European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introdution

Method

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Herbal supplements are popular among athletes, yet research on their types, purposes, and information sources is limited, particularly for Palestinian soccer players. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the types of herbal supplements used by young soccer athletes in the West Bank, their purposes, and the sources of information influencing their use. Understanding these aspects is crucial for safely and effectively integrating traditional remedies into modern sports nutrition.

Methods

In 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study with young soccer athletes in the West Bank. We utilized a validated survey to collect data on the types of herbal supplements, their preparation methods, and information sources. We analyzed the data for frequencies and use values (UV).

Results

Out of 165 invited athletes, 155 participated, with 144 confirming their current use of herbal supplements. The participants, aged 18–25 (mean age 20.34), employed a variety of preparation and consumption methods. Information sources comprised traditional knowledge, advice from herbalists ("Attar" in Arabic), and online trends. Herbs that enhance physical endurance and stamina had the highest UV of 3.93, highlighting their critical importance. Herbs for joint and muscle pain and central nervous system stimulation had UV of 2.28 and 2.10, respectively, reflecting their significant roles. Antistress and anabolic herbs had UVs of 1.28 and 1.21, respectively. The total UV of 10.81 indicates a substantial use of herbal supplements. We recorded 1,675 recommendations, with the primary uses being: enhancing physical endurance and strength (36.36 %), reducing joint and muscle pain (21.13 %), acting as a CNS stimulant (19.46 %), alleviating stress (11.82 %), and providing testosterone-like effects (11.22 %). The top 10 herbs were ginseng (7.46 %), small nettle (6.99 %), olive (6.63 %), date (5.85 %), chili pepper (5.43 %), green tea (5.19 %), fenugreek (4.84 %), soy (4.24 %), coffee (4.24 %), and mate (4.12 %), collectively accounting for about 55 % of all recommendations.

Conclusion

This study identifies the top 10 herbs used by soccer athletes, as well as their role in modern sports nutrition. Future research should evaluate their effectiveness and safety, focusing on herbs like date and small nettle. Educating athletes on the proper use and risks of herbal supplements is essential.

Introduction

Stem cells have gained attention for their potential as a promising approach for generating neurotrophins and advancing cell-based therapies for retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma. This study aimed to explore how adlay seed extract impacts the gene expression of key components within the neuroprotection pathway (NGF, TRKB, MAPK, PI3K) in human nasal orbital adipocytes mesenchymal stem cells (OAMSCs).

Methods

Nasal OAMSCs, with a density of 10⁶ cells/ 10 cm², were subjected to a 24-hour exposure to adlay seed extracts (namely the methanolic (MeOH) and residual (Res) fractions at a concentration of 1 mg/ml). The control group received an identical medium without the extract at the same time and under the same circumstances. We measured the relative expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), tyrosine receptor kinase B (TRKB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the treated cells versus the control group using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Our data revealed that both the MeOH and Res extracts of adlay seed led to a significant upregulation of NGF in nasal OAMSCs. MeOH extract also led to the overexpression of TRKB (the gene coding for BDNF receptor) in OAMSCs, while the other genes understudy, were not altered.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted initial documentation of the stimulating impact of adlay extract on the transcriptional level of neurotrophin NGF and the TRKB in nasal OAMSCs. We also showed that the extraction method could significantly affect the molecular-level properties of adlay. This preliminary study can pave the ground for future advancements in the treatment of retinal neurodegenerative disorders and glaucoma.

Introduction

Xerostomia is a symptom that affects quality of life and may lead to malnutrition. While artificial saliva is used as a lubricant for the oral cavity, it rarely stimulates saliva secretion. The objective of this study was to develop a herbal artificial saliva (HAS) that could stimulate saliva secretion and be safe for human consumption.

Methods

Three HAS formulations were prepared with 0.3 % Cuminum cyminum extract and 0.05 %, 0.10 %, and 0.15 % Zingiber officinale extract (HAS0.05, HAS 0.10, and HAS0.15, respectively). In vivo skin and oral mucosal irritation tests were used to evaluate the safety of HAS0.15. Additionally, the preliminary efficacy and safety of the three HAS formulations were investigated in 21 healthy volunteers. The sample was sprayed into the oral cavity under the left and right sides of the tongue. Thirty minutes after spraying, the amount of saliva was assessed using a visual analogue scale and a Schirmer strip. In addition, dry mouth symptoms, the saliva pH, and adverse reactions were assessed before and after testing.

Results

HAS0.15 caused minimal skin irritation and did not alter the epithelium or other structures of the oral mucosa. The saliva quantity after using HAS0.10 and HAS0.15 was significantly higher than prior to testing (p < 0.05). None of the formulations induced mucositis or adverse reactions.

Conclusion

This study was successful in the development of a new HAS that stimulated saliva secretion and was safe for humans. However, this study is preliminary: Further clinical investigation in patients with hyposalivation will confirm the efficacy of this novel HAS. This novel HAS may be an alternative treatment for the elderly and patients with hyposalivation.

Introduction

Parkinsonia praecox is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases; however, the antibacterial and anticancer properties from its bark have not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and chemical study of methanolic extract of Parkinsonia praecox bark (PpBM).

Methods

The PpBM antibacterial activity was determined against pathogen strains using the broth microdilution method, the cytotoxic effect was assessed on cancerous (HepG2, SKOV-3 and HeLa) and non-cancerous (J774A.1 and HaCaT) cells using the crystal violet assay, the in vitro hemotoxicity was evaluated using the hemolysis assay on human erythrocytes and the identification of major compounds derived from PpBM was performed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and 2D NMR experiments.

Results

PpBM (2000 µg/mL) demonstrated antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, a potential breakthrough in the fight against this pathogen. PpBM decreased cell viability of HepG2 liver cancer cells (IC₅₀, 104.56 µg/mL) with a selectivity index of 1.38 regarding J774A.1 macrophages and 2.04 to HaCaT keratinocytes, suggesting a selective anticancer potential. On the other hand, PpBM did not cause hemolysis to high concentrations (1000 µg/mL) or alterations in the morphology of human erythrocytes at doses lower than 200 µg/mL. For the first time, lupenone, germanicone, 3-oxo-oleanane-18-en-28-ol, and combretol were identified in P. praecox. PpBM showed antibacterial, selective anticancer, and non-hemotoxic properties. These activities may be related to the major compounds, such as lupenone.

Conclusion

P. praecox bark is a new option for obtaining bioactive compounds, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion