Comparative study of the antifungal activity of sequential extracts of Fuchsia lycioides against Candida sp.

The genus Fuchsia is generally used in herbal preparations to treat conditions caused by microorganisms. Based on the popular use of this type of plants, the objective of this study was to obtain sequential extracts of increasing polarity from the branches of Fuchsia lycioides by maceration at room temperature and by the Soxhlet method at 60ºC, to later evaluate the antifungal capacity of the extracts against different clinical isolates of the Candida genus. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong anti-fungal activity, selectively inhibiting C. albicans strains with MIC and CMF values of 10 and 15 µg/mL, respectively; comparable with the drug itraconazole®. The analysis of the extract by GC-MS showed a high concentration of terpenoids (mainly phytol) and phenylpropanoids (mainly cinnamic acid), possibly responsible for the antifungal activity of the ethyl acetate extract of F. lycioides.

Flavonoids in Benign Prostate Hypertrophy: Identification in Herbal Preparations and Molecular Docking Approach

The benefits of phytotherapy in Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are of interest where they may lack side effects at long-term therapy. Through plant-derived preparations are Saw palmetto and Pumpkin seed oil. Evidence suggests that fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and flavonoids are the active components responsible for alleviating BPH symptoms. Flavonoids are reported to inhibit BPH through different mechanisms. Reducing inflammation and lowering reactive oxygen species are amongst the proposed mechanisms. In vitro studies highlighted the role of flavonoids in 5-alpha reductase II (5ARII) inhibitory activity. In this study, herbal preparations known to treat BPH were subjected to LC/MS/MS analysis integrated with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to identify the content of flavonoids. A molecular docking study was conducted on the assigned flavonoids to predict the binding mode and interaction with the targeted 3D- crystal structure of the human 5ARII enzyme. Results showed the existence of seven flavonoids and a polyphenol compound. Sakuranetin, Isorhamnetin, and Chlorogenic acid were not reported before. Molecular docking outcomes revealed that Astragalin, Isoquercitrin, Quercetin, and Chlorogenic acid have similar binding affinity to the reference Finasteride compound. These findings suggest flavonoids as potent potential inhibitors of 5ARII and could proceed to in vitro investigations.

Observation on the Efficacy of Shouhui Tongbian Capsule in the Treatment of Functional Constipation and Study on Its Regulatory Effect on Intestinal Flora

Functional constipation is relatively common in both adults and children, exhibiting similar symptoms. However, there are significant differences in the epidemiology, symptomatology, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, and treatment management of functional constipation by age. The treatment of functional constipation is generally based on lifestyle interventions, pelvic floor interventions, and pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological treatment is popular as the most direct and effective modality, especially the herbal preparations (e.g., Shouhui Tongbian capsule), which are popular for their lower toxic side effects and less physiological reactions. In our clinical study, patients with functional constipation who took Shouhui Tongbian capsules for a longer period of time showed significantly better improvement than those who took them for a shorter period of time ( P < 0.001 ). Relative to the duration of the disease, the improvement effect was higher in patients with short duration of the disease than in patients with long duration of the disease ( P < 0.001 ). What’s more, Shouhui Tongbian capsule had a regulating effect on intestinal flora, and the regulating effect was stronger in patients with a shorter disease duration.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-HISTAMINIC ACTIVITY OF KASANKUSHA RASA IN GUINEA PIGS

Many formulations in Rasashastra textbooks are indicated for allergic conditions like Bronchial Asthma. Ra- saushadhis are more effective than herbal preparations owing to their infinite shelf life, lower dose, faster action and palatability1. Kasankusha rasa is a Kharaliya preparation indicated in various conditions of Shwasa and Kasa as per the reference of Rasa Yoga Sagara2 which is composed of Hingula, Maricha, Mustha, Vatsanabha and Tankana. It is chosen for the present study, focusing on its Anti-Histaminic effect. Instead of using Kajjali which is a tedious procedure to prepare as in other formulations, this yoga contains ShuddhaHingula thus easing the pro- cedure. Hence, an attempt is made to validate the classical indications of the formulation to the current bio- medicine scenario. Keywords: Kasankusha rasa, Rasashastra, Shwasa ,Kasa, Anti-Histaminic activity

