Ethnomedicinal and traditional uses of the Ferns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Usos etnomedicinais e tradicionais das samambaias de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract Ferns are often used by indigenous people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study was designed to collect the ethnomedicinal and traditional knowledge of these locals about this group of vascular plants. Forty taxa belong to nineteen genera and ten families are used in the treatment of different diseases. The Pteridaceae was the most representative family with twelve taxa (30%), followed by Athyriaceae and Dryopteridaceae with six taxa each (30%), and Thelypteridaceae with five taxa (12.5%). Regarding the genera, Adiantum, Asplenium and Dryopteris ranked first with four taxa each (30%), followed by Aleuritopteris, Diplazium, Pteris and Equisetum with three taxa each (30%), followed by Athyrium, Oeosporangium, Polystichum and Pseudophegopteris with two taxa each (20%). These taxa were commonly used in the treatment of respiratory disorders i.e. asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia; intestinal ulcer, stomach, urinary ailments and skin disorders by the methods of decoction and infusion. Traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants is a valuable and essential source for the discovery of allopathic, herbal and homeopathic medicines.

Resumo As samambaias são frequentemente usadas pelos indígenas em Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Este estudo foi desenhado para coletar o conhecimento etnomedicinal e tradicional desses moradores sobre este grupo de plantas vasculares. Quarenta táxons pertencem a dezenove gêneros, e dez famílias são utilizadas no tratamento de diferentes doenças. Pteridaceae foi a família mais representativa com doze táxons (30%), seguida por Athyriaceae e Dryopteridaceae com seis táxons cada (30%), e Thelypteridaceae com cinco táxons (12,5%). Em relação aos gêneros, Adiantum, Asplenium e Dryopteris ficaram em primeiro lugar com quatro táxons cada (30%), seguidos por Aleuritopteris, Diplazium, Pteris e Equisetum com três táxons cada (30%), e Athyrium, Oeosporangium, Polystichum e Pseudophegopteris com dois táxons cada (20%). Estes táxons foram comumente usados ​​no tratamento de distúrbios respiratórios, isto é, asma, bronquite, enfisema, pneumonia; úlcera intestinal, estômago, doenças urinárias e doenças da pele pelos métodos de decocção e infusão. O conhecimento tradicional sobre plantas etnomedicinais é uma fonte valiosa e essencial para a descoberta de medicamentos alopáticos, fitoterápicos e homeopáticos.

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats / Atividade antiulcerogênica e antioxidante do extrato etanólico de Plantago ovata em ratos

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, ß-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar as atividades antiulcerogênica e antioxidante das sementes de Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) em ratos. O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado utilizando o método do sequestro do radical livre DPPH, autooxidação do ß-caroteno, poder redutor de ferro e atividade de sequestro do radical hidroxila. No estudo antiulcerogênico, o pré-tratamento com o extrato etanólico das sementes de Plantago ovata (POE) (400 mg/Kg b.wt) reduziu a úlcera gástrica induzida pelo etanol em ratos, diminuindo o valor do índice de úlcera e preservando a integridade da mucosa gástrica. O estudo do estresse oxidativo nos tecidos estomacais mostrou um aumento significativo dos níveis das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase, com uma diminuição significativa da peroxidação lipídica enquanto pré-tratamento com POE. Em conclusão, o POE protege contra úlcera gástrica devido aos seus potenciais antioxidantes e à presença de moléculas bioativas.

Phytochemical profile and biological activities of Bromelia antiacantha extracts / Perfil fitoquímico e atividades biológicas de extratos de Bromelia antiacantha

Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

6ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde Indígena: 306ª R.O

Female naturalists and the patterns of suppression of women scientists in history: the example of Maria Sibylla Merian and her contributions about useful plants.

