Journal of Herbal Medicine最新文献

Ethnobotanical review of antidiarrhoeal medicinal plants used in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa 南非夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省使用的抗腹泻药用植物的民族植物学综述

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-12-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101072

Siyanda Mhlongo , Annah Moteetee , Fidele Tugizimana , Saheed Sabiu

Introduction

Diarrhoea remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among children under five. In the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, traditional medicine is widely used to treat diarrhoeal diseases. Although several plants are used in the province to treat diarrhoea, no comprehensive review synthesising the available literature has been published to date. Therefore, this study aimed to undertake a systematic review of the ethnobotanical knowledge on medicinal plants used traditionally to manage diarrhoea in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Methods

The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were followed. Relevant English-language studies published up to January 2023 were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Theses and dissertations were accessed from the University of Johannesburg repository.

Results

From 65 eligible studies, 67 medicinal plants from 33 families were recorded. Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most represented families (13.43% each). Trees dominated growth forms (42.11%), while leaves (24.78%) and bark (23.89%) were the most used plant parts. Decoctions (76.12%) and infusions (20.89%) were the primary preparation methods, with oral and enema routes as the main administration modes.

Conclusions

This review provides the first province-specific ethnobotanical synthesis of antidiarrhoeal medicinal plants in KwaZulu-Natal. The findings offer a foundation for pharmacological validation, inform conservation efforts, and support the integration of traditional knowledge into evidence-based healthcare strategies.

腹泻仍然是撒哈拉以南非洲的一项重大公共卫生挑战，特别是在五岁以下儿童中。在南非夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省，传统医学被广泛用于治疗腹泻病。虽然该省有几种植物用于治疗腹泻，但迄今为止尚未发表综合现有文献的综合评论。因此，本研究旨在对夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省传统上用于治疗腹泻的药用植物的民族植物学知识进行系统审查。方法采用系统评价和meta分析指南的首选报告项目。截至2023年1月发表的相关英文研究检索自PubMed、ScienceDirect、Web of Science、Scopus和谷歌Scholar。论文和学位论文可从约翰内斯堡大学的知识库访问。结果从符合条件的65项研究中，共记录到33科67种药用植物。以菊科和豆科最具代表性，各占13.43%。以乔木为主（42.11%），以叶（24.78%）和树皮（23.89%）为主。以煎煮（76.12%）和输液（20.89%）为主，口服和灌肠为主要给药方式。结论本综述首次在夸祖鲁-纳塔尔省提供了具有省特异性的抗腹泻药用植物的民族植物学合成。这些发现为药理学验证提供了基础，为保护工作提供了信息，并支持将传统知识整合到循证医疗保健策略中。

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引用次数: 0

Ethnobotanical documentation and usage pattern of medicinal plants in the southern and southeastern foothills of Bhutan 不丹南部和东南部山麓地区药用植物的民族植物学文献和使用模式

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101080

Bimal K. Chetri , Mohan S. Rana , Phuntsho Wangdi , Dorji Penjor , Sudip Mitra , Latha Rangan

Background

Bhutan, located in the Eastern Himalayas and known for its biological richness, has a longstanding tradition of medicinal practices. Despite >600 known medicinal species (∼10% flora), documentation of local knowledge is incomplete, especially in the under-explored southern/southeastern foothills.

Objectives

To systematically document medicinal plants and ethnobotanical knowledge in southern/southeastern Bhutan, analyse usage patterns (parts, preparation, administration, ailments), and compare with the literature.

Methods

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in five districts using semistructured interviews with seven key informants, group discussions, and specimen collection. The Utility Value Index was applied to evaluate the relative importance of species based on reported uses.

Results

A total of 278 medicinal plant species across 90 families were recorded, with over 80% confirmed through field observations. Dominant families included Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae. Herbs (47.1%) were the most common growth form, with leaves and whole plants being the most frequently used parts. Decoctions (23.4%) and poultices (20.5%) were the primary preparation methods, administered orally, externally, or in combination. These remedies addressed common ailments such as fever, pain, diarrhoea, and wounds. Quantitative analysis showed high utility values for key species and distinct plant–ailment associations. Meta-analysis supported traditional uses with phytochemical evidence for selected genera.

Conclusion

This research reveals significant, under-documented ethnobotanical diversity and local knowledge in southern/southeastern Bhutan, while acknowledging limitations requiring broader future sampling. It highlights deep local knowledge. Integrating this knowledge with scientific validation and conservation is essential for sustainable resource utilisation.

