Plants and their uses in dermatological recipes of the Receptarium of Burkhard III von Hallwyl from 16th century Switzerland - Data mining a historical text and preliminary in vitro screening.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Historical texts on materia medica can be an attractive source of ethnopharmacological information. Various research groups have investigated corresponding resources from Europe and the Mediterranean region, pursuing different objectives. Regardless of the method used, the indexing of textual information and its conversion into data sets useful for further investigations represents a significant challenge. AIM OF THE STUDY: First, this study aims to systematically catalogue pharmaco-botanical information in the Receptarium of Burkhard von Hallwyl (RBH) in order to identify candidate plants in a targeted manner. Secondly, the potential of RBH as a resource for pharmacological investigations will be assessed by means of a preliminary in vitro screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a relational database for the systematic recording of parameters composing the medical recipes contained in the historical text. Focusing on dermatological recipes, we explored the mentioned plants and their uses by drawing on specific literature. The botanical identities (candidate species) suggested in the literature for the historical plant names were rated based on their plausibility of being the correct attribution. The historical uses were interpreted by consulting medical-historical and modern clinical literature. For the subsequent in vitro screening, we selected candidate species used in recipes directed at the treatment of inflammatory or infectious skin disorders and wounds. Plants were collected in Switzerland and their hydroethanolic crude extracts tested for possible cytotoxic effects and for their potential to modulate the release of IL-6 and TNF in PS-stimulated whole blood and PBMCs. RESULTS: The historical text analysis points up the challenges associated with the assessment of historical plant names. Often two or more plant species are available as candidates for each of the 161 historical plant names counted in the 200 dermatological recipes in RBH. On the other hand, our method enabled to draw conclusions about the diseases underlying the 56 medical applications mentioned in the text. On this basis, 11 candidate species were selected for in vitro screening, four of which were used in RBH in herbal simple recipes and seven in a herbal compound formulation. None of the extracts tested showed a noteworthy effect on cell viability except for the sample of Sanicula europaea L. Extracts were tested at 50 µg/mL in the whole blood assay, where especially Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik. or Solanum nigrum L. showed inhibitory or stimulatory activities. In the PBMC assay, the root of Vincetoxicum hirundinaria revealed a distinct inhibitory effect on IL-6 release (IC50 of 3.6 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Using the example of RBH, this study illustrates a possible ethnopharmacological path from unlocking the historical text and its subsequent analysis, through the selection and collection of plant candidates to their in vitro investigation. Fully documenting our approach to the analysis of historical texts, we hope to contribute to the discussion on solutions for the digital indexing of premodern information on the use of plants or other natural products.

[The annotation and compilation of Shennong Classic of Materia Medica in the period of the Republic of China].

A variety of books on the annotation and compilation of Shennong Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) appeared in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the period of the Republic of China at the beginning of the last century, a total of eight annotated and compiled books on Shennong Classic of Materia Medica were published. This paper discusses the authors of these books, their contents and their academic features. It was found that the research on Shennong Classic of Materia Medica in the period of the Republic of China was basically divided into two main sections: the continuation of reverence for classical texts with extensive commentary and the 'scientific' transformation of traditional materia medica in the context of Sino-Western medicine integration.

[Species of Chinese materia medica resources based on the fourth national survey of Chinese materia medica resources].

This article outlined the composition and species characteristics of Chinese materia medica(CMM) resources identified in the fourth national survey of CMM resources. The survey was conducted based on field investigations and office collation, adhering to the "four principles", which emphasized the existence of survey records, voucher specimens, actual photographs, and evidence of medicinal use, so as to summarize the species of CMM resources and ensure the scientific integrity and accuracy of the results. According to the results, China had a total of 18 817 CMM resources, including 15 321 medicinal plants, 826 medicinal fungi, 2 517 medicinal animals, and 153 medicinal minerals. Additionally, the fourth national survey of CMM resources also conducted specialized investigations on 3 151 species of unique medicinal plants, 464 species of rare and endangered medicinal plants, and 196 new species in China. These latest statistics on these CMM resources will provide the most up-to-date foundational data for the protection, management, development, and utilization of these resources over an extended period, offering scientific guidance for the development of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry.

