Utilization Of Herbal Medicine Research Articles

Herbal medicines use among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy and its influence on viral suppression and CD4 count: A survey at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the magnitude of concurrent use of herbal medicines with ART, its associated factors and effect on viral load suppression and CD4 count among people living with HIV. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study involving 375 HIV positive patients on ART attending at care and treatment clinic (CTC). MethodsData were obtained through face-to-face interviews using pre-structured questionnaires and patient's files through a checklist. Adherence was assessed though pill count method while CD4 count and viral load suppression were assessed using the Tanzania National guidelines for the management of HIV and AIDS. Data were analysed using STATA version 15. Independent predictors for herbal medicine use or viral suppression were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. ResultsOut of 375 PLHIV, 132 (35%) reported to use herbal medicines concurrently with ART. Predictors for herbal medicines use were existence of chronic disease (OR = 4.53; CI = 1.87–10.95) (p = 0.001), male gender (OR = 0.57; CI = 0.35–0.93) (p = 0.02) and HIV clinical stage (OR = 1.71; CI = 0.99–2.94) (p = 005). PLHIV who used herbal medicines along with ART did not have a significantly higher chance of achieving viral suppression than PLHIV who did not use herbal medicines (OR = 1.42; CI = 0.71–2.82). There was no statistically significant difference on CD4 count (p = 0.8943) and viral load (p = 0.8612) between herbal medicines users and non-users. ConclusionThe utilization of herbal medicine among PLHIV on ART remains notably prevalent. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that despite the prevailing herbal medicine usage, there is no substantial effect on viral suppression. The primary determinants of the adoption of herbal medicines use were having chronic medical conditions and the stage of progression of the HIV infection.

Consumption and adverse reaction reporting of herbal medicines among people living with HIV at University teaching hospitals in Blantyre, Malawi and Ibadan, Nigeria

Background Consumption of herbal medicines among people living with HIV is a common practice in Sub-Saharan Africa. The utilization of herbal medicines was at 17.5% and 67.9% in Malawi and Nigeria, respectively. There is inadequate data on use and adverse reactions (ADRs) reporting of herbal medicines among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). This study was designed to investigate use and ADRs reporting of herbal medicines among PLWHIV at the University Teaching Hospitals in Blantyre, Malawi and Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted among PLWHIV attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 360 and 370 participants in Blantyre and Ibadan respectively, through face-to-face interviews after obtaining their informed consent. Results The prevalence of herbal medicines use among PLWHIV in Malawi and Nigeria was at 80.6% and 55.7% (p<0.001), respectively. The most frequently used herbal medicines in Malawi were Aloe vera (14.0%), Moringa oleifera (14.0%), Zingiber officinale (13.0%) and Allium sativum (7.0%). Likewise, in Nigeria, the most commonly used herbal medicines were Zingiber officinale (15.0%), Vernonia amygdalina (14.0%), Moringa oleifera (9.0%), and Allium sativum (11.0%). The major reason for herbal medicines’ use in Malawi was ready availability (42.1%) and perception that it boosts immunity (44.6%) in Nigeria. The PLWHIV reported experiencing suspected herbal medicine ADRs in Malawi (3.9%) and in Nigeria (8.0%).Conclusion A higher percentage of people living with HIV are using herbal medicines in Malawi as well as in Nigeria. In both countries, a few participants reported experiencing suspected ADRs related to herbal medicines.

Herbal treatments used by patients before surgery: A literature review example

Aim: Herbs, which hold significant historical significance in medicine and have been utilized for centuries to manage and prevent illnesses, interact with medications. This interaction extends to anesthetics and drugs administered during surgical procedures. Identifying these herbal remedies and discontinuing their use at appropriate intervals is crucial. This study aimed to identify publications examining the utilization of herbal medicine by presurgical patients through the PubMed database.Method: Literature published between 2000 and 2023 was scrutinized using the keywords "herbal medicine, presurgical patients" in the PubMed database for this study.Results: Among the studies, 56.2% constituted research articles and were thus included in the study. Those conducted within the last decade accounted for 22.2% of our sample. The majority of the studies were conducted in the United States (44.4%). The most frequently used herbs among the publications included in the sample were Echinacea (Echinacea) (n=5), Ginseng (Panax), Ginkgo biloba (n=3), Perforate St John's-wort (n=3), and Garlic (Allium sativum) (n=3).Conclusions: Insights into preoperative herbal use are pivotal. It is well-established that herbs interact with anesthetic medications. The findings of this review indicate a paucity of literature on this subject globally. Therefore, there is a demand for more rigorous, experimental studies to raise awareness among healthcare professionals.

