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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023In Hawaii, the plants , , , and are collectively known as māmaki in ethnomedicine, where predominates. Farmed māmaki is becoming increasingly popular in Hawaii and... (Review)
Review
In Hawaii, the plants , , , and are collectively known as māmaki in ethnomedicine, where predominates. Farmed māmaki is becoming increasingly popular in Hawaii and the United States. Māmaki teas (such as bottled Shaka tea) are the dominant product. Historically, māmaki has been utilized for its medicinal properties, promoting well-being and good health through consuming tea made from its leaves, ingesting its fruit, and incorporating it into ointments. Māmaki holds cultural significance among Native Hawaiians and is widely used in ethnic medicine, having been incorporated into traditional practices for centuries. However, the scientific mechanisms behind its effects remain unclear. This review consolidates current knowledge of māmaki, shedding light on its potential therapeutic properties, physical properties, nutritional and mineral composition, and active phytochemicals. We also highlight recent research advances in māmaki's antibacterial, anti-viral, chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Additionally, we discuss future prospects in this field.
PubMed: 37631137
DOI: 10.3390/plants12162924 -
Veterinary World Dec 2023Potato ( L.) is mainly characterized by its antioxidant and healing properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ointment based on L. "papa...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Potato ( L.) is mainly characterized by its antioxidant and healing properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ointment based on L. "papa tumbay" on burns induced in Balb/c mice ().
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experimental animals were divided into four groups (n = 5/group) 48 h before second-degree burns were inducted. After epilating the loin areas of the mice and anesthetizing them with ketamine/xylazine (80 mg/kg/10 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal (i.p.) route, a round metal rod (0.7 cm in diameter) was placed on the depilated skin at a temperature of 100°C for 5 s. Group I was not given any treatment, Group II was treated with silver sulfadiazine (1%), and the other two groups (III and IV) were treated with the ointment formulated based on L. "papa tumbay" at 1% and 2%, respectively. After performing the treatment for 21 days, the mice were euthanized using i.p. sodium pentobarbital (185 mg/kg) to obtain skin samples. The samples were preserved in 10% neutral-buffered formalin and subjected to histopathological analysis.
RESULTS
We found statistically significant differences in the histopathological sections between the groups (p < 0.05). The abundant collagen and fibroblasts observed in the direction of the dermis in Groups III and IV indicate that the phytoconstituents present in the potato might promote the healing of the second-degree burns until day 21 of treatment.
CONCLUSION
Our findings showed that the ointments based on the ethanolic extracts of L. "papa tumbay," especially the 2% ointment, might accelerate the healing of second-degree burns induced in Balb/c mice.
PubMed: 38328356
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2440-2445 -
Journal of Caring Sciences Sep 2023Episiotomy is a usual midwifery surgery. Iran is a country with an abundant source of medicinal plants. This study aimed to investigate ginger extract ointment's effects...
INTRODUCTION
Episiotomy is a usual midwifery surgery. Iran is a country with an abundant source of medicinal plants. This study aimed to investigate ginger extract ointment's effects on the pain and recovery of episiotomy incisions in nulliparous women.
METHODS
This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a public hospital in Iran on 70 nulliparous women with an episiotomy incision. The women were randomly assigned to ginger extract ointment and placebo groups. The primary outcomes included pain and wound healing that were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), redness, edema, ecchymosis/bruising, discharge, and an approximation scale (REEDA). The participants were followed up before discharge from the hospital and 5×1 and 10×1 days after the intervention. The secondary outcome was the number of painkillers used during the study. Data were analyzed by chi-square, independent test, and the Mann-Whitney U via SPSS-13. The significance levels were determined to be ≤0.05.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference between participants treated with ginger extract ointment and placebo in the pain and wound healing scores before the intervention, 5×1 and 10×1 days after the intervention. But, the pain intensity decreased, and the recovery speed increased clinically. Also, regarding the secondary outcome of this study, no significant difference between the placebo and intervention groups in the number of painkillers participants took.
CONCLUSION
The ginger ointment could not significantly improve episiotomy wounds' pain and healing rate, but it was clinically helpful. So more studies with different doses of this ointment are needed.
PubMed: 38020739
DOI: 10.34172/jcs.2023.31842 -
Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da U S P 2023To assess the feasibility of incorporating technology as a new alternative for treating topics on cervical lesions. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of incorporating technology as a new alternative for treating topics on cervical lesions.
METHOD
This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with a prospective design. During the realization of this study, 43 women were included and divided between groups A (ointment without silver nanoparticles n = 23) and B (ointment with silver nanoparticles n = 20) clinically healthy and who used the unified health system.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences when comparing before and after the use of ointment for IVA test (p = 0.15), Schiller test (p = 0.15), cellular changes (p = 0.47) and microbiological analysis (p = 0.89) through cytology. After use, no adverse reaction was observed in the sample studied.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results identified in this study, identified that the product is safe and does not promote adverse events. Regarding the effectiveness of the product in uterine cervical lesions, it is necessary to continue the study in phase II. Registro de Ensaios Clínicos Brasileiros: UTN: U1111-1218-2820.