不丹位于喜马拉雅山东部，以其丰富的生物资源而闻名，具有悠久的医学传统。尽管有600种已知的药用物种（约10%的植物群），但对当地知识的记录是不完整的，特别是在未开发的南部/东南部山麓。目的系统地记录不丹南部/东南部的药用植物和民族植物学知识，分析使用模式（部位、制备、管理、疾病），并与文献进行比较。方法采用半结构化访谈、小组讨论、标本采集等方法，在全国5个地区开展民族植物学调查。利用效用价值指数（Utility Value Index）对各物种的相对重要性进行评价。结果共记录到药用植物90科278种，其中80%以上通过野外观察确认。优势科包括菊科、紫堇科和豆科。草本植物（47.1%）是最常见的生长形式，叶子和整株植物是最常用的部分。主要制备方法为煎煮（23.4%）和药膏（20.5%），分别为口服、外用和联合使用。这些治疗方法针对发烧、疼痛、腹泻和伤口等常见疾病。定量分析表明，对关键物种和独特的植物病害关联具有很高的利用价值。荟萃分析支持选定属的植物化学证据的传统用途。本研究揭示了不丹南部/东南部重要的、未被充分记录的民族植物学多样性和当地知识，同时承认未来需要更广泛采样的局限性。它突出了深厚的本地知识。将这些知识与科学验证和保护结合起来，对于可持续地利用资源至关重要。

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引用次数: 0

In vitro anticancer and pharmaceutical potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Endostemon viscosus 黏乳叶乙醇提取物的体外抗癌及药理作用

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101081

R. Meena , A. Bharathi , Mansour K. Gatasheh , N. Anis Ahmed , D. Natarajan , B. Ravindran , S. Murugesan

Introduction

Endostemon viscosus (Roth) M. R. Ashby, an endemic member of the Lamiaceae family, is known for its abundance of terpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.

Methods

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and biological potential of its ethanolic leaf extract. Phytochemical constituents were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively, and compounds were characterised using Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectrometry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Antibacterial, antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS), and anti-inflammatory (human red blood cell and albumin denaturation) activities were assessed. Cytotoxicity was tested on A431 (skin cancer) and HEK293 (noncancerous) cell lines using the MTT assay, with apoptosis confirmed by Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. Expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) genes was analysed by RT-qPCR using the 2⁻ΔΔCT method.

Results

The extract contained phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, with total phenolic (4.59 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g), tannin (5.96 ± 0.85 mg GAE/g), and total flavonoid (21.56 ± 0.43 mg RE/g) content. GC-MS revealed 17 compounds, while FTIR identified alcohols, alkanes, aromatics, alkenes, nitro, methyl, and ester/ether functional groups. The extract showed strong activity against S. aureus (13.33 ± 0.33 mm) and E. faecalis (12.66 ± 0.33 mm), potent antioxidant capacity (IC₅₀ = 60 µg/mL DPPH; 25.5 µg/mL ABTS), and anti-inflammatory activity (61.2% and 73.5% inhibition at 750 µg/mL for HRBC and Albumin denaturation assay respectively). Cytotoxicity was selective toward A431 cells (IC₅₀ = 64.36 µg/mL) with 95% HEK293 cell viability. Upregulation of Bax, Bcl-2, and EGFR genes suggested activation of apoptotic and survival pathways.

Conclusion

These results highlight E. viscosus as a promising source of bioactive compounds with anti-skin cancer potential.

粘胶内生植物（endostemon viscosus, Roth） M. R. Ashby是一种Lamiaceae家族的特有植物，以其丰富的萜类、苷类、黄酮类和酚类化合物而闻名。方法评价其叶乙醇提取物的植物化学性质和生物潜力。对植物化学成分进行了定性和定量分析，并用气相色谱-质谱法和傅里叶变换红外光谱法对化合物进行了表征。测定抗菌、抗氧化（DPPH和ABTS）和抗炎（人红细胞和白蛋白变性）活性。采用MTT法检测A431（皮肤癌）和HEK293（非癌）细胞株的细胞毒性，并通过吖啶橙/溴化乙啶染色和DAPI（4′，6-二氨基-2-苯基吲哚）染色证实细胞凋亡。使用2 - ΔΔCT方法，通过RT-qPCR分析Bax、Bcl-2和表皮生长因子受体（EGFR）基因的表达。ResultsThe提取含有酚类、类黄酮、生物碱和单宁、总酚(4.59 ±0.11  mg GAE / g),丹宁(5.96 ±0.85  mg GAE / g),和总类黄酮(21.56 ±0.43  mg RE / g)的内容。GC-MS鉴定出17种化合物，FTIR鉴定出醇、烷烃、芳烃、烯烃、硝基、甲基和酯/醚官能团。提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌表现出强烈的活动(13.33 ±0.33  毫米)和大肠粪(12.66 ±0.33  毫米),强大的抗氧化能力(IC₅₀ = 60 µg / mL DPPH; 25.5 µg / mL abt),和抗炎活动抑制(61.2%和73.5%在750 µg / mL HRBC和白蛋白变性分别测定)。细胞毒性对A431细胞（IC₅₀ = 64.36 µg/mL）具有选择性，HEK293细胞存活率为95%。Bax、Bcl-2和EGFR基因的上调提示凋亡和存活途径的激活。结论粘胶杆菌是一种具有抗皮肤癌潜力的生物活性物质。