BACKGROUND: This work reunites many women naturalists who registered knowledge about native flora in scientific expeditions around the globe between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Since male naturalists are more recognized in this period of time, we aimed to list female naturalists that published plant descriptions and observations, focusing on the work of Maria Sibylla Merian and to analyze her trajectory as an example to discuss the patterns of the suppression of women scientists. A second aim was to inventory the useful plants described in Maria Sibylla's Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium and find pharmacological evidence about the traditional uses described for those plants cited as medicinal and toxic. METHODS: A survey of female naturalists was carried out by searching information in Pubmed, Scielo, Google Scholar and Virtual Health Library. Once Maria Sibylla published her book Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium by her own, without male co-authors, and also this book is one of the only to have text and illustrations altogether and there are reports indicating information on useful plants in this work, she and her book were chosen as subject of this research. All the information was tabulated by dividing the plants into food, medicinal, toxic, aromatic or other uses. Finally, with the combinations of the scientific name of medicinal and toxic plants with information about their popular uses, a search was carried out in databases in order to indicate current pharmacological studies that reported evidences about the traditional uses described. RESULTS: We found 28 women naturalists who participated in scientific expeditions or trips, or in a curiosity cabinet, or who were collectors of Natural History between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. All these women illustrated botanical species and/or recorded their everyday or medicinal use or reported their observations in the form of a published work, letters or diaries. Also, the trajectory of Maria Sibylla Merian revealed that her scientific relevance has been neglected from the eighteenth century by mechanisms of suppression, most of the time by male depreciation, which can be seen as a pattern for suppression of women in science. However, Maria Sibyllas' contributions have been valued again in the twenty-first century. In Maria Sibylla's work, 54 plants were identified, 26 of them used for food, 4 of them aromatic, 8 medicinal, 4 toxic and 9 other uses. CONCLUSION: This study evidences that there are female naturalists whose work could be an important source for ethnopharmacological studies. Researching about women scientists, talking about them and highlighting the gender bias present in the scientific academy about the way the history of science is told is essential for the construction of a more diverse and richer scientific academy. The traditional use of 7 of 8 medicinal plants and 3 of 4 toxic plants reported was correlated with pharmacological studies, highlighting the importance of this historical record and its potential to direct strategic research in traditional medicine.

Dipsacus and Scabiosa Species-The Source of Specialized Metabolites with High Biological Relevance: A Review.

The genera Dipsacus L. and Scabiosa L. of the Caprifoliaceae family are widely distributed in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This work reviews the available literature on the phytochemical profiles, ethnomedicinal uses, and biological activities of the most popular species. These plants are rich sources of many valuable specialized metabolites with beneficial medicinal properties, such as triterpenoid derivatives, iridoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. They are also sources of essential oils. The genus Dipsacus has been used for centuries in Chinese and Korean folk medicines to treat bone (osteoporosis) and joint problems (rheumatic arthritis). The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Chinese Pharmacopoeia include Dipsaci radix, the dried roots of D. asperoides C.Y.Cheng & T.M.Ai. In addition, S. comosa Fisch. ex Roem & Schult. and S. tschiliiensis Grunning are used in traditional Mongolian medicine to treat liver diseases. The current scientific literature data indicate that these plants and their constituents have various biological properties, including inter alia antiarthritic, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities; they have also been found to strengthen tendon and bone tissue and protect the liver, heart, and kidney. The essential oils possess antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. This paper reviews the key biological values of Dipsacus and Scabiosa species, as identified by in vitro and in vivo studies, and presents their potential pharmacological applications.

Exploring pharmaphylogeny from multiple perspectives: a case study on Lithospermeae.

