1
|
Choudhury AA, Arumugam M, Ponnusamy N, Sivaraman D, Sertsemariam W, Thiruvengadam M, Pandiaraj S, Rahaman M, Devi Rajeswari V. Anti-diabetic drug discovery using the bioactive compounds of Momordica charantia by molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38334124 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2313156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifactorial life-threatening endocrine disease characterized by abnormalities in glucose metabolism. It is a chronic metabolic disease that involves multiple enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidases. Inhibition of these enzymes has been identified as a promising method for managing diabetes, and researchers are currently focusing on discovering novel α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors for diabetes therapy. Hence, we have selected 12 bioactive compounds from the Momordica charantia (MC) plant and performed a virtual screening and molecular dynamics investigation to identify natural inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidases. Our in silico result revealed that phytocompound Rutin showed the highest binding affinity against α-amylase (1HNY) enzymes at (-11.68 kcal/mol), followed by Karaviloside II (-9.39), Momordicoside F (-9.19), Campesterol (-9.11. While docking against α-glucosidases (4J5T), Rutin again showed the greatest binding affinity (-11.93 kcal/mol), followed by Momordicine (-9.89), and Campesterol (-8.99). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation research is currently the gold standard for drug design and discovery. Consequently, we conducted simulations of 100 nanoseconds (ns) to assess the stability of protein-ligand complexes based on parameters like RMSD, RMSF, RG, PCA, and FEL. The significance of our findings indicates that rutin from MC might serve as an effective natural therapeutic agent for diabetes management due to its strongest binding affinities with α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Further research in animals and humans is essential to validate the efficacy of these drug molecules.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Alam Choudhury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, India
| | - Mohanapriya Arumugam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, India
| | - Nirmaladevi Ponnusamy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, India
| | | | - Woldie Sertsemariam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, India
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Saravanan Pandiaraj
- Department of Self-Development Skills, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafizur Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - V Devi Rajeswari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Es-haghee Ashteany S, Vahid Dastjerdi M, Tabarrai M, Nejatbakhsh F, Sadati Lamardi SN, Rahmani A, Azizkhani M, Tavoli Z. Effectiveness of Persian Golnar on Excessive Menstrual Bleeding in Women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Compared to Tranexamic Acid: A Triple-Blind, Randomized Equivalence Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:5355993. [PMID: 37520025 PMCID: PMC10374373 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5355993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a major healthcare problem in females of reproductive age and impacts women's health and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to test the equivalence of Persian Golnar (PG) and tranexamic acid (TA) for the treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding. Method A triple-blind randomized equivalence trial with parallel design and block randomization technique was performed. A total of 80 patients with AUB were randomly allocated to receive either PG or TA for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Blood loss was measured by the Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC). Hematological evaluations were done before the intervention and after treatment. QoL and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as secondary outcomes were assessed using the menorrhagia questionnaire (MQ) and Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t-test, paired t-test, χ2 test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Seventy-six women completed the 12-week follow-up. Both PG and TA groups experienced a significant reduction in blood loss. Furthermore, the serum level of hemoglobin in the PG group enhanced significantly (P < 0.001). QoL and PMDD scores were significantly improved in both groups (P< 0.001). Conclusion The findings of the current trial supposed that the Golnar product is as effective as tranexamic acid in controlling bleeding and enhancing the quality of life and premenstrual symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Es-haghee Ashteany
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Malihe Tabarrai
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nejatbakhsh
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Azam Rahmani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Azizkhani
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cherenack EM, Rubli J, Melara A, Ezaldein N, King A, Alcaide ML, Raccamarich P, Fein LA, Sikkema KJ. Adolescent girls' descriptions of dysmenorrhea and barriers to dysmenorrhea management in Moshi, Tanzania: A qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001544. [PMID: 37410763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) is common among adolescent girls globally, but many girls in Sub-Saharan Africa do not receive effective treatment. Qualitative interviews were used to describe adolescent girls' experiences of dysmenorrhea and identify sociocultural barriers to dysmenorrhea management in Moshi, Tanzania. From August to November 2018, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 adolescent girls and 10 adult experts (e.g., teachers, medical providers) who have experience working with girls in Tanzania. Thematic content analysis identified themes related to dysmenorrhea, including descriptions of dysmenorrhea and the impact of dysmenorrhea on well-being, as well as factors influencing the use of pharmacological and behavioral pain management strategies. Potential barriers to dysmenorrhea management were identified. Dysmenorrhea negatively impacted the physical and psychological well-being of girls and hindered girls' ability to participate in school, work, and social events. The most common pain management strategies were resting, drinking hot water, engaging in physical activity, and taking paracetamol. Barriers to dysmenorrhea management included beliefs that medications are harmful to the body or can hinder fertility, limited knowledge about the benefits of hormonal contraceptives to manage menstruation, little continuing education for healthcare providers, and a lack of consistent access to effective medications, medical care, or other supplies necessary for pain management. Medication hesitancy and inconsistent access to effective medication and other menstrual supplies must be addressed to improve girls' ability to manage dysmenorrhea in Tanzania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Cherenack
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Abraham Melara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nada Ezaldein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Aisha King
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Maria L Alcaide
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patricia Raccamarich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lydia A Fein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kathleen J Sikkema