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引用次数: 0

Gintonin from Panax ginseng induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells via AMPK signalling pathway 人参Gintonin通过AMPK信号通路诱导HT-29结肠癌细胞凋亡

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101079

Ajay Vijayakumar , BaiCheng Chen , Md Jahangir Alam , Jun Hong Park , Chul Park , Seung-Yeol Nah , Jong-Hoon Kim

Introduction

Therapeutic potential of natural extracts and phytochemicals in anticancer treatment has encouraged extensive research in recent years. In this study, gintonin, a lysophosphatidic acid receptor ligand derived from Panax ginseng, was examined for its cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects on HT-29 human colon cancer cells, with emphasis on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway

Methods

HT-29 cells were treated with various concentrations of gintonin. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated through DNA fragmentation analysis. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were employed to investigate the expression of apoptotic markers, and the role of AMPK signalling was further validated using compound C, a selective AMPK inhibitor.

Results

MTT and DNA fragmentation assays demonstrate that gintonin effectively reduces cell viability and induces apoptosis concentration-dependently, with maximum apoptosis observed above 100 µg/mL. Expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9) was significantly upregulated, while the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2 was markedly downregulated. Additionally, phosphorylation of AMPK, specifically AMPKα, and its downstream substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) was significantly enhanced following gintonin treatment. Pretreatment with compound C suppressed the phosphorylation of AMPK markers and reversed the apoptotic effects, which confirms that the gintonin-induced apoptosis occurs through the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry staining indicated that gintonin effectively promotes apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased fluorescence intensity corresponding to gintonin concentration.

Conclusions

Gintonin promotes AMPK-mediated apoptosis in HT-29 cells, suggesting its anticancer potential. However, further studies using additional cell lines and physiologically relevant concentrations are required to confirm its therapeutic applicability.

近年来，天然提取物和植物化学物质在抗癌治疗中的治疗潜力得到了广泛的研究。本研究研究了从人参中提取的溶血磷脂酸受体配体gintonin对HT-29人结肠癌细胞的细胞毒性和促凋亡作用，重点研究了amp活化蛋白激酶（AMPK）信号通路。MTT法检测细胞活力，DNA片段分析检测细胞凋亡。采用Western blotting和免疫细胞化学方法研究凋亡标志物的表达，并使用化合物C（一种选择性AMPK抑制剂）进一步验证AMPK信号传导的作用。结果smtt和DNA片段化实验表明，gintonin能有效降低细胞活力，诱导细胞凋亡，且与浓度相关，在100 µg/mL以上可观察到最大凋亡。促凋亡蛋白（Bax、cleaved caspase-3和cleaved caspase-9）表达显著上调，抗凋亡蛋白Bcl2表达显著下调。此外，在gintonin处理后，AMPK的磷酸化，特别是AMPKα，及其下游底物乙酰辅酶a羧化酶（ACC）的磷酸化显著增强。化合物C预处理可抑制AMPK标记物磷酸化，逆转细胞凋亡效应，证实了gintonin诱导细胞凋亡是通过AMPK通路发生的。此外，免疫细胞化学染色表明，银tonin有效促进细胞凋亡，荧光强度随银tonin浓度的增加而增加。结论gintonin可促进ampk介导的HT-29细胞凋亡，提示其抗肿瘤作用。然而，需要使用其他细胞系和生理相关浓度的进一步研究来证实其治疗适用性。

