A Panoramic Review on the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis through Herbalism.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The conventional treatment options for arthritis often come with limitations and potential side effects, leading to increased interest in herbal plants as alternative therapies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the use of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, focusing on their traditional remedies, active components, mechanisms of action, and pharmaceutical approaches for enhancing their delivery. Various herbal plants, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia, and willow bark, have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them valuable options for managing arthritis symptoms. The active components of these herbal plants, such as curcumin, gingerols, and boswellic acids, contribute to their therapeutic effects. To enhance the delivery of herbal medicines, pharmaceutical approaches like nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, microneedles, and inhalation systems have been explored. These approaches aim to improve bioavailability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of herbal compounds. Safety considerations, including potential interactions with medications and the risk of allergic reactions, are also discussed. Future perspectives for this field involve conducting well-designed clinical studies, enhancing standardization and quality control measures, exploring novel drug delivery systems, and fostering collaborations between traditional medicine practitioners and healthcare professionals. Continued research and development in these areas will help unlock the full potential of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, offering personalized and effective care for affected individuals.

Delayed diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris in rural Nepal due to healthcare inaccessibility and harmful traditional practices: A case report.

Early intervention is imperative for potentially fatal dermatologic diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris. In rural Nepal, limited public awareness, home remedies, and delays in healthcare access lead to poor outcomes. Although biopsy confirms the diagnosis, experienced dermatologists can make an accurate clinical diagnosis when characteristic skin lesions are present.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in vitiligo: a cross-sectional survey.

Vitiligo is characterized by skin depigmentation, which can lead to profound psychological effects and decreased quality of life, especially for those with skin of color. Individuals with vitiligo may utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) due to limited treatment options with varying efficacy.An anonymous, multiple-choice, cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to participants with vitiligo in the United States through online forums. Data on disease characteristics, use of prescription medications, use of topical therapies, supplements, and diets, and perceptions of CAM were collected.In total, 625 respondents completed the survey. Overall, 32.5% of participants (203/625) have tried CAM. Commonly reported CAM include supplements of vitamin D (57.7%, 116/203), vitamin B12 (46.3%, 93/203), vitamin C (27.4%, 55/203), topical Nigella sativa oil (26.4%, 53/203), oral omega-3 fatty acids (24.9%, 50/203), folic acid (22.9%, 46/203), and vitamin E (22.9%, 46/203). Frequently cited reasons for CAM use include desire to try "new" (40.4%, 82/203) or "more natural" (26.6%, 54/203) therapies, "frustration with conventional medicine" (24.6%, 50/203), and fear of "adverse side effects of conventional medicine" (23.6%, 48/203). Non-White participants were more likely than their White counterparts to report CAM use and have more positive perceptions of CAM therapies. Less than half (43.3%, 88/203) of CAM users reported that they disclosed their use of CAM with their physician.Dermatologists should be mindful of CAM and ask patients about their use. Further investigation of the role of CAM as adjuvant therapy for vitiligo is warranted to better advise patients.

Phytotherapeutic Approaches in Canine Pediatrics.

Phytotherapy is a clinical modality that incorporates botanical remedies as part of the therapeutic approach. It is a very ancient branch of medicine that is currently undergoing a renaissance, evident in the numerous preparations available on the market. The majority of these formulations are for preventive and curative use in adult animals. Experimental experiences in the pediatric age group are particularly scarce within the existing literature. Since these products are readily accessible, dog owners often turn to them due to their ease of availability, a preference for self-medication, and the perception that herbs are safer, gentler, and less expensive than conventional medications, often leading them to bypass seeking the advice of experienced professionals. The purpose of this review is to illustrate, on the basis of the currently available bibliography, phytotherapeutic approaches in canine pediatrics, paying particular attention to the adverse effects resulting from the use of certain plants, even when used in conjunction with some synthetic drugs. Consequently, it becomes evident that further clinical and more relevant studies, specifically focusing on puppies, are needed to increase knowledge about the effects of herbal remedies.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Natural Populations of Artemisia scoparia Collected at Different Altitudes: Antibacterial, Mosquito Repellent, and Larvicidal Effects.

