Use Of Herbs Research Articles

Resveratrol in Liquor Exacerbates Alcoholic Liver Injury with a Reduced Therapeutic Effect in Mice: An Unsupervised Herbal Wine Habit Is Risky.

People in Eastern countries hold a tradition of soaking herbal medicine in wine; however, the efficacy and safety of herbal wine have not been rigorously assessed. By assessing the efficacy of resveratrol (RSV) in ethanol against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in mice, we aimed to offer a perspective on the use of herbal wine. To simulate the behaviour of herbal wine users, RSV (15 mg/kg) soaked in ethanol (RSV-alcohol) was administrated via gavage to the mice, here with alcohol consumption-induced ALD. RSV soaked in water (RSV-water) was the treatment control. The efficacy and safety of RSV on ALD were evaluated. Compared with the RSV-water group, a higher rate of mortality was found in the RSV-alcohol group (50.0% vs. 20.0%), which also exhibited more severe liver injury. RSV significantly increased the exposure of alcohol by 126.0%, which was accompanied by a significant inhibition of the ethanol metabolic pathway. In contrast, alcohol consumption significantly reduced exposure to RSV by 95.0%. Alcohol consumption had little effect on the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes in RSV; however, alcohol seemed to reduce the absorption of RSV. RSV in liquor exacerbates alcoholic liver injury and has a reduced therapeutic effect, suggesting that the habit of herbal wine use without supervision is risky.

Evidence-Based Anti-Diabetic Properties of Plant from the Occitan Valleys of the Piedmont Alps.

Data on urban and rural diabetes prevalence ratios show a significantly lower presence of diabetes in rural areas. Several bioactive compounds of plant origin are known to exert anti-diabetic properties. Interestingly, most of them naturally occur in different plants present in mountainous areas and are linked to traditions of herbal use. This review will aim to evaluate the last 10 years of evidence-based data on the potential anti-diabetic properties of 9 plants used in the Piedmont Alps (North-Western Italy) and identified through an ethnobotanical approach, based on the Occitan language minority of the Cuneo province (Sambucus nigra L., Achillea millefolium L., Cornus mas L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Fragaria vesca L., Rosa canina L., Rubus idaeus L., Rubus fruticosus/ulmifolius L., Urtica dioica L.), where there is a long history of herbal remedies. The mechanism underlying the anti-hyperglycemic effects and the clinical evidence available are discussed. Overall, this review points to the possible use of these plants as preventive or add-on therapy in treating diabetes. However, studies of a single variety grown in the geographical area, with strict standardization and titration of all the active ingredients, are warranted before applying the WHO strategy 2014-2023.

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) plant parts: Comparative assessment of their chemical compositions and antioxidant, anticancer, and antimutagenic activities

• Myrtle plant parts presented unique fingerprinting by HPTLC. • The highest quercitrin content was found in the myrtle floral buds by HPLC method. • Myrtle floral buds showed the highest antioxidant activity. • The highest myricitrin amount was calculated in myrtle leaves by HPLC. • Myrtle leaves exhibited the highest anticancer activity on the HT-29 cell line. • Myrtle parts showed strong antimutagenic activity with/-out metabolic activation. Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) plant parts have been traditionally used to treat various disorders. Herein, we aimed to compare the chemical compositions, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti/-mutagenic activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts prepared from floral buds, flowers, leaves, and fruits of Myrtle. Quercitrin, myricitrin, and myricetin 3- O -β-galactopyranoside were identified in all plant parts analysed by HPTLC, MS, and NMR spectroscopy. A newly developed and validated HPLC method carried out the quantification of quercitrin and myricitrin in the extracts. The highest quercitrin content was found in floral buds as 18.5 ± 0.1 mg/g, whereas the highest myricitrin content was calculated in leaves as 25.0 ± 0.4 mg/g. The highest antioxidant activity was determined in floral buds by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests and the assay of superoxide anion generated by xanthine oxidase. Additionally, HPTLC-DPPH revealed that luteolin, gallic acid, quercitrin, myricitrin, and myricetin 3- O -β-galactopyranoside contributed to the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The hydroalcoholic extract prepared from the leaves exhibited the highest anticancer activity against human colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29 with IC 50 value of 8.2 µg/mL in WST-1 assay. None of the samples in the Ames test were found to be mutagenic at all tested concentrations. In fact, results of the antimutagenicity assay revealed that leaves exerted the strongest activity against the tested strains. The results indicated the potential of Myrtle plant parts to develop herbal medicinal products or use as a food additive.