{"title":"Gintonin from Panax ginseng induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells via AMPK signalling pathway","authors":"Ajay Vijayakumar , BaiCheng Chen , Md Jahangir Alam , Jun Hong Park , Chul Park , Seung-Yeol Nah , Jong-Hoon Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101079","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101079","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Therapeutic potential of natural extracts and phytochemicals in anticancer treatment has encouraged extensive research in recent years. In this study, gintonin, a lysophosphatidic acid receptor ligand derived from <em>Panax ginseng</em>, was examined for its cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects on HT-29 human colon cancer cells, with emphasis on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>HT-29 cells were treated with various concentrations of gintonin. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated through DNA fragmentation analysis. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were employed to investigate the expression of apoptotic markers, and the role of AMPK signalling was further validated using compound C, a selective AMPK inhibitor.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>MTT and DNA fragmentation assays demonstrate that gintonin effectively reduces cell viability and induces apoptosis concentration-dependently, with maximum apoptosis observed above 100 µg/mL. Expression of proapoptotic proteins (Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9) was significantly upregulated, while the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2 was markedly downregulated. Additionally, phosphorylation of AMPK, specifically AMPKα, and its downstream substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) was significantly enhanced following gintonin treatment. Pretreatment with compound C suppressed the phosphorylation of AMPK markers and reversed the apoptotic effects, which confirms that the gintonin-induced apoptosis occurs through the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry staining indicated that gintonin effectively promotes apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased fluorescence intensity corresponding to gintonin concentration.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Gintonin promotes AMPK-mediated apoptosis in HT-29 cells, suggesting its anticancer potential. However, further studies using additional cell lines and physiologically relevant concentrations are required to confirm its therapeutic applicability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101079"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

PiloKit: a prospective, open-label clinical study for the management of haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and perineal wounds PiloKit：一项前瞻性、开放标签的临床研究，用于痔疮、肛裂和会阴伤口的治疗

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101078

Ashwin Porwal , Paresh Gandhi , Deepak Kulkarni , Gajanan Bhagwat , Pravin Kamble

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 15-day course of PiloKit on symptom severity and symptom-related quality of life in patients with haemorrhoids, fissures, and perineal wounds, compared with placebo and the current standard of care.

Methods

This prospective, open-label, single-centre clinical study included 87 patients with haemorrhoids, fissures, or perineal wounds. Participants were assigned to three groups: placebo (diet + Isabgol + exercise, n = 30), regular treatment (anorectal cream + Daflon + Isabgol, n = 27), and PiloKit (n = 30; PiloSpray 2–3 times daily, PiloTab 1 tablet twice daily, ConstiTab 2 tablets after dinner). Symptom-related quality of life was assessed using patient-reported pain, discomfort, and defecation difficulty on a 1 to 10 Visual Analogue Scale, along with clinical signs including prolapse, oedema, and erythema.

Results

All 87 patients completed the study, and no adverse events were reported. The regular treatment group showed slight improvement, with a significant reduction in sagging/prolapse after 6 and 8 weeks. The PiloKit group demonstrated significant improvement in all symptoms from baseline, including pain, itching, bleeding, constipation, erythema, and oedema (P < 0.05), while the placebo group showed no significant change. PiloKit was well tolerated, and most patients demonstrated clear clinical improvement.

Conclusion

PiloKit significantly improved symptom severity and symptom-related quality-of-life measures without adverse effects. This formulation appears to be a safe, nonsurgical, and effective option for improving comfort and well-being in patients with anorectal disorders.

本研究旨在评估15天疗程的PiloKit对痔疮、裂隙和会阴伤口患者症状严重程度和症状相关生活质量的影响，并与安慰剂和目前的标准护理进行比较。方法本前瞻性、开放标签、单中心临床研究纳入87例痔疮、裂隙或会阴伤口患者。参与者被分为三组：安慰剂组（饮食+伊莎贝尔+运动，n = 30），常规治疗组（肛肠霜+ Daflon +伊莎贝尔，n = 27）和PiloKit组（n = 30； PiloSpray每天2 - 3次，PiloTab 1片每天2次，晚餐后服用ConstiTab 2片）。使用患者报告的疼痛、不适和排便困难（1 - 10视觉模拟量表）以及脱垂、水肿和红斑等临床症状来评估与症状相关的生活质量。结果87例患者全部完成研究，无不良事件发生。常规治疗组表现出轻微的改善，在6周和8周后，下垂/脱垂明显减少。与基线相比，PiloKit组的所有症状均有显著改善，包括疼痛、瘙痒、出血、便秘、红斑和水肿（P < 0.05），而安慰剂组无显著变化。PiloKit耐受性良好，大多数患者表现出明显的临床改善。结论pilokit显著改善了患者的症状严重程度和与症状相关的生活质量指标，无不良反应。这种配方似乎是一种安全，非手术，有效的选择，以改善舒适性和福祉的肛肠疾病患者。

