Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

The previous meta-analysis showed an advantageous effect of berberine supplementation on interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations; however, it is unknown the dosage that this component influences inflammatory biomarkers. A comprehensive search was done in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science until September 2022 to find randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the effects of berberine/barberry on IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in adults but not trials without a control group. Studies bias was assessed using RoB 2. A random-effects model was performed to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD). A dose-dependent effect was calculated. Eighteen clinical trials with 1600 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. These interventions significantly mitigate IL-6 levels (-1.18 pg/mL), TNF-α levels (-3.72 pg/mL), and CRP levels (-1.33 mg/L). In addition, the non-linear analysis showed a significant lowering effect of berberine/barberry on IL-6 and TNF-α levels in doses <1000 mg/day and less than 5 weeks of intervention. There are limitations to our findings, including low-quality studies and significant heterogeneity. These interventions might be considered adjunct therapy to managing inflammation status. However, more investigation and high-quality evidence must be conducted to obtain more comprehensive and generalizable results.

Anti-cholinesterase and Neuroprotective Activities of Sweet and Bitter Apricot Kernels (Prunus armeniaca L.).

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a fruit cultivated in various parts of the world. Both sweet and bitter kernels of apricot have been used for the treatment of different diseases such as loss of memory in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). In the present study, the inhibitory activity of sweet and bitter extracts of apricot kernels towards cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes, both acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase was examined through Ellman's method. In addition, neuroprotectivity of aqueous extracts and amygdalin were investigated against H2O2-induced cell death in PC12 neurons. Among them, the best acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 134.93 ± 2.88 µg/mL) and neuroprotectivity (P-value < 0.0001) were obtained by the aqueous extract of bitter type. It was found that all extracts showed no butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity.

Caring for Newborn's Umbilical Cord from Iranian Traditional Medicine Point of View.

BACKGROUND: It is evident that infant's umbilical cord is essential for its survival and growth. In the past, it was not considered as a necessary tissue. However, nowadays, it has attracted lots of attention and its relation to different diseases has been demonstrated. In Iranian traditional medicine, caring for newborn's umbilical cord has been frequently recommended and it has been associated with different diseases. METHODS: Herein, Iranian traditional medicine resources such as "Qanun-fil-Tibb", "Exir-e-Azam", and "Tib-e-Akbari" were studied. In addition, recent developments in classical medicine were reviewed using search engines including Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, and IranMedex. RESULTS: It has been revealed that there is a direct relation between early cord clamping and oxidative stress, anemia, and low cardiac output. In Iranian traditional medicine, it is believed that the umbilical cord length, which should be cut off, is important. A short cord may lead to bladder contraction and frequent urination. Furthermore, if the umbilical cord is not squeezed efficiently, its content may enter the bladder, testis, and stomach leading to various diseases. CONCLUSION: It seems that the remarks by the Iranian traditional medicine on caring for newborn's umbilical cord can be useful for the prevention of different diseases.