Traditional Use Research Articles

Distribution, traditional utilization, processing, and health benefits associated with the consumption of morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)]: a survey from selected districts of Botswana

Morama bean [Tylosema escululetum (Burch.)] is a nutrient-dense underutilized legume that can address protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries. An ethnographic study using a snowball sampling method was conducted in Kweneng, Ghanzi, Southern, and Central districts of Botswana. The survey sought to gather and document information about demographic characteristics, traditional use, cultural norms, harvesting, processing, preservation, and health benefits of morama beans. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess and rate the respondent(s) perceptions on traditional utilization and potential of the bean. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic grouping. It was found that morama bean is distributed in Botswana's sandy desert regions and is consumed by people who are native or migrated into these areas. Roasting in heated sand (mean = 4.93) and boiling fresh beans with water or milk (mean = 4.49) were the most popular methods of cooking morama beans. Across the four districts, morama bean was found to be an important component in traditional food and medicinal mixtures for undernourished infants, and expectant and lactating mothers, mostly prepared with soft porridge. Respondents cited a significant lack of scientific knowledge about the bean's medicinal properties (mean = 1.27–1.38), indicating the need for additional research. The nutritious density of morama beans (mean = 4.87) and their potential for processing into value-added products (mean = 4.10) were known to the respondents. As a result, the bean has a high potential to improve food and nutrition security in these communities.

Antifungal activity of ethanol and methanol extracts from Ageratum conyzoides L. against Fusarium oxysporum

Billygoat weed (Ageratum conyzoides L.) is generally distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. This herb not only has activity against a range of crop pests and pathogens but also boasts a rich history of traditional medicinal use across various countries worldwide. Studies of Ageratum conyzoides have provided evidence of the presence of a wide variety of phytochemicals that are capable of demonstrating its pesticidal, antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of various extracts from the billygoat weed on the antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, a fungus that causes diseases for many crops. The billygoat weed powder was extracted with 2 solvents, ethanol and methanol at 4 concentrations (30 %, 50 %, 70 % and 90 %) and the antifungal activity of the extracts was determined by measuring the inhibition of fungal growth diameter at different extract concentrations (0 %, 1 %, 2 %, 4 % and 8 %). The results demonstrate that the E90 and M90 extracts, at a concentration of 8 %, exhibit better antifungal activity compared to the other extracts at the same concentration, with inhibition rates of 87.21 % and 89.77 % respectively. Moreover, when conducting a 2-factor ANOVA analysis, there was an interaction between solvent strength and extract solution concentration on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum. Hence, Ageratum conyzoides has the potential to be applied in the control of some harmful fungi on plants, oriented as biological pesticides.

From Traditional Amazon Use to Food Applications: Tapirira guianensis Seed Extracts as a Triad of Antiproliferative Effect, Oxidative Defense, and Antimalarial Activity

Tapirira guianensis is a tropical plant found in South America and is widely used by indigenous communities owing to its medicinal properties. Its seeds are rich in phenolic compounds that are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Despite its traditional use, there are limited scientific data on the biological activities of its seed extracts, especially in the context of antimalarial and cytoprotective effects. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, cytotoxic effects, and antimalarial properties of hydroethanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous seed extracts. A 1:1 (v/v) water/ethanol combination efficiently extracted bioactive compounds and delivered the highest phenolic compound content. Furthermore, the hydroethanolic extracts exhibited significant biological activities, including an ability to reduce cancer-cell viability, protect against damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decrease chromosomal aberrations, while exhibiting high efficacy against both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. Hence, the use of T. guianensis seed extract as a natural source of bioactive compounds with cytoprotective, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antimalarial properties is innovative and highlights the need for additional in vivo studies to better elucidate its mechanisms of action and safety.

Potential Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Agonist of Psychoactive Components of Silene undulata Aiton: LC-MS/MS, ADMET, and Molecular Docking Studies.