Lithospermeae Dumort., a tribe under the subfamily Boraginoidae, is a perennial herb containing approximately 470 species under 26 genera, primarily distributed in temperate and tropical regions. To gain a deeper understanding of the medicinal plants of Lithospermeae and better protect and develop plant medicinal resources, the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional use of Lithospermeae with medicinal value were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out based on the internal transcribed spacer sequence. Through spatial analysis and the species distribution model, the spatial distribution pattern of Lithospermeae medicinal plants was analyzed. Meanwhile, the relevant targets and pathways involved in the pharmacological effects of commonly used medicinal plants were predicted using network pharmacology to further explore the genetic origin of Lithospermeae and enrich the pharmaphylogeny of medicinal plants. In this study, the chemical composition, traditional efficacy, and modern pharmacological activity of Lithospermeae were collected for the first time and analyzed in combination with the geographical distribution model, molecular phylogeny, and network pharmacology. Based on our findings, the pharmaphylogeny of Lithospermeae was preliminarily discussed, providing the scientific basis for basic research regarding Lithospermeae. Concurrently, this study explored the relationship between the development of the regional medicinal plant industry and the protection of biodiversity. Furthermore, our findings provide direction and theoretical guidance for the study of the phylogenetic relationships in medicinal plants and the development of Lithospermeae medicinal plant resources.

Ethnobotanical inventory of medicinal plants used by Cashinahua (Huni Kuin) herbalists in Purus Province, Peruvian Amazon.

This study aims to document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Cashinahua people (also known as Huni Kuin) of the Curanja River, as well as describe and compare their uses with pharmacological and phytochemical records from previously published studies. The ethnic has been studied to a limited extent from an ethnobotanical perspective. The study area is located in the Ucayali region, eastern Central Amazon, where ancestral knowledge is preserved due to the limited accessibility of the region. Between November 2010 and June 2015, a total of 11 months were spent on the survey, which included a short-term visit to complete voucher specimen collection and taxonomic identification. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 Cashinahua traditional healers and 10 midwives. Vernacular names, ethnomedicinal uses, plant parts used and forms of preparation and administration were recorded. Ethnopharmacological, pharmacological and phytochemical uses were checked through survey of the previously published papers indexed on Web of Science databases between 2018 and 2022. We obtained data on 467 plant taxa, among which we highlighted 79 species unreported or rarely cited for medicinal use or phytochemical analysis. These species were spread over 60 genera and 42 botanical families, with Acanthaceae being the most represented. Leaves were used the most frequently (93.56%). Among the 79 species, the most reported therapeutic activities involved pregnancy and birth disorders (13.84%), followed by poisonings, infections and infestations. The predominant application form was external (87%). Our study indicates that there are locally valuable species that have not yet been studied for their medical potential.

Efficacy and safety of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis of Traditional Chinese Medicine for managing renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for managing renal fibrosis (RF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from eight databases. RESULTS: Sixteen eligible studies with 1,356 participants were included in this study. Compared to treatment with Western Medicine (WM) alone, the combined treatment with activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis in terms of TCM (ARTCM) and WM to manage RF in patients with CKD significantly ameliorated type Ⅳ collagen (CⅣ) (: 2.17, 95% : 3.01 to 1.34), type Ⅲ procollagen (PCⅢ) (: 1.08, 95% : 1.64 to 0.53), laminin (LN) (: 1.28, 95% : 1.65 to 0.90), transforming growth factor ß 1 (TGFß1) (: 0.65, 95% : 1.18 to 0.12), serum creatinine (Scr) (: 1.36, 95% : 1.85 to 0.87), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (: 1.51, 95% : 2.59 to 0.43), and 24 h urine protein (24hUpro) (: 1.23; 95% : 1.96 to 0.50). The level of hyaluronic acid (HA) was similar in both types of treatment (: 0.74, 95% : 1.91 to 0.44). The subgroup analysis showed that the duration of 8 weeks might affect the concentration of C-Ⅳ, PC-Ⅲ, and LN (<0.05). The effectiveness of the longer duration to C-Ⅳ, PC-Ⅲ, and LN was not certain. However, the result should be interpreted in care. The safety of the treatment using ARTCM and WM could not be evaluated because a few studies had reported adverse effects. The results of the Metaanalysis were not stable enough. There was publication bias for the reports on Scr ( 0.001), C-Ⅳ ( 0.001), PC-Ⅲ ( 0.026), and LN ( 0.030) and no publication bias for the reports on BUN ( 0.293). The quality of evidence varied from low to very low. CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment using ARTCM and WM to manage RF in patients with CKD has some advantages over treatment with WM alone. Highquality RCTs need to be conducted for the strong support.

