Tunisian Native Mentha pulegium L. Extracts: Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities

Mint species (Lamiaceae family) have been used as traditional remedies for the treatment of several diseases. In this work, we aimed to characterize the biological activities of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Mentha pulegium L. extracts collected from two different regions of Tunisia. The highest amounts of total phenols (74.45 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (28.87 ± 0.02 mg RE/g DW), and condensed tannins (4.35 ± 0.02 mg CE/g DW) were found in the Bizerte locality. Methanolic leaf extracts were subjected to HPLC-UV analysis in order to identify and quantify the phenolic composition. This technique allowed us to identify seven phenolic compounds: two phenolic acids and five flavonoid compounds, such as eriocitrin, hesperidin, narirutin, luteolin, and isorhoifolin, which were found in both extracts with significant differences between samples collected from the different regions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our results showed that the methanolic extract from leaves collected from Bizerte had the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH IC50 value of 16.31 μg/mL and 570.08 μmol Fe2+/g, respectively). Both extracts showed high radical-scavenging activity as well as significant antimicrobial activity against eight tested bacteria. The highest antimicrobial activities were observed against Gram-positive bacteria with inhibition zone diameters and MIC values ranging between 19 and 32 mm and 40 and 160 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, at 10 μg/mL, the extract had a significant effect on cell proliferation of U87 human glioblastoma cells. These findings open perspectives for the use of Mentha pulegium L. extract in green pharmacy, alternative/complementary medicine, and natural preventive therapies for the development of effective antioxidant, antibacterial, and/or antitumoral drugs.

POLYPHENOLS IN OLIVE LEAVES AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ROLE -A BRIEF REVIEW

Exercise and sports can often be associated with oxidative stress, which is why modulation of oxidative stress in these situations is important. One of the natural remedies that has proven to be very useful antioxidant, due to its composition, is the oliveleaf extract.Olive leaves. The leaves are considered a by-product of the olive. Freezing techniques as well as leaf drying techniques influence the composition in polyphenols. The leaves have a high content of bioactive phenolic compounds. The most abundant compound in olive leaves is oleuropein, followed by hydroxytyrosol. Olive leaves have been used in the human diet in the form of extracts, tea and powder but also in the realization of traditional remedies in the Mediterranean countries. The compounds in olive leaves have been shown to have multiple beneficial properties, such as antioxidants. compared to olive oil.Instead of conclusions.Due to their rich polyphenolic composition, olive leaves have strong antioxidant effects, proven by traditional use and scientific studies.

Health Problems and the Use of Medications and Traditional Therapies among Chinese Immigrants Living in Spain

In this study, we investigate the health problems and the use of medications and traditional therapies among Chinese immigrants in the Southern region of Spain. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and including 133 immigrants and 7 stakeholders was conducted in 2017. Transcription, literal reading, and theoretical categorization were performed, and a narrative content analysis was carried out. The most common health problems were musculoskeletal (28.6%) and allergies (25.6%) related to work activity and unhealthy lifestyles. Key informants also reported gastric problems, stress, and changes in eating habits, mostly related to their work activity. For these problems, a large number of traditional remedies (herbs, diet therapy, acupuncture, vitamins, etc.) were used, usually combined with pharmaceutical drugs used for colds, flu, general malaise (29%), pain and fever (23%), and allergy drugs (9.2%). Chinese immigrants reported health conditions associated with their working conditions and life habits in Spain, using Traditional Chinese Medicine instead of pharmacological drugs. Understanding these health problems and promoting awareness towards traditional therapies in the healthcare system may help to design public policies and Health Promotion strategies targeting this group.

The Intricate Web of Fatigue in Women

The modern woman has taken her rightful place in society as a worker, a caregiver, a mother, and a world citizen. However, along with the privileges of these roles comes the great cost of stress and resultant exhaustion and fatigue. Psychosocial, physical, cultural, and disease-related realms of stress act as strands of a web that serve to bind and hinder women with chronic stress. New areas of research, such as exercise intervention, improved social programs (e.g., childcare), and supplementation are constantly evaluated for effectiveness alongside traditional remedies such as exercise. This review will highlight some of the key issues regarding stress in women and explore reports of new treatment modalities in light of the specific requirements of the modern woman.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by the native communities of Murree, Pakistan

The objective of this study was to document traditional medicinal plants (including their applications and associated procedures) used to treat skin diseases by native communities of Murree Hills (Pakistan). Data was collected from 5 different sampling sites and 138 informants were interviewed. Respondents were queried in their local language for the type of herbal treatment, famous to that area. It was observed that elderly people and health practitioners of the study area possessed more knowledge about herbal remedies in contrast to young aged people. Results reported that total 56 plants belonging to 36 families and 54 genera were in use by local communities for treatment of multiple skin diseases. It was detected that herbs (41%) constituted the highest proportion of medicinal plants followed by shrubs. Leaves were most reported plant part (43 %) followed by fruits (20%), whereas infusion (30%) was a widely used mode of preparation of traditional remedies and direct application on skin was the dominant route of administration. Relative frequency citation (RFC) was recorded highest for Mentha royleana (0.913) and least for Ajuga bracteosa (0.369). Cluster analysis grouped these medicinal species into high, medium and low-ranking groups. High ranking group comprised of 18 medicinal plants, which reflected the popularity and trust of local communities of these plants. Therefore, further pharmacological studies are highly recommended. This study is first proper documentation based on the valuable information attained by the local tribes and it can be utilized by scientific community for further validation and characterization.

