Estudio comparativo del dolor abdominal en las culturas maya Tzeltal, maya Tzotzil y maya Q ́eqchi ́y el uso de Ageratina ligustrina para su tratamiento / Comparative study of abdominal pain in the Mayan cultures Tzeltal, Maya Tzotzil and Maya Q ́eqchi´ and use of Ageratina ligustrina for the treatment

El presente estudio es una comparación del dolor abdominal producido por trastornos gastrointestinales, aliviado por Ageratina ligustrina , entre los grupos maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqchi ́, el cual integró un enfoque etnomédico, etnobotánico y transcultural, comparando estudios previos con el presente trabajo de campo. Para evaluar la eficacia de Ageratina para aliviar el dolor abdominal, se realizó un inventario de las moléculas reportadas en esta especie, así como de su actividad farmacológica, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. Los resultados mostraron que la epidemiología del dolor producido por TGI, su etnobotánica y el modelo explicativo del dolor abdominal fueron similares entre grupos étnicos. Asimismo, se identificaron 27 moléculas con efectos antiinflamatorios y antinociceptivos, lo que podría explicar por qué esta especie es culturalmente importante para los pobladores maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqch i ́ para el alivio del dolor abdominal, mientras que, desde el punto de vista biomédico, es una especie con potencial para inhibir el dolor visceral.

The current study is a comparison of the abdominal pain conception produced by gastrointestinal disorders, relieved by Ageratina ligustrina , among inhabitants of the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups ethnomedical, ethnobotanical, and cross -cultural approaches were used to compare previous studies with the present field work. To evaluate the efficacy of A. ligustrina to relieve pain, also through a bibliographic review an inventory of the molecules present in this species was performed, as well as their pharmacological activity. The results showed that the epidemiology of pain produced by GID, its ethnobotany, and the explanatory model of abdominal pain are similar among ethnic groups. Likewise, 27 molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects were identified, which could explain why this species is culturally important for the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups for the relief of abdominal pain, while, from a biomedical point of view, it is a species with potential to inhibit visceral pain.

Medical treatment of osteoarthritis: botanical pharmacologic aspect.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and its prevalence is expected to further increase as our society ages. Despite many approaches to cure OA, no drugs are currently proven to modulate the progression of OA. Nowadays, new OA treatment options are holistically developed and one of the approaches of treatment option is botanical drugs. Some botanical drugs for OA have shown both therapeutic effect comparable to refined drugs in small studies and fewer side effects. Hence, there are various health functional foods which are known to relieve symptoms of OA. However, since there are many botanical products, clinicians are not familiar to the efficacy of each botanical product, making it challenging to use them appropriately in clinical practice. Here, we summarize the botanical products available for treating OA, including prescription botanical drugs and health functional foods available in Korea. Further studies and the purification of effective molecules from botanical products will be necessary in future.

