV non-adherence (dose, schedule and food) was associated with the use of herbal treatment, not taking micronutrients and the use of over-the-counter drugs. The use of TCAM declined after initiating ARVs. As herbal treatment for HIV was associated with reduced ARV adherence, patients' use of TCAM should be considered in ARV adherence management.

Protein fraction from three genus of Passiflora seeds cause red blood cell lysis in vitro

The use of herbal treatments within veterinary medicine is not new, however, the knowledge in this area is not so wide, when compared with human herbal medicine. We know that plants may contain many different chemical constituents and some of them have strong pharmacological activity. Secondary metabolites clearly provide most of the therapeutic activity of medicinal plants, although it showed that some small peptides rich in cysteine (defensins) could be responsible for antimicrobial activity. In this work, we looked for antibacterial peptides with potential use in veterinary medicine. With this goal, protein fraction from seeds of Passiflora setacea, Passiflora gibertti and Passiflora mucronata were used to determinate antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, using tests in vitro. Seeds flour were obtained and utilized to produce protein fraction by precipitation with ammonium sulphate salt. After the dialysis against water using membrane of very small pore (3,000 Daltons), this material was used in several in vitro assays employing different bacteria and culture media. When the culture media blood agar was utilized, the red cell lysis halos between 10 and 15mm were observed in all samples analyzed. Banerjee and Sen [1] reported the purification of a protein called lectin from C. tiglium seeds with haemagglutinating activity towards erythrocytes of sheep and cow as well as haemolytic activity towards rabbit erythrocytes. Thus, probably, some proteins such as lectin could be one of the compounds present in the protein mixture used in this work. Although this protein fraction showed to be an effective antibiotic in vitro, the characterization of this haemolytic molecule is necessary, as well as its inactivation or isolation to ensure safe and proper use in vivo.

Predictors of Medication Adherence in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients at the Stollery Children’s Hospital

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often do not take their medications as prescribed. To examine self-reported adherence rates in IBD patients at the Stollery Children's Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta) and to determine predictors of medication adherence. A survey was mailed to 212 pediatric IBD patients of the Stollery Children's Hospital. A chart review was completed for those who returned the survey. A total of 119 patients completed the survey. The nonresponders were significantly older than responders (14.5 years versus 13.2 years; P=0.032). The overall adherence rate was 80%. Nonadherence was associated with older age (14.6 years versus 13.0 years; P=0.04), longer disease duration (5.0 years versus 3.1 years; P=0.004) and reported use of herbal medications (40.0% versus 13.6%; P=0.029). The most common reasons reported for missing medications were forgetfulness, feeling better and too many medications. In addition, patients reported being more likely to take anti-inflammatory medications and less likely to take herbal medicines. Identified predictors of nonadherence such as age, disease duration and use of herbal treatments may enable the development of specific strategies to improve adherence in adolescents with IBD.

Ginger attenuates acetylcholine-induced contraction and Ca2+ signalling in murine airway smooth muscle cells.

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and hypersensitivity of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) to different spasmogens. The past decade has seen increased use of herbal treatments for many chronic illnesses. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a common food plant that has been used for centuries in treating respiratory illnesses. In this study, we report the effect of its 70% aqueous methanolic crude extract (Zo.Cr) on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced airway contraction and Ca(2+) signalling in ASMCs using mouse lung slices. Airway contraction and Ca(2+) signalling, recorded via confocal microscopy, were induced with ACh, either alone or after pretreatment of slices with Zo.Cr and (or) verapamil, a standard Ca(2+) channel blocker. ACh (10 micromol/L) stimulated airway contraction, seen as decreased airway diameter, and also stimulated Ca(2+) transients (sharp rise in [Ca(2+)]i) and oscillations in ASMCs, seen as increased fluo-4-induced fluorescence intensity. When Zo.Cr (0.3-1.0 mg/mL) was given 30 min before ACh administration, the ACh-induced airway contraction and Ca(2+) signalling were significantly reduced. Similarly, verapamil (1 micromol/L) also inhibited agonist-induced airway contraction and Ca(2+) signalling, indicating a similarity in the modes of action. When Zo.Cr (0.3 mg/mL) and verapamil (1 micromol/L) were given together before ACh, the degree of inhibition was the same as that observed when each of these blockers was given alone, indicating absence of any additional inhibitory mechanism in the extract. In Ca(2+) -free solution, both Zo.Cr and verapamil, when given separately, inhibited Ca(2+) (10 mmol/L)-induced increase in fluorescence and airway contraction. This shows that ginger inhibits airway contraction and associated Ca(2+) signalling, possibly via blockade of plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels, thus reiterating the effectiveness of this age-old herb in treating respiratory illnesses.

