Dual-channel hypergraph convolutional network for predicting herb-disease associations.

Herbs applicability in disease treatment has been verified through experiences over thousands of years. The understanding of herb-disease associations (HDAs) is yet far from complete due to the complicated mechanism inherent in multi-target and multi-component (MTMC) botanical therapeutics. Most of the existing prediction models fail to incorporate the MTMC mechanism. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel dual-channel hypergraph convolutional network, namely HGHDA, for HDA prediction. Technically, HGHDA first adopts an autoencoder to project components and target protein onto a low-dimensional latent space so as to obtain their embeddings by preserving similarity characteristics in their original feature spaces. To model the high-order relations between herbs and their components, we design a channel in HGHDA to encode a hypergraph that describes the high-order patterns of herb-component relations via hypergraph convolution. The other channel in HGHDA is also established in the same way to model the high-order relations between diseases and target proteins. The embeddings of drugs and diseases are then aggregated through our dual-channel network to obtain the prediction results with a scoring function. To evaluate the performance of HGHDA, a series of extensive experiments have been conducted on two benchmark datasets, and the results demonstrate the superiority of HGHDA over the state-of-the-art algorithms proposed for HDA prediction. Besides, our case study on Chuan Xiong and Astragalus membranaceus is a strong indicator to verify the effectiveness of HGHDA, as seven and eight out of the top 10 diseases predicted by HGHDA for Chuan-Xiong and Astragalus-membranaceus, respectively, have been reported in literature.

Overview and limitations of database in global traditional medicines: A narrative review.

The study of traditional medicine has garnered significant interest, resulting in various research areas including chemical composition analysis, pharmacological research, clinical application, and quality control. The abundance of available data has made databases increasingly essential for researchers to manage the vast amount of information and explore new drugs. In this article we provide a comprehensive overview and summary of 182 databases that are relevant to traditional medicine research, including 73 databases for chemical component analysis, 70 for pharmacology research, and 39 for clinical application and quality control from published literature (2000-2023). The review categorizes the databases by functionality, offering detailed information on websites and capacities to facilitate easier access. Moreover, this article outlines the primary function of each database, supplemented by case studies to aid in database selection. A practical test was conducted on 68 frequently used databases using keywords and functionalities, resulting in the identification of highlighted databases. This review serves as a reference for traditional medicine researchers to choose appropriate databases and also provides insights and considerations for the function and content design of future databases.

Medicinal ethnoveterinary plants used for treating livestock ailments in the omo-gibe and rift valley basins of Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Traditional medical practices have been used to maintain animal health for millennia and have been passed down orally from generation to generation. In Ethiopia also, plants are the primary means by which the indigenous people in remote areas treat the illnesses of their animals. The present study was therefore, carried out to document the type and distribution of medicinal plants of the county. METHODS: To collect ethnobotanical information, a total of 205 informants (133 men and 72 women) were selected. Among these 121 traditional medicine practitioners, while the remaining 84 were selected through a systematic random sampling method. Ethnobotanical data were collected between January 2023 and August 2023 through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, guided filed walks and focus group discussions. Using descriptive statistics, the ethnobotanical data were analyzed for the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL) values, preference, and direct matrix rankings. SPSS 26.0 and PAST 4.11 software were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Totally, 78 ethnoveterinary medicinal plants distributed in 36 families were identified in the study area. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 9 species (14%), followed by Euphorbiaceae with 8 species (12%). Herbs 42(56%), wild collected 62 (66%), and leaf part (52%) made the highest share of the plant species. Hordeum vulgare L. had the highest fidelity level (FL = 98%) for treating bone fractures. Blackleg, bloat, and endoparsistes each had the highest values of the consensus factor among the informants (ICF = 1). According to preference ranking, Withania somnifera was the most potent remedy for treating blackleg. Knowledge of medicinal plants was shared through storytelling within families. CONCLUSION: In the study area, there is broad access to traditional medicinal plants that can treat ailments in animals. Conservation efforts should be prioritized to protect medicinal plants from threats such as agricultural expansion, drought, and development. Further research should be conducted to explore the potential of different medicinal plants for treating common livestock ailments.

