Traditional Medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Before modern anticonvulsive drugs were developed people in central Europe used herbal remedies to treat epilepsy. Hundreds of different plants for this indication can be found in German herbals of the 16th and 17th centuries. Here we compile these plants and discuss their use from a pharmacological perspective. Materials and methods: Nine of the most important European herbals of the 16th and 17th century including Bock (1577), Fuchs (1543), Mattioli (1590), Lonicerus (1660, 1770), Brunfels (1532), Zwinger (1696), and Tabernaemontanus (1591, 1678) were searched for terms related to epilepsy, and plants and recipes described for its treatment were documented. We then searched scientific literature for pharmacological evidence of their effectiveness. Additionally the overlapping of these remedies with those in De Materia Medica by the Greek physician Dioscorides was studied. Results: Two hundred twenty one plants were identified in the herbals to be used in the context of epilepsy. In vitro and/or in vivo pharmacological data somehow related to the indication epilepsy was found for less than 5% of these plants. Less than 7% of epilepsy remedies are in common with De Materia Medica. Conclusions: Numerous plants were used to treat epilepsy in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, few of these plants have been investigated with respect to pharmacological activity on epilepsy related targets.

One of the most influential alchemical authors of the early modern period was Michael Sendivogius whose early life is shrouded in mystery. He may be labelled the most famous Polish scientific writer between Copernicus and Marie Skłodowska-Curie, but because of the difficulties involved in researching the biography of any alchemist, there has been relatively little interest in him among Polish historians. The early work of Roman Bugaj (author of the still fundamental monograph) and Włodzimierz Hubicki (who made his research available to the international community) has been continued only by the English-born Zbigniew Szydło and the author of this article. The roots of many legends about Sendivogius were three mid-17th century short biographies, none of which is trustworthy, so it is crucial to verify the received myth and the version constructed in the 1960's and 1970's with primary sources and evidence from the recent "new historiography of alchemy". The present ar...

Capparis decidua (Forsk.) is belonging to family Capparidaceae, yet important medicinal plant of Indian Medicinal Plants. In the traditional system of medicine, the bark has been shown to be useful in the treatment of coughs, asthma and inflammation; roots used in fever and buds in the treatment of boils. In Unani, leaves act as appetizer, helps in cardiac troubles, fruits used in biliousness. The plant is reported to contain Phytochemicals including alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and some fatty acids. In Unani, leaves act as appetizer, helps in cardiac troubles, used in biliousness; alveolaris and pyorrhea; Root bark is used as anthelmintic and purgative. The plant have significant pharmacological activities like hypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antidiabeti, antimicrobial, antiplaque, antihypertensive, antihelmintic & purgativ activities. The review analyses phytochemical and pharmacological potential of medicinal plant (kair).

Agarwood oil has been widely used especially in fragrance, incense, prayers and traditional medicinal. In the Middle East, the market demand for Agarwood oil is very high. Agarwood oil is traded based on high grade and low grade, corresponding to expensive price and cheap price, respectively. Currently, the grading of Agarwood oil, specifically Aquilaria Malaccensis, depends on its physical appearance such as color and odour. This paper presents the analysis of Aquilaria Malaccensis based on GC-MS data. The work involves of statistical technique such as boxplot and PCA. The analysis part was done on 64 chemical compounds on 7 samples of agarwood oil obtained by Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). It was done via MATLAB ver. R2010a. The result shows that the distribution of chemical compounds in Agarwood oil is not normal and five componets is identified from 64variables Agarwood oil samples, gathered by boxplot and PCA, individually.

Diabetes mellitus is becoming a common metabolic disorder which has serious threat to public health in the world. There are chemicals and biochemical agent that helps in controlling diabetes but there is no permanent remedy available which helps to get recovered completely from this disorder. By conducting large number of research work, numerous traditional medicines have been found for diabetes. Substances and extracts isolated from different natural resources especially plants have always been a rich arsenal for controlling and treating diabetes problem and complication arising due to it. So this review helps the reader to understand the importance of various types of herbal and polyherbal formulations present traditionally which can be used to treat diabetes mellitus. 

1. J Psychedelic Drugs. 1979 Jan-Jun;11(1-2):145-6. Entheogens. Ruck CA, Bigwood J, Staples D, Ott J, Wasson RG. PMID: 522165 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]. MeSH Terms. Hallucinogens*; Medicine, Traditional*; Terminology as Topic. Substances. Hallucinogens.

