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Toxicology Reports 2023(L.) Vahl () is a grass like herb habitually breeds as weed in paddy fields and mostly disseminated in tropical or sub-tropical countries of south and south-east Asia,...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
(L.) Vahl () is a grass like herb habitually breeds as weed in paddy fields and mostly disseminated in tropical or sub-tropical countries of south and south-east Asia, northern Australia, and west Africa. The plant has been traditionally used to treat fever as a form of poultice. However, no scientific study regarding its toxicity profile has been testified.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The study has been carried out to determine the potential toxicity of the methanol extract from leaves of the , employing the technique of acute and subchronic oral administration in mice.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the acute toxicity study according to OECD guideline 425, oral administration of FM methanol extract at single doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg in both sexes of Swiss albino mice was performed. Toxic symptoms, abnormal behavior, changes in body weight, and mortality were observed for 14 consecutive days. In subchronic toxicity study according to OECD guideline 407, plant extract was administered orally at doses of 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg daily for 28 days. The general toxic symptoms, abnormal behavior, changes in body weight were observed daily. Biochemical analysis of serum, and histopathological examination of liver were performed at the end of the study.
RESULTS
No mortality, abnormal behavior and urination, changes in sleep, food intake, adverse effect, and non-linearity in body weight have been recorded during acute toxicity study at the doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. Also, in subchronic toxicity study, FM extract produced no mortality or any kind of adverse effects in regards of general behavior, body weight, urination, sleeping routine, and food intake. In case of analysis of thirteen different biochemical parameters, concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST) and glucose were altered significantly in male and female mice in both acute and subchronic study. Total cholesterol and triglycerides at 5000 mg/kg.bw were changed in male mice in acute toxicity study. On the other hand, female mice had altered triglycerides in subchronic test. All other critical parameters were found unaffected. In subchronic test, histopathological examination of liver demonstrated cellular necrosis at 2000 mg/kg.bw in both male and female mice while minor necrosis was observed at 1000 mg/kg.bw. Thus, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) can be assumed around 1000 mg/kg.bw.
CONCLUSION
The present study suggests that treatment with FM extract does not reveal significant toxicity.
PubMed: 36891508
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.02.006 -
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and... Jun 2016Houttuynia cordata (HC) has been commonly used as many traditional remedies in local areas of Japan. Although many pharmacological activities of HC have been reported,...
Houttuynia cordata (HC) has been commonly used as many traditional remedies in local areas of Japan. Although many pharmacological activities of HC have been reported, the mechanism underlying the effect of HC remains unknown. We conducted the interview survey in Japan to verify how HC was actually used. The interview survey revealed that HC poultice (HCP) prepared from smothering fresh leaves of HC was most frequently used for the treatment of purulent skin diseases including furuncle and carbuncle with high effectiveness. Ethanol extract of HCP (eHCP) showed anti-bacterial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and showed an anti-biofilm activity against MRSA. eHCP showed dose-dependent inhibition of S. aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced interleukin-8 and CCL20 production in human keratinocyte without any cytotoxicity. These results suggest that HCP is effective for skin abscess and its underlying mechanism might be the complicated multiple activities for both bacteria and host cells.
Topics: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biofilms; Carbuncle; Cell Line, Transformed; Chemokine CCL20; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; Female; Furunculosis; Houttuynia; Humans; Interleukin-8; Japan; Keratinocytes; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Staphylococcal Infections; Surveys and Questionnaires; Teichoic Acids
PubMed: 27023331
DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1151339 -
Journal of Holistic Nursing : Official... Dec 2015This case describes a combination external treatment for "Broken Heart Syndrome" that includes a lavender footbath, massage using moor extract, and oxalis ointment to...
This case describes a combination external treatment for "Broken Heart Syndrome" that includes a lavender footbath, massage using moor extract, and oxalis ointment to the abdomen applied by an Anthroposophic nurse for a specific personality type. Lavender footbaths have been used since ancient times for relaxation and calming, while moor extract has been used medicinally in Europe since the middle ages for warmth and environmental protection. Rhythmical massage using moor extract and oxalis ointment poultice to the abdomen are part of the tradition of Anthroposophic nursing when managing stress induced by emotional and physical trauma. An elderly lady with specific characteristics diagnosed as Broken Heart Syndrome received one treatment a week for 4 weeks given by an Anthroposophic nurse at an integrative medical center. Between treatments, education was given to enable self-treatment in the home. The nursing treatments, each using lavender footbaths, moor extract massage, and oxalis ointment poultice to the abdomen, proved very effect, and no negative effects were reported. External applications need to be considered by nurses caring for specific personality types with Broken Heart Syndrome.