Silene undulata is historically used for inducing vivid and prophetic lucid dreams, but limited information exists on its phytochemical composition and potential pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of S. undulata through LC-MS/MS analysis and explore its potential serotonergic activity, which could support and confirm the traditional use of S. undulata as a dream-inducing plant. LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted on S. undulata extract, identifying 51 phytochemicals, including norharman, harmalol, harmaline, harmine, and ibogaine alkaloids. ADMET and Molecular docking investigations were employed to assess the serotonergic potential of these compounds. The analysis revealed the presence of β-carboline alkaloids, such as norharman, harmalol, harmaline, harmine, and ibogaine, within S. undulata extract. ADMET analysis showed that these compounds have a favourable pharmacokinetic properties. In addition, molecular docking investigations showed that harmaline (-8.90 Kcal/mol), harmalol (-8.56 Kcal/mol), and ibogaine (-8.75 Kcal/mol) exhibited binding affinities comparable to the control molecule, LSD (-9.14 Kcal/mol), indicating potential agonistic activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. These findings provide insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of S. undulata, supporting its traditional use as a psychoactive plant. This study investigated the chemical constituents and potential serotonergic agonist activity of S. undulata for the first time. While promising, further research is necessary to uncover additional medicinal properties associated with the identified phytochemical components.

Isolation, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity Study of Bioactive Compounds from Leaves of Cyphostemma cyphopetalum

Background: Cyphostemma cyphopetalum is a herbaceous climber species within the Vitaceae family, found in various tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It has a history of traditional use in Ethiopia for treating various health issues in humans and livestock, includ-ing snake bites, rabies, and eczema. Despite its reported ethnomedicinal uses, there is a lack of sufficient scientific literature regarding the isolation and characterization of its bioactive chem-ical compounds. Objective: The objective of this work was to isolate bioactive compounds from the leaves of Cyphostemma cyphopetalum, characterize their chemical structures using FTIR and NMR spec-troscopy, and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. Methods: Isolation was done using column chromatographic separation techniques. Spectro-scopic techniques, including Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance, were used for functional group identification and structural elucidation. Moreover, the paper disc dif-fusion bioassay method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the isolated bioactive compounds. Results: Three fractions were successfully isolated using chloroform with dichloromethane and chloroform with ethyl acetate as eluting solvents and silica gel as a stationary phase. After careful interpretation of the experimental results and comparison with the literature, the isolated fractions were constituted mainly by stigmasterol (fraction 1), β-sitosterol (fraction 2), and trans-resveratrol (fraction 3). The antibacterial activities of each isolated fraction were tested against Ralstonia solanacearum, a gram-negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterial pathogen. : Comparatively, the highest mean inhibitory value of 10.03 ± 0.13 mm was exhibited by fraction 2, which was followed by 6.25 ± 0.05 mm inhibition activity recorded for fraction 1 against R. solanacearum, while fraction 3 did not exhibit any bacterial activity against both the strains. Conclusion: We have successfully isolated and characterized three compounds (1-3) from leaves of C. cyphopetalum and evaluated their antibacterial activity. A maximum mean inhibi-tory value of 10.03 ± 0.13 mm was exhibited by compound 2 against R. solanacearum.

Wound-Healing Activity of Solvent Fractions and Antiinflammatory Activity of Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Acokanthera schimperi Schweinf (Apocynaceae) Leaves in Mice Model