Perspectives of midwives on the use of Kaligutim (local oxytocin) for induction of labour among pregnant women in the government hospitals in Tamale.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbal medicine and/or its products is common throughout the world. In Tamale Metropolis, pregnant women frequently use local oxytocin to induce labour, as shown by the fact that 90% of midwives reported managing patients who used kaligutim (local oxytocin) to speed up labour. Early career midwives are also aware of this and have personally observed it being used by their clients. The purpose of the study was to assess midwives' opinions on pregnant women's use of the well-known kaligutim (local oxytocin) for labour induction in the Tamale Metropolis. METHODS: A facility-based, quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used for the study. A total of 214 working midwives from Tamale's three main public hospitals participated. Data for the study were gathered through a standardized questionnaire. For the analysis and presentation of the data, descriptive and analytical statistics, such as basic frequencies, percentages, Fisher's exact test, chi square test and multivariate analysis, were employed. RESULTS: According to the findings of this study, the safety, dosages, and contraindications of kaligutim during pregnancy and labour are unknown. The cessation of contractions was reported by 44 (22.4%) of the respondents whose clients used local oxytocin. The study also revealed that women in Tamale metropolis use "walgu", a spiritual form of oxytocin, to induce and augment labour. Respondents who responded, "yes" to baby admission to the new-born care unit were 25% more likely to use kaligutim (local oxytocin) than were those who responded, "no" to baby admission to the new-born care unit (AOR = 0.25 95% CI (0.01, 0.53), P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that using kaligutim to start labour has negative effects on both the mother and the foetus. Additional research is required to evaluate the efficacy, effectiveness, biochemical makeup, and safety of these herbal medicines, particularly during pregnancy and delivery, as well as the spiritual significance of kaligutim (Walgu) and its forms.

Comparison of different extraction methods of active ingredients of Chinese medicine and natural products.

Like other traditional medicine in the world, Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) has a long history, which is a treasure of the combination of medicine and Chinese classical culture even more than 5000 years. For thousands of years, CTM has made great contributions to the reproduction and health of the Chinese people. It was an efficient therapeutic tool under the guidance of Chinese traditional medical theory, its source is generally natural products, but there are also a small number of it are natural products after some processing methods. In fact, the definition of Chinese medicine (CM) includes both traditional and new CM developed by modern technology. It is well known that the chemical composition of most CM and natural products is very complex, for example, a single herb may contain hundreds of different chemicals, including active ingredients, side effects, and even toxic ingredients. Therefore, the extraction process is particularly crucial for the quality and clinical efficacy of CM and natural products. In this work, a new classification method was proposed to divide the extraction technologies of CM and natural products into 21 kinds in recent years and analyze their status, advantages, and disadvantages. Then put forward a new technical route based on ultra-high-pressure extraction technology for rapid extraction else while removing harmful impurities and making higher utilization of CM and natural products. It is a useful exploration for the extraction industry of medicinal materials and natural products in the world.

Functional genomics and metabolomics advance the ethnobotany of the Samoan traditional medicine "matalafi".

The leaf homogenate of Psychotria insularum is widely used in Samoan traditional medicine to treat inflammation associated with fever, body aches, swellings, wounds, elephantiasis, incontinence, skin infections, vomiting, respiratory infections, and abdominal distress. However, the bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of action are unknown. We used chemical genomic analyses in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) to identify and characterize an iron homeostasis mechanism of action in the traditional medicine as an unfractionated entity to emulate its traditional use. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the homogenate identified two flavonol glycosides, rutin and nicotiflorin, each binding iron in an ion-dependent molecular networking metabolomics analysis. Translating results to mammalian immune cells and traditional application, the iron chelator activity of the P. insularum homogenate or rutin decreased proinflammatory and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine responses in immune cells. Together, the synergistic power of combining traditional knowledge with chemical genomics, metabolomics, and bioassay-guided fractionation provided molecular insight into a relatively understudied Samoan traditional medicine and developed methodology to advance ethnobotany.

Exploring the Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Profiles of Aqueous Extracts of Kalanchoe.