Topics: Aged; Anthroposophy; Anxiety Disorders; Female; Holistic Health; Holistic Nursing; Humans; Lavandula; Massage; Oils, Volatile; Plant Oils; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25673580
DOI: 10.1177/0898010115569883 -
Journal of Ethnobiology and... Sep 2021The utilization of plants and plant resources for various ethnobotanical purposes is a common practice in local towns and villages of developing countries, especially in...
BACKGROUND
The utilization of plants and plant resources for various ethnobotanical purposes is a common practice in local towns and villages of developing countries, especially in regard to human and veterinary healthcare. For this reason, it is important to unveil and document ethnomedicinal plants and their traditional/folk usage for human and livestock healthcare from unexplored areas. Here we advance our findings on ethnomedicinal plants from Haripur District, Pakistan, not only for conservation purposes, but also for further pharmacological screenings and applied research.
METHODOLOGY
Information of ethnomedicinal plants was obtained using a carefully planned questionnaire and interviews from 80 local people and traditional healers (Hakims) in Haripur District, Pakistan, from 2015 to 2017. Informed consent was obtained from each participant before conducting the interview process. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, such as relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV) and Jaccard index (JI), were calculated for each recorded species. Correlation analysis between the RFC and UV was tested by Pearson's correlation, SPSS (ver. 16).
RESULTS
A total of 80 plant species (33 herbs, 24 trees, 21 shrubs and 2 climbers) belonging to 50 families were being used in the study area to treat livestock and human diseases. Lamiaceae was the most dominant family with 7 species (8.7%), followed by Fabaceae with 6 species (7.5%), and Moraceae with 5 species (6.2%). Local people used different methods of preparation for different plant parts; among them, decoction/tea (22 species) was the popular method, followed by powder/grained (20 species) and paste/poultice (14 species). It was observed that most of the species (~ 12 to 16 species) were utilized to treat human and livestock digestive system-related problems, respectively. The Jaccard index found that plant usage in two studies (District Abbottabad and Sulaiman Range) was more comparable. Local people mainly relied on folk medicines due to their rich accessibility, low cost and higher efficacy against diseases. Unfortunately, this important traditional knowledge is vanishing fast, and many medicinal plants are under severe threat. The most threats associated to species observed in the study area include Dehri, Garmthun, Baghpur, Najafpur and Pharala.
CONCLUSION
The study has indicated that local people have higher confidence in the usage of ethnomedicinal plants and are still using them for the treatment of various ailments. Comparative analysis with other studies may strongly reflected the novel use of these plants, which may be due to the deep-rooted and unique socio-cultural setup of the study area. However, awareness campaigns, conservation efforts and pharmacological and applied research are required for further exploration and may be a step in the right direction to unveil prospective pharmaceuticals.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Ethnobotany; Female; Humans; Livestock; Male; Middle Aged; Pakistan; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Prospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34496911
DOI: 10.1186/s13002-021-00480-x -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2015In the past Alpine populations were isolated from comforts of industrial and technological development present in large cities and, therefore, they were obliged to find...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
In the past Alpine populations were isolated from comforts of industrial and technological development present in large cities and, therefore, they were obliged to find in nature a source of sustenance and care. Traditional use of plant is a wealth of local knowledge that is likely to be lost. This work, carried out during 2012, aims to collect, analyze and process information on the species used for medicinal, veterinary, cosmetic, domestic, ritual and religious purposes by the inhabitants of Valfurva, in the Province of Sondrio (Italy). Furthermore it is a means for the preservation of local traditions regarding such uses and increases the ethnobotanical data from Northern Italy, till now poorly documented.
METHODS
Our survey was conducted by semi-structered interviews. We interviewed 92 people, aged from 23 to 97 y.o., born or resident in Valfurva. All information collected and concerning their use of plants, were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Importance (RI) and Factor Informant Consensus (FIC).
RESULTS
Our study stated that people living in Valfurva use 126 species belonging to 48 families. Findings revealed that the most cited species is Achillea moschata Wulfen, with values of RFC and RI equal to 1.00 and 1.12 respectively. Furthermore, 95 species were collected in the wild and 31 were cultivated. The most commonly used part plants were leaves, flowers, fruits, roots and complete aerial parts. The most frequent preparation methods were infusion, decoction and poultice. Among the recorded species, 91 of them are used for medicinal purposes, 72 for cooking, 19 for veterinary purposes, 10 for animal feed, 12 for cosmetic practices, 7 for religious or ritual purposes and 45 for domestic and various uses. The validity of the species use emerged in our survey is confirmed by scientific literature and research conducted on the same topics.
