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The American Journal of Nursing Mar 2020Editor's note: From its first issue in 1900 through to the present day, AJN has unparalleled archives detailing nurses' work and lives over more than a century. These...
Editor's note: From its first issue in 1900 through to the present day, AJN has unparalleled archives detailing nurses' work and lives over more than a century. These articles not only chronicle nursing's growth as a profession within the context of the events of the day, but they also reveal prevailing societal attitudes about women, health care, and human rights. Today's nursing school curricula rarely include nursing's history, but it's a history worth knowing. To this end, From the AJN Archives highlights articles selected to fit today's topics and times.In this month's article, from the May 1925 issue, nurse Ellen G. Dawson from Evanston Hospital in Illinois presents three case studies as evidence for a new use for immobilizing traction: the treatment of osteoarthritis. The protocol includes the use of traction for days or weeks, hot fomentations (poultices) applied to the skin over the painful joint, and a body cast (for back pain) or leg cast (for knee pain) worn for an extended period afterward. If the joint pain was severe, a lotion made from tinctures of opium and arnica, witch hazel, and lead water was also applied. The author notes, "We could cite case after case, with varying lengths of time, where the results have been equally gratifying."Today, nurses are involved in more formal arthritis research. In this issue, So-Hyun Park and Shiela M. Strauss examine the impact of arthritis on recommended physical activity in their original research article, "Arthritis-Related Functional Limitations and Inadequate Physical Activity Among Female Adult Cancer Survivors."
Topics: Female; Hot Temperature; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Traction
PubMed: 32079801
DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000656356.44155.63 -
Cirugia Y Cirujanos 2021To analyze a medical prescription from the 18th century in the New Kingdom of Granada, nowadays Colombia, used in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, specifically... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To analyze a medical prescription from the 18th century in the New Kingdom of Granada, nowadays Colombia, used in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, specifically wounds and skin ulcers.
METHOD
A documentary search was conducted in the Cipriano Rodríguez Santamaria Historical Archive of the Octavio Arizmendi Posada Library, at Universidad de La Sabana (Chía, Colombia), and a review of the literature available in electronic databases.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
The colonial medical prescription mentions the benefits of lead acetate in poultice for inflammatory processes in general and skin alterations. However, its use is not recommended due to its potential cytotoxic effect at tissue level in various organs.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Prescriptions
PubMed: 33498064
DOI: 10.24875/CIRU.20000745 -
Pharmaceutical Biology 2016Commiphora molmol Engl (Burseraceae) or myrrh has been traditionally used for the treatment of skin fungal infections.
CONTEXT
Commiphora molmol Engl (Burseraceae) or myrrh has been traditionally used for the treatment of skin fungal infections.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the antifungal activity of myrrh ethanol extract and essential oil against skin dermatophytes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The antifungal evaluations were performed by the food poisoning technique (250 ppm) and micro-broth dilution assay (800-6.25 µg/mL) against Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, and T. verrucosum. The chemical composition of myrrh oil and ethanol extract was analyzed by GC and GC-MS.
RESULTS
Furanoeudesma 1,3-diene and menthofuran were the main components of myrrh oil, while 2-tert-butyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, benzenemethanol,3-methoxy-α-phenyl, and curzerene were the main components of myrrh ethanol extract. The inhibitory effect of myrrh oil and ethanol extract against dermatophytes were 43.1-61.6% and 12.5-27.5%, respectively. The MIC and MFC values of myrrh oil were 25-100 and 25-200 µg/mL while these amounts for ethanol extract were 25-400 and 25-400 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, myrrh oil had higher antifungal activity than that of the ethanol extract. Both extracts showed good anti-elastase activity.
CONCLUSION
The results of our investigation confirmed the traditional uses of C. molmol as a poultice for the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections.