Propolis has been used in folk medicine since ancient times and is known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inXammatory, antitumoral and antioxidant properties. In view of the great therapeutic interest in propolis and the small number of studies regarding its mechanism of action, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic eVects of propolis using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Parameters such as the frequency of chromosome aberrations and mitotic index were analyzed. The results showed that, on one hand, the highest propolis tested concentration displayed a small but signiWcant increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations, and on the other hand, it was observed that the lowest tested concentration signiWcantly reduced the chromosome damage induced by the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. The present results indicate that propolis shows the characteristic of a "Janus" compound, i.e., propolis is genotoxic at higher concentrations, while at lower concentrations it display a chemopreventive eVect on doxorubicin-induced mutagenicity. Flavonoids may be the components of propolis responsible for its both mutagenic and antimutagenic eVects, once these compounds may act either as pro-oxidant or as free radicals scavenger, depending on its concentration.

Infectious diseases are important cause of morbidity and mortality due to continuous emergence of microbial resistance to conventional drugs. Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus jujube Linn and Lawsonia inermis are widely used for traditional medicine in Northern Nigeria. However, little is known about the biochemical and microbiological potentials of these indigenous plants. In this study, the plants leaves were screened for phytochemical and in vitro antimicrobial potentials using standard methods. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of crude methanolic leave extracts revealed high content of glycoside, tannins and phenols. High levels of saponins and flavonoids were also detected. The extracts exhibited antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas flourecense, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. At 50 mg/ml extract concentration, the zone of inhibition observed was greater than 6mm. This indicates high inhibitory potency of the plants leaves. In comparison to streptomycin sulphate, A. nilotica and L. inermis had statistically similar (P>0.05) effect on E. coli at 50 mg/ml. In general, the inhibitory effect of A. nilotica and L. inermis were higher than that of Z. jujube Linn in all concentrations, except on E. coli at 150 mg/ml. Both the extracts and control drug had minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 mg/ml for all the microbes tested except Streptococcus (20-25 mg/ml). Furthermore, the average Minimum Bactericidal Concentration was 15 mg/ml except for Streptococcus with 20-25 mg/ml. Methanol extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus jujube Linn, and Lawsonia inermis exhibit antibacterial effect, hence could be used as sources of potent agents against bacterial infection.

Tinospora cordifolia (wild) Hook.f. (Thomas) is an important medicinal plant distributed throughout in Sri Lanka and commonly known as Rasakinda in Sinhala and Giloy in English. It is widely used in Sri Lankan traditional medical system and Ayurveda for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, fever, arthritis, skin diseases and for Rasayana (rejuvenating) therapies due to its anti-inflammatory, hypoglyceamic, immunomodulatory, antioxident, anti-allergy, antipyretic, antiarthritic and various other medicinal properties. Imported T. cordifolia stems and Sri Lankan grown T. cordifolia stems can be found in Sri Lankan herbal market. Moreover, different varieties of Tinospora species known as Tikthakinda, Bukinda and Gatakinda are available in the market under the name of Rasakinda which leads to adulteration. Hence, in this research an attempt was made to develop standards for genuine T. cordifolia grown in Sri Lanka. Stems of T. cordifolia evaluated for macroscopical, microscopical, physic...

Although the majority of serious cases in the world are concerned with snake bite envenomation, but those which are caused by scorpion stings are also famous for causing extreme pain. The present view is an attempt to enlist scientifically ignored medicinal plants of Pakistan exhibiting anti-scorpion venom activity. In this review data of 35 medicinal plants is collected with their families, parts used, distribution in Pakistan, and major constituents present in plant. Amaranthaceae, Astraceae and Euphorbiaceae represent 3 species. Anacardiaceae, Asclepidaceae and Liliaceae represent 2 species. Araceae, Capparidaceae, Ceasalpinaceae, Cyperaceae, Labiatae, Lamiaceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Oleaceae, Oxalidaceae, Pinaceae, Polygonaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Valerianaceae and Zingiberaceae represented single medicinal plant with anti scorpion potential. According to literature, all parts are used in anti scorpion envenomination. Leaves exhibit 30%, whole plant 9%, fru...

The antimicrobial activities of Circium arvense extracts were evaluated against two human gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus) and four gram negative pathogen (Escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae). The Methanol extracts of Circium arvense were used to obtain various fractions (X1) n-hexane, (X2) chloroform, (X3) ethyl acetate and (X4) n-butanol. The agar well diffusion assay and agar dilution susceptibility testing were carried out to determine the zone of inhibitions and the minimum inhibitory concentration respectively. Antifungal activity was employed by agar well diffusion method. The Ampicilline, Ofloxacine and Itraconazole were used as standard agents. Almost all fractions exhibited more or less antimicrobial activity. The X2 (Chloroform) fraction was reported as highly active fraction with good antimicrobial activity MIC 0.312 mg/ml against staphylococcus areous. The MBC values of fraction X2 (chloroform) was 2 ti...

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nervilia plicata (Orchidaceae) has long been used in the antidiabetic medicinal preparations of traditional healers of Wayanad (Kerala), but recuperative potential of the plant was remained undefined. We demonstrated the regenerative potential of the plant extract on kidney affected by type 2 diabetes besides lowering blood glucose. Aim of the study: The aim of the current study was to investigate the recuperative and regenerative potential of alcoholic stem extract of Nervilia plicata on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic models. Materials and methods: Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was induced in overnight fasted rats by intramuscular injection (IMI) of 60 mg/kg STZ and 120 mg/kg of nicotinamide after 5 min interval. Blood glucose was assessed by a glucometer, serum urea and creatinine levels were determined by diacetylmonooxime method and Jaffe reaction respectively. Kidney sections were taken and stained with Masson's tri-dye and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and examined for structural changes. Also lipid peroxidation product (LPP) levels were determined as thio barbituric acid reactive substance levels (TBARS) method. Results: On administration of 5 mg/kg of plant extract, blood glucose levels of the NIDDM rats showed 62.00 and 76.29% decrease in the blood glucose levels on day 0 and day 30 respectively. Damages caused to the kidney tissue were negligible or not seen. Serum urea and creatinine levels showed 61.49 and 70.96% decrease on day 30. LPP levels of kidney and pancreas showed 70.58 and 77.41% decrease respectively. Conclusion: These results demonstrate significant antidiabetic and regenerative potential of the Nervilia plicata, justifying the use of plant in the indigenous system of medicine. Isolation and characterisation of the compound(s) playing pivotal role in the cure would open new vistas in the therapy of type 2 diabetes.

The effect of Indian herbs namely, Asparagus racemosus, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Picrorhiza kurrooa on the functions of macrophages obtained from mice treated with the carcinogen ochratoxin A (OTA) was investigated. The chemotactic activity of murine macrophages was significantly decreased by 17 weeks of treatment with OTA compared with controls. Production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was also markedly reduced. Treatment with Asparagus racemosus, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Picrorhiza kurrooa significantly inhibited OTA-induced suppression of chemotactic activity and production of IL-1 and TNF-h by macropahges. Moreover, we found that Withania somnifera treated macrophage chemotaxis and that Asparagus racemosus induced excess production of TNF-h when compared with controls. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. 52 53 54 Commentary 55 This report reminds me of the time I spent at Tripler 56 Army Medical center in Honolulu during the mid-1960s. It 57 was there I initially encountered moxibustion and cupping. 58 Both techniques continue to be used to the present time by 59 traditional oriental medical practitioners [1-4]. Moxibustion 60 entails lighting a fire to a compressed, dried wad or stick 61 of mugwort, called a moxa, and holding it close to the skin 62 at accepted acupuncture sites or near the area of pain. The 63 heat causes increased capillary blood flow in the skin, thus 64 changing the energy flow and counteracting the pain or 65 disease. Cupping attempts the same thing by applying the 66 inverted cup to the skin and producing a vacuum, raising a 67 weal and increasing the capillary flow. Currently, cups are 68 usually made of glass and the vacuum applied through a 69 rubber bulb or mechanical suction attached to the inverted 70 bottom of the cup and the weal is temporary without cups were made of metal and the inverted bottom was a 73 hollow into which the moxa was placed and lit with a 74 match. The heat expanded the air in the cup, driving it out 75 where the cup was applied to the skin and suction 76 developed from the resulting vacuum also causing a weal. 77 However, the heat transmitted to the skin by the metal cup 78 often left permanent burn scars quite similar in shape and size 79 as those depicted in this letter to the editor. When I left the 80 military and started practice on the northeast side of Chicago, 81 the hospital I worked at was adjacent to an oriental 82 community. I consulted on a case of lumbar radiculopathy 83 in an elderly lady of Chinese descent who had been treated by 84 a traditional practitioner using moxibustion cupping. She had 85 a series of darkened circular scars, each about an inch wide 86 running linearly down the back of her thigh and calf to the 87 ankle, following her radicular pain, as is noted in this report 88 by Rahimi-Movaghar. 89 The Balouch people of Iran have a long history, extending 90 back to either the original people of the fertile crescent or to 91 immigrants from the area around the Caspian Sea [5]. They 92 are not directly related to the ancient Chinese and it appears 93 that the use of heat to treat maladies arose independent of 94 Chinese tradition and thus is likely an even more ancient 95 human tradition. I agree with the author's goal of trying to 96 educate people to more acceptable modern ways of medical 97