The Garden Pharmacy: Rosemary, the Herb of Remembrance for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVol. 13, No. 6 The Garden Pharmacy: Rosemary, the Herb of Remembrance for Alzheimer’s DiseaseJames A. (Jim) DukeJames A. (Jim) DukeSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:12 Dec 2007https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2007.13603AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited ByA Comprehensive Review on Medicinal Herbs and Novel Formulations for the Prevention of Alzheimer’s DiseaseCurrent Drug Delivery, Vol. 19, No. 2Pharmacists' and Patients' Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding the Use of Herbal Treatments for Memory Impairment: A Cross-sectional Study from JordanAsian Journal of Scientific Research, Vol. 12, No. 4Computational Approaches for Therapeutic Application of Natural Products in Alzheimer’s Disease28 September 2017Rosmarinus officinalis L. hydroalcoholic extract, similar to fluoxetine, reverses depressive-like behavior without altering learning deficit in olfactory bulbectomized miceJournal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 143, No. 1The Garden Pharmacy: Pomegranate, Old and New James A. (“Jim”) Duke18 April 2008 | Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Vol. 14, No. 2 Volume 13Issue 6Dec 2007 Information© 2007 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:James A. (Jim) Duke.The Garden Pharmacy: Rosemary, the Herb of Remembrance for Alzheimer’s Disease.Alternative and Complementary Therapies.Dec 2007.287-290.http://doi.org/10.1089/act.2007.13603Published in Volume: 13 Issue 6: December 12, 2007PDF download

Herbal care for reproductive health: Ethno medicobotany from Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, India

Traditional herbal medicine is predominantly practiced by the rural people of India, especially remote areas such as the Uttara Kannada District in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Local traditional healers play an important role in the management of reproductive health problems of the native population due to socio-economical and geographical factors. In the present study, 92 traditional medicine practitioners/healers from various regions of Uttara Kannada district were interviewed to collect information on the use of herbal treatments for a range of female and male reproductive disorders. Information was also collected on the method of preparation, dose and duration along with the botanical names, family and local names of the medicinal plants. The plants were then collected and identified. A total of 18 formulations from 25 plant species belonging to 17 families were identified, which are commonly used to treat 12 different reproductive ailments. This study identifies herbal remedies not previously documented, that are used by indigenous people in the treatment of reproductive disorders. Additionally, the paper highlights the need to retain and explore the rich biodiversity associated with Indian rain forests that may result in the discovery of new medical treatments. Finally, this paper notes the continuing reliance on herbal medicines and healing traditions by local people in remote areas. Understanding and working with local healers and tribes provides a unique opportunity to learn about the use of potentially new herbal and plant medications.

Acute renal failure in Nigerian children: Port Harcourt experience

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. It may be pre-renal, intrinsic, or post-renal (obstructive) in aetiology. ARF was investigated in children in the south-southern part of Nigeria to determine the prevalence, aetiology, management and outcome of ARF. A retrospective review of data from all children from birth to 16 years of age admitted into the Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), with the diagnosis of ARF over an 18 year period (January 1985 to December 2003) was performed. Information was obtained about the age, sex, clinical features, blood pressure, laboratory and radiological investigations, aetiology, and treatment received including dialysis. Information on the outcome, factors influencing outcome, and possible causes of death were reviewed. There were 211 patients, 138 (65.4%) males and 73 (34.6%) females (M:F, 1.9:1), with a hospital prevalence of 11.7 cases/year. The patients were aged 5 days to 16 years (mean 5.6+/-4.7 years). Oliguria was the most common clinical presentation in 184 (87.2%) patients. Hypertension was seen in only 39 (18.5%) patients. The causes were age-related. The neonates had ARF from severe birth asphyxia 27 (35.5%), septicaemia 17 (22.4%), with tetanus 4 (5.3%) and congenital malformations 11 (14.5%). Sixty-one (28.9%) and 29 (13.7%) patients had ARF from gastroenteritis and malaria respectively. The patients with leukaemia were all more than 10 years old and had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Two patients (1.9%) had Burkitts lymphoma involving the abdomen and 3 patients had HIVAN. 112 (53%) patients had anaemia with a mean haematocrit of 20.25+/-6.9%. Dialysis was indicated in 108 patients, but only 24 patients (22.2%) had peritoneal dialysis (PD), because of financial constraints and lack of dialysis equipment. Mortality rate was 40.5%. The causes of death were uraemia 60 (70.6%), overwhelming infection 5 (5.9%), and recurrent anaemia 20 (23.5%). Hypertension (X2 15.7, P<0.001) and lack of dialysis (X2 7.96, P<0.01) significantly affected outcome. Other factors associated with demise were delayed presentation (58.8%), use of herbal treatment (35%), and unaffordability of treatment (40%). ARF is a significant cause of mortality in Nigerian children. The patients are not adequately managed because of poverty and lack of facilities for dialysis. The causes of ARF in our environment are preventable, and should be expected.

