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Evidence-based Complementary and... 2019The systematic review was conducted on Ethnoveterinary Medicinal (EVM) plants from the two (integrated and pastoral) majorly known livestock production systems (LPS) of... (Review)
Review
The systematic review was conducted on Ethnoveterinary Medicinal (EVM) plants from the two (integrated and pastoral) majorly known livestock production systems (LPS) of Ethiopia. A total of 48 documents pertinent to EVM significance were assessed from different sources using Google search engine and local university websites. Search outputs were screened using the developed inclusion criteria, and only 26 documents were selected. Descriptive analysis measures, Document Consensus Factor (DCF), and rank of the collected data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel. The result showed that females (33%), being below 40 years of age (27%), and educational level of above college (1%) healers participation was not significance. A total of 645 EVM plant species (from 133 families) were identified. Only 22 (16.54%) plant families were represented by one species. Leaf (47.8%) was the major plant part used to prepare remedies. The major administration route was oral route (58.2%). Blackleg 43 (0.188), diarrhea 25 (0.110), and wound 18 (0.079) were the most commonly treated livestock ailments. Solanaceae and Fabaceae were the frequently utilized EVM plant families in integrated and pastoral LPS, respectively. (Bisana) and (Embuay) were the most widely applied EVM plant species in integrated and pastoral LPS, respectively. Pastoral LPS were using higher number of specific EVM plants (DCF>0.5) compared to integrated LPS. Less than 40% (n< 10) of the collected documents were dealing with measurability and risk of toxicity, giving emphasis to indigenous plant and constraints of EVM plants use.
PubMed: 30723514
DOI: 10.1155/2019/5276824 -
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... Jan 2016Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. Fruits and vegetables containing carotenoids and other antioxidants have been hypothesized to decrease lung cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. Fruits and vegetables containing carotenoids and other antioxidants have been hypothesized to decrease lung cancer risk. As part of the World Cancer Research Fund International Continuous Update Project, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and several databases up to December 2014 for prospective studies. We conducted meta-analyses comparing the highest and lowest intakes and dose-response meta-analyses to estimate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and examine possible non-linear associations. We combined results from the Pooling Project with the studies we identified to increase the statistical power of our analysis.
RESULTS
When comparing the highest with the lowest intakes, the summary RR estimates were 0.86 [95% CI 0.78-0.94; n (studies) = 18] for fruits and vegetables, 0.92 (95% CI 0.87-0.97; n = 25) for vegetables and 0.82 (95% CI 0.76-0.89; n = 29) for fruits. The association with fruit and vegetable intake was marginally significant in current smokers and inverse but not significant in former or never smokers. Significant inverse dose-response associations were observed for each 100 g/day increase: for fruits and vegetables [RR: 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98, I(2) = 64%, n = 14, N (cases) = 9609], vegetables (RR: 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.98, I(2) = 48%, n = 20, N = 12 563) and fruits (RR: 0.92; 95% CI 0.89-0.95, I(2) = 57%, n = 23, N = 14 506). Our results were consistent among the different types of fruits and vegetables. The strength of the association differed across locations. There was evidence of a non-linear relationship (P < 0.01) between fruit and vegetable intake and lung cancer risk showing that no further benefit is obtained when increasing consumption above ∼400 g per day.
CONCLUSIONS
Eliminating tobacco smoking is the best strategy to prevent lung cancer. Although residual confounding by smoking cannot be ruled out, the current evidence from prospective studies is consistent with a protective role of fruit and vegetables in lung cancer aetiology.