Study on wild medicinal plant resources and their applied ethnology in multiethnic areas of the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia intersection zone.

INTRODUCTION: This study conducted an ethnobotanical survey of wild medicinal plants in the multi-ethnic areas of Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia intersection zone. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plant use in the region was compiled to identify important medicinal plants currently used for treating relevant diseases and to determine species with potential for development. METHODS: Key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, participatory rural appraisal methods, and ethnobotanical quantitative evaluation were used to investigate and study the traditional knowledge of local residents' use of wild medicinal plants in the region. The relative importance of the referenced plants was assessed, as well as the prominent species widely used in medicinal applications. RESULTS: The study found that the region has a total of 204 wild medicinal plant resources, belonging to 149 genera of 51 families. Among these resources, a total of 50 commonly used plants were identified (44 of which were herbs, some of which were multi-origin), belonging to 27 families, with the most species found in the Asteraceae family, with 11 species. These herbs are mainly used for preventing and treating colds and nourishing health, followed by treatment of fever, stomach problems, and bleeding. The most frequently used medicinal plant in the region is "Ai", which includes Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van. and Artemisia kanashiroi Kitam. All respondents provided information about the use of this medicinal plant to varying degrees, followed by Artemisia annua Linn., Ephedra sinica Stapf, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz., Sonchus arvensis Linn., Artemisia capillaris Thunb., among others. CONCLUSION: Our investigation gained a wealth of traditional knowledge about the use of wild herbs, using wild herbs, which plays an important role in the lives of local residents. Especially, the herbs and application methods used for treating colds, bleeding, and stomach problems are worthy of further research and development.

Safety and effectiveness of traditional herbal medicine Siho-sogan-san in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Functional dyspepsia (FD), a chronic upper gastrointestinal syndrome, seriously affects the quality of life of patients and poses a significant economic burden. Since the pathological mechanisms of FD have not been fully elucidated, conventional therapies such as prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors, and antidepressants have some limitations. Siho-sogan-san (SHS) is commonly used as a therapeutic alternative in traditional medicine; however, scientific and clinical evidence supporting its application in FD remains insufficient. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of SHS and in combined with Western medicine (WM) for the treatment of FD. METHODS: Eleven databases, including EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on FD published before December 31, 2022. After two independent reveiwers sceened and selected studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, clinical data was pooled and synthesized via Review Manager software. The outcome parameters included total clinical effectiveness rate (TCE), time for symptom improvement, levels of motilin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and adverse events. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was used for quality assessment. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies that included 867 participants comparing WM with SHS or combination therapy (SHS plus WM) were identified. Through a meta-analysis of five studies including 363 patients, SHS compared with WM showed a positive result in safely increasing TCE [risk ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 1.51, P < 0.00001]. The time for symptom improvement, including abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension, was significantly more shortened in the combination therapy than WM group. Furthermore, combination therapy resulted in greater secretion of motilin than WM alone [mean difference = 67.95, 95% CI 39.52 to 96.39, P < 0.00001]. No remarkable difference was observed in CRH levels between the combination therapy and WM groups. For a subgroup analysis, the administration of SHS based on the type of pattern identification (PI) showed larger effect size than in the group that do not consider PI. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that SHS and combination therapy can be considered effective and safe options for the treatment of FD. However, owing to the low quality of the included studies, more well-designed investigational studies and RCTs with longer treatment and follow-up period are needed.

A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacologically Active Phyto-Constituents from Hedychium species.