CONCLUSIONS
This study increases ethnobotanical data coming from Italian Alps, whose regions have been so far hardly investigated. Our study confirms the interest in species already mentioned in previous surveys and placings. It also provides evidences which could be usefully exploited by new investigations aimed at knowing the active metabolites found responsible for plants use in traditional medicine.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cosmetics; Ethnobotany; Female; Food; Humans; Italy; Male; Medicine, Traditional; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Religion; Surveys and Questionnaires; Veterinary Drugs; Young Adult
PubMed: 25617749
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.054 -
Current Drug Delivery 2024Currently, fungal infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Subsequently, many antifungal agents are available to cure diseases like pemphigus, athlete's foot,... (Review)
Review
Currently, fungal infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Subsequently, many antifungal agents are available to cure diseases like pemphigus, athlete's foot, acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, albinism, and skin cancer. Still, they fall short due to pitfalls in physiochemical properties. Conventional medications like lotion, creams, ointments, poultices, and gels are available for antifungal therapy but present many shortcomings. They are associated with drug retention and poor penetration problems, resulting in drug resistance, hypersensitivity, and diminished efficacy. On the contrary, nanoformulations have gained tremendous potential in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional delivery. Furthermore, the potential breakthroughs of nanoformulations are site-specific targeting. It has improved bioavailability, patient-tailored approach, reduced drug retention and hypersensitivity, and improved skin penetration. Nowadays, nanoformulations are gaining popularity for antifungal therapy against superficial skin infections. Nanoformulations-based liposomes, niosomes, nanosponges, solid lipid nanoparticles, and potential applications have been explored for antifungal therapy due to enhanced activity and reduced toxicity. Researchers are now more focused on developing patient-oriented target-based nano delivery to cover the lacunas of conventional treatment with higher immune stimulatory effects. Future direction involves the construction of novel nanotherapeutic devices, nanorobotics, and robust methods. In addition, for the preparations of nanoformulations for clinical studies, animal modeling solves the problems of antifungal therapy. This review describes insights into various superficial fungal skin infections and their potential applications, nanocarrier-based drug delivery, and mechanism of action. In addition, it focuses on regulatory considerations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, clinical trials, patents, challenges, and future inputs for researchers to improve antifungal therapy.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Humans; Nanoparticles; Animals; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Carriers
PubMed: 37859317
DOI: 10.2174/0115672018270783231002115728 -
Ayu 2019(low back pain) is a condition where low back is afflicted either with or ( involved with the toxins released due to altered digestion and metabolism) and present...
BACKGROUND
(low back pain) is a condition where low back is afflicted either with or ( involved with the toxins released due to altered digestion and metabolism) and present with symptoms such as pain with stiffness. About 60%-80% population in India suffer from this condition. (poultice) is one of the (sudation) treatment modalities mentioned for . As (affected with toxins released from impaired digestion) and (without toxins) are two stages of , hence, the specific type of is required for such condition.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of in (low back pain) as per the presentation of stages of .
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Selected patients were categorized into two groups. In group A, patients having , were given once a day till it became , then shifted to for 7 days and patients who had was used once a day for 7 days. In group B was used once a day for 7 days irrespective of stages. Subjective parameters assessed were pain in the low back, stiffness, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was also used. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed‑rank test were used to assess results.
RESULTS
Patients who were treated considering the and phases had 78.88% better results in relieving pain, stiffness, and in ODI change than the patients treated without considering the phases.
CONCLUSION
The present study showed significant results in both the groups, but patients treated as per stage wise treatment showed better effect in treating than the patients treated with out considering the stage.
PubMed: 33281392
DOI: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_71_18 -
Medical Anthropology 2017Images function as sources of data and influence our thinking about fieldwork, representation, and intersubjectivity. In this article, I show how both the ethnographic...