Topics: Humans; Female; Silver; Metal Nanoparticles; Ointments; Fabaceae; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37522745
DOI: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2022-0338en -
The American Surgeon Dec 2023Giant condyloma acuminata (GCA), or Buschke-Löwenstein tumor, is a rare exophytic cauliflower-like growth in the anogenital region. The spectrum of treatment options is...
Giant condyloma acuminata (GCA), or Buschke-Löwenstein tumor, is a rare exophytic cauliflower-like growth in the anogenital region. The spectrum of treatment options is wide, ranging from the application of topical ointments to the performance of an abdominoperineal resection. Currently, wide local excision is the most common approach and may entail the creation of a protective loop ileostomy or implementation of flaps or grafts that facilitate closure. We describe a unique surgical approach for the management of circumferential GCA void of the use a protective loop ileostomy, flaps, or grafts. Our report highlights that the implementation of a radical, circumferential, wide excision resulting in "free-floating anus" and healing via secondary intention can ultimately lead to excellent functional and cosmetic results and therefore may be considered a minimally invasive surgical option for patients afflicted with a large, circumferential GCA.
Topics: Humans; Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor; Anal Canal; Condylomata Acuminata; Anus Neoplasms; Surgical Flaps; Margins of Excision
PubMed: 37674401
DOI: 10.1177/00031348231199173 -
Discover Nano Jan 2024This review paper highlights the trans-dermic delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) based antifungal ointments with the help of nanotechnology. It also describes the novel... (Review)
Review
This review paper highlights the trans-dermic delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) based antifungal ointments with the help of nanotechnology. It also describes the novel trans-dermal approach utilizing various nanoparticles which enables an efficient delivery to the target site. This current review gives an overview about past research and developments as well as the current nanoparticle-based ointments. This review also presents data regarding types, causes of infection, and different pathogens within their infection site. It also gives information about antifungal ointments with their activity and side effects of antifungal medicines. Additionally, this review also focuses on the future aspects of the topical administration of nanoparticle-based antifungal ointments. These nanoparticles can encapsulate multiple antifungal drugs as a combination therapy targeting different aspects of fungal infection. Nanoparticles can be designed in such a way that they can specifically target fungal cells and do not affect healthy cells. Nanoparticle based antifungal ointments exhibit outstanding potential to treat fungal diseases. As further research and advancements evolve in nanotechnology, we expect more development of nanoparticle-based antifungal formulations shortly. This paper discusses all the past and future applications, recent trends, and developments in the various field and also shows its bright prospective in the upcoming years.
PubMed: 38195832
DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03932-3 -
Cureus Nov 2023Traumatic oral ulcers are one of the most commonly encountered oral ulcers. Their healing may be delayed due to factors like the presence of opportunistic infectious...
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Neem Extract-Based Herbal Ointment, Herbal Antioxidant, and Propolis on Oxidative Stress Related to Oral Ulcers: An Interventional Animal Study.
UNLABELLED
Traumatic oral ulcers are one of the most commonly encountered oral ulcers. Their healing may be delayed due to factors like the presence of opportunistic infectious microbes in the oral cavity, secondary trauma from sharp edges of teeth, and the systemic condition of the patient.
AIM
To compare the efficacy of a newly developed neem extract containing herbal ointments (propolis and in enhancing the wound contraction of traumatic oral ulcers and to determine the relationship between oxidative stress and oral ulcers.
METHOD
Ulcers were inflicted by trauma in the mouths of experimental rabbits using a 5 mm punch biopsy device. Forty-eight animals were randomly put into six groups (n = 12). Group 1 was the control group that did not receive any intervention; Group 2 had a systemic treatment of extract; Group 3 received a topical application of propolis; Group 4 had a topical application of a neem extract-based herbal ointment; Group 5 was administered a combination of and propolis; and Group 6 had a combination of a neem-based herbal ointment and . Oxidative stress levels were calculated by measuring superoxide dismutases and malondialdehyde levels in the blood on days 0, one, seven, and 14. Wound contraction scores of ulcers were also assessed on days seven and 14.
RESULTS
Significantly higher wound contraction scores were seen in groups treated with herbal ointment in comparison to groups treated without herbal ointment. Oxidative stress levels increased in all groups after the infliction of ulcers (day one) and then declined as the ulcers healed, reaching near-normal levels on day 14. Groups containing showed a significant reduction in oxidative stress in comparison to groups without . A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
CONCLUSION
A combined formulation of herbal ointment and proved to be the most efficacious in enhancing wound contraction of oral ulcers along with significantly reducing oxidative stress in experimental rabbits.