In this review, we describe and discuss the phytoconstituents present in Hedychium species and emphasize their potential as drug candidates. Though they are widely validated in vitro and in vivo models, to date, no efforts have been made to compile in a single review all the pharmacologically active phytoconstituents from Hedychium species, and their pharmacological and toxicity profile. In this study, we present a reinvestigation of the chemical constituents present in Hedychium species obtained from the essential oil and solvent extraction of the flowers, leaves and rhizomes under consideration. Key databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar amongst others were probed for a systematic search using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. An exhaustive electronic survey of the related literature on Hedychium species resulted in around 200 articles. Articles published between the years 1975-2021 were included. The studies conducted on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from Hedychium species reported with a varied range of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, potentially anti-asthmatic, and cytotoxic, among other related activities of the chemical constituents present in its essential oil and solvent extract deployed in this review. Traditional and herbal medication around the world that uses different parts of Hedychium species were considered for anti-inflammatory, skincare, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antidotal uses, among others. These uses support the idea that chemical constituents obtained from solvent extraction may also exert the same action individually or in a synergistic manner. The review concluded that there is scope for computation and biological study to find out possible new targets for strengthening the potency and selectivity of the relevant compounds, and to find a commercial method for extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Comparative evaluation of Sapindus Mukorossi extract with 17% EDTA on smear layer removal in various parts of the tooth root.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an experimental root canal irrigant and 17% Ethylene-di-amine tetra acetic acid for removal of the smear layer in the coronal, middle and apical portions of the root canal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety human single rooted maxillary and mandibular teeth were selected for this study. The teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group as follows: Group A (Ethanolic extract of Sapindus Mukorossi), Group B (17% EDTA), and Group C (Distilled water). The root canals of all three groups were prepared with stainless steel K-files by means of the standard step-back technique and irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypo chloride. The teeth were decoronated, following the irrigation and divided longitudinally into two-halves and visualized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the amount of smear layer present utilizing the three-point score system. The observations were noted both before and after the treatment. Nonparametric tests were applied for the comparison and p-value ⩽ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: It was evident from that smear layer was completely removed in coronal portion of 27 out of 30 teeth in-group A. For middle and apical areas of group A, 24 and 19 teeth showed complete smear layer removal. In-group B it was found that there were 24, 21, and 3 teeth at coronal, middle and apical, areas respectively where smear layer were completely absent. Intra group comparison showed a significant difference (p = 0.002) in smear layer removal was found for group A at coronal, middle and apical thirds. Similarly, a significant difference (p = 0.001) was also found for group B; however heavy smear layer was found among the three parts of the canal for group C. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanolic extract of Sapindus Mukorossi have higher effectiveness in removing the smear layer from the root canal in comparison to 17% EDTA.

A cross-cultural study of high-altitude botanical resources among diverse ethnic groups in Kashmir Himalaya, India.

BACKGROUND: In the Himalayas, traditional knowledge and biodiversity are strongly linked due to the symbiotic interaction between plant and cultural diversity, as well as the support provided by cultural memories, ecological awareness, and social norms. Our study was focused on documenting the vanishing knowledge in the Kashmir Himalaya with the following main objectives: 1) to document the ethnomedical and cultural knowledge of the local flora, 2) to evaluate the cross-cultural use of the flora in the region, and, finally, 3) to identify the key indicator species utilized by each ethnic group using multivariate statistical analysis. METHODS: We used semi-structured questionnaires to conduct interviews with people of different ethnicity, gender, age, and occupational categories. The intercultural relationships of species utilization among ethnic groups were examined using a Venn diagram. The overall trends between the indicator values and the plant species used by diverse ethnic groups were illustrated using the linear regression model. RESULTS: We recorded 46 species belonging to 25 different families used by the local people of the Kashmir Valley belonging to four ethnic groups (Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahari, and Kashmiri). The dominant families recorded were Asteraceae and Ranunculaceae followed by Caprifoliaceae. Rhizomes were the most utilized plant part, followed by leaves. A total of 33 ailments were treated with plants, and gastrointestinal disorders were treated with most species followed by musculoskeletal diseases and dermatological problems. Across cultural relationships, the Gujjar and Pahari showed greater similarity (17%). This may be due to the fact that both ethnic groups share a common geographical landscape and are exogamous to each other. We identified key indicator species used by different ethnic groups with significant (p ≤ 0.05) values. For instance, in the Gujjar ethnic group, Aconitum heterophyllum and Phytolacca acinosa had significant indicator value, which was due to the fact that these plants were easily accessible and also had a wide range of uses. In contrast, the Bakarwal ethnic group showed different indicator species, with Rheum spiciforme and Rhododendron campanulatum being highly significant (p ≤ 0.05), because this ethnic group spends the majority of their time in high-altitude pastures, using a particularly wide variety of plant species for medicine, food, and fuelwood. While indicator values and plant usage were positively correlated for the Gujjar, Kashmiri, and Pahari ethnic groups, they were negatively correlated for the Bakarwal. The positive correlation indicates cultural preferences for certain plant use and underlines the cultural significance of each species. The current study reported new uses for the following species: raw roots of Jurinea dolomiaea used for tooth cleaning, seeds of Verbascum thapsus applied for respiratory diseases, and flowers of Saussurea simpsoniana given to anyone as a good luck wish. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights historical ethnic group stratifications and cultural standing while comparing reported taxa across cultures. Each ethnic group made extensive ethnomedical use of plants, and knowledge, originally transmitted verbally, is now available in writing for reference. This could pave the way for providing incentives to local communities to showcase their talents, celebrate them, and gain from potential development initiatives.