Ethnomedicine of forest’s essential oils for respiratory and cardiovascular treatments in Northern Sumatra

The global pandemic Covid-19 has become a worldwide challenge. Many continuous efforts have been conducted to prevent and combat the diseases that attack human respiratory system. This situation encourages the exploration of potential herbal remedies involving essential oils from forest to boost human immune system. The objectives of study were to explore the traditional application of forest’s essential oils and to identify the phytochemical content of herbal medicines in respiratory and cardiovascular treatments in Northern Sumatra. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 local people who applied essential oils in their traditional remedies in Karo and Toba, North Sumatra; and Singkil and South Aceh during 2020. The essential oils benefits in Covid-19 treatment were identified by inhaling application to seven positive suspects. The study also reviewed previous findings according the phytochemical content of forest essential oils identified. The study identified twelve forest’s essential oils applied in respiratory and cardiovascular treatments, including Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Dryobalanops aromatica, Eucalyptus sp., Litsea cubeba, Melaleuca cajuput, Myristica fragrans, Styrax sumatrana, Syzygium aromaticum, and. Zanthoxylum acanthopodium. The oils were distilled from plant part such as flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, and barks or extracted from resin. Several phytochemicals with medicinal properties were identified including 1.8-cineole, apinene, camphene, eugenol, limonene, linalool, and p-cymene. In aromatherapeutic practices by both inhalation and massage, the phytochemical content gives relaxing effects and improve the respiratory and cardiovascular system. The results also show that inhaling the essential oils also helps Covid-19 patients relieve their breathing, therefore prospective for respiratory treatment. The high stress conditions faced by patients were also reduced by inhaling aromatherapy. The study re-discovered the essential oils benefits for various conditions such as headaches and hypertension, while having high potential as an expectorant and immune system booster.

Metagenomics Unveils Posidonia oceanica “Banquettes” as a Potential Source of Novel Bioactive Compounds and Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes)

Posidonia oceanica is a long-living and very slow-growing marine seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean Sea that forms large amounts of leaf material and rhizomes, which can reach the shore and build important banks known as “banquettes.” These banquettes accumulate on the shore, where they can prevent erosion, although they also cause social concern due to their impact on beach use. Furthermore, Posidonia dry material has been considered a source of traditional remedies in several areas of the Mediterranean, and a few studies have been carried out to explore pharmacological activities of Posidonia extracts.

Lead screening in children presenting to three hospitals in Lebanon

BackgroundLead damages most body organs and its effects are most profound in children. In a study in Beirut in 2003, before banning the leaded gasoline, 79% of the participants showed blood lead levels (BLLs) higher than 5 µg/dL. The prevalence of lead exposure in Lebanon after the ban on leaded gasoline has not been studied. This study assessed the BLL in Lebanese children aged 1–6 years.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in three hospitals in Beirut. The children’s BLLs were tested, and their caregiver completed a questionnaire to identify subgroups at risk of exposure. Participants were provided with a WHO brochure highlighting the risks of lead.ResultsNinety children with a mean age of 3.5±1.5 years were enrolled in the study and had a mean BLL of 1.1±0.7 µg/dL, with all values being below 5.0 µg/dL, showing a marked decrease in BLL compared with the mean BLL before the ban on leaded gasoline in 2002. Having a father or a mother with a college degree (p=0.01 and p=0.035, respectively) and having a monthly household income greater than $1000 (p=0.021) were associated with significantly lower BLL. Having more rooms at home and residing close to construction sites were associated with a significantly lower BLL (p=0.001 and p=0.026, respectively). Residing in a house aged >40 years and receiving traditional remedies were associated with a significantly higher BLL (p=0.009 and p<0.0001, respectively).ConclusionBLLs have declined among Lebanese children and this could be attributed to multiple factors including the ban of leaded gasoline. It would be beneficial to conduct a larger study with a nationally representative sample to better characterise the BLL.

Kaniuwatewara (when we get sick): understanding health-seeking behaviours among the Shawi of the Peruvian Amazon

Background Detailed qualitative information regarding Indigenous populations’ health-seeking behaviours within Peru’s plural healthcare system is lacking. Such context-specific information is prerequisite to developing evidence-based health policies and programs intended to improve health outcomes for Indigenous populations. To this end, this study aimed to characterize health-seeking behaviours, factors affecting health-seeking behaviours, and barriers to obtaining healthcare in two Indigenous Shawi communities in Peru. Methods Community-based approaches guided this work, and included 40 semi-structured interviews and a series of informal interviews. Data were analysed thematically, using a constant comparative method; result authenticity and validity were ensured via team debriefing, member checking, and community validation. Results Shawi health-seeking behaviours were plural, dynamic, and informed by several factors, including illness type, perceived aetiology, perceived severity, and treatment characteristics. Traditional remedies were preferred over professional biomedical healthcare; however, the two systems were viewed as complementary, and professional biomedical healthcare was sought for illnesses for which no traditional remedies existed. Barriers impeding healthcare use included distance to healthcare facilities, costs, language barriers, and cultural insensitivity amongst professional biomedical practitioners. Nevertheless, these barriers were considered within a complex decision-making process, and could be overridden by certain factors including perceived quality or effectiveness of care. Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of acknowledging and considering Indigenous culture and beliefs, as well as the existing traditional medical system, within the professional healthcare system. Cultural competency training and formally integrating traditional healthcare into the official healthcare system are promising strategies to increase healthcare service use, and therefore health outcomes.