Molecular Evidence of the Bio-activities of Traditional Home Medicine Ingredients.

For many centuries, traditional medicine has played an essential role in health care. The treatment of many illnesses, including cancer, has greatly benefited from using herbal remedies derived from traditional medicine. The bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, silibinin, berberine, ginseng, and others present in traditional medicine have shown a wide range of properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant as well as potent anti-cancer properties both in laboratory studies and animal experiments (in vitro and in vivo). In this review, we mainly emphasized the anticancer role of bioactive compounds present in traditional medicine, such as curcumin, cardamonin, piperine, berberine, ginseng, silibinin, epigallocatechin gallate, and asafoetida. We also discussed molecular evidence of these compounds in chemoprevention and anticancer effects. These compounds have the potential to interfere with cancer growth, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and induce apoptosis by targeting different pathways and the cell cycle. This review article also focuses on how these compounds can help overcome drug resistance and enhance the availability of other clinically approved drugs. The usage of these compounds synergistically with other forms of treatment is also of great fascination to new and upcoming research. Finally, we have discussed the bioavailability of these compounds and strategies employed to improve them so their full potential can be exploited.

Biochemical Perspectives on Natural Products in Wound Healing: Exploring Phytochemicals in Tissue Repair and Scar Prevention.

Wound healing is a critical process in tissue repair following injury, and traditional herbal therapies have long been utilized to facilitate this process. This review delves into the mechanistic understanding of the significant contribution of pharmacologically demonstrated natural products in wound healing. Natural products, often perceived as complex yet safely consumed compared to synthetic chemicals, play a crucial role in enhancing the wound-healing process. Drawing upon a comprehensive search strategy utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, this review synthesizes evidence on the role of natural products in wound healing. While the exact pharmacological mechanisms of secondary metabolites in wound healing remain to be fully elucidated, compounds from alkaloids, phenols, terpenes, and other sources are explored here to delineate their specific roles in wound repair. Each phytochemical group exerts distinct actions in tissue repair, with some displaying multifaceted roles in various pathways, potentially enhancing their therapeutic value, supported by reported safety profiles. Additionally, these compounds exhibit promise in the prevention of keloids and scars. Their potential alongside economic feasibility may propel them towards pharmaceutical product development. Several isolated compounds, from natural sources, are undergoing investigation in clinical trials, with many reaching advanced stages.

Ethical considerations in the regulation and use of herbal medicines in the European Union.

The regulation and use of herbal medicines is a topic of debate due to concerns about their quality, safety, and efficacy. EU Directive 2004/24/EC on Herbal Medicinal Products was a significant step towards establishing a regulatory framework for herbal medicinal products in the EU, and bridging the gap between conventional and herbal medicines. This Directive allows herbal medicinal products to be marketed in the EU through full marketing authorisation, well-established use, and traditional use of herbal medicinal products. The framework relies on the correlation between the therapeutic claims of herbal medicine and the scientific evidence backing them up: the greater the claims made regarding medicinal benefits, the more evidence is required to substantiate its efficacy and safety. This regulatory framework acknowledges and incorporates traditional knowledge when evaluating herbal medicines, showcasing a balanced approach that values cultural traditions while mandating monographs for traditional herbal medicinal products. Excluding herbal medicines completely limits access to affordable treatment, particularly when they serve as the only alternative for some, and protects consumer autonomy. This EU framework could therefore serve as a practical guidance for the use and regulation of herbal medicines, even outside the EU. In conclusion, it is argued that the same moral imagination and courage shown by regulators in the case of herbal medicines could perhaps be used in the regulatory frameworks of other healthcare products.

Research progress on Alpinia oxyphylla in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) constitutes a major microvascular complication of diabetes and is a primary cause of mortality in diabetic individuals. With the global rise in diabetes, DN has become an urgent health issue. Currently, there is no definitive cure for DN. Alpinia oxyphylla, a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and is frequently used in the prevention and management of DN. This paper offers an extensive review of the biological mechanisms by which A. oxyphylla delivers therapeutic advantages in DN management. These mechanisms include activating podocyte autophagy, regulating non-coding RNA, modulating gut microbiota, alleviating lipotoxicity, counteracting oxidative stress, and diminishing inflammatory responses, underscoring the therapeutic potential of A. oxyphylla in DN treatment.