Gastroprotective effect of Artemisia absinthium L.: A medicinal plant used in the treatment of digestive disorders.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) is traditionally used for stomach pain and gastric relief. However, its possible gastroprotective effect has not yet been experimentally evaluated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the gastroprotective effect of aqueous extracts obtained through hot and room temperature maceration of A. absinthium aerial parts in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gastroprotective effect of hot aqueous extract (HAE) and room temperature aqueous extract (RTAE) from A. absinthium aerial parts were evaluated in rats using a model of acute gastric ulcer induced by ethanol p.a. The stomachs were collected to measure the gastric lesion area and histological and biochemical analysis. UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis was used to determine the chemical profile of the extracts. RESULTS: Eight main peaks in the UHPLC chromatogram were identified in both HAE and RTAE extracts: tuberonic acid glycoside (1), rupicolin (2), 2-hydroxyeupatolide (3), yangabin (4), sesartemin (5), artemetin (6), isoalantodiene (7), and dehydroartemorin (8). For RTAE, a higher diversity of sesquiterpene lactones was observed. The groups treated with RTAE at 3%, 10%, and 30% presented a gastroprotective effect, reducing the lesion area by 64.68%, 53.71%, and 90.04%, respectively, when compared with the vehicle (VEH)-treated group. On the other hand, the groups treated with HAE at 3%, 10%, and 30% presented values of lesion areas higher than those of the VEH group. Changes in the submucosa layer, inflammatory process with edema, cellular infiltration, and mucin depletion were detected in the gastric mucosa exposed to ethanol, which was fully prevented by RTAE treatment. Neither HAE nor RTAE could increase the reduced glutathione levels in the injured gastric tissue, but RTAE (30%) reduced the formation of lipid hydroperoxides. When the rats were pre-treated with NEM (a chelator of non-protein thiols) or L-NAME (non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), the RTAE lost the ability to protect the gastric mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: This study corroborates the ethnopharmacological use of this specie to treat gastric disorders revealing the gastroprotective effect of the room-temperature aqueous extract of A. absinthium aerial parts. Its mode of action may involve the ability of the infusion to maintain the gastric mucosal barrier integrity.

Chinese herbal medicine therapy for hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been widely used in the treatment of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP), but the credibility of the evidence for this practice is unclear. We systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of CHM therapy for HLAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases from inception to October 16, 2022, for randomized controlled trials comparing the combination of CHM and Western medicine therapy vs. Western medicine therapy alone in HLAP adults. This study is registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD 42022371052). RESULTS: A total of 50 eligible studies involving 3,635 patients were assessed in this meta-analysis. Compared with Western medicine therapy, the combination of CHM increased the total effective rate by 19% in HLAP patients [relative risk (RR): 1.19, 95% CI: (1.16, 1.23)]. There were significant differences between the two groups in improving clinical symptoms, promoting serum amylase and triglyceride recovery, reducing mortality [RR: 0.28, 95% CI: (0.14, 0.56)] and complication rates [RR:0.40, 95% CI: (0.31, 0.52)], and shortening the length of hospital stay [MD: -3.96, 95% CI: (-4.76, -3.16)]. Adverse reactions were similar between groups. Findings were robust in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The combined CHM treatment was more effective than Western medicine alone in HLAP patients. However, due to the methodological shortcoming of the eligible studies, caution is needed when interpreting these findings.

