The emerging role of cannabidiol (CBD) products; a survey exploring the public's use and perceptions of CBD.

The market value of cannabidiol (CBD) is growing as people seek holistic ways of managing their health. The aim of this study was to explore the public's perceptions and use of CBD products, including where products were sourced, knowledge transfer and opinions on quality, safety and efficacy of CBD products. An online questionnaire was distributed via social and professional networks, in addition to face-to-face data collection days, which employed convenience and snowball sampling methods. A total of 597 participant responses were analysed, of which 10.9% (n = 65) claimed to use CBD products for a range of ailments, including anxiety and pain. CBD products were bought from healthcare stores, vape stores, pharmacies and online. Of those who did not personally use CBD (n = 532), 35% claimed they would like to try it. A positive attitude towards the safety and efficacy of CBD was attributed to CBD being a natural product. The study highlighted that the public continue to seek natural alternatives to supplement and maintain their health; hence, the popularity of CBD continues to rise. The lack of clinical evidence and regulation of CBD needs to be addressed to facilitate safe and effective use of CBD.

A scoping review of over-the-counter products for depression, anxiety and insomnia in older people.

BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, and insomnia are prevalent in older people and are associated with increased risk of mortality, dependency, falls and reduced quality of life. Prior to or whilst seeking treatment, older people often manage these symptoms or conditions using products purchased over the counter (OTC), such as medication or herbal products. This review aims to map the evidence available for OTC medications, herbal medicines and dietary supplements for depression, anxiety and insomnia in older adults. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a scoping review, including searches of five databases to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (inception-Dec 2022). We took an inclusive approach to products to represent the wide range that may be available online. Trials were summarised according to condition and product. RESULTS: We included 47 trials and 10 ongoing trial protocols. Most targeted insomnia (n = 25), followed by depression (n = 20), and mixed conditions (n = 2). None evaluated products targeted at anxiety alone. Where reported, most products appeared to be safe for use, but studies rarely included people with multiple comorbidities or taking concomitant medication. Some types of melatonin for insomnia (n = 19) and omega-3 fatty acids for depression (n = 7) had more substantive evidence compared to the other products. CONCLUSION: There is a substantial gap in evidence for OTC products for anxiety in older people. This should be addressed in future trials. Research should also focus on products that are widely used, and these need to be tested in older populations that are similar to those who would use them in practice.

The Cultural and Commercial Value of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.): Multidisciplinary Approaches Focusing on Species Authentication.

Tulsi (Holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Lamiaceae), native to Asia, has become globalised as the cultural, cosmetic, and medicinal uses of the herb have been popularised. DNA barcoding, a molecular technique used to identify species based on short regions of DNA, can discriminate between different species and identify contaminants and adulterants. This study aimed to explore the values associated with Tulsi in the United Kingdom (UK) and authenticate samples using DNA barcoding. A mixed methods approach was used, incorporating social research (i.e., structured interviews) and DNA barcoding of Ocimum samples using the ITS and trnH-psbA barcode regions. Interviews revealed the cultural significance of Tulsi: including origins, knowledge exchange, religious connotations, and medicinal uses. With migration, sharing of plants and seeds has been seen as Tulsi plants are widely grown in South Asian (SA) households across the UK. Vouchered Ocimum specimens (n = 33) were obtained to create reference DNA barcodes which were not available in databases. A potential species substitution of O. gratissimum instead of O. tenuiflorum amongst SA participants was uncovered. Commercial samples (n = 47) were difficult to authenticate, potentially due to DNA degradation during manufacturing processes. This study highlights the cultural significance of Tulsi, despite a potential species substitution, the plant holds a prestigious place amongst SA families in the UK. DNA barcoding was a reliable way to authenticate Ocimum species.

Impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on the professional practice and personal well-being of community pharmacy teams in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: Community pharmacy teams (CPTs) were at the frontline of dealing with patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the impact on professional practice and personal well-being of CPTs, in the UK. METHODS: A 25-item survey was designed including a range of open and closed questions. The survey was piloted before being published online via SurveyMonkey and distributed using social media platforms. A combination of opportunity and snowball sampling was employed to recruit participants who worked in community pharmacy (CP) during the pandemic. RESULTS: In total 758 participants (75% completion rate) including pharmacists, owners, managers, technicians, dispensers, healthcare assistants and pre-registration pharmacists took part. Increased workloads and working hours coupled with staff shortages compromised professional practice (n = 257, 35%). Some of the key challenges of working in CP during the pandemic included: a fear of contracting and passing the virus to others (n = 578, 78%), patients stockpiling medicines (n = 530, 71%) and doctors' surgeries being closed (n = 517, 70%) The impact on emotional well-being (n = 433, 76%) included stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness; physically (n = 322, 56%) it affected sleep, pain and weight. The effects of the pandemic left 45% (n = 258/569) of participants reconsidering their future in CP as they felt demotivated, unsupported and undervalued. CONCLUSION: Despite the enhanced pressures and lack of initial recognition CPTs played a vital role in caring for the population during the pandemic. Resources to better support pharmacy teams in the future not only rely on more funding for better provisions but also investing in CPTs' well-being.

COVID-19 and herbal practice: A United Kingdom practitioner survey.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK herbal medicine practice and how herbal medicine practitioners are supporting people with COVID-19. DESIGN: Mixed-methods e-survey. METHODS: The survey link was distributed through professional associations and social media. Quantitative data were descriptively summarised and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Results from 59 responses indicated a profound effect of the pandemic on herbal medicine practice, with a move to remote working and a reduction in client numbers. Practitioners reported prescribing a wide range of medicinal plants, chiefly Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Echinacea spp. alongside providing information and advice. Few reported inter-professional collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal practitioners need to build on current collaborations, research and experience to develop consistent approaches to support people with mild-moderate COVID-19 symptoms. More systematic exploration of herbal medicine practice during and as a consequence of the pandemic is needed. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE TOPIC: • The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on all types of healthcare• The impact on herbal medicine practice is unclear. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: • The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected UK herbal medicine practice• A wide range of medicinal plants are currently used by herbal practitioners to support people with COVID-19• Herbal practitioners need to develop consistent holistic approaches to support people with mild-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.