Herbal and nano-based herbal medicine: New insights into their therapeutic aspects against periodontitis.

Objective: Periodontitis is a type of prevalent chronic inflammatory disorder resulting in a failure in the function of tissues supporting the tooth, like gingiva, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. Although antibiotic therapy is a common therapy for periodontitis cases, this approach can cause some adverse effects in these patients. Thus, finding an effective curative option with low side effects is still a puzzle. Materials and Methods: This narrative review was conducted on the effects of herbal and nano-based herbal medicine against periodontitis by searching different databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scientific Information Databases. Results: According to published studies, some popular herbal formulations, such as Aloe vera, curcumin, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, can be effective in periodontitis treatment. However, these herbal products may be accompanied by some pharmacological limitations, such as poor bioavailability, instability, and weak water solubility. On the other hand, harnessing nano-based herbal formulations can elevate the bioavailability, diminish toxicity, and omit repeated administration of drugs. Conclusion: Herbal and nano-based herbal products can create a good chance to treat periodontitis efficiently.

Advances of traditional Chinese medicine preclinical mechanisms and clinical studies on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

CONTEXT: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) results in an enormous burden and reduces the quality of life for patients. Considering there is no specific drug for the management of DPN, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has increasingly drawn attention of clinicians and researchers around the world due to its characteristics of multiple targets, active components, and exemplary safety. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current status of TCM in the treatment of DPN and provide directions for novel drug development, the clinical effects and potential mechanisms of TCM used in treating DPN were comprehensively reviewed. METHODS: Existing evidence on TCM interventions for DPN was screened from databases such as PubMed, the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (CENTRAL), and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI). The focus was on summarizing and analyzing representative preclinical and clinical TCM studies published before 2023. RESULTS: This review identified the ameliorative effects of about 22 single herbal extracts, more than 30 herbal compound prescriptions, and four Chinese patent medicines on DPN in preclinical and clinical research. The latest advances in the mechanism highlight that TCM exerts its beneficial effects on DPN by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress and improving mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS: TCM has shown the power latent capacity in treating DPN. It is proposed that more large-scale and multi-center randomized controlled clinical trials and fundamental experiments should be conducted to further verify these findings.

Comparative Anti-inflammatory Activity of a Nanocomposite-Based Herbal Oral Rinse and a Commercial Oral Rinse.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory effects of two oral rinse formulations, a commercial oral rinse and an Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (nanocomposites, NCs) oral rinse, using in vitro assays commonly employed to assess anti-inflammatory activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory potential of the oral rinse formulations was assessed using bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation, egg albumin denaturation, and membrane stabilization assays. Diclofenac sodium was used as a reference standard in all assays. The inhibition percentages of BSA denaturation and egg albumin denaturation assays, as well as membrane stabilization effects, were measured at various concentrations of the oral rinse formulations. RESULTS: Both the commercial oral rinse and the Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum oral rinse demonstrated significant inhibition of BSA denaturation, indicating their anti-inflammatory potential. The Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (NCs) oral rinse consistently showed higher inhibition percentages than the commercial oral rinse, suggesting stronger anti-inflammatory effects in this assay. In the egg albumin denaturation assay, both formulations exhibited inhibition of protein denaturation, with the Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (NCs) oral rinse showing comparable or slightly higher inhibition percentages. The membrane stabilization assay further supported the anti-inflammatory properties of both formulations, with the Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (NCs) oral rinse demonstrating efficacy comparable to diclofenac sodium. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (NCs) oral rinse may possess stronger anti-inflammatory effects compared to commercial oral rinse, as evidenced by higher inhibition percentages in the BSA denaturation assay. Both formulations showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in the egg albumin denaturation and membrane stabilization assays, indicating their potential for mitigating inflammation. CONCLUSION: The Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (NCs) oral rinse exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, potentially surpassing the efficacy of the commercial oral rinse. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings and to validate the anti-inflammatory properties of the Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum (NCs) oral rinse in vivo.

Beneficial effects of Dendrobium officinale National Herbal Drink on metabolic immune crosstalk via regulate SCFAs-Th17/Treg.