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引用次数: 0

Herbal medicine in the first six months postpartum: a qualitative evidence synthesis of benefits, risks, and implementation challenges 产后前六个月的草药：益处、风险和实施挑战的定性证据综合

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101077

Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani , Nurul Azmi Aprianti , Nadya Fauzia Kusteja , Ela Nurfitriyani , Muhammad Alamsyah Aziz , Bibek Giri , Victor Abiola Adepoju

Background

Herbal medicine is widely used postpartum to aid recovery and lactation. Despite perceived benefits, safety and interaction concerns persist. Stronger evidence is needed to support its safe, culturally sensitive use.

Objective

To synthesise qualitative evidence on why and how postpartum women use herbal medicines and to identify reported benefits, risks, and implementation challenges.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis using the GRADE-CERQual approach. Six databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Health Source/Nursing Academic, Sage Complete) were searched for studies published to June 2025. Eligible studies explored herbal-medicine use among postpartum women and employed qualitative methods. Fifteen studies from 14 countries met the criteria.

Results

Herbal use in the first six weeks after birth is common but highly variable (reported prevalence 48%–97%) and deeply rooted in local traditions. Women most often cited perceived relief of pain, enhanced wound healing, and increased breastmilk production; frequently mentioned plants included ginger, turmeric, katuk, moringa, raspberry leaf, and chamomile. Decisions were shaped by elder advice, cost, and availability. Safety concerns centred on uncertain dosage, contamination, and potential interactions with prescribed uterotonics or antibiotics. Few studies reported guidance from trained health professionals, and regulatory oversight was minimal. Confidence in these findings ranged from high (motives and perceived benefits) to low (exact prevalence rates).

Conclusion

Postpartum women perceive clear advantages from herbal remedies, but qualitative evidence on clinical effectiveness and safety remains limited. Culturally sensitive counselling, routine enquiry about herb use, and pharmacovigilance systems are needed while more rigorous research clarifies benefits and risks.

产后广泛使用草药来帮助恢复和哺乳。尽管有明显的好处，但安全性和相互作用问题仍然存在。需要更有力的证据来支持其安全、具有文化敏感性的使用。目的综合产后妇女使用草药的原因和方式的定性证据，并确定报告的益处、风险和实施挑战。方法采用GRADE-CERQual方法进行定性证据综合。检索了六个数据库（CINAHL、PubMed、PsycINFO、EMBASE、Health Source/Nursing Academic、Sage Complete），检索了截至2025年6月发表的研究。合格的研究探讨了产后妇女使用草药的情况，并采用定性方法。来自14个国家的15项研究符合标准。结果在出生后的前6周使用保乳是常见的，但差异很大（报告患病率为48%-97%），并深深植根于当地传统。女性最常提到的是疼痛减轻，伤口愈合加快，母乳产量增加；经常提到的植物包括生姜、姜黄、木香、辣木、覆盆子叶和洋甘菊。决策是由长辈的建议、成本和可用性决定的。安全性问题集中在剂量不确定、污染以及与处方子宫强直剂或抗生素的潜在相互作用。很少有研究报告来自训练有素的卫生专业人员的指导，监管监督也很少。对这些发现的信心从高（动机和感知的利益）到低（确切的患病率）不等。结论产后妇女认识到草药治疗的明显优势，但临床有效性和安全性的定性证据仍然有限。在更严格的研究澄清益处和风险的同时，需要对文化敏感的咨询、对草药使用的常规询问和药物警戒系统。

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引用次数: 0

An insight into pharmacy users’ habits of using herbal products in Serbia: a cross-sectional study 洞察药房用户使用草药产品的习惯在塞尔维亚：一项横断面研究

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101075

Aleksandar M. Jovanović , Jelena M. Kukić-Marković , Jelena D. Stefanović-Vojinović , Milica M. Drobac

Introduction

Medicinal plants have long been used to treat diseases, and their use in herbal products is increasingly popular, especially for self-medication. This paper aims to assess the prevalence of herbal product use among pharmacy users in Serbia, as well as the motives and awareness regarding their use.

Methods

A quantitative, nonexperimental survey research was conducted in community pharmacies across Serbia, involving 2208 respondents. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential techniques (Chi-square test and binary logistic regression).

