Factors Influencing Demand for Medical Cannabis Use among Cancer Patients in the North of Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer treatments often cause side effects. Cannabis is a plant that has been studied and used to treat and relieve side effects from modern medicine. Medical cannabis (MC) was legalized in Thailand in 2019 with limited research on demand for its use. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with demand for MC use among cancer patients in the North of Thailand. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study administered a multistage random sampling to recruit 1,284 cancer patients in northern Thailand to response a self-administered structured questionnaire. Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was used to identify the determinants of demand for MC use among the population, presented adjusted odds ratios (adj.OR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and p-values. RESULT: Nearly half of the respondents reported demand to use MC (44.0%). The factors that were significantly associated with demand to use MC included had high levels of health literacy about MC (adj.OR = 5.70; 95% CI: 4.08 to 7.96), higher levels of social support (adj.OR =5.50; 95% CI: 3.60 to 8.39), positive attitudes toward MC use (adj.OR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.83 to 3.56), aged less than 30 (adj.OR =1.89; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.93), diagnosis with cancerfor more than 12 months ago (adj.OR =1.73; 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.52) when controlling effect of other covariates. CONCLUSION: We found substantial demand for MC use among cancer patients. Health literacy,social support, attitudes about MC, age, and duration of having cancer were significantly associated with demand for MC use. Therefore, improving health literacy and social support, especially among older cancer patients, could help increasing demand for MC as a complementary medicine to treat cancers.

Herbal Supplements for Common Women's Health Issues.

The use of alternative therapies for health problems specific to women is increasing. As many as 67% of women admit to using complementary therapies of some kind, including supplements, chiropractic intervention, acupuncture, and acupressure. Many women turn to herbal supplements because they think that pharmacologic interventions are unsafe or not effective. Current literature provides conflicting information regarding many complementary and alternative therapies, including herbal supplements. Although most are not harmful, it is important to review the safety and efficacy of supplements for women's health issues.

Plantas que curan y descolonialidad. prácticas cotidianas comunitarias de las mujeres, en Montes de Maria / Plantas que curam e decolonialidade. práticas cotidianas comunitárias das mulheres, em Montes de Maria / Plants that cure and decoloniality: practices of everyday life communitary of women, in Montes de Maria

RESUMEN. El artículo parte de las reflexiones de la investigación de Doctorado Grupalidad curadora. Descolonialidad de saberes-prácticas campesinas y afroindígenas en Montes de María (Caribe colombiano); interesada, desde una perspectiva descolonial, por aquellos saberes para curar que fueron excluidos por la ciencia moderna y colonial, silenciando el potencial que entraña la comunidad. Nos centramos en las prácticas cotidianas como curar con plantas que utilizan las mujeres campesinas en las comunidades San Francisco, Medellín y Villa Colombia (Ovejas-Sucre). Las herramientas y técnicas fueron el mapeo de saberes y prácticas comunitarias, entrevistas colectivas, observaciones y recorridos comunitarios por las veredas y las huertas; también el diario de campo, como herramienta de apoyo para el registro y la descripción. El método de análisis cualitativo de la información, privilegió el punto de vista de la experiencia de las mujeres. Los aportes descoloniales orientaron nuestras reflexiones y el análisis del material de campo sobre los saberes y prácticas de cura. En el conocimiento silenciado que reside en las prácticas cotidianas de las mujeres campesinas estarían las claves para curar los dolores de la guerra en los territorios colombianos; lo que justifica una reflexión y un aprendizaje para la academia, en particular, para la Psicología Comunitaria.

RESUMO. O artigo parte das reflexões de pesquisa de doutorado Grupalidade Curadora. Descolonialidade dos saberes-práticas camponesas e afroindígenas em Montes de Maria (Caribe colombiano), interessada, a partir de uma perspectiva descolonial, esses saberes para curar que foram excluídos pela ciência moderna e colonial, silenciando o potencial envolvido na comunidade. Focalizamos as práticas cotidianas como curar com plantas usadas pelas mulheres camponesas nas comunidades San Francisco, Medellín e Villa Colombia (Ovejas-Sucre). As ferramentas e técnicas eram mapeamento de saberes e práticas comunitárias, entrevistas coletivas, observações e visitas comunitárias pelos caminhos e hortas; também o diário de campo, como ferramenta de apoio ao registro e descrição. O método de análise qualitativa da informação privilegiou o ponto de vista e a experiência das mulheres. Aportes descoloniais orientaram nossas reflexões e a análise do material de campo sobre os saberes e práticas de cura. No conhecimento silenciado que reside nas práticas cotidianas, haveria as chaves para curar as dores da guerra nos territórios colombianos; o que justifica uma reflexão e um aprendizado para a academia, em especial, para a Psicologia Comunitária.

