Journal of Herbal Medicine最新文献

Introduction

Mikania laevigata Sch. Bip. ex Baker (Asteraceae), popularly known as ‘guaco,’ is a medicinal plant widely used to treat cough in Brazil and South America. Although it is marketed with this indication, no clinical evidence supports its effectiveness in treating cough. This study aimed to assess the self-reported effect of a M laevigata syrup in treating acute cough in adults and children.

Methods

An online/telephone-based survey was conducted in 1 309 adult and paediatric patients who received M laevigata syrup for acute cough in Jardinópolis (São Paulo, Brazil) in 2021 and 2022. Seventy-six responses were received (5.8% of those eligible). The frequency, intensity, and impact of coughing on sleep were assessed using a numeric scale (0–10 points) and compared before and after treatment using a paired non-parametric test.

Results

The participants used M laevigata syrup primarily for COVID-19 and discomfort caused by coughing. They reported intense frequency (median 8 [range 3, 10]), intensity (10 [2, 10]), and impact of coughing on sleep (10 [0, 10]) before treatment, and significant improvements in these three characteristics after treatment (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). They also reported a quick onset effect (11%), but a few patients complained about a taste that was too sweet or unpalatable (7%).

Conclusions

Adults and children using M laevigata syrup reported significant improvements in frequency, intensity, and impact of coughing on sleep. Besides, these patients highlighted the quick effect onset and the excellent tolerability.

Introduction

This study provides an overview of the systematic reviews on the efficacy of Matricaria recutita in the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing oncological treatments in the head and neck region.

Methods

Searches were conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards and registered in Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021272283). The quality of the studies was analysed through the evaluation of Glenny scale and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR 2).

Results

Initially, 3,416 studies were evaluated for relevance, leading to the inclusion of 12 systematic reviews that specifically addressed the efficacy of M. recutita for the prevention and treatment of OM in oncological settings. Quantitatively, 75% of the systematic reviews were rated as high quality based on the Glenny Scale, indicating robust methodological design. However, a contrasting perspective from the AMSTAR 2 assessment highlighted that only one of these reviews (8.33%) met the criteria for high methodological quality. This discrepancy suggests significant variability in the quality assurance measures applied across the studies. The effectiveness of M recutita from potentially beneficial to inconclusive, with the majority suggesting that while the herb shows promise as a treatment option, the existing evidence is not sufficiently robust and is marked by considerable conflict due to methodological limitations and variability in study outcomes.

Discussion/Conclusions

The research underscores the need for additional randomized clinical trials to confirm the potential benefits of M. recutita in managing OM in managing OM.

Introduction

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in global healthcare, providing a source of natural compounds for treating various diseases, including those resistant to conventional drugs. Typhoid fever remains a significant public health burden, particularly in low-income regions, causing widespread morbidity and mortality due to inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. This study systematically reviews medicinal plants' role in treating Typhoid fever in Nigeria.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) yielded 249 references, ultimately narrowing it down to 122 studies that met our inclusion criteria.

Results

We found 232 plant species from 66 families used ethnobotanically to treat typhoid fever in Nigeria. Mangifera indica, Carica papaya, and Azadirachta indica were the most frequently used plants. Fabaceae was the most prevalent family. Leaves are primarily used (47.9 %). Decoction (38.7 %) is the preferred preparation method. A comprehensive 62-study review found anti-salmonella activity in 81 plant species. The Fabaceae family, the most commonly used to treat typhoid fever, have anti-salmonella properties. Cajanus cajan, Euphorbia hirta and Phyllanthus niruri show promising activity (MIC value ≤ 0.5 mg/ml), indicating potential for natural anti-salmonella drugs of natural origin.

Conclusions

With insufficient research on many plants, this study highlights Nigeria’s flora as rich in ethnomedicinal knowledge and potential for treating typhoid fever. Traditional claims and bioactive components responsible for antisalmonella action need further study. The wide diversity of medicinal plants for typhoid fever highlights the need for additional research and validation.

Introduction

Since ancient practice to modern medicine, the use of medicinal plant therapies remains in prominence. In general, health-related infirmities in the tribal communities are a consequence of their social pattern and traditions of treating diseases. Leucorrhoea is one of the common genital tract symptoms among women and its complications lead to cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory diseases. Several plant species have been documented for the treatment of leucorrhoea globally. Therefore, it is crucial to unmask the cytotoxic capabilities of the plant species being employed in order to determine the presence of significant bioactive components.