From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med 2024; 22(4): 413-445.

Toxicity study of mineral medicine haematitum.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Haematitum, a time-honored mineral-based Chinese medicine, has been used medicinally in China for over 2000 years. It is now included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and used clinically for treating digestive and respiratory diseases. The Chinese Materia Medica records that it is toxic and should not be taken for a long period, but there are few research reports on the toxicity of Haematitum and its potential toxicity mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Haematitum and calcined Haematitum, including organ toxicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. Further, it is also necessary to explore the mechanism of Haematitum toxicity and to provide a reference for the safe clinical use of the drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples of Haematitum and calcined Haematitum decoctions were prepared. KM mice were treated with samples by gavage for 10 days, and lung damage and apoptosis were assessed by HE staining and TUNEL staining of lung tissues respectively. Metabolomics analysis was performed by HPLC-MS. Metallomics analysis was performed by ICP-MS. In addition, C. elegans was used as a model for 48 h exposure to examine the neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity-related indices of Haematitum, including locomotor behaviors, growth and development, reproductive behaviors, AChE activities, sensory behaviors, apoptosis, and ROS levels. RESULTS: The use of large doses of Haematitum decoction caused lung damage in mice. Neither calcined Haematitum decoction nor Haematitum decoction at clinically used doses showed organ damage. Metabolomics results showed that disorders in lipid metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism may be important factors in Haematitum-induced pulmonary toxicity. High doses of Haematitum decoction caused neurological damage to C. elegans, while low doses of Haematitum decoction and calcined Haematitum decoction showed no significant neurotoxicity. Decoction of Haematitum and calcined Haematitum did not show reproductive toxicity to C. elegans. Toxicity was also not observed in the control group of iron (Ⅱ) and iron (Ⅲ) ions in equal amounts with high doses of Haematitum. CONCLUSIONS: Haematitum is relatively safe for routine doses and short-term use. Calcination can significantly reduce Haematitum toxicity, and this study provides a reference for safe clinical use.

Individualized homeopathic medicines in preventing the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial.

CONTEXT: Pre-diabetes is a significant public health problem worldwide. India has a very high rate of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes, 75-78 per thousand persons per year. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicinal products (HMPs) against placebos in preventing the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes. DESIGN: Six-month, double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient departments of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. PATIENTS: Sixty participants with pre-diabetes. INTERVENTIONS: Verum: HMPs plus yoga therapy (YT; n = 30); control: identical-looking placebos plus YT (n = 30). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants progressing from pre-diabetes to diabetes, measured after three and six months. Secondary outcomes comprised of fasting blood glucose (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%), lipid profile, liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), urea and creatinine, and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile version 2 (MYMOP-2); all measured after 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The proportion of participants converted from pre-diabetics to diabetics (n/N; n = diabetics, N = prediabetics) was significantly less in the verum group than control: HbA1C% (month 3: verum - 2/30 versus control - 11/30, p = 0.003; month 6: 3/30 vs. 2/30, p = 0.008), OGTT (month 3: 0/30 vs. 8/30, p = 0.015; month 6: 0/30 vs. 1/30, p = 0.008), but not according to FBS (month 3: 1/30 vs. 1/30, p = 0.779; month 6: 1/30 vs. 3/30, p = 0.469). Several secondary outcomes also revealed significant improvements in the verum group than in placebo: HbA1C% (p < 0.001), OGTT (p = 0.001), serum ALT (p = 0.031), creatinine (p = 0.012), and MYMOP-2 profile scores (p < 0.001). Sulphur, Bryonia alba, and Thuja occidentalis were the most frequently indicated medicines. Thus, HMPs outperformed placebos by successfully preventing the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2022/04/042,026; UTN: U1111-1277-0021.