BACKGROUND: The development of gut-liver axis metabolic immune crosstalk is intimately associated with intestinal barrier disorder, intestinal SCFAs-Th17/Treg immunological imbalance, and disorders of the gut microbiota. Prior research has discovered that Dendrobium officinale National Herbal Drink (NHD), a traditional Chinese medicine drink with enhanced immunity, may enhance the immunological response in animals with impaired immune systems brought on by cyclophosphamide by repairing intestinal barrier function and controlling turbulence in the gut microbiota. However, whether NHD can further improve the gut-liver axis metabolic immune crosstalk and its related mechanisms need to be systematically studied. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to clarify the function and mechanism of NHD in enhancing the gut-liver axis metabolic immunological crosstalk brought on by excessive alcohol intake. METHODS: In this work, we set up a mouse model to analyze the metabolic and immunological crosstalk involving the gut-liver axis across 7 weeks of continuous, excessive drinking. At the same time, high and low doses (20,10 ml/kg) of NHD were given by gavage. The effect of NHD on improving the metabolism of gut-liver axis was evaluated by blood lipid, liver lipid deposition, liver function and intestinal pathophysiology. By measuring serum immunological indices, intestinal barrier, and intestinal immune barrier, the impact of NHD on enhancing immune and intestinal barrier function was assessed. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, 16S rRNA, Western blot, q-PCR and other methods were used to detect gut microbiota, SCFAs-GPR41/43 pathway, intestinal Th17/Treg immune cells and PPAR-α-NPC1L1/SREBP1 pathway to elucidate the mechanism by which NHD enhances the gut-liver axis' metabolic immune crosstalk. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that NHD has the potential to improve the pathophysiological damage caused by gut-liver axis in model mice. NHD also ameliorated the disorder of lipid metabolism. In addition, it regulated the levels of peripheral blood T cell immunity and serum immune factors. And NHD can restore intestinal mechanical and immune barrier damage. NHD has a favorable impact on the quantity of beneficial bacteria, including uncultured_bacterium_g__norank_f__muribaculacea and uncultured_bacterium_g__Turicibacter. Additionally, it raised the model mice's levels of SCFAs (n-butyric acid, isovaleric acid, etc.). This resulted in the promotion of intestinal GPR41/43-ERK1/2 expression and the reshaping of intestinal CD4+T cell Th17/Treg homeostasis. As a consequence, colon IL-22 and IL-10 levels increased, while colon IL-17A levels decreased. Lastly, NHD raised the amount of intestinal IAP/LPS, regulated the development of PPAR-α-NPC1L1/SREBP1 pathway in gut-liver axis, and improve lipid metabolism disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that NHD can improve the gut-liver axis metabolic immune crosstalk in model mice caused by excessive drinking. The mechanism might be connected to how NHD controls gut microbiota disorders in model mice, the activation of intestinal SCFAs-GPR41/43 pathway, the remodeling of Th17/Treg immune homeostasis of intestinal CD4+T cells, the improvement of IAP/LPS abnormality, and further mediating the PPAR-α-NPC1L1/SREBP1 pathway of lipid metabolism in gut-liver axis.

The survival and cost-effectiveness analysis of adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.

Introduction: Cancer, particularly lung cancer, is a significant global healthcare challenge. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) constitutes 85% of cases. Patients often seek alternative therapies like Chinese medicine alongside Western treatments. This study investigates the survival outcomes and cost-effectiveness of adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy for NSCLC patients in Taiwan. Methods: We utilized the National Health Insurance Research Database in a retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2018, focusing on NSCLC patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2013. After propensity score matching 1:5 ratio, then compared patients with and without adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy. Survival outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: The study involved 43,122 NSCLC patients with 5.76% receiving adjunctive Chinese medicine. There is no significant associated between the risk of death and adjuvant Chinese medicine therapy until 181-365 days of adjuvant treatment could reduce the risk of death (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98). Cost-effectiveness analysis showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 880,908 NT$/year. Conclusion: Adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy, particularly when administered for 181-365 days, significantly reduced the mortality risk among stage IV NSCLC patients. The cost-effectiveness aligns with willingness-to-pay thresholds, indicating economic benefit.