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, Acokanthera schimperi is frequently used to treat wounds and other conditions. Nothing has been published to date on the anti-inflammatory properties of A. schimperi leaves or the wound-healing effects of solvent fractions, despite a report on the crude extract's ability to heal wounds being available in the literature. PurposeTherefore, this experiment has been initiated to look into the solvent fractions' ability to heal wounds and the anti-inflammatory properties of the A. schimperi leaf 80% methanol extract and its fractions in mice. Study designThe experimental study design was conducted to evaluate wound healing and the anti-inflammatory properties of the A. schimperi leaf 80% methanol extract and its fractions in mice. MethodsThe plant's leaf crude extract was fractionated using ethyl acetate, chloroform, and distilled water. The resulting fractions were then combined with a simple ointment base to make an ointment at 5% and 10% w/w. Next, using excision and incision wound models, the ointments' ability to promote wound healing was assessed. The excision model was utilised to estimate wound contraction and epithelization time, whereas the incision model was utilised to measure tensile strength. By dissolving 1% carrageenan in 0.9% saline (w/v) and giving oral dosages of the crude extract and solvent fractions (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the leaves was assessed concurrently with a carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. ResultsSignificant wound healing activity was seen in both models in wounds treated with 5% and 10% (w/w) solvent fraction ointment, as shown by higher tissue breaking strength (with 51.38% maximum effect by 10% (w/w) ethyl acetate fraction ointment), shorter epithelization times (within 15.92 days by ethyl acetate fraction ointment 10%), and increased wound contraction (99.40% by ethyl acetate fraction ointment 10%). The extract (hydromethanolic) and solvent fractions also showed notable dose-related decreases in inflammation. ConclusionThe study's findings supported A. schimperi's traditional use as a wound healing agent by showing that the solvent fractions of the plant's leaves promoted wound healing, at least in part, through their anti-inflammatory effect.

Valeriana Officinalis: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as Valerian, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. This comprehensive study aims to explore the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, health benefits, recommended dosages, and potential side effects of the Valerian plant. Through a detailed examination of both historical and contemporary research, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the therapeutic potential and applications of Valerian. The pharmacological efficacy of Valerian is primarily attributed to its rich chemical composition. Key constituents include volatile oils, valepotriates, and sesquiterpenes, with valerenic acid identified as a major active compound. These components are believed to work synergistically to enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, thereby exerting sedative and anxiolytic effects on the central nervous system. Contemporary pharmacological studies have confirmed Valerian’s ability to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Biological Resource and Traditional Uses of the Genus Hellenia in Thailand with A New Variety from Thailand

Biological Resource and Traditional Uses of the Genus Hellenia in Thailand with A New Variety from Thailand

Technological and Functional Potentialities of Mairá (Casimirella rupestris) and Ariá (Goeppertia allouia) Starches.

The Amazon region holds untapped potential with its starch-rich tubers, which are not yet industrialized and face a risk of extinction due to competition from widely cultivated crops. Beyond their traditional subsistence use, Amazonian tubers such as Mairá and Ariá can be utilized as starch sources, offering an opportunity to support regional agriculture, preserve indigenous heritage, and provide sustainable income streams. This study aimed to characterize starches extracted from Mairá (MPS) and Ariá (ARS for rhizome and APS for potato), focusing on their technological and functional potential. Following extraction (maceration, filtration, decantation, and drying), their structure and size were analyzed using SEM and optical microscopy. Amylose content was determined spectrophotometrically, while pasting and thermal properties were assessed using RVA and DSC techniques. They exhibited axial diameters of 18.9, 22.6, and 26.7μm, with MPS, ARS, and APS displaying spherical, elliptical, and polygonal shapes, respectively. According to RVA results, MPS showed lower viscosity and paste stability compared to others, making it more suitable for products requiring minimal thickening. Ariá starches demonstrated a rapid retrogradation and the formation of opaque pastes, indicating potential applications in products requiring these characteristics. Starches from these Amazonian tubers present significant potential as thickening and gelling agents for the food industry, standing out for their safety in consumption and their role in preserving endangered species.

Bridging past and present: exploring Cannabis traditions in Armenia through ethnobotanical interviews and bibliographic prospecting

BackgroundCannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae) has been widely used by humans throughout its history for a variety of purposes (medicinal, alimentary and other uses). Armenia, with its rich cultural history and diverse ecosystems, offers a unique context for ethnobotanical research about traditional uses of Cannabis. The present work aims to study and preserve the local traditional knowledge about Cannabis in Armenia by conducting interviews with informants and through a literature review.MethodsThe first part of the dataset was gathered with ethnobotanical surveys, through questionnaires conducted with 27 informants. The second part of the data was obtained from a comprehensive bibliographic search in English, Armenian and Russian language. Since the data acquisition was different, the quantitative analyses (calculation of the number of use reports and percentages) were performed separately.ResultsDuring the interviews 52 use reports and 3 vernacular names were recorded, while the bibliographic data from 20 references, provided us with 56 use reports and 17 Cannabis vernacular names, from the 5th century to 2020. Our results indicate that medicinal applications, particularly for human ailments, and fibre use have markedly dwindled, contrasting with earlier epochs. However, the Cannabis seeds continue to be consumed in celebrative and symbolic dishes such as aghandz and tolma.ConclusionsThe recent decline in the medicinal use of Cannabis contrasts with earlier periods when access to pharmacological remedies was limited, and societal views of the plant were more positive. This shift can be partly attributed to the impact of legal restrictions. In contrast, the use of Cannabis seeds for alimentary purposed is importantly maintained nowadays. As medicinal use, fibre use has also declined, largely due to the availability of more competitive modern products. The loss of vernacular names over time, as detected in this study, also reflects the erosion of traditional knowledge, which correlates with diminishing use. Despite the small sample size and limited geographic scope, the combination of two approaches—information from contemporary informants and a systematic bibliographic review—has provided valuable insights into the changes in the traditional use of Cannabis in Armenia, that has not been explored in this way before.

Anti-asthmatic activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Indigofera tinctoria L. leaves in guinea pig

This work aimed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of the hydro alcoholic extract of Indigofera tinctoria L. leaves in guinea pig. It was administered orally at doses 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg. The animals were exposed to histamine 0.5 % aerosol and latent period of dyspnoea onset of animal was recorded. Its mechanism of action was investigated in vitro using isolated trachea. Results of these tests indicate that the extract increases the latent period of dyspnoea onset from 38±1.4 sec in control group to 47.5 ± 2.04, 77.5 ± 2.20 and 138 ± 3.14 sec in animals treated with the extract at doses 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg respectively (p<0.05). It completely relaxes the isolated trachea contracted with histamine at 10-5 M with EC50 equal to 0.036 mg/ml. Pre incubating the organ in bath containing the extract at 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06 mg/ml increases histamine EC50 from 4.6 10-8 M to 6.12 10-7, 6.8 10-6 and 10.21 10-5 M and reduces its maximal effect from 100 % to 90, 82 and 52 % respectively. These results indicate that the extract possesses bronchodilation activity which justifies the traditional use of Indigofera tinctoria as anti-asthmatic.

Effects of flavonoid extract from wonderful Kola (Buchholzia Coriacea) seed on antioxidant and liver function biomarkers of fructose fed streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic albino rats

Wonderful kola is a wonderful herb with excellent healing powers, the seeds is fast gaining reputation because it appears to be a treatment to nearly all ailments. This study evaluates the potential hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of oral administration of flavonoid-rich seed extract of Buchholzia coriacea seeds in fructose fed Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-five (25) rats were used for this study. They were divided into five (5) groups of five rats each; normal control, negative control (Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic), positive control (Glibenclamide), 100mg/kg of body weight seed extract and 500mg/kg of body weight seed extract. The flavonoid seed extract of the plant significantly (P<0.05) reduced liver damage caused by STZ, as evidenced by the decreased serum alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase activity, compared to in the group treated with STZ alone. The result of the Superoxide dismutase activity (SOS) shows more antioxidant activity than other antioxidant parameters. However, that of catalase enzyme has the lowest activity as compared to Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) activities. All were significantly (P<0.05) improved following the treatments of flavonoid extract. In conclusion, the results show that seeds of Buchholzia coriacea contain a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, which can give scientific merit to the traditional use of the extract in the management of diabetes and the improvement of its complications.