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Surendran S, Prasannan P, Jeyaram Y, Palanivel V, Pandian A, Ramasubbu R. Knowledge on ethnogynaecology of Indian Tribes- a comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115880. [PMID: 36368564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ethnogynaecology is an emerging branch of science dealing with the treatment of gynaecological ailments by tribals, local healers, and traditional practitioners. The ethnogynaecological importance of medicinal plants in India is a fertile area to conduct more scientific studies to evaluate their potentialities, to isolate bioactive compounds, and thereby to develop drugs for the common gynaecological health-related issues faced by women everywhere. OBJECTIVES The Indigenous medical knowledge systems of India have not been properly documented with special reference to ethnogynaecology. This review aims to document the knowledge of ethnogynaecology among tribals, villagers, and local people inhabiting different parts of India and the bioactive compounds responsible for the action. This review provides a vast record of medicinal plants and their parts used, types of formulations, dosage, and ethno-gynaecological usage. MATERIALS AND METHODS The detailed investigation of ethnobotanical and ethnogynaecological-related literature published between 1985 and 2021 by different scientific tools such as journals, books, and current electronic databases like Springer Link, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Wiley, ACS, Science Direct and Pubmed have been considered for the present study. The study included 300 articles published between 1985 and 2021 by scientific search using various standard databases. The tribals, vaidyas, traditional practitioners, indigenous medical healers, and local people of different regions in India have recognized the importance of ethnogynaecological uses of plants. The study on ethnogynaecology is limited to a few common but significant gynaecological issues including abortion, contraception, infertility, menstruation, leucorrhoea, and obstetrics. The phytocompound compounds isolated from various parts of the plants and responsibility for the gynaecological action were documented. RESULTS The major ethnogynaecological disorders recorded by various studies are leucorrhoea, abortion, contraceptives, infertility and related issues, and obstetrics including the irregular physiological process of menstruation. The ethnogynaecological and ethnobotanical information has been recorded from almost all the states of India; the highest number of records on ethnogynaecology was reported from the state of Madhya Pradesh. The most explored tribal populations to record ethnogynaecological knowledge belong to the following tribes: Bhil, Munda, Irula, Kani, Malayali, Meena, Paliyar, Muthuvar, Oraon, Narikuravar, Mannan, Malayarayan, and Malapandaram. Moreover, limited or no study has been attempted to prove the knowledge of ethnogynaecology of these tribes and the efficiency of their crude drugs against pharmacological actions. The paste prepared from various parts of the plants has been used widely as primary health care materials for abortion, obstetrics, menstruation, female infertility and male infertility. Phenols, glucoside, steroids and fatty acids reported with cytotoxic activities are connected to several gynaecological disorders whereas flavonoid, coumarin, sitosterol disrupt pregnancy. The phenolic compounds induced spontaneous abortion due to the major composition aristolochic acid, ceryl alcohol, β-sitosterol. Coreopsin, butin, isobutrin, monospermoside, palastrin, butrin. Mucunine, lecithin, prurieninine, gluthione and luteolin, Indicine, kaempferol, apigenin and quercetin effected therapeutic activity against leucorrhoea. Lignin, friedelin and beta-sitosterol are reported with abortifacient properties and therapeutic ability for leucorrhoea and menorrhagia. Tannins, mimusopsic acids, taraxerol and spinaserol effected fertility problems in women and tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and alkaloids which effected infertility. CONCLUSION This review reported comprehensive data on ethnogynaecological knowledge published from available literature and evident that the indigenous medical system of Indian tribes has also contributed considerably to the healthcare system and drug development of India. The fresh plant parts were identified as effective materials against various gynaecological illnesses including infertility. The root is considered an excellent plant part against obstetrics followed by abortion, menstruation, and leucorrhoea. These studies need experimental proof as well as standardization to confirm their efficiency. Promoting the sustainable use and the equitable sharing of benefits to the knowledge provider is a pathway for harnessing the conservation of this knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Surendran
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priya Prasannan
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yasotha Jeyaram
- Department of Botany, PRIST Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venkatesh Palanivel
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arjun Pandian
- Department of Biotechnology, PRIST Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India; Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raju Ramasubbu
- Department of Biology, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdessadak O, Alaqarbeh M, Zaki H, Almohtaseb F, Alsakhen N, Ajana MA, Lakhlifi T, Bouachrine M. Computational approaches to discover a Kaempferol derivative extracted from Senna alexandrina as Escherichia coli enzyme (MurF) inhibitor by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and ADME-Tox. Struct Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-02068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
6
|
Jiao M, Liu X, Ren Y, Wang Y, Cheng L, Liang Y, Li Y, Zhang T, Wang W, Mei Z. Comparison of Herbal Medicines Used for Women’s Menstruation Diseases in Different Areas of the World. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:751207. [PMID: 35185533 PMCID: PMC8854496 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.751207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This review aims to compare the use of herbal medicine used to treat women’s menstruation and the prevalence of menstrual diseases in different regions, which reveal the use of herbal medicine globally and provide scientific guidance for improving women’s health. Materials and Methods: The information available on herbal medicines for women between the years 2000 and 2021 was systematically collected via the library and electronic search systems such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science as well as secondary resources including books and conference proceedings. Results: Totally, 571 ethnic medicines commonly used for women’s menstruation health in Asia, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and America were accounted. Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), Ruta graveolens L. (Common rue), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Angelica sinensis), Foeniculum vulgare Mill (Fennel), Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Catharanthus roseus) and other medicines which have obvious advantages and long-term usage are utilized in the treatment of menstrual diseases. Family Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, and Zingiberaceae are the most common medicinal plant families used for such treatments. In many instances, the application of fresh parts of plants was observed because of the healers’ belief regarding the higher efficiency of the medicine made from fresh plants. Edible plants are used in a wide range of countries. Conclusion: Women’s menstruation health is directly related to their health condition. Traditional medicines of most ethnic groups have contributed to women’s health care and treatment of gynecological diseases. Practitioners in this field have gained elaborate experience in treatments and medication, and assembled a large number of effective drugs and prescriptions. These experiences have also been inherited and developed by modern clinical application and scientific research. However, the basic research on these drugs is not sufficient, the knowledge of drug use has not been fully popularized, the advantages of drugs have not been fully utilized, and the guiding potential to modern drug research continues to be insufficient. As such, it is necessary to further promote and make a significant contribution to women’s health.