The effect of Phytopaj ) Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo gum resin and tragacanth( in patients with COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a positive effect on respiratory diseases. Oleo-gum of Ferula assa-foetida contains this compound. This study assessed the effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo gum resin and tragacanth (Phytopaj) on patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial (RCT) phase 2 was conducted in Mashhad on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this RCT, 122 patients were randomly assigned to either receive a 14-day oral phytopaj plus ordinary treatment or ordinary treatment only. Changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte count (LC) and blood oxygen saturation (PO2) were the endpoints. Results: Mean±SD of PO2 in Phytopaj comparison ordinary treatment before intervention was 91.86±4.62 and 91.41±9.18, after the intervention it was 93.22±4.26 and 91.91±5.92 mmHg; before intervention, mean±SD of peripheral blood lymphocyte count was 1015.90±500.55, and 1104.28±543.61, and after intervention, it was 1652.27±921.38 and 1326.12±719.28/µL respectively. Conclusion: Phyopaj is most useful in moderate stages of Covid19, and it is not recommended for elderly patients and patients with comorbidity until more insight is gained.

Edible herbal source-derived polysaccharides as potential prebiotics: Composition, structure, gut microbiota regulation, and its related health effects.

Recently, with changes in dietary patterns, there has been increased interest in the concept of food and medicine homology, which can help prevent disease development. This has led to a growing focus on the development of functional health foods derived from edible herbal sources. Polysaccharides, found in many edible herbal sources, are gaining popularity as natural ingredients in the production of functional food products. The gut microbiota can effectively utilize most edible herbal polysaccharides (EHPs) and produce beneficial metabolites; therefore, the prebiotic potential of EHPs is gradually being recognized. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the structural features and characterization of EHPs to promote gut microbiota regulation as well as the structure-activity relationship between EHPs and gut microbiota. As prebiotics, intestinal microbiota can use EHPs to indirectly produce metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids to promote overall health; on the other hand, different EHP structures possess some degree of selectivity on gut microbiota regulation. Moreover, we evaluate the functionality and mechanism underlying EHPs in terms of anticancer activity, antimetabolic diseases, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-neuropsychiatric diseases.

Effect of herbal irrigants on surface roughness of intraradicular dentin using quantitative method of 3D surface texture analysis.

Replacing the conventional endodontic irrigants with herbal agents could avoid complications associated with using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Endodontic irrigants alter the surface roughness of the dentinal wall surface, which affects sealer mechanical retention. This study aimed to assess the effect of experimental herbal Moringa oleifera and orange peel extract irrigant on intraradicular dentin (IRD) surface roughness using quantitative 3D surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) regarding the smear layer assessment. Sixty human root sections were divided into four groups (n = 15): NaOCl combined with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); negative control (saline); moringa extract (MO); and orange oil (OO). SEM images were assessed quantitatively for surface roughness (Ra) in the coronal, middle, and apical IRD. The data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and Dunn's tests. All groups showed statistically significant differences (P = 0.007). MO exhibited significantly greater Ra values at the coronal, middle, and apical root levels than OO (P = 0.007, 0.009, and 0.046, respectively). There was no significant change in Ra values at various root levels within each group at P = 0.091, 0.819, 0.819, and 0.549 for the EDTA, saline, MO, and OO groups. Considerable (IRD) surface roughness analysis makes Moringa extract a promising herbal endodontic irrigant alternative to the NaOCl plus EDTA regimen.

Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of miRNA-PTEN signaling axis in cancer therapy resistance.

Cancer, being one of the most lethal illnesses, presents an escalating clinical dilemma on a global scale. Despite significant efforts and advancements in cancer treatment over recent decades, the persistent challenge of resistance to traditional chemotherapeutic agents and/or emerging targeted drugs remains a prominent issue in the field of cancer therapies. Among the frequently inactivated tumor suppressor genes in cancer, phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) stands out, and its decreased expression may contribute to the emergence of therapeutic resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), characterized by their short length of 22 nucleotides, exert regulatory control over target mRNA expression by binding to complementary sequences. Recent findings indicate that microRNAs play varied regulatory roles, encompassing promotion, suppression, and dual functions on PTEN, and their aberration is implicated in heightened resistance to anticancer therapies. Significantly, recent research has revealed that competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play a pivotal role in influencing PTEN expression, and the regulatory network involving circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-PTEN is intricately linked to resistance in various cancer types to anticancer therapies. Finally, our findings showcase that diverse approaches, such as herbal medicine, small molecule inhibitors, low-intensity ultrasound, and engineered exosomes, can effectively overcome drug resistance in cancer by modulating the miRNA-PTEN axis.

Review on application of herbal extracts in biomacromolecules-based nanofibers as wound dressings and skin tissue engineering.