Topics: Animals; Antifungal Agents; Commiphora; Dermatomycoses; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Oils, Volatile; Plant Extracts; Swine
PubMed: 26427766
DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1072831 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects people living in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. There are few therapeutic options for treating... (Review)
Review
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects people living in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. There are few therapeutic options for treating this infectious disease, and available drugs induce severe side effects in patients. Different communities have limited access to hospital facilities, as well as classical treatment of leishmaniasis; therefore, they use local natural products as alternative medicines to treat this infectious disease. The present work performed a bibliographic survey worldwide to record plants used by traditional communities to treat leishmaniasis, as well as the uses and peculiarities associated with each plant, which can guide future studies regarding the characterization of new drugs to treat leishmaniasis. A bibliographic survey performed in the and databases retrieved 294 articles related to traditional knowledge, medicinal plants and leishmaniasis; however, only 20 were selected based on the traditional use of plants to treat leishmaniasis. Considering such studies, 378 quotes referring to 292 plants (216 species and 76 genera) that have been used to treat leishmaniasis were recorded, which could be grouped into 89 different families. A broad discussion has been presented regarding the most frequent families, including Fabaceae (27 quotes), Araceae (23), Solanaceae and Asteraceae (22 each). Among the available data in the 378 quotes, it was observed that the parts of the plants most frequently used in local medicine were leaves (42.3% of recipes), applied topically (74.6%) and fresh poultices (17.2%). The contribution of Latin America to studies enrolling ethnopharmacological indications to treat leishmaniasis was evident. Of the 292 plants registered, 79 were tested against sp. Future studies on leishmanicidal activity could be guided by the 292 plants presented in this study, mainly the five species L. (Caricaceae), L. (Meliaceae), (Herzog) Dwyer (Fabaceae), L. (Musaceae), and L. (Solanaceae), since they are the most frequently cited in articles and by traditional communities.
PubMed: 34220515
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.690432 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2020Medical or hygienic uses of peat mosses dates back to the 18th century. Peat was used externally (as poultices) in the early 19th century. The peat preparation invented... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Medical or hygienic uses of peat mosses dates back to the 18th century. Peat was used externally (as poultices) in the early 19th century. The peat preparation invented by Stanisław Tołpa (Tołpa peat preparation, TPP) was patented in Poland in 1991; its concept had emerged in the 1980s. It raised high therapeutic expectations still being researched in the early 1990s. Profound expectations for peat, a natural product well known in Central European (and Polish) spas (for medicated baths and poultices), earned Tołpa's preparation great renown before any actual benefits (internal actions) were scientifically confirmed.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
We study the origins of medical interest in peat in Polish science against the background of the historical ethnopharmacy of peat and Sphagnum moss in Central Europe. It is aimed at shedding a new light on the history of TPP, its connections with local ethnopharmacological traditions and inspirations for local medical studies on peat products and peat-derived drugs of the 1980s and early 1900s.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The literature on peat baths was found and reviewed including the information and data about the studies of TPP from published though unknown sources as well as from Polish patents, unpublished typescripts, press interviews and reports.
RESULTS
Tołpa's research team missed the historical data about external and topical actions of Sphagnum peat or its preparations which were published in the 19th- and early 20th-century. This is strange because folk medicine based on peat emanated eastwards from ethnic Austria along the Vistula river and the Carpathians. Tołpa ignored balneotherapeutic (external) applications as well as the action of sphagnan from Sphagnum herb, and rejected this kind of peat as scientifically not promising, based on a single biological test on plants. The concept of an active principle in peat or its preparations evolved, and speculation concerning its nature was not followed by adequate basic research. The active principle was not found. Results concerning plant meristem growth were too readily applied in animal production and finally human medicine. The natural ingredient in TPP production was never defined botanically. Anti-cancer properties ascribed to the TPP on the basis of bio-stimulation tests stirred powerful social emotions.
CONCLUSIONS
Topical peat cure originated in Austria in about 1820. It evolved as a whole branch of Central European balneotherapy which had been completely scientifically described by the 1950s. At that time an undefined peat extract was once successfully used in ear infections in paediatrics. Stanisław Tołpa's research project to find any internal application of peat ignored the achievements of ethnobiology, balneotherapy, surgery and otorhinolaryngology known at that time. His strenuous and insistent efforts, carried out in isolation, crucially failed pre-clinical and clinical tests in any branch of his therapy. Three commercial drugs were allowed for 3 years before substantial clinical proofs of peat efficacy were achieved. Social impact was high and resulted in the birth of the Polish legend of Tołpa's marvellous drug.
Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Drug Combinations; Europe; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; Humans; Humic Substances; Medicine, Traditional; Soil; Uronic Acids
PubMed: 31550503
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112248 -
Eye (London, England) Sep 2019Orbital sparganosis represents an extremely rare condition with only a few cases being reported in literature. Here we describe cases of orbital sparganosis, including...
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND
Orbital sparganosis represents an extremely rare condition with only a few cases being reported in literature. Here we describe cases of orbital sparganosis, including their etiology, clinical findings, and surgical outcomes.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective review was performed on patients with orbital sparganosis, who were treated at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, of Sun Yat-sen University, China between 2000 and 2012.
RESULTS
Five patients (three males and two females, one right orbit and four left orbits) were identified. Their mean age was 14.8 years (range = 6-33 years). Four cases were contracted from eating raw snakes and fishes, or placing poultices of frog on open wounds. All cases showed a swelling and/or redness of the eyelid and conjunctiva, and a migrating inflammation was present in one of the cases. High levels of blood eosinophils were observed in three of these cases. Of the two patients examined using computed tomography, one showed a diffuse soft tissue infiltration and a punctate calcification, while one of the three patients examined using magnetic resonance imaging displayed an annular "tunnel sign" within the lesion. All patients underwent an anterior orbitotomy and the entire worm was removed with no surgical complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Orbital sparganosis should be highly suspected in patients with a history of eating raw snakes and frogs, a migrating orbital inflammation and the presence of eosinophilia. Orbital imaging examinations play an important role in the diagnosis of orbital sparganosis. Surgical removal of the entire worm is required.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asian People; Child; China; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; Orbital Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Sparganosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Visual Acuity; Young Adult
PubMed: 30944463
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0427-x -
Journal of Ethnobiology and... Apr 2021Traditional medicine is a major component in the primary healthcare system in the southeast of Iran, which has a rich floral diversity. However, there is no...
BACKGROUND
Traditional medicine is a major component in the primary healthcare system in the southeast of Iran, which has a rich floral diversity. However, there is no comprehensive report on the use of medicinal herbs in this specific region. This traditional usage of medicinal plants by local communities could serve as a source for pharmacological and phytochemical studies. The main objective of this study was to identify ethnopharmacological knowledge on medicinal plant species and their local healing applications by the folk communities of Kerman province in the southeast of Iran.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 217 herbal healers using semi-structured questionnaires, open interviews, and field surveys. Factors including use reports (UR) for each species, frequency of citation (FC), and informant consensus factor (ICF) were used to analyze the data. Plant species were identified by botanists through standard taxonomic methods.
RESULTS
A total of 402 medicinal plants were used in healing practices by the local communities of Kerman province. These species belong to 273 genera of 73 families, among which 367 species are dicotyledons, 27 are monocotyledons, 7 species are cryptogam, and one species is gymnosperm. An important implication from the current study is the identification of the traditional medicinal use of 292 plant species in this region for the first time. Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae were the dominant medicinally utilized plant families, respectively. Leaf, flower, fruit, and seed were the most common plant parts used. Generally, crude drugs were used in the form of decoction, followed by poultice and infusion forms. Moreover, oral route is considered as the most common administration route followed by topical route. Endocrine (diabetes), dermatological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory problems were ranked as the most frequent ailment categories for which medicinal plants in this region were applied, respectively. Our findings suggested dominant use of Asteraceae and Apiaceae plants for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, Lamiaceae plants for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, and Apocynaceae plants for dermatological problems.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggested that Asteraceae and Apiaceae plants were used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, Lamiaceae plants for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, and Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae plants for dermatological problems. Among the medicinal plants with high UR and new ethnobotanical uses, Rhazya stricta was used for wound healing, Calotropis procera, Clematis ispahanica and Euphorbia spp. for eczema, Cionura erecta for the treatment of cough, Launaea acanthodes for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites, Berberis integrrima as an antidiabetic medicinal herb, Dracocephalum polychaetum and Rydingia persica for various types of chronic diseases, Citrus limon and Citrus aurantium for the treatment of ocular diseases and making the traditional kohl, Calendula officinalis for the treatment of pterygium and Prosopis farcta for preventing nasal bleeding. The identified medicinal plants can be further evaluated for their pharmacological activity and underlying mechanisms of action.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethnicity; Ethnobotany; Humans; Iran; Knowledge; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33910616