ABSTRACT. This article originates from the PhD research Groupality curator: Decoloniality of peasant and afro-indigenous knowledge/practices in Montes de Maria (Colombian Caribbean); from a decolonial perspective, it is interested on the knowledge of cure that were excluded by modern/colonial science. Ando as a consequence, it has silenced the potential of the community. The central point of our study are the practices of everyday life related to cure with medicinal plants that are employed by peasant women in the communities of San Francisco, Medellin and Villa Colombia (Ovejas-Sucre). The tools and techniques we used were mapping community knowledge and practices, collective interviews, observations, trips along the countryside roads and vegetable gardens, and, finally, a field diary—as support tool for registration and description. The method of qualitative analysis of information privileges the point of view and experience of woman. The decolonial contributions enabled us to direct our reflections and analyses of the field material toward knowledge and practices of cura. In the silenced knowledge that resides in the practices of everyday life of peasant women would be the keys to heal the pains of war in the Colombian territories; which justifies a reflection and learning for the academy, in particular, for Community Psychology.

What motivates medical students to learn about traditional medicine? A qualitative study of cultural safety in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored motivation dynamics of medical students engaging with traditional medicine in Colombia. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study as part of a larger participatory research effort to develop a medical education curriculum on cultural safety. Four final-year medical students participated in a five-month program to strengthen knowledge of traditional medicinal plants with schoolchildren in Cota, a municipality outside Bogota with a high proportion of traditional medicine users. Students and schoolteachers co-designed the program aimed to promote the involvement of school children with traditional medicine in their community. The medical students shared written narratives describing what facilitated their work and discussed experiences in a group session. Inductive thematic analysis of the narratives and discussion derived categories of motivation to learn about traditional medicine. RESULTS: Five key learning dynamics emerged from the analysis: (1) learning from/with communities as opposed to training them; (2) ownership of medical education as a result of co-designing the exercise; (3) rigorous academic contents of the program; (4) lack of cultural safety training in university; and (5) previous contacts with traditional knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: We identified potential principles for engaged cultural safety training for medical students. We will use these in our larger training program. Our results may be relevant to other researchers and medical educators wanting to improve the interaction of medical health professionals in multicultural settings with people and communities who use traditional medicine. We expect these professionals will be better prepared to recognize and address intercultural challenges in their clinical practice.

Prevalence and Factors Influencing Use of Herbal Medicines During Pregnancy in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of herbal medicine use is a global public health concern. Critically, many women continue to use herbal medicines during pregnancy despite potential maternofetal risks. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with herbal medicine use during pregnancy in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2017. An Arabic-language 33-item survey assessing herbal medicine use was designed and distributed to 879 random women attending outpatient clinics at governmental and private hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Only women who were pregnant or had been pregnant in the previous 10 years were included. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 29.5 years, with 49% under 30 years old. Overall, 33% of the respondents claimed to have used herbal medicines during pregnancy. The most common reasons for doing so were to improve lactation (73%), improve the course of the pregnancy (56%) and facilitate labour (49%). Women who worked full-time and those with high school diplomas or above were significantly more likely to use herbal medicines during pregnancy (P <0.001 each). CONCLUSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to determine the prevalence and associated factors of herbal medicine use during pregnancy in Hail. The results showed a high prevalence of herbal medicine use among pregnant women in the region. Healthcare providers should therefore ensure that patients disclose the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy to avoid treatment complications or adverse herb-drug interactions.