Interventions for treating head lice (Cochrane Review)

The Cochrane systematic review of treatments has been reviewed and no new evidence added. The author’s conclusions remain the same from 2001 that the pediculicides Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective although there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. Physical treatment methods involving wet combing with conditioner were shown to be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice.

WITHDRAWN: Interventions for treating headlice.

Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched. The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions for head lice. Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group specialized trials register (July 2002); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002); MEDLINE and TOXLINE (1966 to July 2002); EMBASE (1980 to May 2002); LILACS (July 2002); Science Citation Index (1981 to July 2002); BIOSIS (1985 to July 2002); reference lists of relevant articles; pharmaceutical companies producing pediculicides (published and unpublished trials); UK and US Regulatory Authorities. Randomised trials (published and unpublished) or trials using alternate allocation were sought which compared pediculicides with the same and different formulations of other pediculicides, and pediculicides with physical methods. Of the 71 identified studies, only four met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. One reviewer extracted the data. We found no evidence that any one pediculicide has greater effect than another. The two studies comparing malathion and permethrin with their respective vehicles showed a higher cure rate for the active ingredient than the vehicle. Another study comparing synergised pyrethrins with permethrin showed their effects to be equivalent. A comparative trial of malathion lotion vs combing, showed combing to be ineffective for the cureative treatment of head lice infection. Adverse effects were reported in a number of trials and were all minor, although reporting quality varied between trials. Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. Physical treatment methods(BugBusting) were shown ot be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.

Interventions for treating head lice.

Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched. The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions for head lice. Trials register of The Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group; Medline; Embase; Science Citation Index; Biosis and Toxline; reference lists of relevant articles; pharmaceutical companies producing pediculicides (published and unpublished trials); UK and US Regulatory Authorities. Randomised trials (published and unpublished) or trials using alternate allocation were sought which compared pediculicides with the same and different formulations of other pediculicides, and pediculicides with physical methods. Of the 71 identified studies, only four met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. One reviewer extracted the data. We found no evidence that any one pediculicide has greater effect than another. The two studies comparing malathion and permethrin with their respective vehicles showed a higher cure rate for the active ingredient than the vehicle. Another study comparing synergised pyrethrins with permethrin showed their effects to be equivalent. A comparative trial of malathion lotion vs combing, showed combing to be ineffective for the cureative treatment of head lice infection. Adverse effects were reported in a number of trials and were all minor, although reporting quality varied between trials. Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. Physical treatment methods(BugBusting) were shown ot be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.

The relevance of herbal treatments for psychiatric practice

Objective: The aim of this paper is to inform psychiatrists about the basic priniciples, terminology, schools of thought, efficacy, safety and regulatory issues regarding herbal treatments for mental illness.Method: Information was obtained by computerised and manual searching of medical and botanical data bases, and by discussions with experts in herbal medicine and regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.Results: Herbal medicines are commonly used in developed and developing countries for psychiatric illness. The main schools of herbal medicine in Australia are Western herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and ‘Ayurveda’ (Indian herbal medicine). Herbs used for psychiatric or neurological disorders are termed ‘nervines’. Three nervines which have attracted considerable attention recently are St John's Wort, Gingko biloba and Valeriana officinalis. In Australia, most herbal drugs are classed as ‘listed drugs’ which are required to satisfy less rigorous safety and efficacy criteria than ‘registered drugs’. The popularity of herbal remedies has a number of clinical and research implications for psychiatry.Conclusions: Psychiatrists should not endorse treatments that are unsupported by sound research, nor remain ignorant about alternative approaches to mental illness. The extent of use of herbal treatments for mental illness suggests that psychiatrists should become more knowledgeable about developments in this area.

The relevance of herbal treatments for psychiatric practice.

The aim of this paper is to inform psychiatrists about the basic principles, terminology, schools of thought, efficacy, safety and regulatory issues regarding herbal treatments for mental illness. Information was obtained by computerised and manual searching of medical and botanical data bases, and by discussions with experts in herbal medicine and regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. Herbal medicines are commonly used in developed and developing countries for psychiatric illness. The main schools of herbal medicine in Australia are Western herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and 'Ayurveda' (Indian herbal medicine). Herbs used for psychiatric or neurological disorders are termed 'nervines'. Three nervines which have attracted considerable attention recently are St John's Wort, Gingko biloba and Valeriana officinalis. In Australia, most herbal drugs are classed as 'listed drugs' which are required to satisfy less rigorous safety and efficacy criteria than 'registered drugs'. The popularity of herbal remedies has a number of clinical and research implications for psychiatry. Psychiatrists should not endorse treatments that are unsupported by sound research, nor remain ignorant about alternative approaches to mental illness. The extent of use of herbal treatments for mental illness suggests that psychiatrists should become more knowledgeable about developments in this area.