Homeopathic Ankle Dislocation for Treatment of Unstable Trimalleolar Fractures Involving Posterior Die-Punch Fragment: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Unstable trimalleolar fractures are relatively complex and more difficult to manage if die-punch fracture is present. We aimed to evaluate the curative effect of homeopathic ankle dislocation on the unstable trimalleolar fractures involving posterior die-punch fragments. METHODS: A total of 124 patients diagnosed with unstable trimalleolar fractures combined with post-die punch fragment between June 2008 and June 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients who received homeopathic ankle dislocation were named as the experimental group, and patients who accepted conventional treatment were control group. The fracture healing time, wound healing, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS), visual analogue scale (VAS), the Kellgren-Lawrence arthritis grading scale (KLAGS) and short-form 36 score (SF-36) scores were collected. Student t-test was used for fracture healing time. Wound healing and SF-36 were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for AOFAS and VAS. χ2-test was used for KLAGS. RESULTS: AOFAS showed statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.001). In non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing conditions, VAS scores were significant different between the two groups, and there was an interaction between group and time point (p < 0.001). The experimental group was superior to the control group in terms of physical function (p = 0.022), role-physical (p = 0.018), general health (p = 0.001) and social function (p = 0.042).The operation time of experimental group was shorter than that of control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Homeopathic ankle dislocation is used for the unstable trimalleolar fractures involving posterior die-punch fragment, which can provide better functional outcomes while shortening the operation time and recovery period.

Food drugs as drivers of therapeutic knowledge and the role of chemosensory qualities.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chemosensory qualities of botanical drugs are important cues for anticipating physiologic consequences. Whether a botanical drug is used for both, food and medicine, or only as medicine depends on taste preferences, nutritional content, cultural background, and the individual and overall epidemiological context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We subjected 540 botanical drugs described in De Materia Medica having at least one oral medical application to a tasting panel. The 540 drugs were grouped into those only used for medicine (388) and those also used for food (152). The associations with chemosensory qualities and therapeutic indications were compared across the two groups. We considered 22 experimentally assessed chemosensory qualities and 39 categories of therapeutic use groups. We wanted to know, 1): which chemosensory qualities increase the probability of an orally applied botanical drug to be also used for food ? 2): which chemosensory qualities augment the probability of an orally applied botanical drug to be only used for medicine? and 3): whether there are differences in therapeutic indications between orally applied botanical drugs also used for food (food drugs) and botanical drugs applied exclusively for medicinal purposes (non-food drugs) and, if yes, how the differences can be explained. RESULTS: Chemosensory qualities augmenting the probability of an orally applied botanical drug to be also used for food were sweet, starchy, salty, burning/hot, fruity, nutty, and cooling. Therapeutics used for diarrhoea, as libido modulators, purgatives, laxatives, for expelling parasites, breast and lactation and increasing diuresis, were preferentially sourced from food drugs while drugs used for liver and jaundice, vaginal discharge and humoral management showed significant negative associations with food dugs in ancient Greek-Roman materia medica. CONCLUSION: Therapeutics used for ailments of body organs involved in the digestion of food and the excretion of waste products showed a tendency to be sourced from food drugs. Arguably, the daily consumption of food offered the possibility for observing post-prandial physiologic and pharmacologic effects which led to a high therapeutic versatility of food drugs and the possibility to understand benefits of taste and flavour qualities. The difference in chemosensory qualities between food drugs and non-food drugs is demarcating the organoleptic requirements of food rather than that of medicine.

[Medicinal Characteristics of Shao Jiu in Compendium of Materia Medica].