Formulation and Evaluation of Antidandruff Hair Oil

Herbal hair oil is the formulation derived from ingredients of natural origin including the base, which promotes hair growth activity. An attempt was made to formulate a herbal product in which the appearance of hair oil i.e. colour and fragrance etc. is provided by the formulation itself and is devoid of any synthetic ingredient. Various ingredients were incorporated on the basis of their traditional use and their availability in commercially marketed herbal formulation. The aqueous extracts were prepared and incorporated into oil base of natural origin. The experimental paradigms used were primary skin irritation test and hair growth activity including number of hairs, length of hair, hair growth initiation as well as hair growth completion time. Significant increase in hair number and length were observed. The time required for complete hair growth was also considerably reduced. The result of treatment with formulated herbal hair oil was comparable with that of minoxidil, which was taken as a standard. Herbal formulations always have lesser or no side effects comparatively with synthetic. The aim of present study involves preparation of herbal hair oil using the herbal ingredients like., Amla, Raw garlic, Curry leaves, Methi. Based on the above observations, mixture of crude drugs was prepared in the form of herbal hair oil by boiling method. We have used five formulas using different herbal drugs and all the formulation are showing anti-hair fall property with some of other beneficial activities like anti-dandruff activity, improves blood circulation to the scalp and roots, reduce hair pigmentation, anti-fungal activity, reducing the whitening of the hair. The formulated herbal oil was evaluated by using various parameters such as Organoleptic properties, specific gravity, stability, viscosity, Acid value, pH etc. and the value obtained from it was found to be similar to that of the standard values like there is no sedimentation, no grittiness and shows satisfying organoleptic properties and the results were determined and are reported in this work. The coconut oil was used as base oil which make an effective anti-dandruff formulation with smooth and shiny hairs, also provide conditioning and promotes hair growth. The formulated shampoo was subjected to evaluation parameters like visual inspection, pH, viscosity, antidandruff test and stability studies, etc. The major goal of the present study is to formulate and evaluate anti-dandruff hair oil for treating various hair issues. The coconut oil was used as base oil which make an effective anti-dandruff formulation with smooth and shiny hairs, also provide conditioning and promotes hair growth. The formulated shampoo was subjected to evaluation parameters like visual inspection, pH, viscosity, antidandruff test and stability studies, etc. The major goal of the present study is to formulate and evaluate anti-dandruff hair oil for treating various hair issues.

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects of Arnica Extract Hydrogel Patch in Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation and Hot Plate Pain Models

Arnica montana (AM), which belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae, has a longstanding traditional use in Europe and North America for pain and inflammation treatment. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of ‘Arnica montana extract hydrogel patch (AHP)’ on Carrageenan-induced paw edema and hot plate-induced pain models. AHP exhibited transdermal permeability without the occurrence of issues like crystal precipitation. This study employed two animal model assessments using AHP, in comparison with Arnicare Gel (AG), to evaluate anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects. AHP treatment for 2 days showed a decrease in paw edema thickness in mice as compared to vehicle or AG groups; Carrageenan-induced swelling increased maximally at 1 h with the AHP group demonstrating a higher reduction. Thus, the AHP group exhibited a lower ratio of right/left paw thickness and a superior reduction in swelling, supportive of its ability to diminish edema. A histological analysis showed that AHP treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Consistently, the mRNA levels of inflammatory markers (tnfa, il1b, and il6) were decreased to a greater extent than the AG group. Particularly, tnfa inhibition was better in the AHP group, and the levels of il1b and il6 transcripts showed ~80% and 40% lower. Likewise, AHP reduced pain scores in a hot plate-induced rat model, although AG failed to do so. Together, these results demonstrate that AHP has long-lasting inhibitory effects on fluid effusion and edema formation, the production of inflammatory mediators, and pain-sensation, supporting its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving pharmacological effects.

Comparing Perspectives on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use in Oncology: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Oncology Patients in Western Mexico

Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) plays a significant role in healthcare practices among healthcare professionals and oncology patients in Mexico, reflecting its cultural importance. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence, frequency, and factors associated with T&CM use in these two groups, highlighting the differences in practices and perceptions. A total of 382 individuals participated, including 152 healthcare professionals and 230 oncology patients. The findings revealed that while T&CM use was similarly prevalent among healthcare professionals (85.7%) and oncology patients (90.8%), frequent use (≥2 times per week) was significantly higher among patients (46.3%) compared to healthcare professionals (19.1%, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals showed a preference for non-conventional nutritional interventions (32.5%) and yoga (14.6%) while oncology patients favored plant-based remedies (73.6%) and the consumption of exotic animals and venoms (4.8%). Females were more likely to use T&CM across both groups, with a stronger association among healthcare professionals (AdOR 3.695, 95% CI 1.8–7.4). Oncology patients were less likely to understand T&CM concepts and were more commonly associated with lower socioeconomic status and educational attainment. These findings underscore the importance of considering cultural and demographic factors when integrating T&CM into conventional medical care, especially in regions where T&CM remains widely practiced and trusted.