Collapse
|
7
|
Vardeman E, Vandebroek I. Caribbean Women's Health and Transnational Ethnobotany. ECONOMIC BOTANY 2021; 76:205-226. [PMID: 34522053 PMCID: PMC8432280 DOI: 10.1007/s12231-021-09526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Caribbean Women's Health and Transnational Ethnobotany. Immigrants from the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti are among the top foreign-born communities in New York City (NYC). As people migrate to new countries, they bring their ethnomedical beliefs and practices, and adapt their plant pharmacopoeias. Haiti and the DR share a flora on the island of Hispaniola. In NYC, the flora is limited to what is available in the city. We selected plants for future laboratory research based on ethnobotanical data from two surveys among Dominicans in the DR and NYC, and a Haitian literature review. In both Dominican datasets, gynecological infections were the top women's health condition treated with plants. We identified 10 species for this purpose reported by Dominicans that are also known medicines in Haitian culture, although not yet documented for women's health. Plants for gynecological infections potentially cause dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota, and may increase rather than prevent disease. There is a public health need to assess traditional medicines for their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria, while causing minimal disruption to the vaginal flora. Several species are known antibacterials, but remain to be tested for their efficacy. These results also provide a foundation for a planned ethnobotanical survey among NYC Haitian women. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12231-021-09526-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Vardeman
- The New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Economic Botany, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458 USA
- City University of New York, Graduate Center, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Ina Vandebroek
- The New York Botanical Garden, Institute of Economic Botany, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458 USA
- City University of New York, Graduate Center, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016 USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Principle of Hot and Cold and Its Clinical Application in Latin American and Caribbean Medicines. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1343:57-83. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80983-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
9
|
Bafor EE, Ukpebor F, Omoruyi O, Ochoyama E, Omogiade G, Ekufu J, Edrada-Ebel R. Tocolytic activity assessment of the methanol leaf extract of Justicia flava Vahl (Acanthaceae) on mouse myometrial contractility and preliminary mass spectrometric determination of secondary metabolites. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 243:112087. [PMID: 31310827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The leaves of Justicia flava are traditionally used in the South of Nigeria to prevent preterm births. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, the activity of the methanol leaf extract of J. flava (JF) was investigated on uterine contractility in non-pregnant and pregnant isolated mouse tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effects on spontaneous, oxytocin, and KCl-induced contractions were determined. The effects in calcium-free media were also determined. Possible mechanisms of activity were investigated using receptor and channel modulators. Mass spectrometric analysis was additionally performed on the leaf extract to identify secondary metabolites. RESULTS JF was observed to inhibit spontaneous, oxytocin and high KCl-induced uterine contractility. JF also inhibited contractions in Ca2+-free media. JF was found to exert its inhibitory effect via interaction with inositol triphosphate and ryanodine receptors and also through modulation of K+- channels. Lignans and alkaloids were identified with the lignans being the most abundant in JF. CONCLUSION JF has been shown to potently inhibit uterine contractions in non-pregnant and pregnant isolated mouse uterus. The inhibitory activity of JF has been shown to occur via blockade of extracellular and intracellular calcium entry and these effects may be due to the lignans identified in - JF. JF has therefore been shown in this study to be a lead plant in the discovery of new drugs with uterine inhibitory activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enitome E Bafor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
| | - Faith Ukpebor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
| | - Osemelomen Omoruyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Ejiro Ochoyama
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Glory Omogiade
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Jude Ekufu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Asian Medicinal Plants’ Production and Utilization Potentials: A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11195483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants research in Asia continues to receive significant national and international attention, particularly concerning its multiple roles in poverty alleviation and health care support. However, scientific information on the institutional arrangements, the potentials of different medicinal plants production systems, and the utilization methods, remain highly fragmented. This incomprehensive information base shades the development of a comprehensive research agenda to improve the current body of knowledge, at least in the context of Asia. To address this impasse and propose future research perspectives, we systematically reviewed 247 journal articles, 15 institutional reports, and 28 book chapters. From the reviews, five key lessons are drawn: (i) Asian medicinal plant production systems demonstrate some dynamics, characterized by a gradual but continuous shift from wild gathering to cultivation, (ii) sub-regional variations exist with regards to the appreciation of medicinal plants potentials for traditional healing, modern healthcare and livelihoods support, (iii) knowledge on the effect of multi-scale institutional arrangements (formal and informal) on medicinal plant management practices is fragmented, (iv) very few studies dwell on the challenges of medicinal plants commercialization, particularly with regards to the role of middlemen, boom–bust cycle, raw material readiness, and product quality, and (v) law enforcement, benefit and knowledge sharing, and research and development should be prioritized to serve the interest of medicinal plants production actors. To further extend the body of knowledge on medicinal plants in Asia, we advance the need for empirical investigations on the performance of medicinal plants production systems and their contribution to livelihoods in diverse institutional contexts.
Collapse
|
11
|
Khodabakhsh M, Mahmoudinia M, Mousavi Bazaz M, Hamedi SS, Hoseini SS, Feyzabadi Z, Shokri S, Ayati S. The effect of plantain syrup on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized triple blind clinical trial. Phytother Res 2019; 34:118-125. [PMID: 31486196 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Given the importance of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), we investigated the effect of plantain syrup on HMB. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 68 women with HMB who were referred to the traditional medicine clinics of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The intervention group received placebo capsule and plantain syrup, whereas the control group received mefenamic acid capsule and placebo syrup in the first 5 days of menstruation for three menstruation cycles. Patients were asked to complete pictorial blood assessment chart one cycle before the intervention and three intervention cycles. Hemoglobin was measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results showed that the bleeding duration and severity diminished in both groups. No significant difference was observed between two groups in severity of bleeding after intervention (Cohen's d = .24), but duration of bleeding in mefenamic acid group was reduced significantly in comparison with plantain group (Cohen's d = .57). Although mean hemoglobin alterations in mefenamic acid group had a significant difference before and after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in mean hemoglobin alterations postintervention. Plantain syrup could be suggested as a complementary treatment for HMB, but further studies are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh Khodabakhsh
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maliheh Mahmoudinia
- Department of Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Mousavi Bazaz
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shokouh Sadat Hamedi
- Department of Persian Pharmacy, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyede Samaneh Hoseini
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohre Feyzabadi
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shokri
- Persian Medicine Department, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Ayati
- Department of Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ulmus minor bark hydro-alcoholic extract ameliorates histological parameters and testosterone level in an experimental model of PCOS rats. Endocr Regul 2019; 53:146-153. [DOI: 10.2478/enr-2019-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and multifactorial disease associated with female factor infertility. Ulmus minor bark (UMB) is one of the medicinal plants used in Persian folklore as a fertility enhancer. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of UMB hydro-alcoholic extract on histological parameters and testosterone condition in an experimental model of PCOS rats.