Recent insights into the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants and plant-derived compounds.

Liver problems are a worldwide concern, and conventional medicinal therapies are ineffective. Hence, safeguarding the healthy liver is vital for good health and well-being. Infections due to virus, immune problems, cancer, alcohol abuse, and an overdose of drugs are some of the causes of liver diseases. Antioxidants derived from medicinal plants and conventional dietary sources can protect the liver from damages caused by oxidative stress system and various chemicals. Plants and plant-derived phytochemicals are appealing hepatoprotective agents since they have less side effects and still there is a lot of interest shown in using herbal tonics for treating liver disorders. This review therefore primarily focuses on newly discovered medicinal plants and compounds produced from plants that fall under the classifications of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenolics, sterols, anthocyanins, and saponin glycosides, all of which have the potential to be hepatoprotective. Hosta plantaginea, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Daniella oliveri, Garcinia mangostana, Solanum melongena, Vaccinium myrtillus, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Citrus medica are some potential plants having hepatoprotective effects. We conclude that these phytochemicals and the plant extracts listed above are used in the future to treat a variety of liver diseases, additional research is still needed to develop safer and more potent phytochemical drugs.

A comprehensive review of antitumor properties of Angelica species and their antitumor-responsible constituents and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumor inhibition.

Angelica species have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. Recent studies have suggested their potential use as anticancer agents, making them an area of interest for further research. The review aims to summarize the current understanding of the potential anticancer effects of Angelica species and to provide insights for further research in this area. We searched for "Angelica" related information on Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Science Citation Index Finder, and Springer link by searching keywords such as "Angelica," "Angelica phytochemical," "Angelica antitumor effect," "Angelica molecular mechanisms," and "Angelica clinical application." Included articles focused on the Angelica plant's anticancer properties and clinical studies, while non-cancer-related biological or phytochemical investigations were excluded. We conducted a comprehensive search of books, journals, and databases published between 2001 and 2023, identifying 186 articles for this narrative review. The articles were analyzed for their potential anticancer properties and therapeutic applications. Active compounds in the Angelica genus, such as coumarins, furanocoumarins, phthalides, and polysaccharides, exhibit anticancer properties through various mechanisms. Specific species, like A. archangelica, Angelica sinensis, A. gigas, and A. ksiekie, have the potential as anticancer agents by targeting cellular pathways, generating reactive oxygen species, and inducing apoptotic cell death. Further research into the properties of the Angelica genus is needed for developing new treatments for cancer. Phytochemicals from Angelica species possess potential as anticancer agents, requiring further research for the development of effective, low-cost, and low-toxicity cancer treatments compared to synthetic antitumor drugs.

Ethnobotanical study on herbal tea drinks in Guangxi, China.