The current study aimed to evaluate the presence of chemical variations in essential oils (EOs) extracted from Artemisia scoparia growing at different altitudes and to reveal their antibacterial, mosquito larvicidal, and repellent activity. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of A. scoparia EOs revealed that the major compounds were capillene (9.6-31.8%), methyleugenol (0.2-26.6%), ß-myrcene (1.9-21.4%), γ-terpinene (1.5-19.4%), trans-ß-caryophyllene (0.8-12.4%), and eugenol (0.1-9.1%). The EO of A. scoparia collected from the city of Attock at low elevation was the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentration of 156-1250 µg/mL) and showed the best mosquito larvicidal activity (LC50, 55.3 mg/L). The EOs of A. scoparia collected from the high-altitude areas of Abbottabad and Swat were the most repellent for females of Ae. aegypti and exhibited repellency for 120 min and 165 min, respectively. The results of the study reveal that different climatic conditions and altitudes have significant effects on the chemical compositions and the biological activity of essential oils extracted from the same species.

Plants in Menstrual Diseases: A Systematic Study from Italian Folk Medicine on Current Approaches.

Background: Plant-based remedies have been used since antiquity to treat menstrual-related diseases (MD). From the late nineteenth to the early to mid-twentieth century, Italian folk remedies to treat "women's diseases" were documented in a vast corpus of literature sources. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the plant-based treatments utilized by Italian folk medicine to heal clinical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and menstrual disorders in an attempt to discuss these remedies from a modern pharmacological point of view. Moreover, we compare the medical applications described by Hippocrates with those utilized by Italian folk medicine to check if they result from a sort of continuity of use by over two thousand years. Results: Out of the 54 plants employed in Italian folk medicine, 25 (46.3%) were already documented in the pharmacopoeia of the Corpus Hippocraticum for treating MD. Subsequently, a detailed search of scientific data banks such as Medline and Scopus was undertaken to uncover recent results concerning bioactivities of the plant extracts to treat MD. About 26% of the plants used by Italian folk medicine, nowadays, have undergone human trials to assess their actual efficacy. At the same time, about 41% of these herbal remedies come back to in different countries. Conclusions: Active principles extracted from plants used by Italian folk healers could be a promising source of knowledge and represent strength candidates for future drug discovery for the management of MD.

Evidence-Based Opinions from Multidisciplinary Experts on Use of Naturopathic Herbal Remedies in Pain Management.

Background: Pharmacological approaches to acute and chronic pain management, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, are respectively associated with adverse reactions (such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal effects) that might limit their use in patients with comorbidities and controversy related to inappropriate use. Naturopathic remedies might offer patients alternative and integrative treatments with minimal side effects. Objective: To explore the regional variation in the acceptance and use of naturopathic remedies in pain management. Methods: Two expert panel discussions were held by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (now Haleon Pte. Ltd.) over 9 and 12 hours in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and attended by multidisciplinary experts in naturopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, community pharmacy, physiotherapy, clinical pharmacy, Western medicine, academics, and naturopathic pain relief. Experts shared and discussed their experiences of naturopathic treatments and relevant clinical evidence related to different types of pain (including joint and muscle pain, migraine, sleeplessness due to pain, and general pain) and examined barriers to providing support to patients. Results: Experts agreed on the potential for curcumin (2020, 71.4% [5/7]; 2021, 91.7% [11/12]) and fish oil (2020, 100% [7/7]) for management of osteoarthritic joint pain although these are not uniformly recommended in osteoarthritis treatment guidelines. In treatment of migraines, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium were favored by experts (2021, 90.9% [10/11] and 63.6% [7/11], respectively). Conclusion: The need was emphasized for more and higher quality clinical studies to support naturopathic remedies, which might not be reflected in the latest treatment guidelines. The expert panel also highlighted missed opportunities for physicians and pharmacists to recommend effective naturopathic treatments.