Evidence for the efficacy of anti-inflammatory plants used in Brazilian traditional medicine with ethnopharmacological relevance.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: When exacerbated, inflammatory processes can culminate in physical and emotional disorders and, if not stopped, can be lethal. The high prevalence of inflammation has become a public health problem, and the need for new drugs to treat this pathology is imminent. The use of medicinal plants has emerged as an alternative, and a survey of data that corroborates its application in inflammatory diseases is the starting point. Furthermore, Brazil harbors a megadiversity, and the traditional use of plants is relevant and needs to be preserved and carefully explored for the discovery of new medicines. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review sought to survey the medicinal plants traditionally used in Brazil for the treatment of inflammatory processes and to perform, in an integrative way, a data survey of these species and analysis of their phytochemical, pharmacological, and molecular approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brazilian plants that are traditionally used for inflammation (ophthalmia, throat inflammation, orchitis, urinary tract inflammation, ear inflammation, and inflammation in general) are listed in the DATAPLAMT database. This database contains information on approximately 3400 native plants used by Brazilians, which were registered in specific documents produced until 1950. These inflammatory disorders were searched in scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scielo, Virtual Health Library), with standardization of DECS/MESH descriptors for inflammation in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, without chronological limitations. For the inclusion criteria, all articles had to be of the evaluated plant species, without association of synthesized substances, and full articles free available in any of the four languages searched. Duplicated articles and those that were not freely available were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 126 species were identified, culminating in 6181 articles in the search. After evaluation of the inclusion criteria, 172 articles representing 40 different species and 38 families were included in the study. Comparison of reproducibility in intra-species results became difficult because of the large number of extraction solvents tested and the wide diversity of evaluation models used. Although the number of in vitro and in vivo evaluations was high, only one clinical study was found (Abrus precatorius). In the phytochemical analyses, more than 225 compounds, mostly phenolic compounds, were identified. CONCLUSION: This review allowed the grouping of preclinical and clinical studies of several Brazilian species traditionally used for the treatment of many types of inflammation, corroborating new searches for their pharmacological properties as a way to aid public health. Furthermore, the large number of plants that have not yet been studied has encouraged new research to revive traditional knowledge.

Antiprotozoal Activity of Plants Used in the Management of Sleeping Sickness in Angola and Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation of Brasenia schreberi J.F.Gmel and Nymphaea lotus L. Active against T. b. rhodesiense.

Folk medicine is widely used in Angola, even for human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in spite of the fact that the reference treatment is available for free. Aiming to validate herbal remedies in use, we selected nine medicinal plants and assessed their antitrypanosomal activity. A total of 122 extracts were prepared using different plant parts and solvents. A total of 15 extracts from seven different plants exhibited in vitro activity (>70% at 20 µg/mL) against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms. The dichloromethane extract of Nymphaea lotus (leaves and leaflets) and the ethanolic extract of Brasenia schreberi (leaves) had IC50 values ≤ 10 µg/mL. These two aquatic plants are of particular interest. They are being co-applied in the form of a decoction of leaves because they are considered by local healers as male and female of the same species, the ethnotaxon "longa dia simbi". Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of eight active molecules: gallic acid (IC50 0.5 µg/mL), methyl gallate (IC50 1.1 µg/mL), 2,3,4,6-tetragalloyl-glucopyranoside, ethyl gallate (IC50 0.5 µg/mL), 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl-ß-glucopyranoside (IC50 20 µg/mL), gossypetin-7-O-ß-glucopyranoside (IC50 5.5 µg/mL), and hypolaetin-7-O-glucoside (IC50 5.7 µg/mL) in B. schreberi, and 5-[(8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trienyl] resorcinol (IC50 5.3 µg/mL) not described to date in N. lotus. Five of these active constituents were detected in the traditional preparation. This work provides the first evidence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in the management of sleeping sickness in Angola.

Nutritional Value, Therapeutic Effects, Phytochemistry, and Toxicology of Lepisanthes fruticosa: A Review.

The multifaceted benefits of Lepisanthes fruticosa position it is not only as a promising agricultural commodity but also as a versatile resource with implications for health, biodiversity, and economic growth. Lepisanthes fruticosa has a rich history of traditional use for treating various ailments such as fever and diarrhea. Beyond its traditional uses, the plant's antioxidant properties suggest potential applications in combating oxidative stress-related conditions. Its antihyperglycemic properties indicate promise in managing elevated blood sugar levels, while its antibacterial and antiviral attributes hint at potential applications in infectious disease control. Furthermore, the plant's anticancer properties add to its appeal as a valuable resource in the realm of medical research. The plant also exhibits considerable potential in addressing a range of health concerns, including non-communicable diseases and infections, antidiarrheal, and antiviral properties. In essence, Lepisanthes fruticose emerges as more than just an agricultural asset. Its unique combination of nutritional richness, health benefits, and economic viability underscores its potential to become a valuable asset both locally and on the global stage. In this current review, we are discussed about the ethnopharmacology, nutritional value, therapeutic effects, phytochemistry, and toxicology of Lepisanthes fruticose.