The use of plants for medicinal purposes has a long history, however it is desirable a continuous evaluation seeking for complementary scientific evidences for their safe application. Species within the Kalanchoe genus are often referred to as "miracle leaf" due to their remarkable healing properties. Traditionally, these plants have been used to treat infections, inflammation, and cancer. Despite their widespread use, the identification of their active components remains incomplete. This study aimed to differentiate K. crenata (KC), K. marmorata (KM), and K. pinnata (KP) by conducting detailed histochemical and phytochemical analyses, and to assess their antioxidant capabilities. The investigation revealed significant differences between the species, highlighting the variability in phenolic (PC) and flavonoid contents (FC) and their distinct antioxidant effects. The KM demonstrated the greatest results (PC: 59.26±1.53 mgEqGA/g; FC: 12.63±0.91 mgEqCQ/g; DPPH⋅ (IC50): 110.66 ug/mL; ABTS⋅+ (IC50): 26.81 ug/mL; ORAC: 9.65±0.75 mmolTE) when compared to KC and KP. These findings underscore a new reference for research within the Kalanchoe genus.

Anogeissus latifolia : A Comprehensive Review from Ethanobotanical Insights to Future Pharmacological Frontiers.

Anogeissus latifolia, commonly known as Axlewood, Indian Gum Tree, or Gum Ghatti, belongs to the Combretaceae family and is native to India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in most tropical and subtropical regions of India. Different parts of the plant contain various proteins, carbohydrates, sugars (arabinose, galactose, mannose, xylose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid), minerals (magnesium and calcium salts of ghattic acid), and a wide range of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, coumarins, quinine, and ellagic acid. Studies have indicated the potential of Anogeissus latifolia in managing various health conditions, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and hypolipidemic effects. However, like many medicinal plants, Anogeissus latifolia demonstrates a dose-dependent toxicity profile, particularly when administered intraperitoneally. Research efforts have been directed towards elucidating its safety profile, and findings suggest that it can be considered safe when administered within prescribed dosages. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review encompassing the ethnobotanical significance, morphological characteristics, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions, and toxicological aspects of Anogeissus latifolia. Additionally, it explores future research perspectives in the field of Anogeissus latifolia pharmacology and therapeutics.

Borago Officinalis L.: A Review Oon Extraction, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Activities.

Borago officinalis L., an annual herb belonging to the Boraginaceae family, is used in the traditional medical practices of various countries and for multiple treatments, including respiratory disorders, colds, influenza, diarrhea, cramps, inflammation, palpitation, hypertension menopause, and post-menopausal symptoms. Its pharmacological properties and biological activities - among them antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antigenotoxic, and anti-obesity activity - were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo and are related to its rich content of bioactive compounds (mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and terpenes) extracted from various parts of B. officinalis including leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. This review summarizes all updated information on applied extraction processes, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of B. officinalis.

Phytochemical Profiling and Assessment of Antidiabetic Activity of Curcuma Angustifolia Rhizome Methanolic Extract: An In Vitro and In Silico Analysis.

Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. is a plant with medicinal potential, traditionally used to treat different diseases. The present study aimed to determine the antidiabetic activity of C. angustifolia rhizome in vitro and in silico. The methanolic extract of C. angustifolia rhizome was analyzed by FTIR and GC-MS to determine the phytochemicals present. The antidiabetic potential of the extract was evaluated by different assays in vitro. The extract inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and the glucose diffusion through the dialysis membrane in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 530.39±0.09, 293.75±0.11, and 551.74±0.3 µg/ml respectively. The methanolic extract also improved yeast cell's ability to take up glucose across plasma membranes and the adsorption of glucose. The findings were supported by molecular docking studies. The results showed that the methanol extract of C. angustifolia rhizome has significant antidiabetic activity and thus can be also studied to isolate the potential compound with antidiabetic activities.

The Provision and Perceptions of Telemedicine Services Among Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hong Kong, China.