PubMed: 38073963
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48542 -
The Canadian Journal of Infectious... 2023Multidrug-resistant pathogens are one of the common causes of death in burn patients and have a high risk of nosocomial infections, especially pneumonia, urinary tract... (Review)
Review
Multidrug-resistant pathogens are one of the common causes of death in burn patients and have a high risk of nosocomial infections, especially pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. The role of prolonged hospitalization and empirical antibiotics administration in developing multidrug-resistant pathogens is undeniable. In the early days of admitting burn patients, Gram-positive bacteria were the dominant isolates with a more sensitive antibiotic pattern. However, the emergence of Gram-negative bacteria that are more resistant later occurs. Trustworthy guideline administration in burn wards is one of the strategies to prevent multidrug-resistant pathogens. Also, a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach is an effective way to avoid antibiotic resistance that involves infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, and burn surgeons. However, the emerging resistance to conventional antimicrobial approaches (such as systemic antibiotic exposure, traditional wound dressing, and topical antibiotic ointments) among burn patients has challenged the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections, and using nanoparticles is a suitable alternative. In this review article, we will discuss different aspects of multidrug-resistant pathogens in burn wounds, emphasizing the full role of these pathogens in burn wounds and discussing the application of nanotechnology in dealing with them. Also, some advances in various types of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, carbon quantum dots, and solid lipid nanoparticles in burn wound healing, will be explained.
PubMed: 37521436
DOI: 10.1155/2023/8854311 -
Heliyon Oct 2023Diaper dermatitis is one of infants and toddlers' most common skin diseases; it accounts for 10-20 % of all skin diseases and 25 % of pediatric dermatology visits....
BACKGROUND
Diaper dermatitis is one of infants and toddlers' most common skin diseases; it accounts for 10-20 % of all skin diseases and 25 % of pediatric dermatology visits. Diaper dermatitis also increases parents' mental health problems and compromises the quality of life. Despite its ill outcome, diaper dermatitis's burden and risk factors are poorly studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of diaper dermatitis and associated factors among 1-24 months children visiting public health facilities in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.
METHODS
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 671 mother-child pairs from May 15 to June 15, 2022. A structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect the information. The data was collected using an open data kit tools and analyzed using Stata version 17.0. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with diaper dermatitis. P-value <0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.
RESULTS
In this study, 664 mother-child pairs, yielded a response rate of 98.96 %, were involved. Overall, 35.69 % [95 % CI: 32.04, 39.47] of children encountered diaper dermatitis. Being government-employed (AOR: 2.49, 95 % CI: 1.42, 4.35), primiparity (AOR: 1.52, 95 % CI: 1.03, 2.23), unplanned pregnancy (AOR: 1.93, 95 % CI: 1.22, 3.04), having poor knowledge about diaper dermatitis (AOR: 1.74, 95 % CI: 1.19, 2.56), using both disposable and non-disposable diapers alternatively (AOR: 3.35, 95 % CI: 1.55, 7.22), and applying ointments on diaper area (AOR: 1.93, 95 % CI: 1.26, 2.97) all increase the likelihood of diaper dermatitis.
CONCLUSION
Diaper dermatitis was high in the study hospitals; over one-third experienced it. Maternal occupation, parity, pregnancy status, maternal knowledge of diaper dermatitis, diaper type, and ointment application were significantly associated with diaper dermatitis. Improving maternal/guardian knowledge about diapering and diaper dermatitis is critical to reducing the burden and severity of the problem.
PubMed: 37860555
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20785 -
Paediatric Drugs Mar 2024Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly infants and young children, are at greater risk of developing skin infections. In this study, we assessed infection... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly infants and young children, are at greater risk of developing skin infections. In this study, we assessed infection rates in AD patients aged 6 months to 5 years treated with dupilumab.
METHODS
In LIBERTY AD PRESCHOOL, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial, children aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 1:1 to subcutaneous dupilumab or placebo, with concomitant low-potency topical corticosteroids, every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Exposure-adjusted infection rates were used to compare treatment groups.
RESULTS
The analysis included 162 patients, of whom 83 received dupilumab and 79 received placebo. Total infection rates were not significantly different between the dupilumab and placebo groups (rate ratio [RR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.48-1.19; p = 0.223). Non-herpetic adjudicated skin infections and bacterial infections were significantly less frequent with dupilumab versus placebo (non-herpetic skin infections: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21-0.99; p = 0.047; bacterial infections: RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.67; p = 0.019), and the number of patients using systemic anti-infective medication was significantly lower in the dupilumab group (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.89; p = 0.019). There were no significant differences in the number of herpetic infections between the dupilumab and placebo groups (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.31-4.35; p = 0.817). The number of patients with two or more infection events was significantly higher in the placebo group (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.68; p = 0.004), and no severe or serious infections (including eczema herpeticum) were observed among patients receiving dupilumab.
CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that dupilumab treatment in infants and children younger than 6 years with AD does not increase overall risk of infections and is associated with a reduced risk of bacterial and non-herpetic skin infections compared with placebo, resulting in a reduced need for anti-infective medication.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov with ID number NCT03346434 on November 17, 2017. INFOGRAPHIC.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Treatment Outcome; Injections, Subcutaneous; Severity of Illness Index; Double-Blind Method; Bacterial Infections; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
PubMed: 38267692
DOI: 10.1007/s40272-023-00611-9