Potensi Pasta Gigi Minyak Atsiri Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb) dalam Menghambat Pembentukan Plak dan Gingivitis pada Tikus yang Diinduksi Phorpyromonas gingivalis

Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease in gingiva without any loss of attachment caused by plaque. Gingivitis is reversible, if not treated it can develop into periodontitis. Gingivitis-causing bacteria include Phorpyromonas gingivalis, acting as secondary bacteria in plaque formation at the secondary colonization stage by attaching themselves to monolayers that have been formed by primary bacteria. Herbal use in Indonesia is still a trend until now with the slogan back to nature, one of the easy to find and useful is essential oil from curcuma rhizomes containing xanthorrizol and curcumin. They are antibacterial that can inhibit the formation of plaques that cause gingivitis. The purpose was to analyze the potential of curcuma essential oil toothpaste in inhibiting the formation of plaque and gingivitis. 27 wistar mice were divided into 9 groups, namely negative control group, positive control, treatment applied curcuma essential oil toothpaste concentration of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 16% and 32%. Each mouse induced P. gingivalis 0.02 ml on molar sulkus one and two, 24 hours later performed tooth brushing with toothpaste according to the group, the next 24 hours were observed in day 3, 5 and 7 using plaque index according to Park and Katz and gingiva index according to Lee. Treatment and observation are carried out 3 repetitions. The results of the plaque index score and gingiva index in the treatment group were fewer than the negative controls. Curcuma essential oil toothpaste can inhibit the formation of plaque and gingivitis by decreasing the plaque index and gingiva index in P. gingivalis- induced wistar mice.

Incidence of Herbal Use among Pregnant Women Attending Family Care Center

Background and Aim: Numerous investigations around the globe verified the increasing trend of medicine and complementary use in pregnant women. Pregnant women are not informed of potential teratogenic effects from traditional medicines; some herbal products may cause birth defects in humans. Pregnant women's use of traditional medicine has not yet been evaluated in Pakistan. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of herbal use among pregnant women attending family care centers. Material and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 pregnant women attending Family care centers in Jamshoro Hyderabad and Mirpur AJK for the duration of six months from January 2022 to June 2022. Pregnant women attending antenatal care and volunteering to respond were enrolled and those with mental illness and were unwilling to respond were excluded. Herbal medicine self-medication was a dependent variable whereas gestational age, sociodemographic details, and herbal medicine history were independent variables. A questionnaire was designed for determining prior history of herbal use, types of herbal medicine, herbal used in current pregnancy. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total 320 pregnant women, the incidence of herbal use was 86 (26.9%). Based on age, pregnant women were grouped as follows: 64 (20%) in 17-25 years, 148 (46.2%) in 26-35 years, and 108 (33.8%) 35-45 years. The prevalence of herbal usage in the first, second, and third trimesters was 62 (72.1%), 9 (10.5%), and 8 (9.3%), respectively, among 86 herbal-using pregnant women. About 7 (8.1%) pregnant women used herbs in all trimesters. Garlic (Allium sativum) 32 (37.2%), Ginger (zingiberofcinale) 40 (46.5%), Eucalyptus 6 (7%), and tenaadam 8 (9.3%) were different types of herbs used by pregnant women. Conclusion: The present study found that about 26.9% pregnant women used herbal medicine during pregnancy. Majority of women used herbal medicine in the first trimester followed by second and third. Ginger was the most commonly used herbal medicine followed by garlic and tenaadam. Nausea, morning sickness, and vomiting was the most prevalent clinical indications. Keywords: Herbal Medicine, Prevalence, Trimester, Pregnant women

Perceived causes, diagnosis methods and treatment practices of mental illness among traditional healers of the Berta community in Assosa, Ethiopia.