Objectives: Telemedicine has been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other health care professionals, Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs) face practical challenges in providing telemedicine consultations. This study aims to explore CMPs' experience and perceptions of telemedicine service provision before and during the pandemic. Methods: A territory-wide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Hong Kong between April and May 2022. A structured questionnaire with open-ended questions was used to investigate the provision of and perception on telemedicine service, as well as usability of telemedicine among CMPs. Results: A total of 195 CMPs participated the survey. Before COVID-19, 42% (81/195) had been providing telemedicine services, and the proportion doubled during COVID-19. CMPs in the private sector are the main providers. Mobile apps including WhatsApp, WeChat, and Zoom were commonly used for consultations (75%, 120/161). Barriers in providing telemedicine included inability of conducting physical examination on patients (69%, 134/195), legal and ethical concerns over medical negligence (61%, 118/195), and patients' incompetence on e-literacy (50%, 98/195). Respondents urged professional and regulatory bodies to provide an explicit clinical guideline that demonstrate best practice in traditional Chinese medicine telemedicine, and to clarify legal and ethical implications of such practice. Conclusions: CMPs demonstrated their competency in telemedicine, and most of them provided telemedicine during COVID-19. Development of appropriate guidelines on the provision of telemedicine would support CMPs to continue provision after the pandemic, whereas a user-friendly and comprehensive telemedicine e-platform would enhance quality of such service. Facilitating patients with lower e-literacy to access telemedicine is key to reduce disparities.

Phytochemicals in Drug Discovery-A Confluence of Tradition and Innovation.

Phytochemicals have a long and successful history in drug discovery. With recent advancements in analytical techniques and methodologies, discovering bioactive leads from natural compounds has become easier. Computational techniques like molecular docking, QSAR modelling and machine learning, and network pharmacology are among the most promising new tools that allow researchers to make predictions concerning natural products' potential targets, thereby guiding experimental validation efforts. Additionally, approaches like LC-MS or LC-NMR speed up compound identification by streamlining analytical processes. Integrating structural and computational biology aids in lead identification, thus providing invaluable information to understand how phytochemicals interact with potential targets in the body. An emerging computational approach is machine learning involving QSAR modelling and deep neural networks that interrelate phytochemical properties with diverse physiological activities such as antimicrobial or anticancer effects.

Anticancer Activity and Mechanism of Action of Couroupita guianensis Bark Decoction in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cancer Cell Line.

Couroupita guianensis, a medicinal plant autochthonal to South America and South India, is widely used in the ethnomedicine of the indigenous peoples of these regions thanks to its alleged antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties. The majority of studies have mainly analyzed organic extracts of the Indian plant's flowers and leaves, with limited research on its bark decoction, traditionally used in Amazonian shamanic medicine. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of the bark decoction and its main fractions obtained through chromatographic separation, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms in AGS gastric cancer cells. Viability, cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and protein expression related to these processes were evaluated. Both the bark decoction and fraction III significantly inhibited cell viability, and the cytotoxic effect was linked to cell cycle blockade and the induction of apoptosis also through an engulfment of the autophagic flux. Increased expression or activation of the key proteins (p53, p21, cdk2, Bak, caspases, pAMPK, pAkt, beclin, p62 and LC3BII) involved in these processes was observed. The results obtained confirmed an important anticancer effect of C. guianensis bark decoction, providing scientific validation for its use in traditional medicine and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent against gastric cancer.

Brassicaceae Mustards: Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Effects, and Mechanisms of Action against Human Disease.

The Brassicaceae genus consists of many economically important mustards of value for food and medicinal purposes, namely Asian mustard (Brassica juncea), ball mustard (Neslia paniculata), black mustard (B. nigra), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), Asian hedge mustard (S. orientale), oilseed rape (B. napus), rapeseed (B. rapa), treacle mustard (Erysimum repandum), smooth mustard (S. erysimoides), white ball mustard (Calepina irregularis), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and Canola. Some of these are commercially cultivated as oilseeds to meet the global demand for a healthy plant-derived oil, high in polyunsaturated fats, i.e., B. napus and B. juncea. Other species are foraged from the wild where they grow on roadsides and as a weed of arable land, i.e., E. repandum and S. erysimoides, and harvested for medicinal uses. These plants contain a diverse range of bioactive natural products including sulfur-containing glucosinolates and other potentially valuable compounds, namely omega-3-fatty acids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, tannins, S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, and trace-elements. Various parts of these plants and many of the molecules that are produced throughout the plant have been used in traditional medicines and more recently in the mainstream pharmaceutical and food industries. This study relates the uses of mustards in traditional medicines with their bioactive molecules and possible mechanisms of action and provides an overview of the current knowledge of Brassicaceae oilseeds and mustards, their phytochemicals, and their biological activities.