Methods

To address the insufficient scientific information on antileucorrheal plants in Odisha, India, we conducted this ethnobotanical review aims to contribute significantly by assessing traditional knowledge, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of selected medicinal plants. This endeavour holds the potential to enrich our understanding in addressing leucorrhoea providing valuable insights that bridge traditional practices with contemporary perspectives on herbal remedies.

Results

The research findings emphasise that, among the 55 distinct medicinal plant species examined, herbs (45%) and trees (38%) are the most prevalent types. The research findings highlight that roots and leaves emerge as the two plant components with the highest efficacy for creating natural remedies. However, further research is required to validate these claims and explore potential side effects.

Conclusions

This review would possibly serve as a foundation in revealing the active principles or secondary metabolites from the selected plant species to be developed as a new therapeutic target research for curing leucorrhoea and associated cancer.

Introduction

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is famous for its diverse nutritional and medicinal properties. This study thoroughly explored the nutritional-nutraceutical composition of garlic, assessed its phytochemical potential, and evaluated its drug likeness through a comprehensive literature search.

Methods

Through an extensive literature review, we compiled data on garlic's nutritional and nutraceutical composition, highlighting key compounds such as allicin, diallyl sulphides, and other phytochemicals. We also reviewed preclinical and clinical studies, focusing on antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and anticancer potential. Furthermore, we assessed the drug likeness of garlic phytochemicals. Remarkably, no prior systematic review has comprehensively covered these aspects of garlic despite its extensive research history.

Results

Garlic has emerged as a nutritional powerhouse that contains abundant essential nutrients and a diverse range of bioactive phytochemicals. Preclinical investigations revealed the potential of garlic to combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal cell growth, indicating its potential for treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Clinical trials further substantiated the positive impact of garlic on lipid profiles, blood pressure regulation, immune enhancement, and cancer risk reduction. Notably, garlic-derived compounds displayed drug-like characteristics according to established criteria, suggesting their suitability for pharmaceutical development and optimisation.

Conclusions

This all-encompassing study underscores the importance of continuing research to unlock garlic's therapeutic potential for the enhancement and development of novel pharmaceutical agents. The nutritional richness and multifaceted medicinal properties of garlic, combined with the drug-likeness of its phytochemicals, offer a compelling case for further exploration and application in the realm of health improvement.

Introduction

Postpartum depression can significantly impact mothers' health, quality of life, and child growth and development. The present study aims to determine the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena Mill. in relieving the symptoms of postpartum depression and improving sleep quality in primiparous women.

Methods

This study is a 1:1 randomised controlled trial. The study included 74 women aged 20–35 who had given birth and were admitted to the postnatal wards of hospitals in Babol City in 2020–2022. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive R damascena or distilled water (placebo) using permuted block randomisation. In both groups, depression and sleep quality were assessed 24 hours, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after delivery. Participants completed a demographic characteristics checklist, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Independent t-tests, chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and repeated measures statistical tests were used.

Results

The mean age of mothers was 26.82 ± 5.15 years. The mean scores of postpartum depression in the two groups at three-time points showed no significant difference. However, the depression scores decreased over time in both groups. In the analysis of overall sleep quality scores, the time irrespective of groups improved the sleep quality. However, the interaction was not significant. The group effect was not significant, and based on the partial eta square value (η²), there was a small effect (η² = 0.03).

Conclusions

A three-time assessment of postpartum depression and sleep quality revealed no significant difference between the aromatherapy and control groups.

Introduction

Withania coagulans (also known as Indian ginseng) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for purposes such as purification of blood, eradication of muscle wasting, prevention of failure to thrive in children, management of insomnia and exhaustion, and treatment of liver failure and diabetes mellitus. Despite increasing interest in these applications, a holistic overview of its medicinal value is lacking, and the underlying pharmacological basis remains to be examined.

Methods

This study dissected extensive phytochemical and pharmacological information collected from international databases as well as local literature. Keywords related to medicinal uses, chemical compositions, and biological activities of W. coagulans were used for the bibliography search. Data were collected primarily from the last decade and used to build a systematic framework of its therapeutic potentials.

Results

To highlight the therapeutic significance of W. coagulans, an evidence-based framework of biological activities is built to delineate its pharmacological properties, which are cross-checked against its medicinal uses and phytochemical constituents. In particular, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, reproductive system regulatory, and anthelmintic activities are outlined with emphasis on their therapeutic relevance to the plant. Several bioactive compounds, including withanolides (steroidal lactones), are identified as likely contributors to these activities, thereby supporting its medicinal value.