The use of herbal medicines amongst outpatients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State - Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In Africa, particularly Nigeria, there is an increasing interest in natural product remedies with a basic approach towards nature. This research studies the prevalence of use, pattern of use and awareness of outpatients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria on the use of herbal medicines. METHODOLOGY: Based on an informed consent, semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a total of 112 outpatients attending different outpatient clinics of the hospital about the use of herbs. This sample size was derived from the Kish formula. Data obtained were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics software V23 and inferences made accordingly. RESULTS: All (100.00%) of the outpatients were familiar with herbal medicines, 67.86% had used herbal medicines in the past and 25.00% were currently taking herbal medicines as at the time of study. It was also found that 54.35% of the respondents use herbal medicines in no specific dose, 47.83% use the herbs with various additives, and 39.13% take their herbs concurrently with orthodox medicines. A total of 13.73% of the respondents prefer to use herbs when sick and another 35.29% prefer a combination of herbs and orthodox medicines. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patient-respondents prefer to include herbal medicines in their therapies. It is concerning that over one-third of the respondents concomitantly use herbal and orthodox medicines, some others use the herbs inappropriately. More efforts should be geared towards ensuring general improved use of herbal medicines.

Cervical cancer prevention among quilombola women in the light of Leininger's theory. / Prevenção do câncer do colo uterino de quilombolas à luz da teoria de Leininger.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to discuss practices of cervical cancer prevention among Quilombola Women. METHOD This study used, in 2014, a qualitative research approach aiming twenty women from a quilombola community (people who live in quilombos, descendants of Afro-Brazilian slaves), which is located in Bahia. A semi-structured interview was developed by researchers in order to collect data. The Ethno-nursing Research method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS The use of cultural care through medicinal plants, and the nursing professional care (Pap Smear exam procedure) were stated by Quilombola women as serving as prevention practices against cervical cancer. However, most women stated that they did not use any prevention practices. CONCLUSION Social, cultural and health access issues are practices that are linked to the cervical cancer prevention among Quilombola Women. Therefore, it is indispensable to create an appropriate care plan for Quilombola women's reality.

Why people use herbal medicine: insights from a focus-group study in Germany.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbal medicine, as one element of complementary and alternative medicine, is increasing worldwide. Little is known about the reasons for and factors associated with its use. This study derives insights for the use of herbal medicine in Germany regarding the usage aims, role played by the type of illness, reasons for preferred usage and sources of information. METHODS: Using a qualitative methodological approach, six focus groups (n = 46) were conducted. Two groups with young, middle-aged and elderly participants, respectively. After audiotaping and verbatim transcription, the data were analysed with a qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: We found that treating illnesses was the most frequently discussed aim for using herbal medicine over all age groups. Preventing illnesses and promoting health were less frequently mentioned overall, but were important for elderly people. Discussions on herbal medicine were associated with either mild/moderate diseases or using herbal medicine as a starting treatment before applying conventional medicine. In this context, participants emphasized the limits of herbal medicine for severe illnesses. Dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, past good experiences, positive aspects associated with herbal medicine, as well as family traditions were the most commonly-mentioned reasons why herbal medicine was preferred as treatment. Concerning information sources, independent reading and family traditions were found to be equally or even more important than consulting medicinal experts. CONCLUSIONS: Although herbal medicine is used mostly for treating mild to moderate illnesses and participants were aware of its limits, the combination of self-medication, non-expert consultation and missing risk awareness of herbal medicine is potentially harmful. This is particularly relevant for elderly users as, even though they appeared to be more aware of health-related issues, they generally use more medicine compared to younger ones. In light of our finding that dissatisfaction with conventional medicine was the most important reason for a preferred use of herbal medicine, government bodies, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies need to be aware of this problem and should aim to establish a certain level of awareness among users concerning this issue.

Prevenção do câncer do colo uterino de quilombolas à luz da teoria de Leininger / Prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino de quilombolas a la luz de la teoría de Leininger / Cervical cancer prevention among quilombola women in the light of Leininger's theory

Resumo OBJETIVO Discutir as práticas de prevenção do câncer do colo do útero de mulheres quilombolas. MÉTODO Estudo qualitativo, realizado em 2014 com vinte mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola, localizada na Bahia. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e analisados através da etnoenfermagem. RESULTADOS As quilombolas apontaram como práticas preventivas para o câncer do colo uterino o cuidado cultural, através do uso de plantas medicinais, e o cuidado profissional, caracterizado pela realização do Papanicolau. Contudo, uma maioria de mulheres não realizavam prevenção. CONCLUSÃO Questões de ordem social, cultural e de acesso relacionam-se com as práticas preventivas para o câncer do colo uterino de quilombolas. Assim, torna-se imprescindível um planejamento de cuidados congruentes com a realidade dessas mulheres.