Morphohistological Studies of Seedlings ofAnnona squamosa Lam

Annona squamosa Lam. is also known as Sugar Apple or Sitaphal plant. It is a small, semi deciduous, which is rich in medicinally and industrially important. Bio-active components present all its parts it belongs to the family Annonaceae. This plant should only be used under professional guidance. The leaves as well as the bark and the fruit and the seeds are used in herbal preparations. This study includes the anatomy of various plants of sapling viz., root, epicotyl, hypocotyl, cotyledons, & leaves. The dermal tissues of leaves also included in the present work.

Mastopathy in clinical examples: so similar and so different

Aim of study. Using specific clinical examples to analyze the therapeutic and diagnostic approaches in patients with dyshormonal breast diseases (DBD).Material and methods. Based on the data of the anamnesis, clinical and laboratory examination (ultrasound of the mammary glands and thyroid gland, the results of hormonal examination, MRI of the brain and pituitary gland with contrast enhancement), as well as data from the literature, two clinical cases of DBD were analyzed in detail.Results. The presented clinical data indicate that hyperprolactinemia is the main marker of hormonal distress in patients with DBD, and MRI of the brain reveals structural changes that lead to an increase in prolactin levels. With moderate hyperprolactinemia, the administration of herbal dopaminomimetics leads to a decrease in the symptoms of DBD and allows to correct the concomitant hormonal pathology.Conclusions. It is advisable to include MRI of the brain in the scope of examination of patients with DBD, as well as to apply a differentiated approach to the management of patients. One can start therapy with herbal preparations that have a complex positive effect on the female reproductive system, Mastodynon® or Cyclodynon®.

Prevalence and Predictors of Traditional, Complementary/Alternative Medicine use, and types of herbal remedies used for COVID-19 in the South West Region of Cameroon

Background Up to the 21st century, traditional, complementary and alternative medicine(TCAM) is still used despite the wide spread of orthodox medicine. The magnitude, predictors and types of herbal remedies used for COVID-19 are assessed to tailor evidence based policy and drug formulation against COVID-19. Methods A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 1100 respondents from nine (9) communities selected in three health districts from May to July 2020. Pretested structured questionnaire were used to collect data from selected households on the use of TCAM, predictors as well as on the herbal preparations used for COVID-19. Nineteen (19) traditional healers were also interviewed on the types of herbal preparations use on patients tested or suspected for COVID-19 and the signs and symptoms identified. P-value < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Atlas ti V 7.5 was used for types of herbal species reported. Results Of the 1100 participants sampled, 754 (68.5%) had used TCAM in the last 12 months, 95%CI: 66.3–71.5. A total of 24.4% [95%CI: 20.6–29.1] of the participants used herbal remedies for COVID-19. Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Zingiber officinale, Artemisia annua were most commonly used herb for COVID-19. Cough, catarrh and fever were the main symptoms of COVID-19. Herbalists 79.7% [95% CI: 77.3–82.1] and bone setters 14.9% [95% CI: 12.8–17.0] were mostly visited. Logistic regression analysis showed age > 41 years (95% CI: 1.09–4.91), being a farmer (95% CI: 1.99–5.34), income levels between 185–370 USD (95% CI: 1.33–4.55), participants who resided in a rural setting (95% CI: 1.04–3.98), being knowledgeable on TCAM (95% CI: 1.54–6.45) and having a positive attitude towards TCAM (95% CI: 1.94–6.45) were predictors for TCAM use. Conclusion TCAM is widely used even in the era of orthodox medicine, and many factors contribute to its use in the Southwest region of Cameroon which should be taken into consideration in healthcare interventions that are sensitive to TCAM. Herbal preparations used during the COVID-19 pandemic can serve as baseline for drug development through efficacy and toxicity tests.