Knowledge, Perception and Utilization of Herbal Medicine in Treatment of Malaria in Southwestern Nigeria

Malaria control has been a challenge around the world for decades. In malaria endemic nations like Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional herbal medicine is the most common option for treating malaria. About 80% of the world's population relies on the use of herbal medicine to treat a variety of diseases, and the use of plant materials in the treatment of illnesses has continuously expanded. This study sought to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes towards the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria. Descriptive design and multistage sampling techniques were utilised. During the first stage, three States were chosen through a balloting process utilising random sampling methods. Four (4) sections of the questionnaire were used to collect sociodemographic data and other factors that were important to the achievement of the given objectives. The findings revealed that 31.7% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about traditional medicine for treatment of malaria. 20.8% had positive perceptions to the common herbal medicines used in the treatment of malaria. Majority stated malaria is not a serious disease to be concerned about, and that traditional medicine is superior to modern medicine. Conclusively, the results highlighted the respondent’s lack knowledge on the consequences of traditional medicine. A strong correlation between traditional medicine uses and perception in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria was also discovered. The result of the study prompted a recommendation that the public health department of the ministry of health need to intensify campaign against use of unapproved herbs for treatment of malaria. Keywords; Malaria, Herbal Medicine, Treatment of Malaria.

The pattern of herbal medicines use for breastfeeding mother in Jogonalan, Klaten, Indonesia: a mini survey

Background and objectivesIndonesian society extensively uses herbal medicine due to its abundant natural resources that have been utilized for generations for health purposes. Herbal medicine is also employed by specific community groups, such as breastfeeding mothers, to address issues like low milk production. However, there has yet to be much research conducted on its usage patterns in the Jogonalan District, Klaten Regency, Indonesia. It is crucial to understand this aspect to gain an overview of herbal medicine utilization in the community, thus preserving local’s healthy traditional culture and traditions and continuing their development. This study aims to describe the pattern of herbal medicine usage among breastfeeding mothers in the Jogonalan District, Klaten Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia.MethodsThe quantitative descriptive study conducted as a mini survey to breastfeeding mothers who used herbs, visited minimal three (3) times in integrated service posts for babies/toddlers in the Jogonalan sub-district and agree to overcome the research. Calculating the frequency distribution was used to analyze the study's findings. The advantages and disadvantages of these results are evaluated in relation to the findings of earlier investigations.Results and conclusionsThe respondents were dominated housewives (84.4%), aged 20–35 years (71.1%), had secondary education (60.0%), and multiparous (66.7%). The daily use of uyub-uyub as a breast milk enhancer dominates the pattern of herbal medicine use. Papaya leaves, turmeric, and aromatic ginger are further herbal remedies. Nursing mothers’ health and fitness and breastfed children’s health is other advantages. The only adverse effects reported by three respondents (6.7%) were nausea and dizziness. Breastfeeding mothers can safely utilize evidence-based herbal medicines by increasing their knowledge, consulting with health professionals, and using them under supervision to preserve their use.

Investigating antiarthritic potential of polyherbal emulgel

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammation of joints with increased cellularity of synovial tissue. Allopathic drugs possess several adverse effects, which have led to increase in the utilization of herbal medicines. Polyherbal emulgel resolves the bioavailability issue associated with hydrophobic drugs and can be used effectively in the treatment of RA. ObjectivesThe present study aimed at the formulation of polyherbal emulgel, and evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo antiarthritic activity. MethodsSeven emulgels F-1 to F-7 were optimally formulated. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined using protein denaturation method employing Diclofenac sodium as the standard. In antiarthritic study Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model was used. The various parameters were assessed, like paw volume, body weight, hematological parameters, antioxidant parameters, Rheumatic factor (RF), and histopathological study of ankle joint. ResultsF-4 and F-7 were found to be optimized formulations as compared to other formulations. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was found to be highest in F-4 with IC50 7.74 and F-7 with IC50 8.87 in comparison with Diclofenac sodium having IC50 57.0. Both formulations F-7 and F-4 showed a significant reduction in paw volume and normalization of body weights. The formulation F-7 even showed more potent antiarthritic activity than F-4 by decreasing white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, increasing packed cell volume (PCV), neutrophils, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum. This was further confirmed by histopathological study. ConclusionAs an anti-inflammatory agent, this newly developed emulgel was found to possess more therapeutic efficacy than commercially available diclofenac sodium.