Methods. Thirty female rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) control, (2) vehicle, (3) PCOS/50 mg [6 mg/kg dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) + 50 mg/kg UMB hydro-alcoholic extract], (4) PCOS/150 mg (6 mg/kg DHEA + 150 mg/kg UMB hydro-alcoholic extract), and (5) PCOS (6 mg/kg DHEA). All interventions were performed for 21 days. Afterwards, stereological analysis was done for determination of ovarian volume and follicle number. The serum level of testosterone was measured by ELISA kit.
Results. UMB hydro-alcoholic extract improved the total number of the corpus luteum in the treatment groups when compared to the PCOS group (p<0.05). PCOS/150 mg and PCOS/50 mg groups showed significantly lower total number of the primordial, primary, and secondary follicles as well as testosterone level compared to the PCOS group (p<0.05). The total number of antral follicles and volume of ovary did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusion. UMB extract may be an effective and good alternative in improving PCOS histo-logical and testosterone disturbances although further studies are warranted to confirm the safety of UMB plant in human.
Collapse
|
13
|
Nega SS, Bekele HM, Meles GG, Nordeng H. Medicinal Plants and Concomitant Use with Pharmaceutical Drugs Among Pregnant Women. J Altern Complement Med 2019; 25:427-434. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2018.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Selamawit Seid Nega
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Hedvig Nordeng
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Canzi EF, Lopes BR, Robeldo T, Borra R, Da Silva MFGF, Oliveira RV, Maia BHNS, Cass QB. Prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α levels in human menstrual fluid by online Solid Phase Extraction coupled to Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS). J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1109:60-66. [PMID: 30731263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports an online SPE-LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2α) in menstrual fluid samples. To meet this goal human peripheral serum was used as surrogate matrix. The analytes were trapped on an OASIS HLB cartridge for 3 min, for sample cleanup and enrichment, and then transferred during only 42 s to an HSS T3 C18 analytical column, for separation and analysis. Prostaglandins (PGs) were detected by selected reaction monitoring in negative ion mode, PGE2 (m/z 351 → 315) and PGF2α (m/z 353 → 193) using isotope-labeled internal standard (PGE2-d4, m/z 355 → 319). The concentration linear range was of 10.34-1.034 ng mL-1 and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 10.34 ng mL-1 for both PGs. Validation parameters were successfully assessed according to the European Medicines Agency guideline (EMA), also comprising the FDA normative. The method showed no matrix effect and process efficiency around 100%, in addition to only 15 min of analysis time with lower solvent consumption. The method application was carried out using two menstrual fluid sample groups: control (n = 15) and treatment group (n = 7; samples from women that used Tahiti lemon juice). The PGF2α levels were found to be higher in treated group than in control group (p ≤ 0.05), denoting an effect of the intake of Tahiti lemon juice on the menstrual inflammatory process. The on-line method herein reported could be useful for the analysis of PGs from large research studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edione F Canzi
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil; Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Bianca Rebelo Lopes
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Thaiane Robeldo
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Borra
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Maria Fatima G F Da Silva
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Regina V Oliveira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Helena N S Maia
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Quezia B Cass
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ahmed SM, Nordeng H, Sundby J, Aragaw YA, de Boer HJ. The use of medicinal plants by pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 224:297-313. [PMID: 29842963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal plant (MP) use during pregnancy is common in Africa and may have profound effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. A lack of overview complicates monitoring and regulating the use of MPs during pregnancy. AIM OF THE STUDY This systematic review analyses prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy, regional distribution, types and prevalence, MP properties, potential health risks, and consensus of MPs use, and suggests relevant measures to mitigate negative effects on pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search was undertaken using a range of scientific databases (Medline, Embase, African Journals OnLine, Google Scholar and Biological Abstracts), non-governmental organisations, various African universities and regulatory websites for original published and unpublished studies that assess and indicate the prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy in Africa. Additional articles were located by exploring pertinent bibliographies, and contacting experts. RESULTS A total of 3659 MP-use studies were found, but only 303 articles received full-text assessment for eligibility and finally only 50 scientific papers were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of MP use by pregnant women varied widely from 2% to 100%. Twenty-eight studies (56%) specified one or more plant species used as MP during pregnancy. The major reasons for MP use were relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), stimulation of labour, and facilitation of childbirth. The most commonly cited MP species were Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Allium sativum L. and Cucurbita pepo L. and these were used for relief of NVP, motion sickness and as a nutritional supplement. Route of administration was most commonly oral, and few adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The use of MPs among pregnant women in Africa is prevalent, and the most commonly used plant species are not known to have harmful foetal effects during pregnancy. However, many of the MP species are poorly studied and teratogenic effects cannot be ruled out. Collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional practitioners to inform about the safe use of MPs may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seid Mussa Ahmed
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johanne Sundby
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yesuf Ahmed Aragaw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jimma Institute of Health, Jimma University, Ethiopia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Roulette CJ, Njau EFA, Quinlan MB, Quinlan RJ, Call DR. Medicinal foods and beverages among Maasai agro-pastoralists in northern Tanzania. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 216:191-202. [PMID: 29409795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pastoralist Maasai populations of east Africa use several different wild plants as dietary and medicinal additives in beverages (soups and teas), yet little is known about how the plants used and the rationales for use compare and contrast across different Maasai beverages, including how gender specific dietary and health concerns structure patterns of intake. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated three Maasai beverages: almajani (tea or herbal infusion); motorí (traditional soup); and okiti (psychoactive herbal tea). In order to build knowledge about the cultural functions of these Maasai food-medicines and their incidence of use we also investigated use rationales and self-reported frequencies of use. We conclude by examining gender differences and the possible pharmacological antimicrobial activity of the most frequently used plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Research was conducted in 2015, with a population of semi-nomadic agropastoralist Maasai residing in northern Tanzania. Data were collected using key informant interviews, plant collections, n = 32 structured surveys, and n = 40 freelist interviews followed by a literature review to determine the known antimicrobial activity of the most used plants. RESULTS We identified 20 plants that Maasai add to soup, 11 in tea, and 11 in the psychoactive tea, for a total of 24 herbal additives. Seven plant species were used in all three Maasai beverages, and these clustered with 10 common ailments. Based on self-reports, women use the beverages less frequently and in smaller amounts than men. There were also several gender differences in the plants that Maasai add to motorí and their associated use rationales. CONCLUSIONS There are several intersections concerning the plant species used and their associated rationales for use in almajani, motori, and okiti. Moving outward, Maasai beverages and their additives increasingly involve gender specific concerns. Female use of food-medicines, relative to men, is structured by concerns over pregnancy, birth, and lactation. The frequent consumption of herbal additives, many of which contain antimicrobial compounds, potentially helps modulate infections, but could have other unintentional effects as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Roulette
- Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182, United States.