Topics: Diet; Fruit; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Vegetables
PubMed: 26371287
DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv381 -
Cancer Medicine Jan 2015Smoking is estimated to cause about half of all bladder cancer cases. Case-control studies have provided evidence of an inverse association between fruit and vegetable... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Smoking is estimated to cause about half of all bladder cancer cases. Case-control studies have provided evidence of an inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and bladder cancer risk. As part of the World Cancer Research/American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to assess the dose-response relationship between fruit and vegetables and incidence and mortality of bladder cancer. We searched PubMed up to December 2013 for relevant prospective studies. We conducted highest compared with lowest meta-analyses and dose-response meta-analyses using random effects models to estimate summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and used restricted cubic splines to examine possible nonlinear associations. Fifteen prospective studies were included in the review. The summary RR for an increase of 1 serving/day (80 g) were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.99) I(2) = 0%, eight studies for fruits and vegetables, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94-1.00, I(2) = 10%, 10 studies) for vegetables and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-1.00, I(2) = 0%, 12 studies) for fruits. Results were similar in men and women and in current, former and nonsmokers. Amongst fruits and vegetables subgroups, for citrus fruits the summary RR for the highest compared with the lowest intake was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76-0.99, I(2) = 0%, eight studies) and for cruciferous vegetables there was evidence of a nonlinear relationship (P = 0.001). The current evidence from cohort studies is not consistent with a role for fruits and vegetables in preventing bladder cancer.
Topics: Feeding Behavior; Fruit; Humans; Risk; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Vegetables
PubMed: 25461441
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.327 -
Journal of Education and Health... 2023Medicinal plants and herbal drugs are being used increasingly as part of primary health care in most parts of the world. As important adjunctive and alternative... (Review)
Review
Medicinal plants and herbal drugs are being used increasingly as part of primary health care in most parts of the world. As important adjunctive and alternative treatments for oral health care, herbal products' use may continue to increase and become more widespread. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive systematic review of the current published literature on the effectiveness of medicinal plants and herbal products employed to improve oral health in adolescents with a health promotion approach. The systematic review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords "herbal medicine," "herbal extract," "herbal supplements," "plant extract," "natural drug," "pulpitis," "dental caries," "oral viral diseases," and "abscess" were used in combination with the Boolean operators OR and AND. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search yielded 49 original research studies. A total of 22 studies had low or unclear risk bias. The geographical distribution of included studies was primarily concentrated on western countries. Overall, studies reported herbal product users' age, ranging from young adults aged 18 years to elderly people aged 75 years or older. Most studies reported multiple compounds, including herbal drugs and herbal extracts. Chamomile and Aloe vera were the most frequently reported herbal compounds. The most commonly described herbal products to treat oral diseases were gels, mouth rinses, and pastes. The studies included a range of people with oral diseases, including periodontal and gingival diseases, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, and oral candidiasis. Herbal product interventions were found to be effective and safe alternatives for oral health care. One of the most important goals of the World Health Organization (until 2015) is the oral health index, so it is important that dental services be followed up more seriously. Considering the problems in reaching this goal of the World Health Organization in our country, herbal products have the ability to improve clinical oral health outcomes in adolescents. Limited adverse side effects indicate the overall safety of these treatments for a wide range of oral diseases. Therefore, the use of medicinal plants as well as alternative medicine is one of the useful methods in achieving this important goal of public health.
PubMed: 38023092
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1297_22 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023Drought stress is one of the most limiting factors for agriculture and ecosystem productivity. Climate change exacerbates this threat by inducing increasingly intense...
AIMS
Drought stress is one of the most limiting factors for agriculture and ecosystem productivity. Climate change exacerbates this threat by inducing increasingly intense and frequent drought events. Root plasticity during both drought and post-drought recovery is regarded as fundamental to understanding plant climate resilience and maximizing production. We mapped the different research areas and trends that focus on the role of roots in plant response to drought and rewatering and asked if important topics were overlooked.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis based on journal articles indexed in the Web of Science platform from 1900-2022. We evaluated a) research areas and temporal evolution of keyword frequencies, b) temporal evolution and scientific mapping of the outputs over time, c) trends in the research topics analysis, d) marked journals and citation analysis, and e) competitive countries and dominant institutions to understand the temporal trends of root plasticity during both drought and recovery in the past 120 years.