Unconventional Remedies for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Journey into Alternative Treatments.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and is typically found on sun-exposed skin. Risk factors include ultraviolet radiation exposure, older age, fairer complexion, smoking, and immunosuppression. SCC is a slow-growing tumor with the possibility of metastasis if not treated. The clinical presentation can range from a dry, scaly erythematous patch or plaque to a firm hyperkeratotic papule, plaque, or nodule, depending on the histological type via biopsy. The first-line therapies for SCC removal are standard excision and Mohs microscopic surgery; however, there are novel and alternative non-surgical options being considered for the treatment of SCC. This review summarizes the current guidelines for treating low-risk and high-risk SCC and discusses rare, experimental, and anecdotal non-surgical treatments for SCC in the literature.

An overview of headache treatments during the tenth century.

Although the history of treating headaches spans thousands of years, scientists during the tenth century made unique and significant contributions to understanding, treating, and preventing the development of headaches. In fact, the tenth century saw the ability to differentiate between types of headache and treatments for the first time. This article looks at the contributions of Persian, Anglo-Saxon, and Chinese medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of headaches in the tenth century. It does so with reference to a range of herbal, surgical, and pharmacological methods of treating this ailment. The article also uncovers how tenth-century herbal remedies were effective at explaining the properties of their ingredients in modern terms and concepts including analgesia, anti-inflammation, and antinociception, and explores the way tenth-century treatments relieved painful headaches and prevented their recurrence.

A comprehensive review of antimalarial medicinal plants used by Tanzanians.

CONTEXT: Tanzania has rich medicinal plant (MP) resources, and most rural inhabitants rely on traditional healing practices for their primary healthcare needs. However, available research evidence on antimalarial MPs is highly fragmented in the country. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review compiles ethnomedicinal research evidence on MPs used by Tanzanians as antimalarials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic web search was conducted using various electronic databases and grey materials to gather relevant information on antimalarial MPs utilized by Tanzanians. The review was per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The data were collected from 25 articles, and MS Excel software was used to analyse relevant ethnobotanical information using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 227 MPs belonging to 67 botanical families and 180 genera were identified. Fabaceae (15.9%) is the most frequently utilized family. The ethnobotanical recipes analysis indicated leaves (40%) and trees (44%) are the preferred MPs part and life form, respectively. Decoctions (67%) are the dominant preparation method of remedies. Of the recorded MPs, 25.9% have been scientifically investigated for antimalarial activities with positive results. However, 74.1% of MPs have no scientific records on antimalarial activities, but they could be potential sources of remedies. CONCLUSIONS: The study discloses a wealth of antimalarial MPs possessed by Tanzanians and suggests a need for research to authenticate the healing potential of antimalarial compounds from the unstudied MPs. Additionally, it indicates that some of the presented MPs are potential sources for developing safe, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs.

Rosehip extract and wound healing: A review.

BACKGROUND: Each year, over 100 million patients are afflicted with new scars from medical procedures worldwide. Natural compounds have shown promise in the treatment of scars and skin disorders. Rosehip oil (RO), produced from the pressed fruit of the rosehip (Rosa canina L.) plant, is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. The use of this plant in the treatment of scars has yet to be reviewed. AIMS: This review aims to analyze the current findings on the use of RO in the treatment of postsurgical scars. METHODS: This literature search considered published journal articles (clinical trials or literature reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed and MEDLINE) and reference lists of respective articles. Additional articles were identified through Google Scholar. Only articles available in English were included in this review. RESULTS: There is a scarcity of high-quality studies assessing the therapeutic potential of RO. From the two human clinical trials using RO, there is some evidence to suggest its potential as an active ingredient in topical formulations for the treatment of wounds. Topical treatments containing RO extract may reduce the size and erythema of postsurgical scars through the polarization of macrophages and the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Some evidence suggests that RO may improve postsurgical scars. At present, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of RO for the treatment of wounds. Further investigation is required to establish its therapeutic effects on human skin and its potential use as an ingredient in topical formulations.