Pharmacological Evidence of Eugenia Brasiliensis Leaves in a Reserpine-Induced Fibromyalgia Model: Antinociceptive, Emotional, Anti-Inflammatory, and Neurotrophic Effects.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a painful chronic condition that significantly impacts the quality of life, posing challenges for clinical management. Given the difficulty of understanding the pathophysiology and finding new therapeutics, this study explored the effects of a medicinal plant, E. brasiliensis, in an FM model induced by reserpine in Swiss mice. Animals were treated with saline 0.9% (vehicle), duloxetine 10 mg/kg (positive control), or hydroalcoholic extract of E. brasiliensis leaves 300 mg/kg (HEEb). Nociceptive parameters, as well as locomotion, motor coordination, strength, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviors, were evaluated for 10 days. After that, the brain and blood were collected for further analysis of cytokines (interleukin 1? and interleukin 6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the immunocontents of total and phosphorylated Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). The results demonstrated that the acute and prolonged treatment with HEEb was able to reduce both mechanical and thermal nociception. It was also possible to observe an increase in the strength, without changing locomotion and motor coordination parameters. Interestingly, treatment with HEEb reduces anxious and depressive-like behaviors. Finally, we observed a reduction in inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of animals treated with HEEb, while an increase in BDNF was observed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, no alterations related to total and phosphorylated TrkB receptor expression were found. Our study demonstrated the antinociceptive and emotional effects of HEEb in mice, possibly acting on neuroinflammatory and neurotrophic mechanisms. These data provide initial evidence about the E. brasiliensis potential for treating chronic pain.

Plants from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico Used to Treat Respiratory Diseases: A Review.

Medicinal plants have been a traditional remedy for numerous ailments for centuries. However, their usage is limited due to a lack of evidence-based studies elucidating their mechanisms of action. In some countries, they are still considered the first treatment due to their low cost, accessibility, and minor adverse effects. Mexico is in second place, after China, in inventoried plants for medicinal use. It has around 4000 species of medicinal plants; however, pharmacological studies have only been carried out in 5% of its entirety. The species of the Mexican arid zones, particularly in semi-desert areas, exhibit outstanding characteristics, as their adverse growing conditions (e.g., low rainfall and high temperatures) prompt these plants to produce interesting metabolites with diverse biological activities. This review explores medicinal plants belonging to the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico, focusing on those that have stood out for their bioactive potential, such as Jatropha dioica, Turnera diffusa, Larrea tridentata, Opuntia ficus-indica, Flourensia cernua, Fouquieria splendes, and Prosopis glandulosa. Their extraction conditions, bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and biological efficacy are presented, with emphasis on their role in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, current research, novel applications, and perspectives concerning medicinal plants from these zones are also discussed.

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.

A review of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of Abri Herba (Ji-Gu-Cao).

Abri Herba (AH, known as 'Ji-Gu-Cao' in China) has a long-term medicinal history of treating cholecystitis, acute and chronic hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) in China or other Asian countries. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of AH in terms of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology. The information involved in the study was collected from a variety of electronic resources, and >100 scientific studies have been used since 1962. Until now, 95 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from AH and the seeds of Abrus cantoniensis Hance (ACH), including 47 terpenoids, 26 flavonoids and 4 alkaloids. The pharmacological activities of AH extracts and their pure compounds have been explored in the aspects of anti-hyperlipidaemia, hepatoprotection, anti-tumour, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, immunomodulation, antioxidant and others. The pharmacokinetics and excretion kinetics of AH in vivo and 15 traditional and clinical prescriptions containing AH have been sorted out, and the potential therapeutic mechanism and drug metabolism pattern were also summarised. The pods of ACH are toxic, with a median lethal dose (LD50) of 10.01 ± 2.90 g/kg (i.g.) in mice. Interestingly, the toxicity of ACH's pods and seeds decreased after boiling. However, the toxicity mechanism of pods of ACH is unclear, limiting its clinical application. Clinical trials in the future should be used to explore its safety. Meanwhile, as one of the relevant pharmacological activities, the effects and mechanism of AH on anti-hyperlipidaemia and hepatoprotection should be further studied, which is of great significance for understanding its mechanism of action in the treatment of NAFL disease and improving its clinical application.