Linalool is a monoterpene compound reported to be a major component of essential oils in various aromatic species. Several Linalool-producing species are used in traditional medical systems, including Aeolanthus suaveolens G. Dom (Labiatae) used as anticonvulsant in the Brazilian Amazon. Psychopharmacological in vivo evaluation of Linalool showed that this compound have dosedependent marked sedative effects at the Central Nervous System, including hypnotic, anticonvulsant and hypothermic properties. The present study reports an inhibitory effect of Linalool on Glutamate binding in rat cortex. It is suggested that this neurochemical effect might be underlining Linalool psychopharmacological effects. These findings provide a rational basis for many of the traditional medical use of Linalool producing plant species.

The use of 'traditional' medicine, or a combination of biomedical treatment and 'traditional'
medicine, is a common phenomenon all over Indonesia. In today’s Indonesian healthcare system
'traditional' and alternative medicine coexist with globalized biomedicine. It has been found only
recently that Indonesian urban, educated households are more likely to use 'traditional' than
biomedical healthcare (Nurhayati & Widowati 2017). As early as 2003, Liebich described 80% of
the urban population of Jakarta as occasionally or frequently using 'traditional' medicine. Despite
the dominance of biomedical approaches in the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and the
accompanying skepticism towards other health etiologies, the 'traditional' and complementary
medicine (T&CM) market in Indonesia has experienced a veritable boom during the past 30 years.
Drawing on the transdiciplinary field of health psychology and medical anthropology, this thesis
discusses concepts and approaches that explain the use of T&CM in urban Yogyakarta (Java,
Indonesia). These discussions are based on a Reflexive Grounded Theory study, conducted with
semi-standardized interviews as the main source. The interview questions were designed to elicit
narrative elements addressing previous experiences and evaluations of illness and previous
treatment as well as possible combinations of medical practices. Additionally, expert interviews
with different health agents illustrate conflicting interests and controversies. Even though this study
focuses on illuminating issues of healthcare in urban Yogyakarta, it also finds a textual form to trace
the journey of a 'Western' researcher, who tries to understand the meaning of healthcare in urban
Yogyakarta. Thus, in addition to the substantive focus, this thesis has a methodological focus,
aiming to trace the formative influence of the author along different steps of meaning making about
healthcare in urban Indonesia.
The first part of the dissertation gives insights into the contextual, epistemological and
methodological background of the study (chapters 1 and 2). The second part analyzes interview
narratives. This is done, on the one hand, by highlighting narrations of binary conceptualizations of
'health', 'illness' and 'healing', presented in the model of natural versus kimia. On the other hand, the
analysis follows the ways in which my interviewees navigate healing, where they transcend conceptual
differences by referring to their 'traditional' Javanese rasa of cocok (chapter 3). The third part of the
thesis identifies the author as a situated outsider, highlighting the entanglement of a Western researcher
in conceptual constructions used during interviews with Javanese women (chapter 4). The last part
argues that binary thinking needs to be overcome in order to offer health seekers a truly people-
centered and context-sensitive navigation of healing (chapter 5).
This study highlights different voices of health seekers who emphasize that the current healthcare
system in Indonesia does not meet their needs: neither the needs of the female Javanese health seekers,
nor those of the medical experts and practitioners of both sectors, natural as well as kimia.
Consequently, research on healthcare needs to recognize and accomodate the plurality and complexity
of medical approaches, in order to bridge the rhetoric of healthcare systems and the experienced reality
of health seekers as well as the formal and the informal healthcare system. Similar to bricoleurs,
researchers need to consistently reflect upon and adjust their assumptions, introduce new
methodological tools and use different forms of representation and interpretation to unite various
disciplines, multiple methodologies, and various theoretical perspectives in their healthcare research.