RESULTS
Plant physiological factors, especially in the aboveground part (such as "photosynthesis", "gas-exchange", "abscisic-acid") in model plants Arabidopsis, crops such as wheat and maize, and trees were found to be the most popular study areas; they were also combined with other abiotic factors such as salinity, nitrogen, and climate change, while dynamic root growth and root system architecture responses received less attention. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that three clusters were classified for the keywords including 1) photosynthesis response; 2) physiological traits tolerance (e.g. abscisic acid); 3) root hydraulic transport. Thematically, themes evolved from classical agricultural and ecological research molecular physiology to root plasticity during drought and recovery. The most productive (number of publications) and cited countries and institutions were situated on drylands in the USA, China, and Australia. In the past decades, scientists approached the topic mostly from a soil-plant hydraulic perspective and strongly focused on aboveground physiological regulation, whereas the actual belowground processes seemed to have been the elephant in the room. There is a strong need for better investigation into root and rhizosphere traits during drought and recovery using novel root phenotyping methods and mathematical modeling.
PubMed: 37008469
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1084355 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2020Plants dedicate a high amount of energy and resources to the production of ribosomes. Historically, these multi-protein ribosome complexes have been considered static...
Plants dedicate a high amount of energy and resources to the production of ribosomes. Historically, these multi-protein ribosome complexes have been considered static protein synthesis machines that are not subject to extensive regulation but only read mRNA and produce polypeptides accordingly. New and increasing evidence across various model organisms demonstrated the heterogeneous nature of ribosomes. This heterogeneity can constitute specialized ribosomes that regulate mRNA translation and control protein synthesis. A prominent example of ribosome heterogeneity is seen in the model plant, , which, due to genome duplications, has multiple paralogs of each ribosomal protein (RP) gene. We support the notion of plant evolution directing high RP paralog divergence toward functional heterogeneity, underpinned in part by a vast resource of ribosome mutants that suggest specialization extends beyond the pleiotropic effects of single structural RPs or RP paralogs. Thus, Arabidopsis is a highly suitable model to study this phenomenon. Arabidopsis enables reverse genetics approaches that could provide evidence of ribosome specialization. In this review, we critically assess evidence of plant ribosome specialization and highlight steps along ribosome biogenesis in which heterogeneity may arise, filling the knowledge gaps in plant science by providing advanced insights from the human or yeast fields. We propose a data analysis pipeline that infers the heterogeneity of ribosome complexes and deviations from canonical structural compositions linked to stress events. This analysis pipeline can be extrapolated and enhanced by combination with other high-throughput methodologies, such as proteomics. Technologies, such as kinetic mass spectrometry and ribosome profiling, will be necessary to resolve the temporal and spatial aspects of translational regulation while the functional features of ribosomal subpopulations will become clear with the combination of reverse genetics and systems biology approaches.
PubMed: 32670337
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00948 -
Nutrients Nov 2023A multitude of evidence supports the consumption of a higher quantity of vegetables and fruits for their cardiovascular benefits. Nonetheless, the extent to which... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
A multitude of evidence supports the consumption of a higher quantity of vegetables and fruits for their cardiovascular benefits. Nonetheless, the extent to which variety is associated with cardiovascular health remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies) assessing the role of a variety of vegetable and fruit consumption in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane databases, and reference lists were searched through March 2023.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale).
DATA ANALYSIS
Data were pooled (fixed and random [DerSimonian and Laird] effects for <5 and ≥5 study comparisons, respectively), and heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q statistic and quantified (I statistic). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the overall certainty of the evidence. Five cross-sectional (n = 45,761) and seven prospective studies (n = 253,422) met the eligibility criteria. Greater variety of vegetable and fruit consumption was prospectively related to decreased all-cause mortality (risk ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.82-0.97], seven study comparisons, n = 196,925), while no significant associations were observed with assessed cardiovascular-related mortality or morbidity. For all outcomes, the certainty of the evidence was graded as "low" or "very low" owing to inconsistency and/or imprecision.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, this study shows that greater variety in vegetable and fruit consumption may reduce all-cause mortality and highlights the need for additional studies with a higher degree of evidence to better understand its role in cardiovascular health.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cardiovascular System; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fruit; Prospective Studies; Vegetables; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38068771
DOI: 10.3390/nu15234913 -
Brazilian Journal of Medical and... Nov 2015Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the "coconut tree" and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used... (Review)
Review
Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the "coconut tree" and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.
Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anticonvulsants; Antihypertensive Agents; Bone and Bones; Cocos; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents
PubMed: 26292222
DOI: 10.1590/1414-431X20154773 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Jun 2022Despite recent advances in understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem-service provision, the links between the health of ecosystem-service providers and human... (Review)
Review
Despite recent advances in understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem-service provision, the links between the health of ecosystem-service providers and human health remain more uncertain. During the past decade, an increasing number of studies have argued for the positive impacts of healthy pollinator communities (defined as functionally and genetically diverse species assemblages that are sustained over time) on human health. Here, we begin with a systematic review of these impacts, finding only two studies that concomitantly quantified aspects of pollinator health and human health. Next, we identify relevant research relating to four pathways linking pollinator health and human health: nutrition, medicine provisioning, mental health and environmental quality. These benefits are obtained through improved pollination of nutritious crops and an estimated approximately 28 000 animal-pollinated medicinal plants; the provisioning of pollinator-derived products such as honey; the maintenance of green spaces and biocultural landscapes that improve mental health; and cleaner air, water and food resulting from pollinator-centred initiatives to reduce agrochemical use. We suggest that pollinator diversity could be a proxy for the benefits that landscapes provide to human health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes'.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Crops, Agricultural; Ecosystem; Humans; Pollination
PubMed: 35491592
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0158 -
Systematic Reviews Oct 2023Since 1997, several meta-analyses (MAs) of placebo-controlled randomised efficacy trials of homoeopathy for any indication (PRETHAIs) have been published with different...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Since 1997, several meta-analyses (MAs) of placebo-controlled randomised efficacy trials of homoeopathy for any indication (PRETHAIs) have been published with different methods, results and conclusions. To date, a formal assessment of these MAs has not been performed. The main objective of this systematic review of MAs of PRETHAIs was to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment.
METHODS
The inclusion criteria were as follows: MAs of PRETHAIs in humans; all ages, countries, settings, publication languages; and MAs published from 1 Jan. 1990 to 30 Apr. 2023. The exclusion criteria were as follows: systematic reviews without MAs; MAs restricted to age or gender groups, specific indications, or specific homoeopathic treatments; and MAs that did not assess efficacy. We searched 8 electronic databases up to 14 Dec. 2020, with an update search in 6 databases up to 30 April 2023. The primary outcome was the effect estimate for all included trials in each MA and after restricting the sample to trials with high methodological quality, according to predefined criteria. The risk of bias for each MA was assessed by the ROBIS (Risk Of Bias In Systematic reviews) tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE framework. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the proportion of MAs showing a significant positive effect of homoeopathy vs. no significant difference.
RESULTS
Six MAs were included, covering individualised homoeopathy (I-HOM, n = 2), nonindividualised homoeopathy (NI-HOM, n = 1) and all homoeopathy types (ALL-HOM = I-HOM + NI-HOM, n = 3). The MAs comprised between 16 and 110 trials, and the included trials were published from 1943-2014. The median trial sample size ranged from 45 to 97 patients. The risk of bias (low/unclear/high) was rated as low for three MAs and high for three MAs. Effect estimates for all trials in each MA showed a significant positive effect of homoeopathy compared to placebo (5 of 5 MAs, no data in 1 MA). Sensitivity analyses with sample restriction to high-quality trials were available from 4 MAs; the effect remained significant in 3 of the MAs (2 MAs assessed ALL-HOM, 1 MA assessed I-HOM) and was no longer significant in 1 MA (which assessed NI-HOM).
DISCUSSION
The quality of evidence for positive effects of homoeopathy beyond placebo (high/moderate/low/very low) was high for I-HOM and moderate for ALL-HOM and NI-HOM. There was no support for the alternative hypothesis of no outcome difference between homoeopathy and placebo. The available MAs of PRETHAIs reveal significant positive effects of homoeopathy beyond placebo. This is in accordance with laboratory experiments showing partially replicable effects of homoeopathically potentised preparations in physico-chemical, in vitro, plant-based and animal-based test systems.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020209661. The protocol for this SR was finalised and submitted on 25 Nov. 2020 and registered on 26 Dec. 2020.
Topics: Humans; Bias; Homeopathy; Research Design; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37805577
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02313-2