Ethnopharmacology of five flowers herbal tea, a popular traditional beverage in Hong Kong and South China.

BACKGROUND: It has been a long-standing tradition of using herbal tea for preventive and therapeutic healthcare in Hong Kong and South China and Five Flowers Tea is one of the most popular herbal teas. Based on the principle of traditional Chinese medicine, the pharmacological functions are to clear heat and dispel dampness in the body. Heat and dampness are thought to contribute to a range of health problems, especially during the hot and humid season in South China and Hong Kong. The most prevalent herbs in the formula contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids, which have a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammation, antivirus, antidiarrhoea, antibacteria, and antioxidation. However, with the composition varies widely, the ethnopharmacological benefits described may not be delivered uniformly. This study is to provide a comprehensive analysis on the composition of the Five Flowers Tea sold in Hong Kong and investigate the rationale behind the selection of herbs used in the formula. This study also provides information on the variation and quality of the Five Flowers Tea in the market. METHODS: Thirty-three Five Flowers Tea samples were collected from various locations in Hong Kong. The size, texture, colour and organoleptic properties were documented. Macroscopic and molecular authentication methods were employed to identify the individual components. RESULTS: Macroscopic identification revealed there were 23 herbs belonging to 18 plant families. The most prevalent herb was Bombax ceiba L., followed by Chrysanthemum morifolium. Ten adulterants and the existence of insect Lasioderma serricorne were confirmed by DNA barcoding techniques. CONCLUSION: This study employed a comprehensive approach to authenticate the herbs in Five Flowers Tea samples collected from various locations in Hong Kong. Macroscopic and molecular methods were used to identify the herbs and adulterants. The findings revealed the varied composition in Five Flowers Tea and the occurrence of adulterants in some samples. This shows that quality assurance of Five Flowers Tea is essential for the effective use of this popular folk medicine.

A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr.

Tinospora sinensis (T. sinensis), whose Tibetan name is "Lezhe", as a traditional medicine, is widely distributed in China, India and Sri Lanka. It is used for the treatment of rheumatic arthralgia, sciatica, lumbar muscle strain and bruises. Research over the previous decades indicated that T. sinensis mainly contains terpenes, lignans, alkaloids, phenol glycosides and other chemical components. A wide range of pharmacologic activities such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunosuppressive, anti-aging, anti-radiation, anti-leishmania and liver protection have been reported. However, the scholar's research on the pharmacodynamic material basis of T. sinensis is relatively weak. Data regarding many aspects such as links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, pharmacokinetics, and quality control standard of active compositions is still limited and need more attention. This review reports a total of 241 compounds, the ethnopharmacology and clinical application of T. sinensis, covering the literature which were searched by multiple databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, CNKI and other literature sources from 1996 to date, with a view to provide a systematic and insightful reference and lays a foundation and inspiration for the application and further in-depth research of T. sinensis resources.

Investigating Ayurvedic Strategies: An In-Depth Examination of Managing Diabetes across Different Types.