Mental illness is a non-communicable disease that is increasingly contributing to the global burden of diseases and disability. It affects a person's feelings, thinking, behavior, and daily life functioning. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived causes of mental illness, techniques for identifying mental illness, and treatment methods used by traditional healers in the Berta community. The study employed a qualitative research method. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with seven traditional healers who were selected purposefully. We used thematic analysis to present and analyze the data. The findings of this study indicated that witchcraft, supernatural power, hereditary, substance use, and food poising as the main perceived causes of mental illness among traditional healers in the Berta community. The traditional healers identify mental illness using different techniques such as patient observation, interviews with a patient's family, use of religious books, and use of herbals. The traditional healers in the Berta community identify mental illness based on behavioral symptoms like talking about things that don't make sense, laughing alone, taking off clothes in public places, collecting and carrying dirty materials, eating dirty foods, and harming or intention to harm others. The traditional healers in the Berta community use herbals, religious books, and bone divination to guide their treatment of persons with mental illnesses. Some of these traditional healing practices options are peculiar to the Berta Community that are used to diagnosize and treat mental illnesses. The traditional healing practices of the Berta community should be recognized, licensed, and supported by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration and Control Authority.

Self-medication practices with conventional and herbal drugs among ear, nose, and throat patients.

This study evaluates the self-practices with conventional and herbal drug use among ear, nose, and throat outpatients. A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out among all ear, nose, and throat outpatients on their first visit to the otorhinolaryngology department at a tertiary care hospital. The survey comprised a total of 14 questions with 4 different sections, including demographic characteristics, self-medication of conventional medicines, herbal medication usage, and perception regarding herbal medicines. Overall, 255 questionnaires were distributed among patients, of which 183 completed the questionnaire (response rate=71.7%). Respondents reported self-medication (44.8%) with conventional drugs before visiting a hospital. The most commonly used medicine was analgesics (31.7%) and antibiotics (21.9%). Nearly half of the patients (49.2%) used at least one herbal drug. The most commonly used herbal medications were Tilia cordata (78.8%), Zingiber officinale (62.2%), and Camellia sinensis (45.5%). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, most of the medicinal herbs were considered as data deficient/least concern. About 36.6% of the participants perceived that herbal drugs are effective for ear, nose, and throat problems. Moreover, 22.9% of the patients did not know about herbal-drug interaction with other medications. This study observed a considerable prevalence of self-based practices with conventional and herbal medications. Strict national regulations on conventional and herbal medication access and long-term actions should be implemented to discourage inappropriate drug use.

S2974 Common Variable Immune Deficiency With Atypical Hepatic Disease

Introduction: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary B-cell immunodeficiency disorder leading to hypogammaglobulinemia. Liver involvement may rely on immune dysregulation and includes abnormal liver biochemistries, primarily elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) leading to chronic cholestasis, portal hypertension, and disruption of liver function. We present a case of CVID with atypical liver involvement on imaging and biopsy revealing focal nodular hyperplasia. Case Description/Methods: A 24-year-old female with a past medical history of CVID on Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) present for follow-up with chronically elevated liver enzymes that is a cholestatic pattern (ALP 1050 U/L, AST 114 U/L, ALT 214 U/L, Total bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL) along with normal synthetic liver function. Previous comprehensive work up including autoimmune (Antinuclear, Anti-smooth muscle, anti-mitochondrial antibodies) were negative. Viral hepatitis including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes simplex, Varicella zoster, and Epstein Barr viruses polymerase chain reaction were all negative. other causes of elevated liver enzymes including genetic and metabolic work up all came back negative. The medications list included Ursodiol and Multivitamins. She reports no alcohol, recreational or herbal drugs use. She underwent liver protocol magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography that showed no biliary tree abnormalities, Innumerable hepatic lesions with characteristics suggestive of multiple focal nodular hyperplasias largest measures up to 3.8 cm, two benign hepatic hemangiomas with the larger measuring 1.9 cm and splenomegaly. Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the left hepatic lobe showed concern for focal nodular hyperplasia (confirmed by an outside pathologist at another liver transplant center) with unremarkable trichrome and PAS stains (Figure). Discussion: At least 10% of CVID patients present with liver involvement, including anicteric cholestatic liver enzymes (65%) and portal hypertension (50%). Histological analysis in recent studies revealed non-fibrosing architectural abnormalities consistent with nodular regenerative hyperplasia in 84% of CVID and less commonly, typical histologic features of primary biliary cholangitis. Our case liver imaging and biopsy read by 2 pathologists (2 institutions) revealed focal nodular hyperplasia, a new entity not described in previous studies.Figure 1.: Liver protocol MRI showing focal nodular hyperplasia.