Resumen OBJETIVO Discutir las prácticas de prevención del cáncer de cuello de útero de mujeres quilombolas. MÉTODO Estudio cualitativo, realizado en 2014 con veinte mujeres de una comunidad quilombola, localizada en Bahía. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevista semiestructurada y analizados a través de la etnoenfermería. RESULTADOS Las quilombolas apuntaron como prácticas preventivas para el cáncer de cuello uterino el cuidado cultural a través del uso de plantas medicinales y el cuidado profesional, caracterizado por la realización del Papanicolau. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las mujeres no realizaron prevención. CONCLUSIÓN Cuestiones de orden social, cultural y de acceso se relaciona con las prácticas preventivas para el cáncer de cuello uterino de quilombolas. Así que se torna imprescindible un planeamiento de cuidados congruentes con la realidad de esas mujeres.

Abstract OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to discuss practices of cervical cancer prevention among Quilombola Women. METHOD This study used, in 2014, a qualitative research approach aiming twenty women from a quilombola community (people who live in quilombos, descendants of Afro-Brazilian slaves), which is located in Bahia. A semi-structured interview was developed by researchers in order to collect data. The Ethno-nursing Research method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS The use of cultural care through medicinal plants, and the nursing professional care (Pap Smear exam procedure) were stated by Quilombola women as serving as prevention practices against cervical cancer. However, most women stated that they did not use any prevention practices. CONCLUSION Social, cultural and health access issues are practices that are linked to the cervical cancer prevention among Quilombola Women. Therefore, it is indispensable to create an appropriate care plan for Quilombola women's reality.

Integrating herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare in Ghana: clients' acceptability, perceptions and disclosure of use.

BACKGROUND: Although there are current efforts to integrate herbal medicine (HM) into mainstream healthcare in Ghana, there is paucity of empirical evidence on the acceptability and concurrent use of HM, in the formal health facilities in Ghana. This study sought to determine client perception, disclosure and acceptability of integrating herbal medicine in mainstream healthcare in Kumasi, Ghana. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August, 2015. Five hundred patients presenting at the outpatient departments of Kumasi South, Suntreso and Tafo Government Hospitals in Kumasi were randomly selected. Interviews were conducted with the use of structured questionnaires. A logistic regression analysis, using backward selection, was conducted to determine the influence of socio-demographic and facility related factors on the odds of using HM at the facility. All statistical tests were two-sided and considered significant at a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS: Majority of the study respondents were females (64.8%) and the median age was 36 years. Less than half, 42.2%, of the respondents utilized HM services when they visited the health facility. Reasons for using HM at the facility level included 'being effective' (24.4%), 'easy to access' (25.3%) and 'being comparatively cheaper' (16%). About 86% never disclosed previous use of HM to their health care providers. Socio-economic status and perception of service provision influenced use of herbal medicines. Respondents who rated themselves wealthy had increased odds of using herbal medicines at the health facility as compared to those who rated themselves poor (OR = 4.9; 95%CI = 1.6-15.3). CONCLUSION: This study shows that integration of herbal medicine is feasible and herbal medicines may be generally accepted as a formal source of healthcare in Ghana. The results of this study might serve as a basis for improvement and upscale of the herbal medicine integration programme in Ghana.

Medicinal plants profile used by the 3rd District population of Maceió-AL / Perfil de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população do 3º Distrito Sanitário de Maceió-AL