| | - Efrem-Fred A Njau
- National Herbarium of Tanzania, Tropical Pesticide Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Marsha B Quinlan
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4910, United States; Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, United States.
| | - Robert J Quinlan
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4910, United States; Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, United States.
| | - Douglas R Call
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7090, United States; Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Adhikari PP, Talukdar S, Borah A. Ethnomedicobotanical study of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used for the treatment of reproductive problems in Nalbari district, Assam, India. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 210:386-407. [PMID: 28733191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reproductive problems are becoming the most predominant health care problems in many countries. World Health Organization (WHO), in 2012, also exemplified maternal illnesses, for instance, birth asphyxia and post birth difficulties are rising at an alarming rate. In addition, not all abnormalities of the human reproductive system have the same origin; the effects of reproductive problems would likely been affected by both male and female. For easy accessibility and affordability, medicinal plants are playing crucial role in primary healthcare services in India and their use is moreover, an integral part of the cultural heritage. However, our growing understanding of the human reproductive problems are segregated and scanty for herbal medications. AIM OF THE STUDY To document the local name of the medicinal plants used by both male and female from indigenous knowledge for the treatment of reproductive ailments and to explore their biological and pharmacological confirmation and to address the class of secondary metabolites present therein. MATERIALS AND METHODS The results stem in September 2015-April 2016 from an array of informations that were collected by direct interviews of the traditional medicinal practitioners in three villages, viz. Jaha, Niz-Bahjani and Madhupur of the southern Nalbari district, Assam. Both semi-structured and open-ended interview schedule was carried out with purposively selected individuals and focus group discussion (FGD) in the three selected sites for this study. Systematic analysis of fidelity level percentage (FL %), preference ranking percentage (PR %) and formulation scoring (FS) were calculated. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were also been used to search existing pharmacological citations. Finally, qualitative chemical profiling were executed for the plants whose PR % scores ≥ 65. RESULTS A total of 71 plant species belonging to 48 families and 64 genera are reported to be used for the treatment of several reproductive problems such as, infertility in male, impotence, erectile dysfunctioning, retrograde ejaculation and sexual potency in men and in women, aphrodisiac, metrorrhagia, infertility, dysmenorrhea and/or post birth difficulties under mono (57), di (17) and poly (8) herbal formulations. Herbs (40.85%) were reported as the most common lifeform, whereas leaves (22.54%) and the roots (22.54%) were the commonly used plant parts against different ailments. Extracts of Abroma augusta L. (stem) (FL: 66.67%, PR: IM-77.33%, L-65.33, FS: 2), Morinda angustifolia Roxb. (bark) (FL: 64.29%, PR: L-68%, FS: 1), Hodgsonia heteroclita Roxb. (fruit) (FL: 63.64%, PR: IF-65.33, FS: 0.25) and Hibiscus mutabilis L. (stem) (FL: 40%, PR: IM-68%, IIM: 65.33%, IML-68%, FS: 2) were than selected for further phytochemical analysis. CONCLUSIONS Of the 71 plants used for reproductive management system, the highest number of plants were used for the treatment of irregular menstruation (22) followed by infertility (in both men and women) (19), vaginal disorder and leucorrhoea (9) and sexual potency (8). The qualitative chemical profiling have demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and phytosterols, in maximum concentrations. Additionally, these data may be the most important resource for the new discovery of many bioactive principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simi Talukdar
- Department of Environmental Science, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai 792103, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ananta Borah
- Department of Botany, Birjhora Mahavidyalaya, Bongaigaon 783380, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Withers M, Kharazmi N, Lim E. Traditional beliefs and practices in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum: A review of the evidence from Asian countries. Midwifery 2018; 56:158-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
19
|
Moteetee A, Seleteng Kose L. Medicinal plants used in Lesotho for treatment of reproductive and post reproductive problems. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 194:827-849. [PMID: 27780751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reproductive healthcare has been highlighted as a major challenge in Lesotho mainly due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. As a result other reproductive ailments have not received much attention, particularly because healthcare facilities are already limited and many of them are inaccessible. For these reasons, medicinal plants play a major role in primary healthcare system in the country, in addition the plants are easily accessible, more affordable, and their use forms part of the cultural heritage. However, documentation of medicinal plants used for reproductive ailments is scattered, more importantly the biological and pharmacological properties, as well as toxicity of many of these plants are not yet known. AIM OF THE STUDY To document the plants used by both male and female Basotho (residing in Lesotho) for the treatment of reproductive ailments, to explore their recorded biological and pharmacological effects as well as their toxicity, and to establish if these plants are used for similar purposes in other southern African cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The results stem from published findings of recent interviews of traditional medicinal practitioners in the Maseru District of Lesotho, first author's own experiences and observations from the Qacha's Nek District as well as comprehensive literature survey including numerous books and unpublished data. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were also used to search for the chemical compounds, pharmacological activity, and toxicity of the plants. RESULTS A total of 87 plant species are reported to be used for the treatment of several reproductive problems such as infertility, complications associated with pregnancy (twelve plants are used to treat conditions such as colic, heartburn, nausea, and constipation), cleansing and/ or toning of the uterus (with a purpose either to induce pregnancy or to get rid of the placenta, for example Withania somnifera and Zantedeschia albomaculata), difficult childbirth, as well treatment of breast and cervical cancer, cysts, fibroids, and testicular tumours (e.g. Hypoxis hemerocallidea). For the toning of the uterus, it is common to use a combination of plants, e.g. Gunnera perpensa, Scabiosa columbaria, and Eriospermum ornithogaloides. CONCLUSIONS Of the 87 plants used for reproductive healthcare, the highest number (31) is used for the treatment of infertility (in both men and women). The pharmacological effects, active compounds, and toxicology of many of these plants are not yet known.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Moteetee
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - L Seleteng Kose