Results

Nearly all pharmacy users (97.5%) use various herbal products. They most often use them as needed (39.7%), while 22.8% use them frequently, and a similar proportion use them infrequently (17.9%) or daily (17.1%). The most common motive for their use is to improve health (76.0%). Over half of the respondents (58.4%) reported purchasing herbal products from pharmacies. Additionally, 73.1% of respondents consistently received advice on the use of herbal products from pharmacists. The primary sources of information about herbal products were pharmacists (44.6%) and then the media (22.8%). Most respondents (58.6%) believe herbal products are safe but have some side effects, whereas 30.0% believe herbal products are completely free of side effects. Almost half of the respondents believe herbal products are as effective or more effective than synthetic medicines.

Conclusion

Strengthening pharmacists’ role in counselling, developing pharmacy-based strategies, enforcing regulations, promoting pharmacy-based access, and providing pharmacist-led education, together with collaboration among healthcare professionals, regulators, and the media, is essential to ensure safe and informed use of herbal products.

药用植物长期以来一直被用来治疗疾病，它们在草药产品中的使用越来越受欢迎，特别是用于自我治疗。本文旨在评估草药产品在塞尔维亚药房用户中使用的流行程度，以及他们使用的动机和意识。方法采用定量、非实验的调查研究方法，在塞尔维亚各地的社区药房进行调查，涉及2208名受访者。使用描述性统计（频率、百分比）和推理技术（卡方检验和二元逻辑回归）对数据进行分析。结果几乎所有药房用户（97.5%）都在使用各种草药产品。他们最常在需要时使用（39.7%），而22.8%经常使用，而类似比例的人不经常使用（17.9%）或每天使用（17.1%）。最常见的使用动机是改善健康（76.0%）。超过一半的受访者（58.4%）报告从药店购买草药产品。此外，73.1%的受访者始终从药剂师那里获得有关使用草药产品的建议。中草药产品信息的主要来源是药师（44.6%），其次是媒体（22.8%）。大多数受访者（58.6%）认为草药产品是安全的，但有一些副作用，而30.0%的受访者认为草药产品完全没有副作用。几乎一半的受访者认为草药产品与合成药物一样有效或更有效。结论加强药师在咨询、制定以药学为基础的战略、执行法规、促进以药学为基础的获取、提供药师主导的教育以及卫生保健专业人员、监管机构和媒体之间的合作等方面的作用，对于确保安全和知情地使用草药产品至关重要。

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引用次数: 0

An approach to treat bacterial vaginosis using Gulnār (Punica granatum L) vaginal suppository: a randomised, double-blind, standard-controlled trial 使用Gulnār阴道栓剂治疗细菌性阴道病：一项随机、双盲、标准对照试验

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101074

Aniya Afaq Khan , Ismath Shameem , Hamiduddin

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age group. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Gulnār (Punica granatum Linn) with metronidazole in BV.

Methods

A prospective, two-arm, double-blind, allocation-concealed randomised (1:1) controlled study was conducted at the National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bengaluru. Diagnosed cases of BV (n = 58) of age 18 to 45 years were randomly allocated to either the test or control group. The participants in the test group received a Gulnār (3 g) suppository per vaginally at bedtime and an oral placebo tablet thrice daily, while participants in the control group received oral metronidazole 400 mg tablet thrice daily with a placebo suppository per vaginum at bedtime for seven days. Patients were followed on day 14 to assess improvement in Amsel and Nugent scores.

Results

Improvement in Nugent score was achieved in 62.1% and 72.4% of participants in the test and control groups, respectively. Whereas, improvement in the Amsel score was achieved in 65.5% and 82.8% of participants in the test and control groups, respectively. Though there was no significant difference between the two groups on inter-group comparison in Nugent (P = 0.58) and Amsel score (P = 0.23), the result was significant on intra-group comparison.

Conclusion

Present findings suggest that the Gulnār suppository showed comparable trends to oral metronidazole in improving Amsel and Nugent scores in BV. Therefore, Gulnār is a safe alternative to metronidazole for those seeking herbal treatment for BV.