BACKGROUND: Herbal tea drinks, different from classical Camellia beverages, are a wide variety of herbal drinks consumed for therapeutic purposes or health promotion. Herbal tea is widely consumed in Guangxi. However, the documentation on the plants for herbal tea and their related health benefits is still limited. METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 52 villages and 21 traditional markets in Guangxi from 2016 to 2021. Semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, and structured questionnaires were applied to obtain ethnobotanical information of herbal tea, in which 463 informants had participated. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and cultural food significance index (CFSI) were used to evaluate the most culturally significant herbal tea plants, and informant consensus factor (ICF) was applied to assess the agreement among informants. RESULTS: This study recorded 155 herbal tea species belonging to 49 families. The most commonly used parts included leaf (27.61%), whole plant (22.09%), branch and leaf (19.02%), and flower (13.50%). The most frequent preparation method of herbal tea was decoction. Herbal tea was very popular in Guangxi, attributing to its therapeutic value, special odor, and good taste. There are 41 health benefits classified into eight categories. Among them, clearing heat was the most medicinal effects. Local people had high consistency in tonic, removing cold and cough, improving blood circulation, and clearing heat away. Based on CFSI values of each species, the most culturally significant herbal tea species were Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex A. M. Lu & Zhi Y. Zhang, Plantago asiatica L., Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Pholidota chinensis Lindl., and Morus alba L. CONCLUSION: Herbal tea is a valuable heritage that carries the local people's traditional knowledge, like health care and religious belief. The recorded herbal tea species in this study possess tremendous potential for local economic development in the future. Further research on efficacy evaluation and product development of herbal tea species is necessary.

Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections.

BACKGROUND: Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which inhibit the adherence of p-fimbriated Escherichia coli to the urothelial cells lining the bladder. Cranberry products have been used widely for several decades to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is the fifth update of a review first published in 1998 and updated in 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2012. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of cranberry products in preventing UTIs in susceptible populations. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register up to 13 March 2023 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register Search Portal (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of cranberry products compared with placebo, no specific treatment or other intervention (antibiotics, probiotics) for the prevention of UTIs were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed and extracted data. Information was collected on methods, participants, interventions and outcomes (incidence of symptomatic UTIs, positive culture results, side effects, adherence to therapy). Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated where appropriate. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS: For this update 26 new studies were added, bringing the total number of included studies to 50 (8857 randomised participants). The risk of bias for sequence generation and allocation concealment was low for 29 and 28 studies, respectively. Thirty-six studies were at low risk of performance bias, and 23 studies were at low risk of detection bias. Twenty-seven, 41, and 17 studies were at low risk of attrition bias, reporting bias and other bias, respectively. Forty-five studies compared cranberry products with placebo or no specific treatment in six different groups of participants. Twenty-six of these 45 studies could be meta-analysed for the outcome of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs. In moderate certainty evidence, cranberry products reduced the risk of UTIs (6211 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.84; I² = 69%). When studies were divided into groups according to the treatment indication, cranberry products probably reduced the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs (8 studies, 1555 participants: RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.99; I² = 54%), in children (5 studies, 504 participants: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.68; I² = 21%) and in people with a susceptibility to UTIs due to an intervention (6 studies, 1434 participants: RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.61; I² = 0%). However, in low certainty evidence, there may be little or no benefit in elderly institutionalised men and women (3 studies, 1489 participants: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.30; I² = 9%), pregnant women (3 studies, 765 participants: RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.50; I² = 3%), or adults with neuromuscular bladder dysfunction with incomplete bladder emptying (3 studies, 464 participants: RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.19; I² = 0%). Other comparisons were cranberry products with probiotics (three studies) or antibiotics (six studies), cranberry tablets with cranberry liquid (one study), and different doses of PACs (two studies). Compared to antibiotics, cranberry products may make little or no difference to the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs (2 studies, 385 participants: RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.33; I² = 0%) or the risk of clinical symptoms without culture (2 studies, 336 participants: RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.14; I² = 68%). Compared to probiotics, cranberry products may reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs (3 studies, 215 participants: RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.56; I = 0%). It is unclear whether efficacy differs between cranberry juice and tablets or between different doses of PACs as the certainty of the evidence was very low. The number of participants with gastrointestinal side effects probably does not differ between those taking cranberry products and those receiving placebo or no specific treatment (10 studies, 2166 participants: RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.77; I² = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). There was no clear relationship between compliance with therapy and the risk for repeat UTIs. No difference in the risk for UTIs could be demonstrated between low, moderate and high doses of PACs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This update adds a further 26 studies taking the total number of studies to 50 with 8857 participants. These data support the use of cranberry products to reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, in children, and in people susceptible to UTIs following interventions. The evidence currently available does not support its use in the elderly, patients with bladder emptying problems, or pregnant women.