Modern Bai Jiu(liquor) was called Shao Jiu in ancient times.By consulting ancient books, it was found that there was a distillation and preparation process of Shao Jiu before the Ming Dynasty, but due to its high toxicity, the scope of application was limited, and there were few records of its medicinal use.However many records of its medicinal use was found in the Compendium of Materia Medica(«¼).By comparing the medical books that recorded Shao Jiu in previous dynasties, it is found that the Compendium of Materia Medica comprehensively records the relevant cognition and application of the medicinal use of Shao Jiu for the first time. The book lists in detail the causes of the toxicity of Shao Jiu and the methods to avoid it, comprehensively expounds its characteristics, efficacy and indications, lists a variety of ways to use it, skillfully uses Shao Jiu to treat syphilis sores, and proposes that high-concentration Shao Jiu can be used as a solvent for medical liquor.The record of Shao Jiu in the Compendium of Materia Medica had a profound impact on the medical liquor of later generations.The use of Shao Jiu in the Qing Dynasty continued to expand, and the types of medicinal liquor were also constantly enriched. The record of Shao Jiu in the Compendium of Materia Medica can also provide a reference for the medicinal use of modern liquor.

[Study on the image of fragrant plants in Wood section of Compendium of Materia Medica].

As a representative work of materia medica in the Ming Dynasty, the plant images attached to Compendium of Materia Medica retain the results of Li Shizhen's research on the original plants of medicinal materials in another form, which truly reflects the understanding and utilization of herbs in the Ming Dynasty.Taking the image of fragrant plants in Wood section in the book as an example, the original of the plants depicted in the images is examined to reveal the level of understanding of plant knowledge and medicinal properties in the Ming dynasty.Among the 25 images contained in the woody section, 20 images accurately depict the leaves, flowers and fruits of plants, and the description of the morphological details of the plant Cephalotaxus fortunei Hook. f. proves a high level of understanding of plant morphology and medicinal properties at the time. However, the errors of a total of 5 diagrams such as Wuyao and A wei also showed limitations. By comparing the results of the image with the medicinal properties contained in the text,it is clear that the level of understanding of medicinal properties is very high in the Ming dynasty, and the understanding of the medicinal properties of some plants is even higher than the understanding of their morphology.

Identification of anti-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic bioactive compounds from Ganoderma formosanum and their possible mechanisms in modulating TGF-ß1-induced lung fibrosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Compendium of Materia Medica and the Classic of Materia Medica, the two most prominent records of traditional Chinese medicine, documented the therapeutic benefits of Ganoderma sinense particularly in addressing pulmonary-related ailments. Ganoderma formosanum, an indigenous subspecies of G. sinense from Taiwan, has demonstrated the same therapeutic properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to identify bioactive compounds and evaluate the potential of G. formosanum extracts as a novel treatment to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Using an in-house drug screening platform, two-stage screening was performed to determine their anti-fibrotic efficacy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: G. formosanum was fractionated into four partitions by solvents of different polarities. To determine their antifibrotic and pro-apoptotic properties, the fractions were analyzed using two TGF-ß1-induced pulmonary fibrosis cell models (NIH-3T3) and human pulmonary fibroblast cell lines, immunoblot, qRT-PCR, and annexin V assays. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis was conducted to validate the findings and explore possible molecular pathways. The identification of potential bioactive compounds was achieved through UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, while molecular interaction study was investigated by multiple ligands docking and molecular dynamic simulations. RESULTS: The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) extracted from G. formosanum demonstrated substantial anti-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic effects on TGF-ß1-induced fibrotic models. Moreover, the EAF exhibited no discernible cytotoxicity. Untargeted UHPLC-MS/MS analysis identified potential bioactive compounds in EAF, including stearic acid, palmitic acid, and pentadecanoic acid. Multiple ligands docking and molecular dynamic simulations further confirmed that those bioactive compounds possess the ability to inhibit TGF-ß receptor 1. CONCLUSION: Potential bioactive compounds in G. formosanum were successfully extracted and identified in the EAF, whose anti-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic properties could potentially modulate pulmonary fibrosis. This finding not only highlights the EAF's potential as a promising therapeutic candidate to treat pulmonary fibrosis, but it also elucidates how Ganoderma confers pulmonary health benefits as described in the ancient texts.

Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in treating hemorrhoids compared with placebo. Design: This is a double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: The trial was conducted at the surgery outpatient department of the State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Subjects: Patients were 140 women and men, aged between 18 and 65 years, with a diagnosis of primary hemorrhoids grades I-III for at least 3 months. Excluded were the patients with grade IV hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and fistula, hypertrophic anal papillae, inflammatory bowel disease, coagulation disorders, rectal malignancies, obstructed portal circulation, patients requiring immediate surgical intervention, and vulnerable samples. Interventions: Patients were randomized to Group 1 (n = 70; IHMs plus concomitant care; verum) and Group 2 (n = 70; placebos plus concomitant care; control). Outcome measures: Primary-the anorectal symptom severity and quality-of-life (ARSSQoL) questionnaire, and secondary-the EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS); all of them were measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Results: Out of the 140 randomized patients, 122 were protocol compliant. Intention-to-treat sample (n = 140) was analyzed. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 two tailed. Statistically significant between-group differences were elicited in the ARSSQoL total (Mann-Whitney U [MWU]: 1227.0, p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS (MWU: 1228.0, p = 0.001) favoring homeopathy against placebos. Sulfur was the most frequently prescribed medicine. No harm or serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. Conclusions: IHMs demonstrated superior results over placebo in the short-term treatment of hemorrhoids of grades I-III. The findings are promising, but need to be substantiated by further phase 3 trials. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2020/03/024342.

Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Sciatica Pain: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objectives: Sciatica is a debilitating condition that causes pain in its distribution or in the lumbosacral nerve root that is connected to it. Although there are claims that homeopathy can reduce sciatica pain, systematic scientific proof is currently lacking. The objective of the trial was to determine whether individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) were as effective as identical-looking placebos in treating sciatica pain. Design: This is a double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India. Subjects: Sixty participants with sciatica pain were included in this study. Interventions: Verum (n = 30; IHMs plus concomitant care) versus control (n = 30; placebos plus concomitant care). Outcome measures: Primary-Sciatica Bothersome Index (SBI) and Sciatica Frequency Index (SFI) scores and secondary-Roland Morris Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RMPDQ), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire (OLBPQ) scores: all of them were measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Results: Intention-to-treat sample (n = 60) was analyzed. Group differences were examined by two-way (split-half) repeated measure analysis of variance, primarily accounting for between groups and time interactions, and additionally, by unpaired t tests comparing the estimates obtained individually every month. The level of significance was set at p < 0.025 and <0.05 two tailed for the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Group differences could not achieve significance in SBI (p = 0.044), SFI (p = 0.080), and RMPDQ scores (p = 0.134), but were significant for SF-MPQ (p = 0.007) and OLBPQ (p = 0.036). Gnaphalium polycephalum (n = 6; 10%) was the most frequently prescribed medicine. No harm, serious adverse events, or intercurrent illnesses were recorded in either of the groups. Conclusions: The primary outcome failed to demonstrate evidently that homeopathy was effective beyond placebo, and the trial remained inconclusive. Independent replications are warranted to confirm the findings. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2020/10/028617.

Regulation and standardization of herbal drugs: Current status, limitation, challenge's and future prospective.