The Determinants of Utilisation of Herbal Medicine Among Pregnant Women in the Asante Akim North District, Ghana.

Pregnant women especially in the developing countries resort to herbal medicines to manage their unpleasant conditions in pregnancy. The study examined the utilization of herbal medicine among pregnant women in Asante Akim North District of Ghana. Purposive, random and convenient sampling techniques were used to select pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics in the selected health institutions. The theoretical underpinning of the study was the theory of planned behaviour. The sequential mixed method approach was used to draw data from the respondents. The research was a cross-sectional study and instruments used for data collection were structured questionnaire and interview guide. Data were analysed using statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and chi-square test of independence. Results indicate that over 82% of respondents had ever used herbal medicine during pregnancy and they derived greater part of their medication from herbalists. Ginger and leaves of the neem tree were the herbs regularly used and the major health problems they faced during pregnancy were waist pains, malaria and anaemia. The factors that exhibited a statistically significant association with the use of herbal medicine were income (X2 =41.601; p=0.014) and religion (X2=9.422; p=0.045). The rate of use of herbal medicine by pregnant women is high in the district. The theoretical underpinning of the study has been vindicated. The findings have implications for global health given that maternal health issues engage serious attention of international donor organisations. Recommendations have been made to improve the efficacy of herbal medicine and to integrate herbal medicine into orthodox medicine.

Edukasi dan Pelatihan Pengolahan Tanaman Obat Untuk Menunjang Kesehatan Masyarakat Kelurahan Angke

The utilization of traditional medicine derived from nature has increased its use in recent years, this is in line with the current trend of returning to nature. The use of traditional medicine in the form of herbal medicine has been done since ancient times and has been passed down from generation to generation. However, the use of TOGA as medicine is still low in prevalence, especially in the DKI Jakarta area according to 2018 Riskesdas data. The level of knowledge is one of the factors associated with the utilization of herbal medicine. Limited knowledge about medicinal plants and how to process and make herbal medicines properly and correctly becomes an obstacle to utilization. Various benefits can be obtained from the utilization of TOGA both in terms of benefits, safety, and economic aspects, especially for community groups with economic limitations. This community service activity is carried out by providing education on useful medicinal plants, and plant parts that can be used as medicines and training on processing medicinal plants using household appliances. The purpose of this activity is to increase knowledge, utilization, and interest in processing medicinal plants.

Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Northern Cyprus: Public Awareness, Patterns of Use, and Attitudes

Background: The utilization of herbal medicine (HM) as a component of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing worldwide. Little is known about justifications for its use and the factors associated with it. This study gains insights into the use of herbal medicines in Northern Cyprus, concentrating on targets for its use, the role played by disease type, reasons for its use, and sources of information. Methods: A questionnaire was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample comprised of people in two different regions in Northern Cyprus over a 12-week period from August to November 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Moreover, qualitative research explored individuals' decision making regarding CAM, which aimed to examine 20 patients as a context for beliefs, decision making, and dialogue about CAM. After audio-taping and verbatim transcription, the data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings show that the majority of respondents learned about herbal products (HPs) and CAM from other patients, the Internet, friends, and family. The results indicate that almost half of the respondents were aware of how CAMs, especially herbal preparations, are used to treat common illnesses. Fennel, ginger, and echinacea were the most commonly used HMs, mainly for the treatment of the common cold. Furthermore, nearly 50% of the participants expressed the belief that HMs are safe, have fewer side effects than conventional medicines, and are also effective for treating minor health conditions. The prevalence was strongly associated with education level based on a Pearson Chi-square analysis. Conclusions: Although herbal medicines were mostly used to treat mild to moderate ailments and the participants were aware of their limitations, the combination of self-medication, inexperienced counseling, and lack of awareness of the risks of herbal medicines is potentially harmful. This is particularly important for elderly users, because although they seemed to be more aware of health-related issues, they generally used more medication than younger people. Given our finding that dissatisfaction with modern medicine is the most important reason for the preferred use of herbal medicines, government agencies, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies should be aware of this issue and should aim to create some level of awareness among users.

Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) extract displayed antidiabetic effect through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lower hepatic GSK-3β, and pancreatic glycogen on Diabetes Mellitus and dyslipidemia rat

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is hyperglycemic or elevated blood glucose level and deficiency of insulin level. DM treatment using synthetic drugs has several complexities, side effects. Reducing the side effects of synthetic drugs, the utilization of herbal medicines is increasingly in demand. Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) extract (CTE) has pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective, diuretic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: This research was conducted to evaluate antidiabetic potent of CTE in DM and dyslipidemia rats model. Methods: LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the CTE compounds. Rats were given high fat diet for 28 days followed by nicotinamide and streptozotocin for inducing DM rats model. DM and dyslipidemia rats model were given CTE at 200, 400, 800 mg/kg of BW, glibenclamide, and simvastatin for 28 days. The glucose and insulin levels on day 28 were measured after treatment of CTE. The CAT, SOD, MDA, IL-18 and protein of pancreas were measured. The glycogen gene expression in pancreas was measured using q-RTPCR method. The GSK-3β expression of liver, IL-6 expression of pancreas were analyzed using IHC method. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and then continued to be analyzed using Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test. Results: CTE increased level of pancreatic CAT, SOD and protein, reduced pancreatic MDA, IL-18 levels, glycogen gene expression of pancreas, GSK-3β protein expression of liver, and IL-6 protein expression of pancreas in DM and dyslipidemia rats. CTE improved liver histopathology, reduced serum glucose, and enhanced insulin levels. Conclusion: CTE has the potency for DM treatment, through antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory in DM and dyslipidemia rats.

Current Characteristics of Herbal Medicine Interventions for Cancer on Clinical Databases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The utilization of herbal medicine has been noteworthy for treating cancer; however, there is not enough information regarding the characteristics of clinical trials of herbal medicine interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristic of registered trials using herbal medicine interventions for cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed via the website ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN registry, Chinese clinical trial registry, and international clinical trials registry platform to gather associated registered clinical trials using an advanced search with the developed keyword strategy as of March 26, 2023. All obtainable information from the trials was collected without any restrictions to conduct a comprehensive review. Results: A total of 169 registered trials were included for evaluation. Of all trials, 102 trials were eligible for this study. Countries from Asia registered the most trials (62.75%), and hospitals sponsored most of the trials (42.16%). Randomized, Phase 2, interventional trials were dominant, and approximately 64.71% of the trials anticipated recruiting less than 100 participants. More than half of the trials were from 2016 to 2023 (53.92%). While 45 trials were completed, only 16 trials had results for further analysis. According to the completed results, the types of herbal medicines from the trials mainly focused on lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Conclusion: This study is the first to explore the characteristics of clinical trials of herbal medicine for cancer registered in large clinical databases. The acquired trials had relatively informative data; however, better-designed trials may be needed for health professionals to consider herbal medicine as an option when treating cancer patients.

Natural bioactive products as promising therapeutics: A review of natural product-based drug development

• Natural products mostly derived from plants, animal and microbial resources. • Low-income countries mostly rely on natural products as a primary health support. • Ethnomedicines expounds better superiority over contemporary drugs. • Natural products need therapeutic authentication for the drug development. • Genetic engineering and modern practices expedite the synthesis of the natural product. Since ancient times, natural medicines have had paramount importance in bolstering biotherapeutics to treat various diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that more than 80% of the population of developing countries relies on traditional medicines, predominately herbal medicine, for their immediate medications. The drugs derived from medicinal plants have tremendous diversity with superfluous potency for managing communicable and non-communicable diseases, which diminishes the burden of modern pharmacopoeias in low and middle-developed countries. With the increasing importance and prevalence of herbal drugs, the appropriate evaluations are being implemented for their utilization. Most herbal medicines are prescribed by practical shreds of evidence and recommended in crude and semi-standardized forms. The inadequacy in pharmacological evaluation, preclinical and clinical examination of herbal drugs impedes their integration into contemporary medicinal practices. The preclinical investigation, prominently in-vivo and in-vitro studies, explores various attributes consisting of cell cytotoxicity, cell-cell interactions, intracellular activity, cell-environment interaction, gene expression studies, and metabolomics fingerprints of induced natural drugs. These pre-clinical evaluations and robust evidence consent to the safe and long-term utilization of herbal medicine to treat hideous diseases. Further, several modern practises are being considered for the precise and effective production of bioactive compounds at the commercial level. With this connection, this review illustrates the prominent sources of natural drugs, their pre-clinical assessments, the development of active drug molecules, and their commercialization in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

A review: Utilization of Herbal Medicines in Alzheimer's Disease from Three Plants in Indonesia

Alzheimer's disease is a disease in which brain damage is characterized by a decrease in attention, memory, and personality. Personality changes often occur when sufferers become less spontaneous, more apathetic, and withdrawn from their environment. The use of chemical drugs derived from the synthesis of natural drugs is approved for clinical use for Alzheimer's patients. Synthesis from natural materials is carried out because of the many chemical compounds contained in plants which have various biological and pharmacological effects. As for the use of natural medicines that are efficacious as antioxidants, anticoagulants, and anti-inflammatories, they are targets in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease where from these effects they can inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme that plays a role in neurotransmitter damage. This journal review aims to maximize the use of natural medicines that have antioxidant effects from plants such as turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.) and Kelor leaves (Moringa oleifera Lam.) so that these three plants are expected to have an effect. potential in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease which will be discussed extensively.