Abstract Herein the use of medicinal plants by the population of the 3rd Sanitary District of Maceió-AL city is reported. Transversal description was conducted from February 2013 to January 2014, with a sample of 116 individuals of both Gender Genders aged over 18 years. The ethnobotanical information interviews ethnobotanical information were obtained through semi - structured questionnaire featuring the use of medicinal plants and social and economical data. Descriptive statistics was applied for quantitative variables as mean and standard deviation and proportions for qualitative variables in the frequency table format. The results showed that 85.34% of the interviewees used plants for medicinal purposes. As the majority of these were (73.28%) females in the age group between 30-60 years of old. Among a total of 45 identified plant species, the highest use frequency were for Boldus Peumus (bilberry), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and Mentha piperita (mint). The most widely used plant foliage part was (53.53%) prepared as an infusion (55.5%). The use of medicinal plants in Maceió cityis widespread, highlighting the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge for the study of medicinal plants.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o perfil de utilização de plantas medicinais dos indivíduos residentes no 3º Distrito Sanitário do município de Maceió, Alagoas. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo de caráter transversal que foi realizado no período de fevereiro de 2013 a janeiro de 2014, com amostra de 116 indivíduos, maiores de 18 anos de ambos os gêneros. As informações etnobotânicas foram obtidas através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas realizadas por meio de questionário semiestruturado para traçar o perfil de utilização de plantas medicinais e dados socioeconômicos e demográficos dos entrevistados. A estatística descritiva foi aplicada para as variáveis quantitativas na forma de média e desvio padrão e proporções para variáveis qualitativas no formato de tabelas de frequência. Os resultados evidenciaram que 85,34% dos entrevistados utilizavam plantas para finalidades medicinais. Sendo a maioria destes, (73,28%) do Gênero feminino estando na faixa etária de 30 a 60 anos de idade. De um total de 45 espécies vegetais identificadas, as de maior frequência de utilização foram o Peumus boldus (boldo), a Melissa officinalis (erva-cidreira) e a Menta piperita (hortelã). A parte mais utilizada das plantas foi às folhas (53,53%) sendo ainda esta preparada sob forma de infusão (55,5%). A utilização de plantas medicinais no município de Maceió, Alagoas é bastante difundida, reforçando a importância de estudos etnobotânicos a fim de trabalhar com o resgate do conhecimento popular aliado a literatura científica.

Medicinal plants profile used by the 3rd District population of Maceió-AL.

Herein the use of medicinal plants by the population of the 3rd Sanitary District of Maceió-AL city is reported. Transversal description was conducted from February 2013 to January 2014, with a sample of 116 individuals of both Gender Genders aged over 18 years. The ethnobotanical information interviews ethnobotanical information were obtained through semi - structured questionnaire featuring the use of medicinal plants and social and economical data. Descriptive statistics was applied for quantitative variables as mean and standard deviation and proportions for qualitative variables in the frequency table format. The results showed that 85.34% of the interviewees used plants for medicinal purposes. As the majority of these were (73.28%) females in the age group between 30-60 years of old. Among a total of 45 identified plant species, the highest use frequency were for Boldus Peumus (bilberry), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), and Mentha piperita (mint). The most widely used plant foliage part was (53.53%) prepared as an infusion (55.5%). The use of medicinal plants in Maceió cityis widespread, highlighting the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge for the study of medicinal plants.

Predictors of positive opinion about Bach Flower Remedies in adults from three Latin-American countries: An exploratory study.

The current study aimed to determine if positive opinions about BFR interacts with spirituality in adults from three Latin-American countries using a CHAID algorithm. Participants were 703 adults from Cuba (n = 319), Costa Rica (n = 252) and Chile (n = 132). PREDICTORS: demographic data, received information, received treatment, spirituality, dispositional optimism and willingness to use a placebo intervention were measured and analyzed. A supervised classification which included a training phase (n = 423) and a test phase (n = 280) was employed. Received information about BFR, spirituality and education were selected as significant predictors of the positive opinion about BFR (>90% of correct classifications).

The role of traditional and faith healers in the treatment of dementia in Tanzania and the potential for collaboration with allopathic healthcare services.

Background: Low diagnostic rates are a barrier to improving care for the growing number of people with dementia in sub-Saharan Africa. Many people with dementia are thought to visit traditional healers (THs) and Christian faith healers (FHs) and these groups may have a role in identifying people with dementia. We aimed to explore the practice and attitudes of these healers regarding dementia in rural Tanzania and investigate attitudes of their patients and their patients' carers. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in Hai district, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of THs and FHs and a purposive-stratified sample of people with dementia and their carers. Interview guides were devised which included case vignettes. Transcripts of interviews were subject to thematic analysis. Findings: Eleven THs, 10 FHs, 18 people with dementia and 17 carers were recruited. Three themes emerged: (i) conceptualisation of dementia by healers as a normal part of the ageing process and no recognition of dementia as a specific condition; (ii) people with dementia and carer reasons for seeking help and experiences of treatment and the role of prayers, plants and witchcraft in diagnosis and treatment; (iii) willingness to collaborate with allopathic healthcare services. FHs and people with dementia expressed concerns about any collaboration with THs. Conclusions: Although THs and FHs do not appear to view dementia as a specific disease, they may provide a means of identifying people with dementia in this setting.