Herbal drugs (HD) or traditional drugs have been used worldwide for centuries, especially in the developing countries. Global market of HD reaches billion of USD annually and increases every year. For ensuring the safety and efficacy of HD, the Drug Agency/Authority issues regulations for the registration & application of new HD, their manufacturing processes, controlling and monitoring in the market. The efficacy and safety of HD depend on their whole chemical contents. Quality assessment of HD should be performed using standardization methods according to the current Pharmacopoeias or Materia Medica. Unfortunately, the official methods of the compendia cannot be applied for evaluation of mixed herbs and their preparations.; HD's producers should develop, validate, and standardize the method for the quality assessment of their own specific products. Therefore, assuring the safety and efficacy of HD remains a challenging task due to the complex nature of HD, that typically consist of many constituents of herbs/extracts whose quality may vary among different sources of materials. This present review will describe, compare, and discuss the regulations and standardization methods of HD from US, EU countries, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia. The official standardization methods of HD, their current criteria, limitations, challenge and future prospective will be described and discussed. Official methods for quality assessment of HD should be state of the art, fast, low-cost, accurate and precise, and could be used for evaluation of all kinds of HD.

A Comparative Observation on Wound Healing After Surgery for Necrotizing Fasciitis: Kangfuxin Liquid Gauze versus Vaseline Gauze.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Kangfuxin Liquid (a traditional Chinese medicine) gauze and Vaseline gauze in wound healing after necrotizing fasciitis surgery. Method: The study was conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College between February 2020 and February 2022. A total of 54 patients diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis were randomly assigned to the Vaseline gauze group as the control group, and the Kangfuxin Liquid gauze group as the experimental group. Various aspects of treatment efficacy, wound healing conditions, healing indicators, pain scores, inflammation markers, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate in the experimental group (100.00%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (77.78%), with a statistically significant difference The experimental group showed lower scores for secretion, granulation tissue morphology, redness, and swelling compared to the control group, with statistical significance. Additionally, the experimental group exhibited faster slough separation, new epidermis formation, and overall wound healing compared to the control group, with statistical significance. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores on postoperative days 3, 7, 9, and 14 were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) between the two groups. However, after treatment, both groups exhibited a decrease in inflammatory markers, and the experimental group had significantly lower levels of IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to the control group). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group (3.70%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (22.22%). Conclusion: The utilization of Kangfuxin Liquid gauze in wound healing after necrotizing fasciitis surgery effectively promotes wound healing, provides precise therapeutic effects, significantly reduces patient pain, improves inflammation, and exhibits minimal adverse reactions, thus demonstrating high safety. Therefore, the application of Kangfuxin Liquid gauze in this clinical context is highly recommended.

Trollius chinensis Bunge: A Comprehensive Review of Research on Botany, Materia Medica, Ethnopharmacological Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control.

Trollius chinensis Bunge, a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. Documented in the Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica, its medicinal properties encompass a spectrum of applications, including heat clearance, detoxification, alleviation of oral/throat sores, earaches, eye pain, cold-induced fever, and vision improvement. Furthermore, T. chinensis is used in clinical settings to treat upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, esoenteritis, canker, bronchitis, etc. It is mainly used to treat inflammation, such as inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and nasal mucosa. This comprehensive review explores the evolving scientific understanding of T. chinensis, covering facets of botany, materia medica, ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. Polyphenols, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, are highly abundant among T. chinensis and are responsible for antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The flower additionally harbors trace amounts of volatile oil, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds. The active ingredients of the flower have fewer side effects, and it is used in children because of its minimal side effects, which has great research potential. These findings validate the traditional uses of T. chinensis and lay the groundwork for further scientific exploration. The sources utilized in this study encompass Web of Science, Pubmed, CNKI site, classic monographs, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and doctoral and master's theses.