Phytochemical Analysis of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Dried Flower Buds Extract and its Therapeutic Importance

The current study objective was to look into phytochemical analysis of Syzygium aromaticum dried flower buds. Clove has long been known to have positive health effects. The majority of the clove spice consumed worldwide comes from home kitchens. One of the most expensive spices, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has historically been used for both food preservation and for several therapeutic goals. Clove is a native of Indonesia, although it has been cultivated throughout the world, including India. The dried bud powder was successively extracted with water, methanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether. The following phytochemicals are present in Syzygium aromaticum, Carbohydrates, lipids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and triterpenes are all found, according to the phytochemical examination. Clove, also known as Syzygium aromaticum (Family Myrtaceace), is the most important and second-most precious spice. The utilization of herbal medicines is a significant source for the development of novel pharmaceutical compounds to treat severe ailments. It offers a wide range of medical benefits including antibacterial, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In clove dried flower bud extract the identified compounds are Quercetin, Ursolic acid and Gallic acid, all these compounds are responsible for the medicinal properties of clove bud.
 Keywords: Clove bud extract, Phytochemical, Soxhlet, LCMS, Health benefits.

Medicinal plants used for management of hemorrhoids in Ethiopia: A systematic review

BackgroundHemorrhoids have been reported to beset human beings since the earliest history of mankind. Utilization of herbal medicines is ever increasing as the demand for natural remedies is growing. In Ethiopia, many patients commonly use herbal medicines for hemorrhoids management despite lack of organized information at country level. This systematic review was aimed to document reports about utilization of medicinal plants for hemorrhoids management in Ethiopia. MethodA web-based systematic literature search was carried out through electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, Science Direct, and websites of different organizations. All studies with complete ethnobotanical information were included in this review without regard to methodology and publication year. ResultsA total of 23 articles were included in this systematic review. Majority (41.7%) of studies were reported from Oromia region followed by Amhara (33.3%) regional state. A total of 50 medicinal plants have been reported where Fabaceae and Solanaceae represent the most commonly used families. Herbs were the most (38%) commonly used medicinal plants followed by shrubs (34%) and trees (26%). Leaf (44%) and root (24%) were the first and second most commonly used plant parts, respectively. Most of the medicinal remedies (36%) were prepared by pounding the fresh part of the plant. Besides, 56.1% of the herbal preparations were administered through topical route. Conclusion and recommendationsNumerous medicinal plants from various families have been documented in this review as anti-hemorrhoidal remedies. Further studies could be anticipated in the search for new, effective, and safe plant-based medications from medicinal plants discussed in this review.

Origanum syriacum L. Attenuates the Malignant Phenotype of MDA-MB231 Breast Cancer Cells.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Among breast cancer types, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive, and is resistant to hormonal and chemotherapeutic treatments. As such, alternative approaches that may provide some benefit in fighting this debilitating pathology are critically needed; hence the utilization of herbal medicine. Origanum syriacum L., one of the most regularly consumed plants in the Mediterranean region, exhibits antiproliferative effect on several cancer cell lines. However, whether this herb modulates the malignant phenotype of TNBC remains poorly investigated. Here, we show that in MDA-MB-231, a TNBC cell line, Origanum syriacum L. aqueous extract (OSE) inhibited cellular viability, induced autophagy determined by the accumulation of lipidized LC3 II, and triggered apoptosis. We also show that OSE significantly promoted homotypic cell-cell adhesion while it decreased cellular migration, adhesion to fibronectin, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. This was supported by decreased activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), reduced α2 integrin expression, and downregulation of secreted PgE2, MMP2 and MMP-9, in OSE-treated cells. Finally, we also show that OSE significantly inhibited angiogenesis and downregulated the level of nitric oxide (NO) production. Our findings demonstrate the ability of OSE to attenuate the malignant phenotype of the MDA-MB-231 cells, thus presenting Origanum syriacum L. as a promising potential source for therapeutic compounds for TNBC.