In light of the escalating global concern surrounding diabetes mellitus, contemporary medical practices predominantly hinge on pharmaceutical interventions, accompanied by inherent side effects and enduring limitations. This investigation accentuates a discernible research void regarding the amalgamation of Ayurvedic principles an age-old traditional medical system with prevalent approaches to diabetes management. Despite Ayurveda's promising potential in furnishing a comprehensive and personalized strategy for diabetes treatment, the imperative for further research and collaboration between Ayurvedic practitioners and contemporary healthcare professionals becomes evident. Existing scholarly works underscore the potential advantages of Ayurveda in delivering holistic diabetes care, encompassing not only glycemic control but also fostering overall well-being. Nevertheless, a closer examination reveals specific limitations, challenges, and gaps in current research, necessitating targeted efforts to enable a more exhaustive exploration of Ayurvedic interventions within diabetes management. This comprehensive review scrutinizes Ayurvedic recommendations pertaining to dietary practices, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal therapeutics, shedding light on their plausible efficacy. It serves as a clarion call for heightened research endeavors, aiming to bridge existing gaps and carve a pathway toward an integrated, patientcentric paradigm in diabetes care. In summary, as diabetes prevalence continues to rise globally, the study underscores the limitations of current pharmaceutical-centric approaches and highlights the need for extensive research and collaboration to unlock the full potential of Ayurvedic principles in providing a more holistic and personalized framework for diabetes management. The review navigates through Ayurvedic recommendations, emphasizing the urgency for intensified research efforts to fill existing gaps and pave the way for a seamlessly integrated, patient-focused approach to diabetes care.

Exploring Four Atraphaxis Species: Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities.

Atraphaxis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae, with approximately 60 species. Species of Atraphaxis are much-branched woody plants, forming shrubs or shrubby tufts, primarily inhabiting arid zones across the temperate steppe and desert regions of Central Asia, America, and Australia. Atraphaxis species have been used by diverse groups of people all over the world for the treatment of various diseases. However, their biologically active compounds with therapeutic properties have not been investigated well. Studying the biologically active components of Atraphaxis laetevirens, Atraphaxis frutescens, Atraphaxis spinosa L., and Atraphaxis pyrifolia is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can unveil the therapeutic potential of these plants, aiding in the development of novel medicines or natural remedies for various health conditions. Understanding their bioactive compounds enables scientists to explore their pharmacological properties, potentially leading to the discovery of new drugs or treatments. Additionally, investigating these components contributes to preserving traditional knowledge and validating the historical uses of these plants in ethnomedicine, thus supporting their conservation and sustainable utilization. These herbs have been used as an anti-inflammatory and hypertension remedies since the dawn of time. Moreover, they have been used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and problems related to skin in traditional Kazakh medicine. Hence, the genus Atraphaxis can be considered as a potential medicinal plant source that is very rich in biologically active compounds that may exhibit great pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiulcer, hypoglycemic, wound healing, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and so on. This study aims to provide a collection of publications on the species of Atraphaxis, along with a critical review of the literature data. This review will constitute support for further investigations on the pharmacological activity of these medicinal plant species.

An Updated Review on Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn: Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value and Pharmacological Activities.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn is a recognised herbal plant in ancient medical sciences. Each portion of the plant leaf, flower, seed and rhizome is utilised for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The chemical compositions like phenol, alkaloids, glycoside, terpenoids and steroids have been isolated. The plant contains various nutritional values like lipids, proteins, amino acids, minerals, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. Traditional medicine confirms that the phytochemicals of plants give significant benefits to the treatment of various diseases such as leukoderma, smallpox, dysentery, haematemesis, coughing, haemorrhage, metrorrhagia, haematuria, fever, hyperlipidaemia, cholera, hepatopathy and hyperdipsia. To verify the traditional claims, researchers have conducted scientific biological in vivo and in vitro screenings, which have exhibited that the plant keeps various notable pharmacological activities such as anticancer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiviral, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, antipyretic, hypoglycaemic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. This review, summaries the nutritional composition, chemical constituents and biological activities substantiated by the researchers done in vivo and in vitro.