A Randomized Three-Arm Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Homeopathic Treatment of Children and Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: Approximately 30% of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most prevalent mental health disorder in children worldwide, do not respond to conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Previous studies of homeopathic treatment for ADHD have been inconclusive. The objectives of this study were to determine if there (a) is an overall effect of homeopathic treatment (homeopathic medicines plus consultation) in the treatment of ADHD; (b) are any specific effects the homeopathic consultation alone in the treatment of ADHD; and (c) are any specific effects of homeopathic medicines in the treatment of ADHD. Design: The design was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting/Location: Toronto, Canada. Subjects: Children aged 6-16 years diagnosed with ADHD. Interventions: Participants were randomized to one of three arms: Arm 1 (Remedy and Consultation); Arm 2 (Placebo and Consultation); or Arm 3 (Usual Care). Outcome Measures: Primary Outcome was the change of CGI-P T score between baseline and 28 weeks. Results: There was an improvement in ADHD symptoms as measured by the Conner 3 Global Index-Parent T-score in the two groups (Arms 1 and 2) that received consultations with a homeopathic practitioner when compared with the usual care control group (Arm 3). Parents of the children in the study who received homeopathic consultations (Arms 1 and 2) also reported greater coping efficacy compared with those receiving usual care (Arm 3). There was no difference in adverse events among the three study arms. Conclusions: In this study, homeopathic consultations provided over 8 months with the use of homeopathic remedy was associated with a decrease in ADHD symptoms in children aging 6-16 years when compared with usual treatment alone. Children treated with homeopathic consultations and placebo experienced a similar decrease in ADHD symptoms; however, this finding did not reach statistical significance when correcting for multiple comparisons. Homeopathic remedies in and of themselves were not associated with any change in ADHD symptoms. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02086864.

Antiviral Activity of Cinchona officinalis, a Homeopathic Medicine, against COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potentially fatal disease caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several studies have shown that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infections in vitro. OBJECTIVE: Since the phytoconstituents of Cinchona officinalis (CO) are similar to those of HCQ, the objective of this study was to test the antiviral potential of different homeopathic formulations of CO. METHODS: An analysis of the molecular composition of CO was carried out using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by a detailed docking study. The constituents of CO were docked against various targets of SARS-CoV-2, and the binding potential of the phytoconstituents was compared and quantified. The ligand with the lowest Glide docking score is considered to have the best binding affinity. The cytotoxicity of several homeopathic formulations, including CO mother tincture (CO-MT), was also checked on VeroE6 cells. A known antiviral, remdesivir, was used as a positive control for the in vitro assays to evaluate the effects of CO-MT against SARS-CoV-2-infected VeroE6 cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking studies showed that constituents of CO exhibited binding potential to various targets of SARS-CoV-2, including Mpro, PLpro, RdRp, nucleocapsid protein, ACE2 (in host) and spike protein. Quinoline, one of the constituents of CO, can potentially bind the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Quinic acid showed better binding capabilities with Mpro, PLpro RdRp, nucleocapsid protein and ACE2 (allosteric site) than other constituents. Quinidine exhibited better binding to ACE2. Compared to HCQ, other phytoconstituents of CO had the equivalent potential to bind the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, nucleocapsid protein, Mpro, PLpro and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. In vitro assays showed that homeopathic CO-MT was not cytotoxic and that CO-MT and remdesivir respectively caused 89% and 99% inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in VeroE6 cells. CONCLUSION: Based on this in silico and in vitro evidence, we propose CO-MT as a promising antiviral medicine candidate for treating COVID-19. In vivo investigation is required to clarify the therapeutic potential of CO-MT in COVID-19.