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:1026-1073. [PMID: 27677719 PMCID: PMC5050441 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health, particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections, especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingiber officinale (ginger). Pregnant women have also used ginger for relief from nausea. Natural galactagogues for lactating women include Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Silybum marianum (milk thistle); however, rigorous safety and efficacy studies are lacking. Older women suffering menopausal symptoms are increasingly likely to use botanicals, especially since the Women's Health Initiative showed an increased risk for breast cancer associated with traditional hormone therapy. Serotonergic mechanisms similar to antidepressants have been proposed for Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian). Plant extracts with estrogenic activities for menopausal symptom relief include Glycine max (soy), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Pueraria lobata (kudzu), Humulus lupulus (hops), Glycyrrhiza species (licorice), Rheum rhaponticum (rhubarb), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Epimedium species (herba Epimedii, horny goat weed), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Some of the estrogenic botanicals have also been shown to have protective effects against osteoporosis. Several of these botanicals could have additional breast cancer preventive effects linked to hormonal, chemical, inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways. Finally, although botanicals are perceived as natural safe remedies, it is important for women and their healthcare providers to realize that they have not been rigorously tested for potential toxic effects and/or drug/botanical interactions. Understanding the mechanism of action of these supplements used for women's health will ultimately lead to standardized botanical products with higher efficacy, safety, and chemopreventive properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit M Dietz
- University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Atieh Hajirahimkhan
- University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tareisha L Dunlap
- University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Judy L Bolton
- University of Illinois at Chicago/National Institutes of Health Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Heshmati A, Dolatian M, Mojab F, shakeri N, Nikkhah S, Mahmoodi Z. The effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) capsules on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. J Herb Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
22
|
Javan R, Yousefi M, Nazari SM, Amiri P, Mosavi-Jarrahi A, Modiramani P, Naghedi-Baghdar H. Herbal Medicines in Idiopathic Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Systematic Review. Phytother Res 2016; 30:1584-1591. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Javan
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Mahdi Yousefi
- Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed-Mohammad Nazari
- Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Parastoo Amiri
- Iranian Research on Healthy Aging (IRCHA); Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences; Sabzevar Iran
| | - Alireza Mosavi-Jarrahi
- Department of Health and Community Medicine; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | | | - Hamideh Naghedi-Baghdar
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chinese herbal medicine for constipation: zheng-based associations among herbs, formulae, proprietary medicines, and herb-drug interactions. Chin Med 2016; 11:28. [PMID: 27347002 PMCID: PMC4919884 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-016-0099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As current symptomatic treatments of constipation are still unsatisfactory, an increasing number of patients seek help from Chinese medicine (CM), particularly Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). This study aimed to review the most frequently used CHM herbs and formulae, proprietary CHMs, and herb–drug interactions for functional constipation using zheng (syndrome)-based differentiation, and to determine the current practice of zheng-based CHM treatments for functional constipation. Methods We developed a search strategy to include all the related clinical studies of CHM for constipation and set inclusion and exclusion criteria as studies on subjects with constipation of all ages and both sexes, using objective measures from laboratory or imaging techniques. The interventions included single herbs, CM classical formulae, CM new formulae, and Chinese herb-derived products and combination products. The clinical study types included were quasi- or randomized controlled trials, observational clinical studies, case series or case reports, and other types of appropriate research methods. The data concerning study design, sample size, mode of recruitment, sampling and diagnostic procedure, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and participants’ characteristics (including age, sex, and duration of constipation). CM patterns, CM treatment principles, treatment regimen, and CM treatment outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 29,832 relevant records were found, of which 8541 were duplicate records and 20,639 were excluded for reasons of irrelevance. The full text of 965 articles was retrieved for detailed assessment, following which 480 articles were excluded for various reasons. From the included articles, we retrieved 190 different CM zheng diagnoses from 485 individual studies. The most common zheng was dual deficiency of qi and blood (N = 48), which was diagnosed in 948 out of 15,740 subjects. The most frequently used classical formula was Ma-Zi-Ren-Wan (MZRW) (N = 75) and the most frequently used proprietary CHM was Run-Chang-Wan (N = 87). The most frequently used combined medication was Da Huang with sodium bicarbonate tablets (frequency across all studies, n = 23), followed by Fan Xie Ye with lactulose oral solution (n = 8), Ma-Ren-Ruan-Jiao-Nang with lactulose oral solution (n = 6) and Liu-Wei-An-Xiao-Jiao-Nang (n = 6) with mosapride citrate tablets. Conclusion This study examined the use of CHM for constipation and summarized the herbs, formulae, proprietary medicines, and herb–drug interactions application. These data indicated there were limited information about herb-drug interactions and adverse effects of CHM and further randomized controlled trials with strict design are necessary. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13020-016-0099-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
24
|
Fisher C, Adams J, Hickman L, Sibbritt D. The use of complementary and alternative medicine by 7427 Australian women with cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: a cross-sectional study. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:129. [PMID: 27189381 PMCID: PMC4870787 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort and to detail the pattern of complementary and alternative (CAM) use adopted by women for the treatment of these symptoms. METHODS Data from the 2012 national Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH) cross-sectional survey of 7427 women aged 34-39 years were analysed to estimate the prevalence of endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular or heavy periods and severe dysmenorrhoea and to examine the association between their symptoms and their visits to CAM practitioners as well as their use of CAM therapies and products in the previous 12 months. RESULTS The prevalence of endometriosis was 3.7 % and of the perimenstrual symptoms assessed, PMS was most prevalent at 41.2 % whilst irregular bleeding (22.2 %), heavy periods (29.8 %) and severe period pain (24.1 %) were reported at lower levels. Women with endometriosis were more likely than non-sufferers to have consulted with a massage therapist or acupuncturist and to have used vitamins/minerals, yoga/meditation or Chinese medicines (p < 0.05). PMS sufferers were more likely to consult with an osteopath, massage therapist, naturopath/herbalist or alternative health practitioner and to have used all forms of CAM therapies except Chinese medicines than women who had infrequent PMS (all p < 0.05). Women with irregular periods did not have different patterns of CAM use from non-sufferers and those with heavy periods did not favour any form of CAM but were less likely to visit a massage therapist or use yoga/meditation than non-sufferers (p < 0.05). For women with severe dysmenorrhoea there was no difference in their visits to CAM practitioners compared to non-sufferers but they were more likely to use aromatherapy oils (p < 0.05) and for more frequent dysmenorrhoea also herbal medicines, Chinese medicines and other alternative therapies compared to non-sufferers (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort amongst women in this age group. Women were using CAM differentially when they had specific symptoms of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort. The use of CAM needs to be properly assessed to ensure their safe, effective use and to ascertain their significance as a treatment option enabling women with menstrual problems and their care providers to improve their quality of life.