Images function as sources of data and influence our thinking about fieldwork, representation, and intersubjectivity. In this article, I show how both the ethnographic relationships and the working method of photography lead to a more nuanced understanding of a healing event. I systematically analyze 33 photographs made over a 15-minute period during the preparation and application of a poultice (topical cure) in a rural Andean home. The images chronicle the event, revealing my initial reaction and the decisions I made when tripping the shutter. By unpacking the relationship between ethnographer and subject, I reveal the constant negotiation of positions, assumptions, and expectations that make up intersubjectivity. For transparency, I provide thumbnails of all images, including metadata, so that readers may consider alternative interpretations of the images and event.
Topics: Anthropology, Medical; Bolivia; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Photography; Rural Population
PubMed: 28426245
DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2017.1315572 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2018Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. F. ex K. Schum. is widely distributed in the Amazonian region of Brazil, where it is popularly known as "mulateiro",...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. F. ex K. Schum. is widely distributed in the Amazonian region of Brazil, where it is popularly known as "mulateiro", "pau-mulato", "pau-mulato-de-várzea", "escorrega-macaco" or "pau-marfim". Preparations of C. spruceanum barks are used in the form of tea, poultice or skin patches to treat stomach diseases, skin inflammation and uterus tumors.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
To investigate in vivo the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of Calycophyllum spruceanum barks (HECSb) in order to validate its popular usage in inflammatory conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Chemical analysis of HECSb was performed using the UHPLC-MS system. Mice were treated per oral with HECSb (5-5000 mg/kg) and evaluated for acute toxicity (during 15 days); motor activity (Rota rod test); body weight (up to 72 h); antinociceptive activity: writhes induced by 0.8% acetic acid; paw licking induced by 2.5% formalin; paw withdrawal (von Frey test) induced by carrageenan (300 μg) or PGE2 (100 ng); anti-inflammatory (paw edema model). For histopathological analysis subplantar tissue fragments were collected 1 h after paw edema induction.
RESULTS
HECSb chemical analysis revealed the presence of caffeoylquinic derivatives, small organic acids, and phenolic compounds. HECSb showed antinociceptive effect, reducing the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 72% at 120 mg/kg, paw licking (phase 2- Formalin test) by 33% at 60 mg/kg and 49% at 120 mg/kg; and paw withdrawal elicited by carrageenan (53% at 120 mg/kg) and PGE2 (120 mg/kg) at 0.5 h (48%) and 1 h (45%). HECSb (120 mg/kg) also inhibited the paw edema elicited both by carrageenan (48%) and PGE2 (92%). Histopathological analysis (leukocyte infiltration, edema, focal areas of hemorrhage, vascular congestion) of HECSb treatment at 120 mg/kg demonstrated normal morphology [median 0 (0,1)] compared to PGE2, showing severe alterations [median 3 (2,3); p = 0,0035]. HECSb did not induce acute toxicity nor altered body mass or motor coordination.
CONCLUSIONS
HECSb shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect in mice without inducing apparent acute toxicity.
Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Carrageenan; Edema; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Pain Measurement; Plant Bark; Plant Extracts; Rubiaceae
PubMed: 29567276
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.023 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2019Wounds, burns, cuts, and scarring may cause a serious problem for human health if left untreated, and medicinal plants are identified as potentially useful for wound...
Wounds, burns, cuts, and scarring may cause a serious problem for human health if left untreated, and medicinal plants are identified as potentially useful for wound healing. Therefore, the study focused on ethnophytotherapy practices for wound healing from an unexplored area, Pakistan. Ethnophytotherapeutic information was collected through well-planned questionnaire and interview methods by targeting 80 informants (70 males and 10 females), in the study area. Data was analyzed through quantitative tools like use value (UV) and credibility level (CL). A total of forty wound healing plant species, belonging to twenty-nine families, were being used in forty-six recipes. Herbs constitute (35%), shrubs (30%), trees (30%), and climbers (5%) in the treatment of multiple human injuries. For remedies preparations, leaves were most frequently utilized (52%) followed by whole plant, flowers, twigs, roots, bulb, bark, rhizome, resin, oil, leaf gel, latex, gum, and creeper. The most form of herbal preparation was powder (34.7%) and poultice (32.6%), followed by decoction, bandaged and crushed, in which 40% internally and 60 % externally applied. The drugs from these plants seem to be widely used to cure wounds: , , , , and with higher use values (0.75). Local people are still connected with ethnophytotherapies practices for curing wounds for several reasons. This ethnomedicine and the wound healing plants are under severe threats; thus conservation must be considered. Further research should be directed towards implementing pharmacological activity on these invaluable botanical drugs.
PubMed: 31379961
DOI: 10.1155/2019/4591675