To analyse the use of herbal supplements by individuals with diabetes mellitus. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the endocrinology clinics of two hospitals in Izmir, Turkey, between June and August 2016. The sample consisted of diabetic patients. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews guided by a questionnaire. SPSS 17 was used to analyse the data. There were 455 subjects with a mean age of 47.02±16.6 years. Of the total, 373(82%) were female, and 352(77.4%) were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Overall, 262(57.6%) subjects used herbal supplements like cinnamon, sage, thyme, turmeric and ginseng. Significant differences in the use of herbal supplements were found according to gender, marital status, and duration of diabetes (p<0.05 each). About half of the diabetic patients used herbal supplements.

publications: 1. Saneesh Kumar, Nontombi Sephuhle, Charles Awortwe, Patrick J. Bouic, Bernd Rosenkranz (2017). HPLC/LC-MS guided phytochemical/ in vitro screening of Inula Helenium L. (Asteraceae) and Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae), and prediction of possible cytochrome P450 interactions, IntJ Pharm Pharm Sci, [S.I., Sep. 2017], p. 13. (Appendix 1.2). 2. Saneesh Kumar, Nontombi Sephuhle, Charles Awortwe, Patrick J. Bouic, Bernd Rosenkranz (2015).HPLC/LC-MS guided phytochemical screening of Astragalus membranaceus and predictions of possible cytochrome P450 interactions, Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, [S.I., Feb. 2015], p. 53. (Appendix 1.3). Manuscripts in preparation: 1. S. Kumar, P. J. Bouic and B. Rosenkranz. Investigation of CYP2B6 interactions of Withania somnifera (L.) in human liver microsomes and HepG2 cells. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za xv 2. S. Kumar, P. J. Bouic and B. Rosenkranz. In vitro assessment of the interaction potential of Ocimum basilicum (L.) on...

The study examine the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of ten selected Indian medicinal plants namely, Psidium guajava, Mangifera indica, Polyalthia longifolia, Allium cepa, Phyllanthus amarus, Thespesia populnea, Ricinus communis, Physalis angulata, Ixora coccinea, and Vinca rosea using 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, total phenol content (TPC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) methods. In DPPH scavenging assay, the highest radical scavenging effect was found in ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava (94.48±0.07) and the least in ethanolic extract of Physalis angulata (9.58±0.65). The TPC and FRAP value followed similar trend with highest found in Ixora coccinea ethanolic extract (427.25±0.86), (554.93±2.37) and lowest in Vinca rosea aqueous extract (41.04±1.58) and Physalis angulata ethanolic extract (111.94±6.34) respectively. All the plant extracts showed strong scavenging and reducing power...

This study is aimed to find out the impact of uterine fibroid related symptoms on health related quality of life using a disease specific instrument, the UFS-QOL. Identify the specificity of uterine fibroid cases attending to Ayurveda treatment will be another objective. This prospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out at National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella. Sri Lanka. 100 cases have been recruitedon consecutive basis by convenience sampling between May 2018 and July 2018.Data has been collected included demographics, risk factors, symptoms, HRQL(health related quality f life). To assess the quality of life Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health Related Quality of LifeQuestionnaire (UFS-QOL) was used. Questionnaire was translated to Sinhala language and validated. This study was approved by Ethics ReviewCommittee of theinstitute. Mean age of study sample was 32.8 yrs,77% were married. Commonly reported risk factors were null parity and high BMI 54%. Most common symptoms reported were subfertility (64%), heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.The mean (SD) symptom severity score in the UFS QoL questionnaire (range 0-100) 61.51,was moderately severe, could be another specific factor of following Ayurveda treatment as they can bear up the difficulties up to some extent till the treatment show the results. In the present study, the results clearly suggest that uterine fibroids is a precipitating factor of QoL, total HRQL was 60.41(±16.79).Study show that the profile of Sri Lankan women attend to Ayurveda treatments for uterine fibroids are of child bearing age, married and suffering from subfertility. Avoid surgeries and preserving uterus for future pregnancy by following medicine based treatment could be the reason for that. This study provides baseline assessment for the health status of the patients using Ayurveda and results could be applied in clinical practice and further research work.