South African women's use of African traditional medicine during pregnancy: A scoping review.

In South Africa, about 72% of black South Africans are said to rely on traditional medicine. This contributes to a high prevalence of traditional medicine (TM) used by women during pregnancy, especially in rural areas. This paper explored literature knowledge on the use and reasons of using African traditional medicine in pregnant women who reside in South Africa. This was a scoping review search conducted in October 2021. The search was done with the aid of PubMed, Science Direct, JSTOR and EBSCOHost. This study included only studies on pregnant women's use of traditional African medicine, conducted in South Africa which were published between 2011 and 2021, written in English. Six studies were found to be relevant to the phenomenon. Lack of research and regular health education on the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine during pregnancy is a major cause of traditional medicine induced pregnancy-related complications in South Africa.

En Afrique du Sud, environ 72 % des Sud-Africains noirs auraient recours à la médecine traditionnelle. Cela contribue à une forte prévalence de la médecine traditionnelle (MT) utilisée par les femmes pendant la grossesse, en particulier dans les zones rurales. Cet article a exploré les connaissances documentaires sur l'utilisation et les raisons de l'utilisation de la médecine traditionnelle africaine chez les femmes enceintes résidant en Afrique du Sud. Il s'agit d'une recherche d'examen exploratoire menée en octobre 2021. La recherche a été effectuée avec l'aide de PubMed, Science Direct, JSTOR et EBSCOHost. Cette étude comprenait uniquement des études sur l'utilisation de la médecine traditionnelle africaine par les femmes enceintes, menées en Afrique du Sud et publiées entre 2011 et 2021, rédigées en anglais. Six études se sont révélées pertinentes pour le phénomène. Le manque de recherche et d'éducation sanitaire régulière sur la sécurité et l'efficacité de la médecine traditionnelle pendant la grossesse est une cause majeure des complications liées à la grossesse induites par la médecine traditionnelle en Afrique du Sud.

Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) enhances wakefulness during active periods but facilitates sleep during resting periods in C57BL/6 mice.

The effects of the Eurycoma longifolia (also known as Tongkat Ali [TA]) on sleep and wakefulness was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice. While TA has been used as an aphrodisiac in males, it exhibits various pharmacological effects. The most notable effect observed with TA was wake-enhancement during the second half of the active period, accompanied by significant elevations in core body temperature (CBT). In contrast, sleep was enhanced during the resting period (i.e., increase in rapid eye movement [REM] sleep and delta electroencephalography [EEG] power in non-REM sleep) with significant declines in CBT. The transition of TA's effects between resting and active periods was rapid. The results of the experiments in constant darkness indicate that TA prolongs the circadian tau and that this transition is governed by circadian clock mechanisms rather than light exposure. TA did not demonstrate efficacy in aiding sleep in an acute stress-induced insomnia model; thus, TA may be more suitable as a wake-enhancing agent for daytime sleepiness, as sleep propensity tends to accumulate towards the end of active period. Since TA amplifies the rest-activity pattern, prolongs circadian tau and increases REM sleep, thereby reversing some common symptoms seen in elderly subjects, it may also hold promise as a rejuvenating medicine.

Forced inspiratory suction and swallow tool (FISST): an automation of Valsalva maneuver variants for therapeutic interventions.