S2964 COVID-19 Vaccination May Increase the Risk of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Patients With Underlying Autoimmune Disease

Introduction: It is established that COVID-19 viral infection is associated with many autoimmune processes, especially in predisposed patients, such as autoimmune hepatitis AIH [1,2]. Molecular mimicry is one of the suggested mechanisms behind such phenomena. mRNA COVID-19 vaccination can plays the same role as the infection does. Case Description/Methods: 55 year old Hispanic male with ulcerative colitis on home sulfasalazine who presented to the ED with complaints of a vague, non-cramping, and dull RUQ abdominal pain for 3 weeks duration. Negative ROS. The patient’s social history is unremarkable. No recent travel, occupational exposures, herbal supplements use, or acetaminophen use. He received 2 doses of Pfizer COVID -19 vaccines , last dose was around 21 days before admission. VS were normal, physical examination was remarkable for jaundice and mild RUQ tenderness. laboratory tests were remarkable for: Liver Function Tests: AST/ALT 1621/1476 units per liter (U/L) , T. bilirubin 6.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), D.bilirubin 4.5 (mg/dL), Alkaline phosphatase 167 (U/L) , GGT: 339 , ESR: 99 mm, CRP: 3.40 (mg/dL). Abdominal ultrasound and MRI were unremarkable. EUS showed a diffuse abnormal echotexture in the visualized portion of the liver. No significant ductal pathology. The patient was treated with azathioprine and prednisone 60 mg daily with slow tapering and with continuation of his home dose sulfasalazine (Figure). Discussion: Few case reports were reported over billions of doses of vaccine administration. The increasing number of case reports associating autoimmune processes with COVID-19 related infection and mRNA vaccines might allow for more data analysis to determine risk factors that predispose patients for AIH. It is likely that patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases are more vulnerable to develop autoimmunity after exposure to spike-protein based COVID-19 vaccines. If more data confirms causality of COVID-19 vaccine induced AIH, this will help providers to identify patient at high risk to develop AIH as a side effect, and also may encourage scientists to find out other types of vaccines that has low/no chance of molecular mimicry.Figure 1.: Liver biopsy - histopathology.

Herbal medicine use in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with glycemic control: A cross-sectional evaluation

IntroductionHerbal medicine has been integrated into Thai culture for many centuries. However, studies on using herbal medicine in combination with antidiabetic agents for glycemic control in managing diabetes are limited. Herein, we aimed to assess the use of herbal medicines with different dosages of antidiabetic agents and their association with glycemic control in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsThis hospital-based study included 739 patients with T2DM who consecutively visited four district hospitals in Thailand. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect patient-specific information, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations and predictors, respectively. ResultsThe prevalence of herbal medicine use was 37.5% (n = 264); 70.5% of the patients received information about herbal medicine usage for glycemic control from their relatives and friends, and 21 herbal plants were consumed in combination with their prescribed antidiabetic drugs. The use of herbal medicine was associated with the patients’ educational level (p = 0.001), income (p < 0.001), and duration of diabetes (p < 0.001). Good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7.0%) was associated with the use of bitter gourd in combination with 500 mg/day of the antidiabetic drug metformin (adjusted odds ratio = 8.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–66.49, p = 0.046). These patients were 2.92 times more likely to have good glycemic control than those who relied solely on 500 mg/day of metformin (adjusted OR = 2.921, 95% CI = 1.227–6.952, p = 0.015). ConclusionsThe prevalence of herbal plant use was associated with different variables, including age, BMI, T2DM duration, and metformin dosage. Among the 21 herbal plants, the consumption of bitter gourd with 500 mg/day of metformin was associated with good glycemic control.