Background: Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a plant that grows exclusively in the Peruvian Central Andes, where ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is predominant. Objective: Determine if two extracts of maca can provide dermal protection against UVR. Methods: We have administered two maca extracts (0.13 mg/ml), one obtained after boiling and the other without boiling, on the dorsal surface of male Holtzman rats exposed to UVC radiation once a week during 3 consecutive weeks. A dose-response effect of an aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process under exposure of rats to UVA, UVB, or UVC was also studied. A commercial sunscreen was used as a positive control. Results: UVR caused significant increase in skin epidermal thickness. The epidermal height in animals treated with maca was similar to those who did not receive UVR. The aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process had better effect than maca extract without a boiling process. A dose-response effect was observed with increasing doses of aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process. Maca extract had benzyl glucosinolates and polyphenols. Conclusions: Maca extracts protect the skin of rats against UV irradiations and can be suggested as an alternative means of solar protection.

The present study was planned to investigate the ethnoveterinary methods practiced by the owners of pneumatic-cart pulling camels in Faisalabad Metropolis (Pakistan). During a 7-year-period (November 1992-November 1999, 200 owners of draught camels working in the city were interviewed. Information concerning the ethnoveterinary practices for the treatment of common disorders of digestive tract (indigestion, colic and diarrhea), respiratory tract (cold/rhinitis, pneumonia), skin problems (mange, ulceration of nostrils with or without nasal myiasis, ticks and lice, harness sores), systemic states (fever, ze / rba / d, anhidrosis) and preventive therapy of indigestion and halitosis was collected through interviews and collated with those documented for the treatment of desert-dwelling camels. Familiarity of owners with two traditional methods of surra (trypanosomiasis) diagnosis ('Sand-ball test' and 'Hair-stick test') known to pastorilists was also probed. In addition, the dose and frequency of use of common salt was investigated. Traditional inputs utilized by the camel owners included various plant products, insecticides, sulphur, sump oil, common salt, aspirin, naphthalene balls and milk fat. Different owners used different combinations of traditional drugs for the treatment of disorders/conditions investigated. None of the camel owners was found familiar with the 'Sand-ball test' or 'Hair-stick test' of trypanosomiasis diagnosis. For the prevention of indigestion and halitosis all camel owners had practiced administration of 'massaulas' (physic drench/balls) along with common salt (average 250 g) on weekly basis. Firing had not been used by any owner. In general, the ethnoveterinary treatment practices used by the owners of city-dwelling camels appear to be different from those documented for the treatment of diseases of desert-dwelling camels.

The barks of Drimys winteri are used in folk medicine as a remedy to treat several diseases, including dolorous processes. Previous pre-clinical experiments carried out in our laboratories revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant showed anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Such promising results led us to determine the analgesic compounds present in D. winteri. Through conventional chromatographic procedures with fractions of CH 2 Cl 2 and EtOAc obtained from methanolic extract, it was found that polygodial (1), 1-i-(p-methoxycynnamyl) polygodial (2), taxifolin (3) and astilbin (4), are the main components of these fractions. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited marked antinociceptive action by intraperitoneal and oral routes against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice, suggesting that they are responsible, at least partially, for the antinociceptive effects of this plant. In addition, both compounds were notably more potent than aspirin and acetaminophen, two well-known drugs used here as comparison.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an active constituent of turmeric, is a well-described phytochemical, which has been used since ancient times for the treatment of various diseases. The dysregulation of cell signaling pathways by the gradual alteration of regulatory proteins is the root cause of cancers. Curcumin modulates regulatory proteins through various molecular mechanisms. Several research studies have provided in-depth analysis of multiple targets through which curcumin induces protective effects against cancers including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecological, hematological, pulmonary, thymic, brain, breast, and bone. The molecular mechanisms of action of curcumin in treating different types of cancers remain under investigation. The multifaceted role of this dietary agent is mediated through its inhibition of several cell signaling pathways at multiple levels. Curcumin has the ability to inhibit carcinogenicity through the modulation of the cell cycle by binding directly and indirectly to molecular targets including transcription factors (NF-kB, STAT3, b-catenin, and AP-1), growth factors (EGF, PDGF, and VEGF), enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, and MMPs), kinases (cyclin D1, CDKs, Akt, PKC, and AMPK), inflammatory cytokines (TNF, MCP, IL-1, and IL-6), upregulation of proapoptotic (Bax, Bad, and Bak) and downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl 2 and Bcl-xL). A variety of animal models and human studies have proven that curcumin is safe and well tolerated even at very high doses. This study elaborates the current understanding of the chemopreventive effects of curcumin through its multiple molecular pathways and highlights its therapeutic value in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of cancers.