The skin, which covers an area of 2 square meters of an adult human, accounts for about 15 % of the total body weight and is the body's largest organ. It protects internal organs from external physical, chemical, and biological attacks, prevents excess water loss from the body, and plays a role in thermoregulation. The skin is constantly exposed to various damages so that wounds can be acute or chronic. Although wound healing includes hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling, chronic wounds face different treatment problems due to the prolonged inflammatory phase. Herbal extracts such as Nigella Sativa, curcumin, chamomile, neem, nettle, etc., with varying properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anticancer, are used for wound healing. Due to their instability, herbal extracts are loaded in wound dressings to facilitate skin wounds. To promote skin wounds, skin tissue engineering was developed using polymers, bioactive molecules, and biomaterials in wound dressing. Conventional wound dressings, such as bandages, gauzes, and films, can't efficiently respond to wound healing. Adhesion to the wounds can worsen the wound conditions, increase inflammation, and cause pain while removing the scars. Ideal wound dressings have good biocompatibility, moisture retention, appropriate mechanical properties, and non-adherent and proper exudate management. Therefore, by electrospinning for wound healing applications, natural and synthesis polymers are utilized to fabricate nanofibers with high porosity, high surface area, and suitable mechanical and physical properties. This review explains the application of different herbal extracts with different chemical structures in nanofibrous webs used for wound care.

Effectiveness of herbal oral care products in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis: an overview of systematic reviews.

Introduction: Numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews have investigated the effectiveness of both herbal and conventional oral care approaches to reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, their findings vary and are inconsistent. Thus, the objective of this umbrella review is to compile data from systematic reviews and provide an overview of the effects of herbal oral care products on tooth plaque and gingivitis. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in 6 databases for systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, published up to 30 May 2023, without any language restrictions. Only clinical trials comparing herbal oral care products (in the form of mouthrinse or toothpaste) against standard oral care products or placebo were considered. Results: Some herbal oral care products, particularly in the form of mouthrinses, have a similar level of positive effect on plaque and gingivitis reduction and, thus, can be used as an adjunct to traditional dentifrices. However, the shorter duration of trials (<4 weeks) and reported publication bias in the clinical trials mean that these findings must be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: To accurately determine the impact of various herbal extracts on periodontal health, well-designed, long-term, and controlled trials that adhere to standardized protocols must be carried out.

Introduction: On a étudié l'efficacité d'approches de soins buccodentaires classiques et à base de plantes pour lutter contre la plaque dentaire et la gingivite dans le cadre de nombreux essais cliniques et revues systématiques. Toutefois, leurs conclusions ont été variables et incohérentes. Cette revue générale vise donc à compiler des données issues de revues systématiques et de présenter un aperçu des effets des produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes sur la plaque dentaire et la gingivite. Méthodes: On a procédé à une recherche documentaire exhaustive dans 6 bases de données pour effectuer des revues systématiques, avec ou sans méta-analyses, sans aucune restriction relative à la langue de l'étude, publiées avant le 30 mai 2023. Seuls des essais cliniques comparant des produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes (sous forme de rincebouche ou de dentifrice) à des produits de soins buccodentaires classiques ou à des placebos ont été envisagés. Résultats: Quelques produits de soins buccodentaires à base de plantes, en particulier les rince-bouches de ce type, ont des effets positifs comparables en matière de réduction de la plaque et de la gingivite et peuvent donc être utilisés en complément des dentifrices ordinaires. Toutefois, ces résultats doivent être interprétés avec prudence du fait de la durée relativement courte des essais (moins de 4 semaines) et du biais de publication signalé dans les essais cliniques. Conclusion: Pour déterminer avec précision les effets de divers extraits de plantes sur la santé parodontale, il est nécessaire d'avoir recours à des essais bien conçus, à long terme et contrôlés, qui respectent des protocoles normalisés.

The Role of Alternative Medicine in Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review.