Factors Influencing the Integration of Traditional Medicine and Mainstream Medicine in Mental Health Services in West Africa: A Systematic Review Using Narrative Synthesis.

This study explored the enablers and obstacles to the integration of traditional medicine and mainstream medicine in mental health services in West Africa. This study is a systematic review conducted in accordance with the relevant parts of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses. Keywords searches were done in databases, and other reference lists were also searched. The Rainbow model of integrated care and a thematic analysis framework were used to account for the factors influencing the integration of traditional medicine and mainstream medicine in mental health services in West Africa. A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria after the evaluation of 6413 articles from databases and reference lists. The themes of: policy and implementation; different conceptualisation of mental health/referrals; trust issues, and education and training, were enablers or obstacles of integration depending on how they worked to facilitate or hinder integration. There was an indication of little integration of TM and MM at the macro, meso and micro levels in mental health services in West Africa. Though the study does cover all the West African states evenly, it is recommended that policy-makers and stakeholders interested in integration should ensure integration activities, especially policies, cut across all the levels of the rainbow model of integrated care and are planned and aligned at the macro, meso and micro levels instead of using ad hoc measures, informal initiatives or placing TM services in MM mental health services, which do not amount to integration.

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.

Five Underutilized Ecuadorian Fruits and Their Bioactive Potential as Functional Foods and in Metabolic Syndrome: A Review.

The Ecuadorian Amazon harbors numerous wild and cultivated species used as food, many of which are underutilized. This review explores the bioactive potential of five such fruits-Borojó (Alibertia patinoi); Chonta (Bactris gasipaes); Arazá (Eugenia stipitata); Amazon grape (Pourouma cecropiifolia), a wild edible plant; and Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum)-and their applications against metabolic syndrome. This study highlights their health-promoting ingredients and validates traditional medicinal properties, emphasizing their significance in improving health and mitigating the effects of the Western diet. These fruits, integral to Ecuadorian cuisine, are consumed fresh and processed. Chonta is widely cultivated but less prominent than in pre-Hispanic times, Borojó is known for its aphrodisiac properties, Cocona is traditional in northern provinces, Arazá is economically significant in food products, and Amazon grape is the least utilized and researched. The fruits are rich in phenolics (A. patinoi, E. stipitata) and carotenoids (B. gasipaes, E. stipitata), which are beneficial in controlling metabolic syndrome. This study advocates for more research and product development, especially for lesser-known species with high phenolic and anthocyanin content. This research underscores the economic, cultural, and nutritional value of these fruits, promoting their integration into modern diets and contributing to sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and public health through functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Experiences of traditional health practitioners in the management of female infertility in Harare urban areas: A qualitative study.

Female infertility is a health and social problem that traditional health practitioners (THPs) have been managing in African communities. This study explored the experiences of THPs in the management of female infertility, specifically focusing on their understanding, diagnosis, and treatment methods for female infertility. This was a qualitative study targeting six THPs in Harare urban areas registered with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) in Zimbabwe. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were followed in the description of the study design, analysis and presentation of findings. The findings revealed that the etiology of female infertility was attributed to biomedical, lifestyle, spiritual, and male factors. Management of infertility depended on the type of THP. Spirit mediums relied on divination and dreams to diagnose and treat female infertility. Herbalists focused on the physical evidence provided by the client through history taking. THPs had a client referral system within their TMPC network. All THPs ultimately used medicinal plants for treating female infertility. THPs play an important role in the management of female infertility. Understanding their contributions to the management of female infertility provides an opportunity to obtain insight into their practices, thus identifying areas that responsible Ministries can use to strengthen traditional health care systems and ultimately improve reproductive health care for women in African communities.