IMMUNOMODULATORY POTENTIAL OF CLAUSENA EXCAVATA LEAVES FRACTIONS VIA DECREASING THE PRODUCTION OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES FROM IMMUNE CELLS

Objective: Clausena excavata is known to possess anti-oxidant property. However, this property through which mechanism it affects the immune cells and suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has not been explored. Material and Method: This study evaluated the immunomodulatory activities of ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol C. excavata leaf extracts by decreasing the production of ROS from whole blood, polymorphonuclears (PMNs) cells and macrophages. Result and Discussion: Among the fractions tested, ethyl acetate C. excavate extract (EACE) showed potent anti-oxidant property and significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.001) suppressed intracellular and extracellular phagocytic oxidative ROS burst produced by the zymosan and PMA-activated whole blood, PMNs, and macrophages cells with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 5.7 ± 0.01, 1.3 ± 0.01, and 0.7 ± 0.03 µg/mL respectively. This study provides information regarding the mechanism behind its anti-oxidant property and its herbal use in treating various higher oxidative stress associated diseases.

EVALUATION OF THE ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF PATIENTS REGARDING THE USE OF HERBAL PRODUCTS

Objective: Herbal products are commonly used in public as a part of complementary and alternative medicine. The aim of our study is to evaluate the patients' attitudes and practices towards herbal products' uses.Material and Method: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at two community pharmacies in Istanbul (Turkey) in December 2017-February 2018. Sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were recorded and a self-structured questionnaire was applied. Result and Discussion: A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 34.6 years. Over sixty percent of the patients were using herbal products and approximately half of them believed that herbal products use was completely harmless (p&amp;lt;0.05). It was determined that the rate of using herbal products was statistically higher in female, adults, patients withlow educational level, patients with chronic diseases, and non-smokers (p&amp;lt;0.05). Patients with chronic illnesses commonly used herbal products and most of the patients believed that these products were harmless. It is important to provide reliable information for the community via pharmacists as health counselors.

Prevalence, patterns, and attitude regarding dietary supplement use in Saudi Arabia: Data from 2019.

Dietary supplements are products containing dietary elements including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals. They can aid consumers with low dietary intake and quality, as well as those with high demands, by boosting nutritious value. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults living in Saudi Arabia aged between 18–60 years old using online self-administered questionnaire. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, use and type of dietary supplements, and attitude toward and patterns of dietary supplement use was collected. The chi-square test, Pearson correlations, and the independent t-test were used. In total, 531 participants (115 men and 416 women) were included. Approximately half of the participants (51.8%, n = 275) used dietary supplements. Participants who were using dietary supplements were significantly younger (29.16 ± 9.32 years), more highly educated (85.5%, n = 235), and worked in the health sector (63.7%, n = 100). Herbal supplement use was associated with older age and female sex. Single mineral supplements were used more frequently by married, female, pregnant, or breastfeeding participants and those not working in the health sector. Fatty supplements were used more frequently by participants with a higher level of education. Regarding the attitude toward dietary supplement use, women, single participants, and health care workers showed a significant positive attitude. In-depth investigation into the amount of and reasons for dietary supplement use in the health sector is required. Additionally, educating pregnant and breastfeeding women on the importance of dietary supplements is necessary.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial activity of newer herbal disinfectant formulations on hospital microbial flora