DOI: 10.1186/s13002-021-00438-z -
Oman Medical Journal Jul 2016Studies related to ethnomedicines investigate the way people manage illness and diseases because of their cultural perspective. Fields like ecology, epidemiology, and... (Review)
Review
Studies related to ethnomedicines investigate the way people manage illness and diseases because of their cultural perspective. Fields like ecology, epidemiology, and medical history jointly contribute to the broad field of ethnomedical study. The knowledge gathered by traditional healers in the villages and tribal communities on natural medicines remains unfamiliar to the majority of scientists and the general population. The study of ethnomedicine principally involves the compilation of empirical data, particularly the patterns of illness and treatments from folklore. Due to deforestation, and urbanization of the desert jungles, many valuable medicinal plants present in the study areas appear to be facing extinction in the near future if no proper conservation plans are carried out. This survey documented 33 different herbs used by the natives of Oman for various ailments. Parts of a particular plant, fresh or dried, might be crushed and drunk as an infusion or used externally as a poultice, ground into a paste, or inhaled as smoke. The survey identified 22 plant families, and 18 traditional treatment groups.
PubMed: 27403235
DOI: 10.5001/omj.2016.49 -
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) Dec 2023Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthritis) represents a medical challenge. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthritis) represents a medical challenge.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the evidence with respect to approaches of complementary medicine and their integration into multimodal pain management concepts?
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Qualitative nonsystematic literature search on the epidemiology and pathophysiology as well as informative clinical trials, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines about conservative treatment including complementary therapy for gonarthritis.
RESULTS
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a frequent condition with biopsychosocial risks factors for chronification. The German S2k clinical guideline (k = consensus-based, not based on scientific systematic literature searches) published by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) in 2017 has not yet been updated. The current guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) date from 2020. Both guidelines recommend exercise therapy, weight reduction, short-term analgesics, topical therapy, intra-articular corticoid injections and acupuncture with variable strengths. Furthermore, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser and other electrophysical therapies, shock waves, traction treatment, ergotherapy, comfrey poultices and mudpacks can also be used. Current research supports the benefits of tai chi/qigong and medicinal leaches.
CONCLUSION
Complementary treatment approaches, such as acupuncture, tai chi/qigong, topical naturopathic self-treatment and leeches (with limitations) can, in addition to behavioral changes, exercise therapy and short-term pharmacological treatment, be important evidence-based components of integrative pain management concepts, e.g. in terms of an interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment (IMPT). Besides pain reduction and functional improvement they promote the internal control conviction through the possibility of self-treatment and self-exercise.
Topics: Humans; Pain Management; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Complementary Therapies; Analgesics; Pain
PubMed: 37505229
DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00739-0 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study...
Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study was to identify the medicinal plants used by the indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Himalayas to treat dermatological diseases. Several field trips were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020-2021 to collect the plants of dermatological value and information about their use through open-ended semi-structured interviews ( = 53) and group discussions ( = 33). The current investigation found 64 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 families commonly used to treat a variety of dermatological ailments. The main growth form was herbs (80%), followed by trees (8%) and ferns (6%). It was found that leaves (51%) were the most commonly used plant part, followed by roots and the whole plant. Wound healing was the most dominant application, with 18 plant species used, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species and skin boils by eight plant species. Out of the total (18%) of medicinal plants with cosmetic uses, i.e., roots of , , and were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste is applied topically for glowing skin. Among the various preparation methods, paste (38%) was the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (29%) and infusion (9%). Between ethnic groups, the maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjar people live in the same geographical location, and they graze their animals in pastures, practice extensive transhumance pastoralism, and pass through different ecological landscapes, thus having sufficient experiences with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The species identified with the highest utilization based on the number of citations and use value included , , , , , , and . The findings of this study demonstrate that people who reside in the Northwestern Himalayas region still rely on medicinal plants.
PubMed: 37050200
DOI: 10.3390/plants12071575