INTRODUCTION: The Valsalva maneuver and its modifications have been utilized across several conditions in medicine; however, there have been difficulties in its application. Thus, at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, we designed and patented an affordable and accessible device that mimics Valsalva called "Forced Inspiratory Suction and Swallow Tool (FISST). AREAS COVERED: In this review, we discuss the premise for the design of FISST, based on applications of the law of conservation energy, the continuity equation, and Bernoulli's principle. We then detail the mechanism by which FISST stimulates hiccup cessation by increasing negative inspiratory pressure when drinking through the apparatus, causing diaphragmatic contraction and disruption of the hiccup reflex. We then detail the efficacy and future applications of FISST in addressing other pathologies. EXPERT OPINION: FISST has been used to address hiccups by utilizing its reverse-Valsalva effect to increase parasympathetic stimulation by increasing vagal tone. In a prospective study that we conducted on a cohort of 249 hiccup subjects worldwide, this tool achieved 92% effectiveness. Additionally, several cases, including a published case report, have found FISST successful in terminating supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). FISST may be further utilized in diagnosing or addressing various upper airway pathologies and should be explored further.

Pouring cold water on fake news - a qualitative review of misinformation related to burns first aid.

Health misinformation is pervasive on the internet and social media, and can have wide-ranging and devastating repercussions. Burn injuries are highly prevalent, especially in resource-poor countries with less rigorous health and safety regulations and reduced access to quality healthcare, and especially among the pediatric population who rely on caregivers to tend to their injuries. Correct first aid is crucial to improving burn outcomes and avoiding further complications. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the content of misinformation related to burns online. A literature search was conducted on PubMed using search terms 'burns' OR 'burn injury' OR 'burns trauma' OR 'major burns' AND 'first aid' AND 'conspiracy' OR 'disinformation' OR 'misinformation' OR 'fake news'. Combinations of these terms were searched via Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and PubMed. Key areas of misinformation included unfounded use of 'natural' remedies, injudicious use of antibiotics, omission of key steps of first aid, and errors in specific details of first aid. Clinicians should be aware of misinformation available online related to first aid for burns, be aware that patients presenting with burns may have caused further injury with insufficient first aid or inappropriate home remedies, and lead public health campaigns to educate on the initial emergency management of burns.

Organ wide toxicological assessment of common edible herbs and their mixtures as used in home remedies.

The use of home remedies for medicinal purposes, most of which are edible plants has continued to be a practice in many homes. However, there has been an increasing report of chronic use with lethal effect. Among the commonly used herbal/ medicinal plants were ginger, garlic and lemon. These were seen to be prevalent across continents with brewing and crude extraction being the most means of consumption. This study investigated the organ wide toxicity of this extract following chronic consumption of crude extract. Twenty-five albino Wister rats, five in each group were used for this experiment. Each animal received 0.5ml/kg body weight of either ginger extract, garlic extract, lemon juice, or a mixture of equal volumes of all three extract (v/v) respectively twice daily for seven (7) days. Statistics were represented as ±SE; P≤0.05 was considered significant. Previous studies have shown that moderate consumption of these medicinal plants were beneficial and have shown no deleterious effect. This study observed no change in the weight of the experimental animals. The weight of the animals continued to increase except for the group that received lemon and the mixture, but these were not significant. It was observed that chronic consumption induced organ wide toxicity to include the liver, kidney, intestinal epithelium, stomach, and pancreas. These were shown to alter tissue architecture and the cell morphology. Packed cell volume was reduced in the lemon and the group that received a combination of all extracts (p=o.03). Blood differentials showed changes in levels. An elevated basophil level was observed in ginger and garlic (p<0.0001; p=0.0006). Monocyte levels increased progressively across each group when compared to the control with the most elevated level seen in the group that received the mixture (p<0.0001). Lymphocyte count was reduced across all the groups that received the extract except for animals that received ginger. This study suggests the application of caution among users of these medicinal plants and continues to draw attention to the need for harmonization and standardization of safe use doses.

Use of Traditional Remedies for Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Center in Saudi Arabia.

Patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) are prone to major complications including amputations. Traditional remedies (TR) have been used to treat DFU around the world. This study aims to identify the prevalence of TR among patients with DFU in our local cohort and its effect on DFU. 1408 patients were included in the analysis. Data were collected retrospectively from patients' medical records. DFU characteristics include grading ulcers using the Wagner scale (WG) and infections (cellulitis and osteomyelitis). Ulcer management (UM) includes medical treatment, self-medical treatment, traditional treatment, and medical-traditional treatment. The mean age of the cohort was 60 years (SD = 12.4). The mean duration of diabetes was 18.6 years (SD = 9.3) and the mean duration of open wounds was 206.9 days (SD = 545.6). The majority were males (71%) and had type 2 diabetes (96%, SD = .204). Forty-three percent of patients were treated with TR (29% were self-prescribed and 14% prescribed by a physician) while 48% had medical treatment and 10% were self-treated using medical treatment. More than two-thirds of the cohort had cellulitis and/or osteomyelitis at the time of presentation. The use of traditional treatment was significantly associated with higher WG (WG 4 OR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.338-2.800; WG 5 OR = 2.937, 95% CI:1.614-5.346; P < 0.05). Moreover, osteomyelitis was associated with medical-traditional treatment (OR = 1.608, 95% CI: 1.006-2.572; P < 0.05) and increased wound depth (WG 3 OR = 1.969, 95% CI: 1.193-3.250; WG 4 OR = 1.874, 95% CI: 1.115-3.15; P < 0.05). There is high use of TR for the treatment of DFU in our cohort. High Wagner-grade of foot ulcers and the presence of osteomyelitis were highly associated with DFU. This study showed for the first time the use of traditional potions by medical physicians. Both physicians and patients need to be made aware of the detrimental effects of using traditional methods on DFU.

Review of Phytochemicals Present in Psidium guajava Plant and Its Mechanism of Action on Medicinal Activities.

For centuries, herbal remedies have been employed to address a variety of human ailments, and Psidium guajava Linn (Myrtaceae), commonly known as guava, stands out as a noteworthy medicinal plant with significant pharmacological potential. In India, particularly in rural areas where access to conventional medicines can be limited, the various parts of the Psidium guajava plant, including its leaves, bark, roots, and fruit, have been harnessed for their therapeutic properties to tackle various health issues. Psidium guajava Linn proves to be a valuable repository of essential nutrients along with bioactive compounds such as α-terpineol, ß-caryophyllene (trans-caryophyllene), rutin, α-humulene, oleanolic acid, flavonoids, and quercetin. These components exhibit diverse medicinal activities, encompassing anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bronchitis, anti-proliferative, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic effects. Every facet of the guava plant holds economic significance and is cultivated on a large scale. Taxonomically, Psidium guajava can be classified within the Plantae kingdom, Magnoliophyta division, Magnoliopsida class, Rosidae subclass, Myrtales order, Myrtaceae family, Myrtoideae subfamily, Myrteae tribe, Psidium genus, Guajava species. This adaptability of guava to various soils and environmental conditions facilitates relatively easy cultivation, yielding rapid fruit production. Its widespread cultivation across India is attributed to its manifold commercial applications. To comprehensively comprehend how this plant can effectively address the array of health challenges encountered by the Indian populace, this review delves into its multifaceted therapeutic properties, highlighting its significance in healthcare practices. Ongoing research endeavors by investigators continue to uncover novel medicinal attributes associated with Psidium guajava, enriching our understanding of its potential benefits.

The Use of Fibers, Herbal Medicines and Spices in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome in children involves multiple factors. Thus, treatment options are variable, targeting both diet and the child's and parents' behavior via pharmacological and psychological interventions or neuromodulation. Parents are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative therapies for children with irritable bowel syndrome, especially when other treatments have been tried without relieving the child's symptoms. This paper examines current evidence for the benefits and side effects of herbal remedies and spices in pediatric patients with IBS. The benefits of peppermint oil, STW5, psyllium fiber, Curcuma, ginger, and other herbal medicines are discussed based on findings in the current literature.