Cannabis sativa is known among many cultures for its medicinal potential. Its complexity contributes to the historical application of various parts of the plant in ethno-medicines and pharmacotherapy. C. sativa has been used for the treatment of rheumatism, epilepsy, asthma, skin burns, pain, the management of sexually transmitted diseases, difficulties during child labor, postpartum hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal activity. However, the use of C. sativa is still limited, and it is illegal in most countries. Thus, this review aims to highlight the biological potential of the plant parts, as well as the techniques for the extraction, isolation, and characterization of C. sativa compounds. The plant produces a unique class of terpenophenolic compounds, called cannabinoids, as well as non-cannabinoid compounds. The exhaustive profiling of bioactive compounds and the chemical characterization and analysis of C. sativa compounds, which modern research has not yet fully achieved, is need...

Traditional healers have attracted the attention of scholars for many years. 1 Typically the research on this subject covers many topics, ranging from the social, religious and political roles of healers to the study of their mental status, doctor-healer collaboration, treatment efficacy and the characteristics of those who seek healers' services. In the Americas, indigenous healers and their healing methods have been studied extensively. 5-7 However, little is known about the diagnostic strategies used by traditional healers in general, and even less is known about those used by healers in the Andes. Our knowledge is particularly limited on issues related to, for example, how healers make a diagnosis, their diagnostic criteria and their reliability as diagnosticians. This paper explores whether yachactaitas, the Quichua healers of the Andes, do in some way identify those in the community who are psychiatrically ill.

The methanol extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizome, given orally at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w., showed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. Among the fractions, tested at 250 mg/kg, the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) and residual methanol fraction (RMF) were found to retain the activity, the latter being more active as compared to the control. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) did not show any antidiarrhoeal activity.

Objective: Few studies have examined the use of alternative therapies .among adolescents. This study examines the predictors of Native Hawaiian healer preference in the treatment of physical or emotional problems as well as the predictors of healer use. Design: This study is a longitudinal cross-sectional design. Setting: The survey was conducted in five high schools in Hawai'i. Participants: 1,322 high school students selected preference for and/or use of allopathic or alternative practitioners. Main outcome measures: Grade level, gender, ethnicity and cultural identity were used to predict healer preference. Healer preference, socioeconomic status and health status were used to predict healer use. Results: Identification with the Hawaiian culture was the strongest predictor of healer preference for both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian adolescents. Mental health was also predictive of healer preference for non-Hawaiians. Healer use by Native Hawaiian adolescents was also predicted by Hawaiian cultural identity. Gender, grade level, and socioeconomic variables were not predictive of healer preference or use. Conclusion: Cultural identity plays a significant role in the preference and use of alternative practitioners, especially for minority adolescent populations.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In 1962 ethnopharmacologists, Hofmann and Wasson, undertook an expedition to Oaxaca, Mexico. These two researchers were the first scientists to collect a flowering specimen of Salvia divinorum allowing the identification of this species. While the species' traditional use is confined to a very small region of Mexico, since Hofmann and Wasson's expedition 50 years ago, Salvia divinorum has become globally recognized for its main active constituent, the diterpene salvinorin A, which has a unique effect on human physiology. Salvinorin A is a kappa-opioid agonist and the first reported psychoactive diterpene. Methods: This review concentrates on the investigation of Salvia divinorum over the last 50 years including ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, taxonomy, systematics, genetics, chemistry and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic research. For the purpose of this review, online search engines were used to find relevant research. Searches were conducted between October 2011 and September 2013 using the search term "Salvia divinorum". Papers were excluded if they described synthetic chemical synthesis of salvinorin A or analogues. Results: Ethnobotanically there is a comprehensive body of research describing the traditional Mazatec use of the plant, however, the modern ethnobotanical use of this plant is not well documented. There are a limited number of botanical investigations into this plant and there are still several aspects of the botany of Salvia divinorum which need further investigation. One study has investigated the phylogenetic relationship of Salvia divinorum to other species in the genus. To date the main focus of chemistry research on Salvia divinorum has been salvinorin A, the main active compound in Salvia divinorum, and other related diterpenoids. Finally, the effects of salvinorin A, a KOR agonist, have primarily been investigated using animal models. Conclusions: As Salvia divinorum use increases worldwide, the emerging cultural use patterns will warrant more research. More botanical information is also needed to better understand this species, including germination, pollination vector and a better understanding of the endemic environment of Salvia divinorum. As well there is a gap in the genetic knowledge of this species and very little is known about its intra-species genetics. The terpenes in Salvia divinorum are very well documented, however, other classes of constituents in this species warrant further investigation and identification. To date, the majority of the pharmacology research on Salvia divinorum has focused on the effects of salvinorin A using animal models. Published human studies have not reported any harmful effects when salvinorin A is administered within the dose range of 0.375-21 mg/kg but what are the implications when applied to a larger population? More data on the toxicology and safety of Salvia divinorum are needed before larger scale clinical trials of the potential therapeutic effects of Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are undertaken.