A Research Article on Formulation and Evaluation of Antiacne Herbal Face Wash

Now days consumption of herbal medicines has expanded many folds a report of side effects observed with standard drugs. Herbal face wash was produce from fresh herbs or fresh fruits to enhance the skin and improve beauty. In the world, increases the need for utilization of herbal medicines. Acne is a chronic inflammatory situation of skin that give rise to pimples and spots, on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. In this work, different aims were produce to development and evaluation of the herbal anti-acne gel containing extract of root of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), turmeric is a antibacterial agent, sandal wood as flavoring agent, lemon juice as a preservative, honey as humectant through to make pure herbal formulation. The plants have been described in literature having good anti-acne, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Prepared formulation was evaluated for numerous parameters like colour, appearance, pH, stability studies, biological activities. It was very great attempt to begin the herbal anti acne face wash contain extracts of herbal products.

Magnitude and Determinant Factors of Herbal Medicine Utilization Among Mothers Attending Their Antenatal Care at Public Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia.

BackgroundWorld health organization defined herbal medicines as the practice of herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations, and finished herbal products. Globally women are the primary utilizer of herbal medicine and even they consume it during their pregnancy period. The World health organization reported that the majority of the global population used traditional medicine. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinant factors of herbal medicine utilization among pregnant mothers attending their antenatal care at public health institutions in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia.MethodologyInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant mothers who attended their antenatal care at public health institutions in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia from 12 February 2021 to 12 April 2021. A systematic random sampling method was used to get selected pregnant mothers. Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. P-value ≤0.05 was used as a cut point of statistical significance in multivariable binary logistic regression.ResultsA total of 422 pregnant mothers were included with a 100% response rate and 277 (65.6%) of them used an herbal medicine during their current pregnancy. Educational level up to primary school [AOR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.17 – 4.18], monthly family income of <2,800 ETB [AOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.01–2.92], and lack of awareness of the complication of herbal medicine utilization [AOR 10.3, 95% CI: 6.27–16.92] were determinant factors of herbal medicine utilization.ConclusionThe utilization of herbal medicine among pregnant mothers in this study is high and almost all of them did not disclose their utilization of herbal medicine to their healthcare providers. The ministry of health should integrate traditional medicine with conventional medicines. Midwives and obstetricians should openly discuss regarding benefits and complications of herbal medicine utilization for those pregnant mothers during their antenatal care counseling sessions as routine care.

Perspectives on COVID-19 prevention and treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

The significance of herbal medicine (HM) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been confirmed. Nevertheless, limited studies have included the people perspectives on COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam. Thus, this study tackled the aforementioned issue. Online-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Vietnamese adults between February-April 2021. Descriptive analysis, regression and Chi-squared tests were implemented for the statistical purposes. total of 787 respondents attended the study, 368 (46.8%) confirmed that they use herbal medicine/nutritional supplements for COVID-19 prevention/treatment. Over 50% of the respondents possessed positive perspective on vitamin C ingestion. Using herbal medicine for external use as a disinfectant was mostly preferred. Respondents who had a 'very good' health self-perception or who lived in rural areas, were more likely to have a positive opinion in the COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine. The main barrier for herbal medicine utilization was the deficiency of personal experience or expert advice. The Vietnamese people commonly utilize herbal medicine for the COVID-19 prevention/treatment. These data might help policy-makers in managing the public knowledge and practice on herbal medicine use in Vietnam.

Prevalence and correlates of herbal medicine use among Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) clients at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre Malawi: a cross-sectional study.

There has been an unprecedented explosion in the popularity of herbal preparations during the last few decades. Herbal medicines are commonly used by HIV/AIDs clients. There is limited data on the prevalence of herbal medicine and correlating factors of herbal medicine use in Malawi. This study establishes prevalence and factors contributing to the use of herbal medicine among HIV/AIDS clients attending the ART clinic at QECH, Blantyre Malawi. A cross-sectional study design was used to interview 211 conveniently sampled clients at QECH ART clinic. The questionnaire addressed socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, NCD-HIV comorbidity, and herbal medicine utilization. The main outcome of the study was herbal medicine use since the initiation of ART. Logistic regression analysis was done in Stata version 16. Both unadjusted and adjusted models were fitted for potential confounders. The prevalence of use of herbal medicine was reported in 17.5% (n=37) of the ART clients. The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that urban residence was statistically associated with reduced use of herbal medicine (adjusted Odds Ratio - AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.169, 0.976). There is a high prevalence of use of herbal medicine among clients taking ART. Herbal Medicine has the potential to cover the gaps in health coverage in rural communities.