背景细菌性阴道病（BV）是育龄妇女阴道分泌物最常见的原因。本研究旨在评价和比较Gulnār （Punica granatum Linn）与甲硝唑治疗BV的疗效。方法在班加罗尔国立乌纳尼医学院进行了一项前瞻性、双臂、双盲、分配隐藏随机对照研究。年龄在18 ~ 45岁的BV确诊病例（n = 58例）随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组受试者在睡前每次阴道服用Gulnār（3 g）栓剂，并口服安慰剂片，每日3次；对照组受试者在睡前服用甲硝唑400 mg口服甲硝唑片，每日3次，每次阴道服用安慰剂栓剂，连续7天。第14天对患者进行随访，评估Amsel和Nugent评分的改善情况。结果实验组和对照组Nugent评分分别有62.1%和72.4%的被试提高。然而，实验组和对照组中分别有65.5%和82.8%的参与者的Amsel得分有所提高。两组患者Nugent评分（P = 0.58）和Amsel评分（P = 0.23）组间比较差异无统计学意义，但组内比较差异有统计学意义。结论Gulnār栓剂在改善BV Amsel和Nugent评分方面与口服甲硝唑具有可比性。因此，对于那些寻求细菌性阴道炎草药治疗的人来说，Gulnār是甲硝唑的安全替代品。

{"title":"An approach to treat bacterial vaginosis using Gulnār (Punica granatum L) vaginal suppository: a randomised, double-blind, standard-controlled trial","authors":"Aniya Afaq Khan , Ismath Shameem , Hamiduddin","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age group. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of <em>Gulnār</em> (<em>Punica granatum</em> Linn) with metronidazole in BV.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective, two-arm, double-blind, allocation-concealed randomised (1:1) controlled study was conducted at the National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bengaluru. Diagnosed cases of BV (n = 58) of age 18 to 45 years were randomly allocated to either the test or control group. The participants in the test group received a <em>Gulnār</em> (3 g) suppository per vaginally at bedtime and an oral placebo tablet thrice daily, while participants in the control group received oral metronidazole 400 mg tablet thrice daily with a placebo suppository per vaginum at bedtime for seven days. Patients were followed on day 14 to assess improvement in Amsel and Nugent scores.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Improvement in Nugent score was achieved in 62.1% and 72.4% of participants in the test and control groups, respectively. Whereas, improvement in the Amsel score was achieved in 65.5% and 82.8% of participants in the test and control groups, respectively. Though there was no significant difference between the two groups on inter-group comparison in Nugent (<em>P</em> = 0.58) and Amsel score (<em>P</em> = 0.23), the result was significant on intra-group comparison.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Present findings suggest that the Gulnār suppository showed comparable trends to oral metronidazole in improving Amsel and Nugent scores in BV. Therefore, <em>Gulnār</em> is a safe alternative to metronidazole for those seeking herbal treatment for BV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 101074"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Ameliorative effect of 1,8-cineole-rich Melaleuca citrina essential oil on LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages: experimental and computational studies 富含1,8-桉叶酚的柑橘千层精油对lps诱导的RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症和氧化应激的改善作用：实验和计算研究

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101076

Thadiyan Parambil Ijinu , Divakaran Chandramathi Deepthi , Maheswari Priya Rani , Narendran Sasthakumar , Sreejith Pongillyathundi Sasidharan , Neenthamadathil Mohandas Krishnakumar

Introduction

Melaleuca citrina (Myrtaceae) is traditionally used to treat inflammation, digestive disorders, respiratory diseases, arthritis, pain, and infections. This study evaluated the effects of M. citrina essential oil (MCEO) on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages using experimental and computational approaches.

Methods

MCEO components were identified via GC-MS. Cytotoxicity by MTT assay in RAW264.7 cells determined an IC₅₀ of MCEO as 26.89 μg/mL. The effects of MCEO (6.5, 13, and 26 μg/mL) and diclofenac on inflammatory mediators (COX, 5-LOX, MPO, iNOS, and NO) were assessed biochemically, whereas cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were evaluated using ELISA. The antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GSH, MDA, and total protein) were measured spectrophotometrically. ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were analysed using DCFDA and flow cytometry, respectively. Molecular docking was performed to examine the interactions between major MCEO components and inflammatory markers.

Results

MCEO reduced the viability of macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 26 µg/mL, MCEO and diclofenac significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. MCEO improved the antioxidant status by increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and total protein while reducing the MDA levels. MCEO also mitigated oxidative stress by lowering ROS and preserving mitochondrial membrane potential. Molecular docking confirmed strong interactions between the major MCEO components and inflammatory proteins, supporting the in vitro findings.

Conclusion

MCEO effectively alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, validating its traditional use in inflammatory conditions.