Avaliação psicofarmacológica do óleo essencial de Piper amplum / Psychopharmacology analysis of essential oil Piper amplum

Espécies do gênero Piper são utilizadas na medicina popular e carecem de validação farmacológica. Estudos científicos com a espécie Piper amplum são concentrados principalmente nos efeitos antimicrobianos e pouco se sabe sobre suas ações sobre o sistema nervoso central (SNC), apesar da planta ser utilizada de forma etnofarmacológica em processos neurológicos. Portanto, para avaliar os efeitos sobre o SNC, o óleo essencial obtido de Piper amplum (OEPA) (50, 100, 150 mg/kg, v.o.) foi administrado em camundongos fêmeas Swiss (25-30 g/ n=8-10 animais) e 60 minutos após os mesmos foram submetidos a testes de: depressão (teste do nado forçado, TNF), deambulação motora (campo aberto, TCA e Rotarod), convulsão e hipnose. Grupos controle-positivo (fármacos usados na terapêutica) e negativo (veículo no qual o OEPA foi dissolvido) foram utilizados nas mesmas condições experimentais. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com OEPA não afetou a deambulação e atividade exploratória dos animais no TCA, assim como não afetou o sistema motor no Rotarod. Não foram detectados efeitos anticonvulsivante, hipnótico e ansiolítico do OEPA, entretanto, verificou-se atividade antidepressiva no TNF nas doses testadas. Diante dos efeitos do OEPA sobre o SNC, pode-se considerar o mesmo como alvo potencial para maiores estudos relacionados a atividade antidepressiva.(AU)

Species of the genus Piper used are in folk medicine and need pharmacological validation. Scientific studies with Piper amplum species are mainly concentrated on antimicrobial effects, little known is about their actions on the central nervous system (CNS), although the plant is ethnopharmacological used in neurological processes. Therefore, to evaluate the effects on the CNS, the essential oil obtained from Piper amplum (OEPA) (50, 100-150 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered in Swiss female mice (25-30 g/ n=8-10 animals) and 60 minutes after, the same were submitted to tests: depression forced swimming test, FST), motor ambulation (open field, OFT and Rotarod), seizure and hypnosis. Control-positive (drugs used in therapy) and negative (vehicle in which OEPA was dissolved) control groups were used under the same experimental conditions. The results showed that OEPA treatment did not affect the ambulation and exploratory activity of the animals in the OFT, and did not it affect the motor system in Rotarod. No anticonvulsive, hypnotic and anxiolytic effects of OEPA detected were, however, antidepressant activity in TNF at all doses tested. In view of the effects demonstrated by the OEPA on the CNS, it be can considered the same as a potential target for further studies related to antidepressant activity.(AU)

Attitudes to cannabis and patterns of use among Canadians with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Canada has the highest incidence of MS worldwide. Anecdotal evidence reveals that people with MS smoke, ingest or vaporize cannabis for a multiplicity of reasons. With the legal situation in relation to use currently in flux, we undertook a study investigating patterns of use amongst people with MS and their attitudes towards the drug. METHODS: A consecutive sample of people with MS (n=246) attending a neurology (n=118) and a neuropsychiatry (n=107) clinic was enrolled and asked to complete a questionnaire containing demographic, disease and cannabis related variables. RESULTS: Of the 246 people approached, 225 (91.8%) agreed to participant. Attitude towards cannabis revealed that 122 (54.3%) participants approved of the drug while 75 (33.2%) were neutral. Legalization was endorsed by 98 (43.7%) participants, while 98 (43.7%) were in favour of legalization for medical use only. Current use was endorsed by 44 (19.5%) people with 125 (56.1%) reporting lifetime use. If cannabis were legal, 113 (50.2%) participants would use it. The most common symptoms for which cannabis was being used were: sleep (86%), pain (75%), anxiety (73%) and spasticity (68%). Participants attending the neuropsychiatry clinic were more likely to use cannabis for managing depression (χ2=4.99; p=0.03) and pain (χ2=3.85; p=0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a wide acceptance of cannabis within the MS patient community. One in five people currently use the drug for reasons that differ between neuropsychiatry and neurology clinics. Use could potentially more than double if the drug were legalized.