Randomised Controlled Trial on Prophylaxis of Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia Syndrome in Swine using Caulophyllum Logoplex and Lachesis Logoplex.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) syndrome occurs in the first days post-partum and causes piglet losses mainly due to malnutrition. One possibility for prophylaxis of MMA is via homeopathy. In this veterinary study, the effectiveness of a prophylactic administration of homeopathic remedies for the prevention of the occurrence of MMA in swine was evaluated. METHODS: In a randomised and blinded study, 60 sows were examined. Sows were randomly distributed in two groups: the experimental group (CL/LL) received a prophylactic administration of the complex homeopathic remedies Caulophyllum Logoplex and Lachesis Logoplex, and the placebo group was administered a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution in the same injection scheme as the experimental group. Clinical signs of MMA, behavioural changes, as well as production parameters, were recorded beginning with the day of farrowing until 5 days post-partum. RESULTS: The treatment group showed no significant effect on the occurrence of MMA in sows (CL/LL: 56.67% MMA positive sows; NaCl: 53.53% MMA positive sows). Treatment group had also no significant effect on health parameters (vaginal discharge, raised rectal temperature, shortage of milk) or behavioural parameters (impaired feeding behaviour and impaired general condition). For the production parameter average weight gain, statistically significant effects in the treatment group were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis with the homeopathic remedies Caulophyllum Logoplex and Lachesis Logoplex showed neither an improvement in MMA prevention nor an improvement in health parameters or behavioural traits in the present herd of sows.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Fatigue in Adults: Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is leading to unknown and unusual health conditions that are challenging to manage. Post-COVID-19 fatigue is one of those challenges, becoming increasingly common as the pandemic evolves, as it impairs the quality of life of an individual. This trial attempts to identify the preliminary evidence of the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) against placebos in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue in adults. METHODS: A 3-month, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial was conducted at the outpatient department of The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, India. Sixty participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos (n = 30). The primary and secondary outcome measures were the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL), respectively, measured every month, for up to 3 months. Comparative analysis was carried out on the intention-to-treat sample to detect group differences. RESULTS: Group differences in both the primary (FAS total: F1, 58 = 14.356, p < 0.001) and secondary outcomes (ORIDL: F1, 58 = 210.986, p < 0.001) after 3 months favored IHMs against placebos. Lycopodium clavatum (11.7%), sulfur (11.7%), Arsenicum album (10%), and Thuja occidentalis (10%) were the most frequently indicated medicines. No harm, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations, or any serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. CONCLUSION: IHMs produced significantly better effects than placebos in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue in adults. Definitive robust trials may be undertaken to confirm the findings.Die Coronainfektion (COVID-19) zieht unbekannte und ungewöhnliche gesundheitliche Probleme nach sich, deren Management oft eine Herausforderung darstellt. Das gilt unter anderem für Ermüdung nach einer COVID-19-Erkrankung, die mit zunehmender Dauer der Pandemie immer häufiger auftritt und die Lebensqualität der Betroffenen beeinträchtigt. In dieser Studie wird versucht, vorläufige Belege für die Wirksamkeit individualisierter homöopathischer Mittel (IHM) im Vergleich zu Placebo zur Behandlung von Ermüdung nach COVID-19 bei Erwachsenen zu identifizieren.Eine einfach verblindete, randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Parallelgruppenstudie von 3 Monaten Dauer wurde im ambulanten Bereich des Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in Indien durchgeführt. 60 Teilnehmer erhielten nach Randomisierung im Verhältnis 1:1 entweder IHM (n = 30) oder identisch aussehendes Placebo (n = 30). Die primäre und die sekundäre Zielgröße waren die Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) und das Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) für bis zu 3 Monate, jeweils monatlich gemessen. Vergleichende Analysen wurden an der Intent-to-treat-Population durchgeführt, um Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen zu erkennen.Gruppenunterschiede bei der primären (FAS gesamt: F1, 58 = 14,356; p < 0.001) sowie der sekundären Zielgröße (ORIDL: F1, 58 = 210,986; p < 0.001) nach 3 Monaten sprachen für die IHM gegenüber Placebo. Lycopodium clavatum (11.7%), sulfur (11.7%), Arsenicum album (10%) und Thuja occidentalis (10%) waren die am häufigsten indizierten Mittel. In beiden Gruppen wurden keine Schädigungen, unbeabsichtigten Wirkungen, homöopathischen Verschlechterungen oder jegliche schwerwiegenden unerwünschten Ereignisse beobachtet.Die IHM erzielten signifikant bessere Effekte als Placebo in der Behandlung von Post-COVID-Ermüdung bei Erwachsenen. Definitive, belastbare Studien können eingeleitet werden, um diese Befunde zu bestätigen.