Unveiling the Immaterial: The Premier Building Restoration Project At The Hope Waddell Institution

The Premier Building Restoration Project at the Hope Waddell Institution sought to explore architecture as a dynamic process that transcends mere physical reconstruction, engaging deeply with the immaterial aspects that shape and define built environments. This project was set against the backdrop of the Venice Charter to address pressing environmental, spiritual and cultural concerns, yet it equally emphasizes the importance of 'weightless' elements—narratives, memories, and cultural significances—that often remain hidden beneath the surface. Hope Waddell Institution, a historical educational complex with deep roots in Calabar, Nigeria’s socio-cultural fabric, serves as a case study for investigating the interplay between tangible and intangible heritage. The restoration project of the Premier Building is not merely about preserving the Scottish prefabricated wooden structure but about uncovering and reintegrating the institution’s rich traditional materiality,cultural heritage, stories, and historical figures that have shaped its legacy. By utilizing an inter/multi/transdisciplinary methodology, the project incorporates archival research, community narratives, and traditional use restorative analysis to reveal the hidden layers of the Premier building’s past. This includes understanding the socio-political contexts of its establishment, the evolving educational paradigms, and the community’s ongoing relationship with the space. The project challenges traditional restoration methods, proposing a more holistic view that considers the immaterial as equally crucial to the institution’s heritage. The Premier Building Restoration Project thus serves as a model for contemporary architectural practice, emphasizing the need to approach the built environment as a repository of hidden memories and stories. This approach not only enriches our understanding of architectural heritage but also fosters a more inclusive and reflective process of architectural (re)making, where the unseen and unheard narratives are brought to the forefront, expanding the discipline beyond its conventional boundaries.

Relativistic CASPT2/RASPT2 Program along with DIRAC Software.

Exploring electronic states in actinide compounds is a critical aspect of nuclear science. However, considering relativistic effects and electron correlation in theoretical calculations poses a complex challenge. To tackle this, we developed the CASPT2/RASPT2 program along with the DIRAC program, enabling calculations of electron correlation methods using multiconfigurational perturbation theory with various relativistic Hamiltonians. Currently, we employ a method that combines the improved virtual orbital (IVO) approach and CASCI methodologies as reference functions, deviating from the traditional use of CASSCF. Additionally, we implemented the RASCI-RASPT2 method to treat larger active spaces and parallelized the entire program. Due to the intricate process of selecting orbital spaces in CASPT2 and RASPT2, we offer a GUI program to assist with input creation. All these programs and tutorials are freely accessible on GitHub for anyone to use. In our benchmark calculations, we demonstrated the efficiency of parallelization by utilizing 1-256 cores for CASCI-CASPT2 calculations on the UO22+ molecule. Despite encountering some anomalies, we achieved commendable parallelization efficiency with CASCI and CASPT2 computational times. We also computed the vertical excitation energies of UO22+ using the RASCI-RASPT2 approach. By adapting the IVO and setting the maximum number of holes and electrons to three for RAS1 and RAS3, we obtained trends consistent with those reported in previous studies using alternative methods. We plan to continue improving the program in the future, believing that its widespread use will contribute to further development in actinide chemistry.