'The child that tiire doesn't give you, God won't give you either.' The role of Rotheca myricoides in Somali fertility practices.

The paper introduces the Baanashada Dumarka, a Somali fertility therapy carried out by a spirit medium, known locally as 'Alaqad. Baanashada is aimed at women whose fertility issues are believed to be caused by spirits. The study also explores a component of the Baanashada, namely, the use of tiire (Rotheca myricoides), or the butterfly bush. Although Rotheca myricoides is known to possess a number of medicinal components as confirmed by studies of modern science, so far, there exist no studies on its potential (or lack of) fertility effects. Hence, the alleged fertility benefits of the butterfly bush need examining. In 2008 a British Somali woman died of herbs placed in her cervix by a traditional healer in Somaliland. This piece of information indicated not only the role of herbal medicine in fertility practices, but also the popularity of traditional reproductive medicine beyond border, class or educational background. Yet, current research into Somali women's health focuses mainly on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), examined often without the context of wider cultural practices. This paper, however, suggests that rituals, beliefs and material culture play a paramount role in women's practices. For example, as explored elsewhere, the wagar, a wooden and sacred object made of the African olive, is critical for fertility practices. The current paper illuminates further the significance of reproduction practices in Somali society and the potential continuity of traditions associated with the perpetuation of kinship. It concludes that fertility rituals are part of a wider context of interaction with sacred landscapes, objects and archaeological sites, often associated with past legends in the Horn of Africa.

Factors determining the use of hormonal therapy and phytotherapy in Spanish postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To identify women's sociodemographic and variables related to health care with the prescription of hormonal therapy (HT) and phytotherapy (PT) in Spanish postmenopausal women. METHOD: The survey consisted of a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based investigation and was conducted among 3022 postmenopausal women. RESULTS: Of all the women, 31.8% reported the use of systemic HT or PT sometime in their lives. Hot flushes and information received about menopause were the most important variables that influence HT and PT use, although far more intense symptoms were observed in those who were inclined to use HT. The use of HT or PT was more frequently reported among women with high levels of education, who came from private clinics and lived in urban areas. Women who had primary ovarian insufficiency or surgical menopause were inclined to use HT. CONCLUSION: Hot flushes and information received about menopause are the most important variables that influence HT and PT use.

[MEDICAL CANNABIS].

The cannabis plant has been known to humanity for centuries as a remedy for pain, diarrhea and inflammation. Current research is inspecting the use of cannabis for many diseases, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dystonia, and chronic pain. In inflammatory conditions cannabinoids improve pain in rheumatoid arthritis and:pain and diarrhea in Crohn's disease. Despite their therapeutic potential, cannabinoids are not free of side effects including psychosis, anxiety, paranoia, dependence and abuse. Controlled clinical studies investigating the therapeutic potential of cannabis are few and small, whereas pressure for expanding cannabis use is increasing. Currently, as long as cannabis is classified as an illicit drug and until further controlled studies are performed, the use of medical cannabis should be limited to patients who failed conventional better established treatment.

Use of herbal remedies by multiple sclerosis patients: a nation-wide survey in Italy.

Though recent progress in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is remarkable, numerous unmet needs remain to be addressed often inducing patients to look for complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), especially herbal remedies (HR). HR use, scarcely investigated in MS, may cause adverse reactions (AR) and interfere with conventional treatment. We performed a survey aimed at evaluating use and attitudes towards HR and factor associated to HR use. Other CAM use and attitudes have been investigated as well. Multiple-choice questionnaires were distributed to MS out patients attending 14 Italian referral Centers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify HR use determinants. Present/past HR use for either MS or other diseases was reported in 35.6 % of 2419 cases (95 % CI 36.0-40.0 %). CAM use was reported in 42.5 % of cases. Independent predictors of HR use were represented by higher education, geographic area, dissatisfaction with conventional treatment of diseases other than MS and benefit perception from CAM use. Both HR and CAM use were not always disclosed to the healthcare professional. In conclusion, HR and other CAM appear to be popular among MS patients. The involvement of the healthcare professionals appears to be scarce with potential risk of AR or interference with conventional treatments.