Collapse
|
25
|
Michel JL, Caceres A, Mahady GB. Ethnomedical research and review of Q'eqchi Maya women's reproductive health in the Lake Izabal region of Guatemala: Past, present and future prospects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 178:307-322. [PMID: 26680589 PMCID: PMC4729212 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Central America, most Maya women use ethnomedicines for all aspects of their reproductive cycle including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. However, very few of these plants have been documented, collected and tested in appropriate pharmacological assays to determine possible safety and efficacy. The aim of this work was to provide an overview of information on the ethnomedical uses, ethnopharmacology, chemistry and pharmacological research for medicinal plants used for women's reproductive health in Guatemala, with a special emphasis on the Q'eqchi Maya of the Lake Izabal region, to demonstrate therapeutic potential and support future research in the field. MATERIALS AND METHODS Reviews of the ethnobotanical, ethnomedical and ethnopharmacological literature were performed for 30 plants collected in the Lake Izabal region of Guatemala and used by the Q'eqchi Maya for treatment of reproductive health issues were performed up to and including July 2015 using multiple databases, library searches for abstracts, books, dissertations, and websites. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Review of the published research confirms that many of the plants used by Q'eqchi Maya women for the management of reproductive health issues have pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, progestagenic and/or serotonergic effects, that support the use of these plants and provide plausible mechanisms of action for their traditional uses. Furthermore, a new serotonin agonist, 9, 10-methylenedioxy-5, 6-Z-fadyenolide was isolated, thereby demonstrating an untapped potential for drug discovery. However, to date much of the pharmacological assays have been in vitro only, and few in vivo studies have been performed. Considering the large percentage of the Maya population in Guatemala that use traditional medicines, there remains a significant lack of pharmacological and toxicological data for these plants. Future research should focus on the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants using in vivo preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as chemical analysis. Since medicinal plants from the Piperaceae are most commonly used as traditional medicines by the Q'eqchi Maya women, and new bioactive compounds have been identified from Piper species, investigations of commonly used plants from this family would be an appropriate place to start. Data generated from such studies would contribute to Guatemala's national effort to promote a complementary relationship between traditional Maya medicine and public health services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Michel
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Armando Caceres
- School of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Science and Pharmacy, Universidad de San Carlos, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Gail B Mahady
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood St., MC 877, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Herbal medicine (Danggui Shaoyao San) for treating primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Maturitas 2015; 85:19-26. [PMID: 26857875 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS), a traditional herbal prescription, has long been used to treat menopause-related symptoms, including dysmenorrhea. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of DSS for dysmenorrhea. We searched the following electronic databases through October 2015: PubMed; EMBASE; the Cochrane Library; AMED; five Korean databases (KoreaMed, DBPIA, OASIS, RISS, and KISS); three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wan Fang Database, and VIP), and one Japanese database (CiNii). The Cochrane criteria were used to assess the risk of bias for the individual studies. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of DSS or modified DSS were included. Data from all articles were extracted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was used to pool the data. A total of 746 potentially relevant studies were identified, and four RCTs met our inclusion criteria. All of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias across their domains. Three RCTs showed favourable effects of DSS on response rate compared with conventional medicine, and a meta-analysis showed that DSS had superior effects compared to analgesics (RR: 1.31, 95%CI, 1.06-1.63, I(2)=73%). One RCT showed a beneficial effect of DSS on pain compared with placebo control. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provided suggestive evidence of the superiority of DSS over analgesics or placebo for dysmenorrhea. The quality of evidence for this finding was low to moderate because of a high risk of bias.
Collapse
|
27
|
van Andel T, van Onselen S, Myren B, Towns A, Quiroz D. "The medicine from behind": The frequent use of enemas in western African traditional medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 174:637-43. [PMID: 26133063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Purgative enemas form an integral part of African traditional medicine. Besides possible benefits, serious health risks of rectal herbal therapy have been described in literature. To design appropriate health education programs, it is essential to understand traditional herbal practices and local perceptions of health and illness. Little is known about the herbal ingredients of enemas in Sub-Saharan Africa and consumers' personal reasons to use them. AIM OF THE STUDY To analyze the importance of enema use with regard to plant species used and illnesses treated in West and Central Africa, to understand the local health beliefs that underlie frequent enema use and to evaluate which recipes and practices could be beneficial or harmful. MATERIALS AND METHODS We extracted data from 266 ethnobotanical questionnaires on medicinal (in particular women's health and childcare) and ritual plant use in Ghana, Benin and Gabon. Plants mentioned during interviews were vouchered and identified in herbaria. Health issues treated by means of enemas were ranked according to the number of plant species used for a specific illness. We compared our results with findings of medical research on benefits and risks of enema use in Sub-Saharan Africa. RESULTS We recorded ca. 213 different plant species used in hundreds of recipes for rectal insertions, mostly in Ghana and Gabon. Stomachache, abdominal pain, female infertility and birth facilitation were treated with the highest number of plants species. Cleansing the intestines of young children to promote their health by getting rid of 'dirt', instead of treating constipation, was an important cultural practice that required the rectal application of herbal medicine, as well as other cultural bound health issues like stimulating children to walk at an early age. Tradition, the bitter taste of herbal medicine and the rapid effect of enemas were frequently mentioned reasons for enema use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Literature indicates that although enemas can help to improve the hygienic conditions of a household with young infants, frequent enema use can pose serious risks like direct toxicity caused by harmful ingredients, mechanical injury and infections. In Africa, enemas containing herbal medicine are common methods of administering herbal medicine for a variety of diseases, rather than just medicinal treatments for constipation as previously thought. Health professionals should be aware of the extent of, and motivation behind enema use to develop culturally appropriate education programs, especially targeted at vulnerable groups such as elderly people, parents of young infants and pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tinde van Andel
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; Wageningen University, Department of Biosystematics, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Britt Myren
- Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexandra Towns