Background: The world is now focusing on use of herbals because they are eco-friendly and less toxic on human health and environment Objectives:To evaluate antimicrobial activity of newer herbal disinfectant formulations on hospital microbial flora Methods: Herbal disinfectants were prepared with medicinal plant leaf extracts of Tridax procumbens, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Costus igneus and Nepata cataria. Hospital microbial flora was isolated by rubbing and rotating sterile swabs from targeted spots. Extract formulations were tested for the antimicrobial activity against five isolatedbacterial strains i.e., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus using Kirby-bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. Among the five different herbal disinfectants, Tinospora cordifolia showed good antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter and Enterococcus faecalis with 27mm, 20mm and 14mm of zone of inhibition respectively. Costus igneus showed high antimicrobial activity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 22mm of zone of inhibition. The herbal disinfectant formulations in the present study were reported effective results against hospital microbial flora which cause nosocomial infections Conclusions: Herbal disinfectants Tinospora cordifolia, Costus igneus, Withania somnifera exhibits antimicrobial activities against MDR bacterial pathogens isolated from hospital wards.

A Comprehensive Review on the Use of Herbal Dietary Supplements in the USA, Reasons for Their Use, and Review of Potential Hepatotoxicity

Herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) use has grown exponentially in the United States. Unfortunately, the incidence of HDS-related liver injury has proportionally increased. Despite the potential for certain HDSs to cause clinically significant liver injury, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Recent efforts have been made to regulate HDSs but are far removed from the scrutiny of prescription medications. Scant literature exists on HDSs and their risks of causing liver injury. In this comprehensive review, we examine trends of HDS use in the United States and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) of certain HDSs. Finally, we review usage rates; benefits, if any; purported pathophysiology of DILI; and propensity for progression to fulminant hepatic failure of nine HDSs linked to clinically significant DILI.

Attitudes and Practices of Pharmacists Regarding the Use of Herbal Products

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that traditional products continue to be widely used in most countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pharmacists' attitudes and practices toward herbal products' uses. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Istanbul (Turkey). Sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were recorded and a self-structured questionnaire was applied face to face. A total of 50 pharmacists were included in the study. The mean age was 34.6 years and 39% of them have been in service for less than 20 years. Ninety percent of the pharmacists stated that they sell herbal products and believe that the herbal products were not completely harmless. More than half of the pharmacists (68%) stated that they were not questioning the herbal product use while taking the anamnesis from patients, while 54% of the pharmacists were mentioning about the side effects of the herbal products. According to the results, a majority of pharmacists sell herbal products and counsel about herbal products. Since pharmacists are easily accessible health consultants, they interact with patients through patient education and drug counseling and will contribute to the rational use of these products.

Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use among Adult Patients Undergoing Treatment at a Tertiary Hospital Cancer Center

AbstractThe use of herbal and dietary supplement in cancer patients has been increasing over the past years, while the risk of its adverse effects and undesirable reactions with conventional treatment has also been accumulating. Limited studies involving perception of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) by cancer patients have been conducted in our setting. An initial survey was conducted among adult cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) Cancer Institute. HDS users were recruited for focus group discussion (FGD) via purposive sampling. A total of four groups were conducted. Clinical and demographic data were presented through descriptive statistics while data from the FGD were subjected to coding and thematic analysis. Among 22 respondents, more than half (65.4%) of the participants were noted to have used HDS and most (54.5%) were breast cancer patients with stage-II and -III disease. Treatment of cancer, coping with chemotherapy, and relief of symptoms were the major reasons for use. Majority (36.36%) were influenced by the media/internet and most (50%) did not disclose information to their physician. Eight respondents, whose income were below minimum wage, spent more than 25% of their income on HDS, with some having spent more than 50%. This may seriously limit funds and result in failure to adhere to treatment. Among cancer patients in ZCMC, HDS use is widely practiced and half of them do not disclose this information to their physicians. The expenditure on HDS consumes 25 to 50% of the population's meager monthly income. The secrecy surrounding its use and attendant cost may possibly limit adherence and adversely affect outcomes.