To understand some of the cross-cultural issues in providing palliative care to aboriginal patients. MEDLINE (1966 to 2005), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and the Aboriginal Health Collection at the University of Manitoba were searched. Studies were selected based on their focus on both general cross-cultural caregiving and, in particular, end-of-life decision making and treatment. Only 39 relevant articles were found, half of which were opinion pieces by experienced nonaboriginal professionals; 14 were qualitative research projects from nursing and anthropologic perspectives. All patients are unique. Some cultural differences might arise when providing palliative care to aboriginal patients, who value individual respect along with family and community. Involvement of family and community members in decision making around end-of-life issues is common. Aboriginal cultures often have different approaches to telling bad news and maintaining hope for patients. Use of interpreters an...

DNA vaccines are considered as third-generation
vaccines. The recombinant DNA technology plays an
important role in the production of DNA vaccines.
These vaccines are intended to increase DNA insertion
and translation in the cell, activate CD4+ T cells,
and enhance cytotoxic T-lymphocyte induction and
antibody production. DNA vaccines are safe with few
side effects in humans and animals. Their immunogenicity
can be improved by the use of suitable
adjuvants and proper delivery systems. In recent years,
strategies have been developed to increase the efficacy
of DNA vaccines through electroporation, as well as the
use of cytokines, genetically engineered vectors, liposomes,
and micro- or nanoparticles. In the last decade,
significant advances have been made in the field of
DNA immunization. Strategies such as the use of DNA
vaccines in combination with genetic adjuvants and
prime-boost immunization increase the protective
response and decrease the doses of DNA vaccines.
Vaccine efficacy is influenced by the route of immunization,
with intracutaneous injection of the plasmid
having been found to be more effective than intramuscular
or subcutaneous injection even at lower doses.
DNA vaccines are useful in both humans and animals
against infectious diseases, allergies and even cancer.
This review elaborates on the current status of DNA
immunization in the medical and veterinary fields.

White flesh extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) was studied to ascertain the ethnopharmacological standing of its antimalarial usage in Malaysian folk medicine.The crude methanol extract was investigated for phytochemical constituents and acute oral toxicity. Antimalarial activity of different extract doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were investigated in vivo against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infections in mice during early, established and residual infections. Chloroquine (20 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs.The results revealed that the extract contained some phytochemical constituents and is toxicologically safe by oral administration. The extract significantly reduced the parasitaemia by the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses in the all three in vivo assessment assays. However, the extract did not significantly increase the survival time of the infected mice.The observed pharmacological activities suggest that the Malaysian folkloric medicinal application of Cocos nucifera has a pharmacological basis.

Whether communicating with a fellow practitioner, looking up research on a plant, or checking official legislation, plant names are essential to practising herbal medicine. However, names used to refer to Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) are complicated by the fact that one name can refer to several species, and these names can mean different things to different people. This creates potential for inaccuracies and miscommunication.

This article begins by giving an overview of the different names used in traditional Chinese medicine; whilst these names are useful for defining a drug entity, it is often not clear what species of plant they refer to and that they are defined differently in different publications. It then explores the benefits of using scientific names whilst also exploring the difficulties their use can present.

It goes on to cover the work Medicinal Plant Names Services (MPNS), a project based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has been doing to highlight and help resolve these issues. MPNS has created a global resource that indexes the many different names in use and links them to up to date scientific classification. This resource is publicly available and its aim is to improve communication about medicinal plants. MPNS also advises on best practice in the use of plant names and works with global health regulators to ensure accuracy.

Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antispasmodic activity of Morinda morindoides leaves aqueous extract, its soluble fractions and isolated compounds to provide the pharmacological basis for its use for the treatment of constipation and diarrhoea in traditional medicine. Methods: The antispasmodic activity of each sample was evaluated on acetylcholine (ACh) and the depolarized KCl solution induced contractions on guinea-pig isolated ileum suspended in Tyrode's solution.