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Diana Quiroz
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; Wageningen University, Department of Biosystematics, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nergard CS, Ho TPT, Diallo D, Ballo N, Paulsen BS, Nordeng H. Attitudes and use of medicinal plants during pregnancy among women at health care centers in three regions of Mali, West-Africa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2015; 11:73. [PMID: 26453339 PMCID: PMC4600315 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-015-0057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although, medicinal plants have been important for women's health historically, the knowledge about such use during pregnancy in developing countries is limited. This is the first quantitative, ethnobotanical study on Malian women's use of and attitudes towards the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to describe Malian women's use of medicinal plants during pregnancy according to indications and to evaluate the potentially safety of such use. The overall aim was to preserve valuable information about medicinal plants for women's reproductive health for the future. METHODS Data was collected through structured interviews of 209 pregnant women or mothers in three health care centers in Mali. The women were interviewed about their uses of medicinal plants during pregnancy and their attitudes to such use. Nine specific medicinal plants commonly used in Mali and treatment of eleven common ailments in pregnancy were specifically queried about. RESULTS In total, 79.9 % had used medicinal plants during pregnancy. Only 17 women (8.5 %) had received a recommendation from a traditional practitioner (TP). The most commonly used medicinal plants were Lippia chevalieri (55.5 %), Combretum micranthum (39.7 %), Parkia biglobosa (12.0 %) and Vepris heterophylla (8.1 %). The most common reasons for use were for well-being (37.7 %), symptoms of malaria (37.1 %) and "increased salt-elimination" (to reduce edema) (19.2 %). For treatment of symptoms of malaria and urinary tract infections during pregnancy, the women's choices of medicinal plants agreed with those previously reported from interviews with TPs. Almost 30 % believed that medicinal plants had no adverse effects for the mother. CONCLUSION This study showed an extensive use and knowledge of medicinal plants during pregnancy in three regions in Mali. However, exclusive use of medicinal plants as treatment of malaria and urinary tract infections during pregnancy may pose a health risk for the mother and her unborn child. A wider collaboration with TPs, with local communities and conventional health workers of the health care centers, on the safe use of medicinal plants, is important to promote safer pregnancies and better health care for pregnant women and their unborn infants in Mali.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Sogn Nergard
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1065 Blindern, Oslo, N-0316, Norway.
| | - Thi Phung Than Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1065 Blindern, Oslo, N-0316, Norway.
| | - Drissa Diallo
- Department of Traditional Medicine, National Institute of Research in Public Health, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Ngolo Ballo
- Department of Traditional Medicine, National Institute of Research in Public Health, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Berit Smestad Paulsen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1065 Blindern, Oslo, N-0316, Norway.
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1065 Blindern, Oslo, N-0316, Norway.
- Division of Mental Health, National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Clement YN, Baksh-Comeau YS, Seaforth CE. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Trinidad. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2015; 11:67. [PMID: 26369926 PMCID: PMC4570261 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-015-0052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on the Caribbean island of Trinidad to identify medicinal plants commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions. METHODS A pilot survey was conducted to identify the top ten most common ailments where medicinal plants were used. The results of the foregoing study guided a wider national survey conducted between October 2007 and July 2008. A total of 450 households from 50 rural communities were interviewed using the TRAMIL (Traditional Medicine in the Islands) questionnaire for data collection. Details of plants, part(s) used, and remedy formulations were elicited from informants and voucher specimens collected for identification at the National Herbarium of Trinidad and Tobago. The TRAMIL methodology set a limit of a plant with 20 % or more citations for any particular ailment as having significant or popular use. RESULTS At the end of the survey 917 single plant remedies were identified. The majority of species were from the following families; Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Leguminosae, Verbenaceae and Poaceae. Applying the TRAMIL 20 % citation of a plant for popular use as significant, Leonotis nepetifolia (for cough/common cold), Gomphrena globosa (for "stoppage-of-water"), Curcuma longa and Senna occidentalis (for "afterbirth"), Cymbopogon citratus and Neurolaena lobata (for fever), and Citrus limon (for kidney stones) qualified in our study. Those not reaching the TRAMIL 20 % significant (popular) use were Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl, Senna alata (L.) Roxb.and Momordica charantia L. which were widely used as "'cooling/cleanser'" in our survey. CONCLUSIONS Our survey showed significant retention of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in rural Trinidad. More interestingly, a large remnant of medico-cultural concepts such as "cooling/cleanser", "afterbirth", "stoppage-of-water" and "womb infection" persist in the rural population. Although the scientific literature show that some of the cited plants possessed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological activities in laboratory studies, these results must be taken with caution until clinical trials are conducted to establish safety and efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y N Clement
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Y S Baksh-Comeau
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - C E Seaforth
- Herbal Institute, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Herbal Therapies and Social-Health Policies: Indigenous Ati Negrito Women's Dilemma and Reproductive Healthcare Transitions in the Philippines. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:491209. [PMID: 26345471 PMCID: PMC4539457 DOI: 10.1155/2015/491209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The high maternal mortality in the Philippines in the past decades prompted intervention strategies to curb unwanted deaths of mothers and improve health and social conditions of women. Such introductions however have begun to challenge traditional reproductive health practices creating confusion among practitioners and incipient transitions in healthcare. Our aim in this study was to document the herbal therapies practiced by indigenous Ati Negrito women and discuss the implications of social and conventional healthcare intervention programs on reproductive healthcare traditions by conducting semistructured interviews. Fidelity Level index was used to determine culturally important plants (i.e., the most preferred). Review of related studies on most preferred plants and therapies was further carried out to provide information regarding their safety/efficacy (or otherwise). Determination of informants' traditional medicinal knowledge was done using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A total of 49 medicinal plants used in treating female reproductive health-related syndromes across four categories were recorded. Significant differences in traditional medicinal knowledge were recorded when informants were grouped according to age, education, and number of children. Issues discussed in this research could hopefully raise awareness on changes in healthcare practices in indigenous cultures and on medical safety especially when traditional and conventional medications interact.
Collapse
|