Leaf extracts of eight selected southern African medicinal plants modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of extracts prepared from the leaves of eight southern African medicinal plants used traditionally to treat inflammation and pain. The inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated and unstimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 release were determined using cytokine multiplex-bead assays. The ethanol extracts of Melianthus comosus Vahl (commonly known as honey flower), Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (misty plume bush) and Warburgia salutaris (G. Bertol.) Chiov. (pepper-bark tree), demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity, with over 50-fold inhibition of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The aqueous extract of M. comosus also significantly inhibited the secretion of all the tested cytokines and chemokines. Phytochemical investigation of M. comosus ethanol leaf extract using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) led to the detection of crassolide, deoxylimonoic acid D-ring-lactone, 2-hydroxynonanoic acid and 5-noniloxytryptamine. To the best of our knowledge, the cytokine inhibition properties of most of the medicinal plants screened in this study are reported for the first time. Our results support the use of southern African medicinal plants as anti-inflammatory remedies and provide an insight into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of action.

Armeniacae semen amarum: a review on its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics.

Armeniacae semen amarum-seeds of Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) (ASA), also known as Kuxingren in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herbal drug commonly used for lung disease and intestinal disorders. It has long been used to treat coughs and asthma, as well as to lubricate the colon and reduce constipation. ASA refers to the dried ripe seed of diverse species of Rosaceae and contains a variety of phytochemical components, including glycosides, organic acids, amino acids, flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, phenylpropanoids, and other components. Extensive data shows that ASA exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer activity, anti-oxidation, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammation, protection of cardiovascular, neural, respiratory and digestive systems, antidiabetic effects, and protection of the liver and kidney, and other activities. In clinical practice, ASA can be used as a single drug or in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines, forming ASA-containing formulas, to treat various afflictions. However, it is important to consider the potential adverse reactions and pharmacokinetic properties of ASA during its clinical use. Overall, with various bioactive components, diversified pharmacological actions and potent efficacies, ASA is a promising drug that merits in-depth study on its functional mechanisms to facilitate its clinical application.

An Integrated Approach to the Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Genotoxic Potential of Portuguese Traditional Preparations from the Bark of Anacardium occidentale L.

Anacardium occidentale L. stem bark Traditional Herbal Preparations (AoBTHPs) are widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and genotoxic potential of red and white Portuguese AoBTHPs. Using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, a significant anti-edema effect was observed for all tested doses of white AoBTHP (40.2, 71.5, and 127.0 mg/kg) and the two highest doses of red AoB THP (71.5 and 127.0 mg/kg). The anti-edema effect of red AoBTHP's highest dose was much more effective than indomethacin 10 mg/kg, Trolox 30 mg/kg, and Tempol 30 mg/kg. In DPPH, FRAP, and TAC using the phosphomolybdenum method, both types of AoBTHPs showed similar antioxidant activity and no genotoxicity up to 5000 µg/plate in the Ames test. The LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS fingerprint allowed the identification of gallic and protocatechuic acids as the two main marker compounds and the presence of catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and ellagic acid in both AoBTHPs. The obtained results support the validation of red and white AoB and their THPs as anti-inflammatory agents and contribute to the possible development of promising new therapeutic options to treat inflammatory conditions.

Polyherbal Combinations Used by Traditional Health Practitioners against Mental Illnesses in Bamako, Mali, West Africa.

This study explores the traditional knowledge of plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the treatment of symptoms or syndromes related to mental illnesses in the district of Bamako in Mali, along with the identification of affiliated traditional treating methods. An exploratory and cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in the district of Bamako. The Malian Federation of Associations of Therapists and Herbalists (FEMATH) assisted in the identification and inclusion of the THPs. Data sampling included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were evaluated by analysing reports of the use of different medicinal plants and the number of participants. Fifteen THPs belonging to the district of Bamako participated. In total, 43 medicinal plants belonging to 22 plant families were used by the THPs. The most cited plant species was Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree), followed by Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) and Boscia integrifolia (rough-leaved shepherds tree). A great number of herbal combinations, preparation methods, and administration routes were used, often with honey as an adjuvant. To our knowledge, this is the first ethnobotanical survey on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of all types of mental disorders in Bamako.