Use of Herbal Products and Food Supplements of Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: It is important to know the herbal products and food supplements used by individuals with diabetes in the management of type 2 diabetes. This study aims to examine the use of herbal products/food supplements in glycemic control of individuals with type 2 diabetes.Method and Material: This descriptive study, three government hospitals Diabetes Monitoring and Education Clinic in Turkey, was performed with 118 individuals with type 2 diabetes who volunteered to participate. The data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and the Data Form questioning the use of herbal products / food supplements.Results: It was determined that 28.8% of the participants used herbal products for glycemic control. Herbal products most frequently used by herbal product users are; cinnamon (29.4%), lemon and yoghurt (23.5%) and olive leaves (20.5%). A statistically significant difference was found between the use of herbal products with gender and education (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: It was determined that one of the three diabetic individuals included in the study used herbal products and no food supplement use was observed. It was determined that women prefer herbal products more than men, high school and university graduates than primary school graduates, and most of them did not inform health professionals that they used herbal products. It is recommended that more evidence is needed on the effectiveness and safety of herbal product use, and training on the use of herbal products should be organized for healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes.

The use of medicinal plants against cancer: An ethnobotanical study in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region in Morocco

Although the use of medicinal plants is quite frequent in Morocco, no ethnobotanical study has targeted cancer patients in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. We aimed to measure the frequency of medicinal plants used by these patients in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region and to make an inventory. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 530 cancer patients at the regional oncology center of Beni Mellal. We conducted a semi-structured interview using a questionnaire. Prevalence of use, relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were calculated. The prevalence of herbal use was 36.6%. The plant's relative frequency of citation ranged from 0.002 to 0.15. Fifty-four species belonging to 33 different botanical families were identified. The most common plants in use were: Marrubium vulgare L. (15%), Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss (11%), and Juniperus oxycedrus L. (10%). Six plants had an FL of 100% for breast cancer treatment, and the highest ICF for liver cancer treatment was 0.50. More than one-third of cancer patients in the region used herbal preparations. Indeed, informants did not agree on a particular type of cancer treatment. Further research is needed to assess the biological and toxicological aspects of Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. And Juniperus oxycedrus L.

A cross-sectional study of herbal medicine use and contributing factors among pregnant women on antenatal care follow-up at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

BackgroundHerbal medicines are widely used in the world especially in developing countries. Pregnant women use herbal products to treat pregnancy related illnesses due to prior experience of herbal medicine use and easy accessibility of the products with less cost. However, herbal products could affect fetal growth and contribute to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Herbal drug use during pregnancy is not well studied in Ethiopia specifically in northeast Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 254 pregnant women on antenatal care follow-up at Dessie referral hospital. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. After collection, data were coded, entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Chi squared test and Logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between dependent and independent variables.ResultAmong the total of 254 respondents, 130 (51.2%) used herbal drugs during current pregnancy. The most commonly mentioned reason for herbal drug use was “herbal medicines are accessible without prescription” (43.1%). The herbal medicines used were Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) (43.8%), followed by Garlic (Allium sativum L.) (23.8%), Damakese (Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth.) (21.5%) and Tena-adam (Ruta chalepensis L.) (10.8%). The indications for herbal drug use were nausea/vomiting (43.8%), headache (30.8%) and common cold (25.4%). The most commonly mentioned sources of information on herbal medicine were families and friends (80.0%) followed by neighbors (12.3%), and the most commonly cited sources of herbal products were market (67.7%) and self-preparation (20.0%). Being illiterate or having only primary school education (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.717, 95% CI: 0.992-13.928), having secondary school education background (AOR: 3.645, 95% CI: 1.394-9.534), and poor monthly income (AOR: 7.234, 95% CI: 2.192-23.877) were the variables that showed significant association with herbal drug use during current pregnancy.ConclusionThis study showed that half of the sampled pregnant women used herbal medicine during current pregnancy, and education status and monthly income level of the women were associated with herbal drug use.