Evaluation of the antidiarrheal activity of the 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Terminalia brownii Fresen (Combretaceae) leaves in Swiss Albino mice

BackgroundAlthough diarrhea is a preventable disease, it continues to have a significant impact on global health, with the burden being much greater in Sub-Saharan Africa. Medicinal plants represent affordable and locally available resources to address many diseases, including diarrhea. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal activities of the 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Terminalia brownii Fresen (Combretaceae) leaves in Swiss Albino mice.MethodsThis study was carried out by administering the 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions from the crude extract, including the n-hexane fraction (NHF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous fraction (AF) at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, to the mice. The effects of these extracts and solvent fractions on reducing/delaying diarrhea were compared with the impact of the solvent used for reconstitution and a standard drug (loperamide 3 mg/kg or atropine 5 mg/kg), as well as with each other.ResultsThe hydromethanolic crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction at all tested doses significantly reduced wet defecation (P < 0.05). In addition, total defecation was significantly reduced at a dose of 200 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001) of the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction at all tested doses (P < 0.01. The aqueous fraction at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and the n-hexane fraction at 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05) significantly inhibit wet and total defecation. Likewise, in the enteropooling test, the crude extract and ethyl acetate fractions showed a significant reduction in the weight and volume of intestinal contents at a dose of 200 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Castor oil-induced intestinal motility was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by the crude extract and ethyl acetate fractions at all tested doses.ConclusionThe result from this study suggests significant antidiarrheal activity of Terminalia brownii leaves, which validates its traditional use. The 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and ethyl acetate solvent fractions of Terminalia brownii Fresen leaves have shown better antidiarrheal activity.

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles by Hydroethanolic Extract of Rubus ellipticus: Antimicrobial and Antidiabetic Activities

Background: The biosynthesis of nanoparticles of copper oxide nanoparticles via using plant extracts and phytochemicals has garnered significant interest due to their potential medical applications. This study focuses on synthesizing CuONPs using Rubus ellipticus leaf extract (CuONPs-Re) as an efficient reducing agent. Methods: The CuONPs-Re were characterized using various techniques: UV-Visible Spectroscopy: Observed a peak value at 310 nm because of inherent band gap absorption. FT-IR Spectroscopy: Confirmed the existence of functional groups associated with terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. FE-SEM and HR-TEM Analysis: Indicated that the CuONPs-Re is spherically shaped with a typical size of 30-50 nm. Antibacterial Activity: The antibacterial efficacy of CuONPs-Re was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus nigervia agar well diffusion method. Antidiabetic Activity: Previous studies have shown the potential of green synthesized CuONPs as hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic agents. In this study, different doses of CuONPs-Re in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were orally administered for 15 days to alloxan-induced albino Wistar rats. The biochemical considerations, histopathology analyses, and comparisons among diabetic control, normal, standard (Glibenclamide), and treated animals were evaluated. Results: A significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose (from 293 to 91.5 mg/dl) was observed in treated experimental rats. Improvements were also observed in their lipid profiles and pancreatic healing, as compared to the respective standard drugs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CuONPs-Re has promising potential in the control of Type-1 diabetes mellitus, aligning with the traditional medicinal use of Rubus ellipticus leaves for diabetic relief. The findings suggest that CuONPs-Re could serve as an effective alternative to conventional diabetic treatments.

Ethics Committees' Practices in Healthcare, Banking and Research: Key Requirements for Their Functionality.

To meet concerns about ethical and unethical behavior in their work environments and workplaces, organizations began establishing ethics programs that contain ethics committees (ECs). There is now a tradition and diverse use of ECs for ethical decision-making in many different organizational settings. In addition, ECs have been subject to many publications in books and articles in the scientific literature. Yet, until now no comparative analysis has been published that brings together ECs' practices in different sectors. This article aims to bridge this knowledge gap and illustrate which main requirements for ECs' practices need to be addressed to help ECs meet their anticipated functions. To do so, this paper lays out a study based on an exploratory, qualitative design using focus groups and individual expert interviews that compare ECs' practices in the healthcare, banking, and scientific research sectors (as far as dual use of research is concerned). Based on the results of this study we were able to make a distinction between two main categories: moral authority and trustworthiness. We were also able to identify three sub-categories: legitimation, mode, and outreach. Based on the exploratory analysis in this study, we conclude that there are the following three distinct main requirements for the functionality of ECs: (1) a dialog between EC members and other stakeholders, (2) an approach that considers various possible modes (reactive, screening, moderating, and preventive) to enhance the quality of ECs' decision-making processes and (3) an outreach to all relevant EC stakeholders for the further validation of the main requirements found for ECs functionality.