L'infertilité féminine est un problème sanitaire et social que les tradipraticiens (PTS) gèrent dans les communautés africaines. Cette étude a exploré les expériences des THP dans la gestion de l'infertilité féminine, en se concentrant spécifiquement sur leur compréhension, leur diagnostic et leurs méthodes de traitement de l'infertilité féminine. Il s'agissait d'une étude qualitative ciblant six PTH des zones urbaines de Harare enregistrés auprès du Conseil des médecins traditionnels (TMPC) au Zimbabwe. Les lignes directrices COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) ont été suivies dans la description de la conception de l'étude, de l'analyse et de la présentation des résultats. Les résultats ont révélé que l'étiologie de l'infertilité féminine était attribuée à des facteurs biomédicaux, liés au mode de vie, spirituels et masculins. La prise en charge de l'infertilité dépendait du type de THP. Les médiums spirituels s'appuyaient sur la divination et les rêves pour diagnostiquer et traiter l'infertilité féminine. Les herboristes se sont concentrés sur les preuves matérielles fournies par le client grâce à l'anamnèse. Les THP disposaient d'un système de référencement des clients au sein de leur réseau TMPC. Tous les THP utilisaient finalement des plantes médicinales pour traiter l'infertilité féminine. Les THP jouent un rôle important dans la gestion de l'infertilité féminine. Comprendre leurs contributions à la gestion de l'infertilité féminine offre l'opportunité d'avoir un aperçu de leurs pratiques, identifiant ainsi les domaines que les ministères responsables peuvent utiliser pour renforcer les systèmes de santé traditionnels et, à terme, améliorer les soins de santé reproductive pour les femmes des communautés africaines.

Traditional and complementary treatment use in wound care: A descriptive study in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the use of traditional and complementary treatment in wound care and the opinions of individuals in Turkey. METHODS: The descriptive study was completed with 536 adult individuals. The research data were collected using the "Personal Information Form", "Questionnaire on Traditional and Complementary Treatment Methods Used in Wound Care" and "Questionnaire on Opinions Regarding the Use of Traditional and Complementary Treatment in Wound Care" prepared in line with the literature. Descriptive statistics were used in the evaluation of the data. RESULTS: When a wound occurs on the body, 31 % of the participants reported that they first applied traditional and complementary treatment. It was determined that the participants experienced surgical wounds (55.7 %) and burn wounds (46.1 %) the most. The first three biological-based approaches used by individuals in wound care were hypericum perforatum (60.8 %), aloe vera (39.6 %), and honey (36.8 %). In other approaches used by individuals in wound care, the first three methods are prayer (54.1 %), vaseline application (47.1 %), and massage (37.8 %), respectively. In addition, 64.7 % of the individuals reported that they thought these methods were useful in wound care, 60.1 % reported that they accelerated healing, and 46.8 % reported that they prevented scarring. CONCLUSION: It was determined that individuals commonly used various traditional and complementary treatment methods in wound care. It is also noteworthy that these methods are highly accepted by individuals. Therefore, it is important for nurses, who play a key role in wound care, to know the methods commonly used in society and to follow the developments in this field.

The history of medieval bladder stone surgery in Persia.

INTRODUCTION: People's understanding of bladder stones has a long history. Since around the sixth century BC, surgery has been selected as the most specialized and last treatment and has continuously evolved. Meanwhile, many missing links have sometimes been a turning point in bladder stone surgery. The efforts of Iranian medicine scholars in advancing this treatment method are part of the impressive ups and downs of this path, which is discussed in this research. METHODS: This review research is based on Persian medicine sources, such as Al-Hawi fi al-Tabb, The Kitab al-Tasrif, and Al-Qanun fi al-Tebb. It has also used reliable databases such as Pub Med, Scopus, and Elsevier, as well as search engines such as Google Scholar, with related keywords. RESULTS: Surgery as the last treatment method for bladder stones was first proposed in the Golden Age (800-1300AD) of Persian traditional medicine by Ali ibn Rabben Tabari (810-895 AD) and Rhazes (865-925 AD), who discussed it in more detail. Then Hally Abbas, Albucasis, and Avicenna completed and enriched it. Albucasis's role is imposing due to his unique techniques in perineal cystolithotomy, forceps to extract bladder stones, and primary lithotrity until the nineteenth century. CONCLUSION: Examining the evolution and progress of bladder stone treatment shows the efforts of physicians in different medical schools. The brilliance of the sages of Persian Medicine, who invented seven different types of bladder stone surgery, improved the techniques of the predecessors and created a significant leap in the progress of this surgery.