黄千层树（桃金娘科）传统上用于治疗炎症、消化系统疾病、呼吸系统疾病、关节炎、疼痛和感染。本研究通过实验和计算方法，评估了黄皮草精油（MCEO）对脂多糖诱导的RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症和氧化应激的影响。方法采用气相色谱-质谱法对smceo成分进行鉴定。MTT法测定MCEO对RAW264.7细胞的IC50为26.89 μg/mL。采用生化法评价MCEO（6.5、13、26 μg/mL）和双氯芬酸对炎症介质（COX、5-LOX、MPO、iNOS、NO）的影响，ELISA法评价细胞因子（IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α）的影响。分光光度法测定抗氧化指标（SOD、CAT、GSH- px、GSH、MDA和总蛋白）。分别用DCFDA和流式细胞术分析ROS水平和线粒体膜电位。进行分子对接以检查主要MCEO成分与炎症标志物之间的相互作用。结果smceo降低巨噬细胞活力呈剂量依赖性。浓度为26 µg/mL时，MCEO和双氯芬酸显著降低炎症介质和细胞因子水平。MCEO通过提高SOD、CAT、GSH-Px和总蛋白水平，降低MDA水平来改善抗氧化状态。MCEO还通过降低ROS和保持线粒体膜电位来减轻氧化应激。分子对接证实了MCEO主要成分与炎症蛋白之间的强相互作用，支持了体外研究结果。结论mceo能有效缓解脂多糖诱导的炎症和氧化应激，证实了其在炎症条件下的传统应用。

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引用次数: 0

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Management of Serum Sex Hormones of Females With Precocious Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 中药对性早熟女性血清性激素的管理：系统综述和荟萃分析

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Pub Date : 2025-11-08 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101073

Jing-han Huang , Xin-yu Wu , Rui Zhao , Xiao-yan Huang , Xin-xin Ren

Introduction

Traditional Chinese Medicine is used as an adjunctive or alternative therapy for precocious puberty (PP), but its effects on serum sex hormones remain uncertain. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on regulating serum sex hormones, including luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol in females with PP.

Methods

Five electronic databases were queried, including Medline, WOS, Scopus, CNKI, Wan-fang Database, and CBM were searched from inception up to April 2024 for randomised controlled trials comparing CHM as an adjuvant or alternative treatment compared to GnRHa. Two reviewers independently examined studies, retrieved data, and evaluated the risk of bias. The meta-analysis was conducted utilising Stata 19.0 software.

Results

Our findings indicated that the combination of CHM and GnRHa substantially reduced serum follicle-stimulating hormone level (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −2.04% CI [−2.66, −1.43]), serum luteinizing hormone level (SMD = −1.76% CI [−2.41, −1.10]), and serum level of estradiol (SMD = −1.67% CI [−3.01, −0.33], I² = 99%). Nevertheless, CHM therapy without combination with GnRHa was not efficacious for regulating any of the sex hormones, as compared to GnRHa.

Conclusion

This study showed that CHM seems to be efficacious as an adjuvant therapy with large reductions in serum sex hormone concentrations compared with GnRHa alone in females with PP, but findings are limited by very high heterogeneity and concerns about the study’s risk of bias. Further high-quality, well-reported randomised controlled trials are needed.

中药被用作性早熟（PP）的辅助或替代疗法，但其对血清性激素的影响尚不确定。本荟萃分析旨在评价中草药（CHM）对ppp女性血清性激素（黄体生成素、促卵泡激素和雌二醇）的调节作用。方法检索Medline、WOS、Scopus、中国知网（CNKI）、万方数据库（wanfang Database）和CBM等5个电子数据库，检索自成立至2024年4月，比较中草药与GnRHa作为辅助或替代治疗的随机对照试验。两位审稿人独立审查了研究，检索了数据，并评估了偏倚风险。meta分析采用Stata 19.0软件进行。结果CHM联合GnRHa显著降低了血清促卵泡激素水平（标准化平均差[SMD] = −2.04% CI[−2.66,−1.43]）、血清促黄体激素水平（SMD = −1.76% CI[−2.41,−1.10]）和血清雌二醇水平（SMD = −1.67% CI[−3.01,−0.33],I2 = 99%）。然而，与GnRHa相比，不联合GnRHa的CHM治疗对调节任何性激素都没有效果。结论：本研究表明，CHM作为一种辅助治疗似乎是有效的，与单独使用GnRHa相比，CHM可以显著降低PP女性的血清性激素浓度，但研究结果受到非常高的异质性和对研究偏倚风险的担忧的限制。需要进一步开展高质量、报告良好的随机对照试验。

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引用次数: 0