Conclusions

The bioactivity framework built for W. coagulans, along with the critical interpretations of its phytochemical and pharmacological information in this study, provides a solid basis for its medicinal applications and offers insight into next phase of experimental and therapeutic discoveries.

Introduction

It has been demonstrated that the essential oil (EO) of Eruca sativa seeds could be potentially used as an antiseptic agent. However, the application of EOs is restricted because of their chemical instability and volatility. Encapsulation in liposomes is an efficient technique for the protection of the oils.

Methods

The EO of the seeds was obtained using the hydro-distillation method. Liposomal formulation of the oil was prepared using thin layer method.

Results

GC/MS analysis indicated that erucin (1-isothiocyanato-4-methylsulfanylbutane) was the main compound of the oil, accounting for 88.86%. The prepared oil-loaded liposomes had more negative zeta potential (−17.13 mV) compared with the empty liposomes (−9.26 mV), indicating the higher stability of the liposomal oil. SEM imaging confirmed that the encapsulation of the oil does not cause any distortion in the structure of the liposomes, in comparison to the oil-free liposomes. The seed oil showed antimicrobial activities at 20 μg/ml (against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Escherichia coli) and 80 μg/ml (against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia), while the minimum inhibitory concentration values of the liposomal EO were 160 μg/ml against E faecalis, 80 μg/ml against P aeruginosa and K pneumonia, and 20 μg/ml against S aureus, E aerogenes, and E coli.

Conclusions

Antibacterial experiments revealed that the EO of Eruca sativa seeds maintained its antibacterial effect after loading into the liposomes. Moreover, encapsulation in liposomes could improve the sustainability of the oil and increased the bioavailability of its active chemical compounds.

Introduction

Gastroesophageal reflux disease poses a common challenge in digestive health, with some patients experiencing suboptimal responses to conventional Western medicine. Liujunzi decoction (LJZD), a traditional Chinese medicine classic formula, widely employed for gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia, lacks sufficient evidence-based support for its clinical efficacy. Therefore, this study compared the safety and efficacy of LJZD and proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux using meta analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive search of online databases for published clinical trials was carried out up to February 2024. The research selection, gathering of data, quality evaluation, and data analysis techniques were all guided by Cochrane guidelines. Key outcome measures comprised the total clinical response rate (TCE), recurrence rate, frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale.

Results

Nineteen randomised controlled trials involving 1 941 patients were incorporated into this systematic review and meta analysis. Liujunzi decoction exhibited significantly superior overall efficacy compared to the proton pump inhibitors group, with a higher TCE (OR = 4.04, 95% CI 2.79–5.84, P < 0.001). Treatment with LJZD reduced recurrence rates, and no notable distinctions were observed in frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale. Combining LJZD with Western medicine notably ameliorated gastroesophageal reflux symptoms compared to Western medicine alone.

Conclusions

Liujunzi decoction, whether used alone or in combination with Western medicine, is a safe and effective treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRED).

Introduction

There are numerous skin diseases and frequently occurring health problems that affect all ages, from neonates to the elderly, and in many ways cause harm. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. It is also suitable for raw materials or the production of new synthetic drugs.

The present study was aimed at carrying out an ethnobotanical investigation of polyherbal formulations traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections in the Ibadan metropolis.

Methods

A comprehensive ethnobotanical survey was carried out in six local government areas within the Ibadan metropolis of Oyo State, Nigeria, where a substantial number of respondents were administered questionnaires. Information on the respondents' socioeconomic status, the types of plants utilised in polyherbal medicine, and the preparation and skill-acquisition techniques of the local herbal practitioners were all gathered. The generated data were subjected to descriptive statistics analysis.

Results

The obtained results showed that Daniella oliveri, Olax subcorpioidea, Khaya grandifolia, Piper guineensis, Anogesius leocarpa, and Alstonia boonei are the most often utilised herbs for treating skin infections. Barks are mainly used because the highest occurring mode of preparation recorded was decoction, and barks are mostly decocted to release the active constituents in them for the treatment of fungal skin infections. The most common method of administration of the herbal preparations was drinking the decoction after preparation.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that polyherbal medicines have great potential in treating various types of skin infections and a few rural and urban dwellers still depend on traditional healing methods.