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose levels, is increasingly prevalent globally, significantly impacting health-related quality of life. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production, presents a substantial public health challenge, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. Conventional treatments, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, are essential for glycemic control and preventing complications. However, adherence to these treatments is often limited, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers potential cost-effective and accessible approaches for managing T2DM. Key herbal remedies like cinnamon, fenugreek, and bitter melon, along with dietary supplements like chromium, magnesium, and vanadium, have shown promise in glycemic control. Mind-body therapies, including yoga, tai chi, and meditation, contribute to improved hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Research supports the integration of CAM with conventional therapies, demonstrating enhanced clinical efficacy and reduced economic burden. However, challenges such as standardization, quality control, and potential risks of herbal medicines need careful consideration. Regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations are essential to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. Patient education and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients are crucial for integrating CAM into diabetes management. Empowerment-based interventions and collaborative approaches can enhance self-management skills and clinical outcomes. Overall, integrating CAM with conventional treatments offers a holistic approach to managing T2DM, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Cardiovascular protection of YiyiFuzi powder and the potential mechanisms through modulating mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide and represent a major public health challenge. YiyiFuzi Powder (YYFZ), composed of Coicis semen and Fuzi, is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription from the Synopsis of Golden Chamber dating back to the Han Dynasty. Historically, YYFZ has been used to treat various CVD, rooted in Chinese therapeutic principles. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that YYFZ may exhibit direct or indirect effects on mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. This review, focusing on the cardiovascular protective effects of Coicis semen and Fuzi, summarizes the potential mechanisms by which YYFZ acts on mitochondria and the ER. The underlying mechanisms are associated with regulating cardiovascular risk factors (such as blood lipids and glucose), impacting mitochondrial structure and function, modulating ER stress, inhibiting oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, regulating cellular apoptosis, and maintaining calcium ion balance. The involved pathways include, but were not limited to, upregulating the IGF-1/PI3K/AKT, cAMP/PKA, eNOS/NO/cGMP/SIRT1, SIRT1/PGC-1α, Klotho/SIRT1, OXPHOS/ATP, PPARα/PGC-1α/SIRT3, AMPK/JNK, PTEN/PI3K/AKT, ß2-AR/PI3K/AKT, and modified Q cycle signaling pathways. Meanwhile, the MCU, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were downregulated. The PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP, PERK/SREBP-1c/FAS, IRE1, PINK1-dependent mitophagy, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways were bidirectionally regulated. High-quality experimental studies are needed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of YYFZ in CVD treatment.

Utilizing Natural Materials in Electronic Devices: Inching Toward "Herbal Electronics".

Sustainable development is the primary key to address global energy challenges. Though the scientific community is engaged in developing efficient ways to not only maximize energy production from natural resources like sun, wind, water, etc. but also to make all the electronic gadgets power efficient, despite all this, the materials used in most of the electronic devices are largely produced using various materials processing techniques and semiconductors, polymers, dielectrics, etc. which again increases the burden on energy and in turn affects the environment. While addressing these challenges, it is very important to explore the possibility to directly, or with minimum processing, utilize the potential of natural resources in the development of electronic devices. Recent articles are focused on the development of herbal electronic devices that essentially implement natural resources, like plants, leaves, etc., either in their raw or extracted form in the device assembly. This review encompasses the recent research developments around herbal electronic devices. Furthermore, herbal electronics has been discussed for several functional applications including electrochromism, energy storage, memresistor, LED, solar cell, water purification, pressure sensor, etc. Moreover, advantages, disadvantages, and challenges encountered in the realization of "herbal electronics" have been discussed at length.

Phytosomes Nanocarrier with Insight Towards the Future in Cancer Therapy: A Mini-Review.

Cancer is classified as having one of the highest mortality rates on a global scale, presenting a significant challenge in its treatment, especially when conventional chemotherapy methodologies are used. Conversely, there is a growing interest in utilizing herbal medicine as an alternative to the treatment of cancer because of its lack of adverse effects compared to contemporary medical strategies. The incorporation of nanotechnology into therapy has attracted attention owing to its efficacy in the treatment of various illnesses. Phytosomes play a crucial role in the treatment of cancer by enhancing the characteristics of drugs and nanostructures within carriers to enable targeted drug delivery. The establishment of chemical bonds between phospholipid molecules and bioactive compounds from plants ensures the stability of phytosomes, thus establishing them as an innovative mechanism for drug delivery systems that transport plant-derived constituents to specific areas. This mini-overview discusses the potential phytosome complexes, uses, drawbacks, patents, challenges, and prospects of phytosomes in cancer treatment. Thus, numerous phytosomal formulations incorporating plant-derived components have exhibited promising anticancer properties, with several formulations currently undergoing clinical trials.