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Spielvogel I, Wysocki A, Proćków M, Wierzcholska S, Proćków J. Herbal medicine in the Jewish Renaissance rare medical handbook The Guide to the Tree of Life (Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 335:118556. [PMID: 38996952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The only known copy of Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim, an anonymous old print, is stored in the Austrian National Library in Vienna. It was written in the Yiddish Ashkenazi language and printed in 1613. The author, a Jewish physician, resided or lived in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This rare book, although it was printed over 400 years ago, has not yet been systematically assessed in the ethnomedical context of those times. AIM OF THE STUDY A quantitative assessment of the botanical drugs and kinds of healthy diets described in The Guide is presented to recognise the medicinal, diachronic, and botanical outlines of this peculiar rarum. MATERIALS AND METHODS To investigate various recipes describing the use of medicinal plants of Jewish culture in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the content of The Guide was analysed. All therapeutic uses of herbal medicines and nutritional recommendations for health were obtained by reviewing the Polish translation of the rare medical handbook. For each plant usage revealed in the text, we noted: Scientific, Common and Yiddish name of the taxon, Plant family, Part of the plant or substance used, Administration, Preparation, Primary pathology, Broad use, and Inferred pathology (ICD-11 and ICPC-3). RESULTS Among the 161 recipes, 58 plant taxa and 361 use records were recorded. Additionally, 127 mixtures with 68 plant taxa and 183 use mixture records were noted. 22 diet recipes with 19 plant taxa were also found. These data constitute three separate analyses, according to the intention of the author of The Guide. Formulations using Apiaceae were recommended primarily for gastroenterology and gynecology, while those using Rosaceae for gastroenterology, urology, and neurology. For mixtures, Lamiaceae plants are also represented and used for gastroenterology, respiratory system treatment, and gynecology. CONCLUSION The medicinal knowledge described in Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim fills a gap in contemporary knowledge regarding phyto-medical writing of the Renaissance. The Guide has a form of home first aid kit, used both for medicinal purposes and on the daily menu. In response to current challenges in healthcare, there is a growing interest among researchers in ethnomedicinal sources for the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds. This includes the re-evaluation of formulations and therapeutic indications that have been recognised for centuries. The remedies analysed and detailed in The Guide can provide valuable insights for researchers focused on identifying biologically active therapeutic raw materials of plant origin, thus contributing to advances in modern healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Spielvogel
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, Prószkowska 76, 45-758 Opole, Poland.
| | - Adrian Wysocki
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Proćków
- Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Wierzcholska
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Proćków
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland.
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Bonomo MG, Russo D, Faraone I, Milella L, Mang SM, Saturnino C, Sinicropi MS, Catalano A, Salzano G. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and quantitative screening of phytochemicals of Fraxinus excelsior L. and Eschscholtzia californica Cham. mother tinctures. Nat Prod Res 2023; 37:3033-3041. [PMID: 36355050 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2144849] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Fraxinus excelsior L. and Eschscholtzia californica Cham. mother tinctures against a range of foodborne bacteria were investigated to determine the major components and to analyse the action spectrum and antimicrobial effectiveness of the extracts. Results demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity of Fraxinus excelsior L. and a lower activity of Eschscholtzia californica Cham. and a good chemical phenolic composition with the highest content of flavonoids. The Fraxinus excelsior L. and Eschscholtzia californica Cham. mother tinctures demonstrated a middle-high antimicrobial activity against, respectively, 66.67% and 43.33% of all tested bacteria. The inhibitory activity showed a moderate effect on the growth of the sensitive strains in presence of extracts minimum inhibitory concentration. The synergistic actions of bioactive compounds detected in the extracts might be on the basis of antioxidant and biological activities observed and should be used in pharmaceutical, food preservation, alternative medicine and natural therapies fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Bonomo
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Immacolata Faraone
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Luigi Milella
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Stefania Mirela Mang
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari e Ambietali (SAFE), Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Dipartmento di Farmacia, Salute e scienze della Nutrizione, Università degli Studi della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Salzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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Lee JE, Jung IC, Lee SY, Lim JH, Kim BK, Cho E. The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Gamiguibi-Tang versus Hwangryunhaedok-Tang for Patients with Insomnia Disorder Based on a Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112157. [PMID: 36360498 PMCID: PMC9690131 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Insomnia is associated with poor quality of life and loss of productivity, and is a significant economic burden on society. Gamiguibi-tang (GGBT) is the most frequently prescribed herbal medicine for insomnia treatment. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HHT) is used as an insured herbal medicine for insomnia in the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) system. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of GGBT versus HHT in patients with insomnia disorders based on clinical trial data; (2) Methods: The EuroQol five-dimension scale (EQ-5D) was used to estimate quality-adjusted life-years (QALY). Direct and non-direct medical costs and lost productivity costs were estimated. The cost-effectiveness of GGBT was compared with HHT treatments over six weeks from a societal perspective; (3) Results: A total of 81 patients who underwent GGBT (n = 56) and HHT (n = 25) treatment completed the clinical trial. The EQ-5D score improved significantly more in the GGBT than in the HHT group (0.02 vs. −0.03, p < 0.05). The QALYs for six weeks were slightly greater in GGBT (0.0997) than in the HHT group (0.0987); however, the total costs incurred were approximately 9% less in GGBT ($934) than in the HHT group ($1029). GGBT was found to be a more economically dominant treatment option compared to HHT for treating insomnia; (4) Conclusions: Among herbal medicines, GGBT may be a cost-effective option for treating insomnia from a societal perspective in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - In-Chul Jung
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - So-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Jung-Hwa Lim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Bo-Kyung Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Eun Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea
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Effects of a Nutritional Supplement (DìRelaxTM) on Anxiety in Dogs in a Randomized Control Trial Design. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040435. [PMID: 35203143 PMCID: PMC8868118 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The effects of a nutraceutical product, DìRelaxTM, were tested in a cohort of anxious dogs by the C-BARQ questionnaire to assess the presence of problematic behaviors, and by the impossible task paradigm, an experimental procedure to explore dogs’ cognitive performance following an expectancy frustration. Hematological and biochemical analyses showed no adverse effects. The treatment with DìRelaxTM showed a positive effect on the dog’s performances, with some of the behaviors appearing improved. The results suggested that DiRelaxTM may have some ameliorative effect on the cognitive performances of anxious dogs. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DìRelaxTM, a nutraceutical formulated to reduce anxiety in dogs, using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The C-BARQ questionnaire, some clinical investigations, and the impossible task test were performed in dogs before and after treatment. The C-BARQ questionnaire is particularly useful for assessing the frequency and severity of problematic behaviors. The impossible task paradigm provides insight into the decision-making processes in the realm of expectancy frustration. Results showed an ameliorative effect on the performances of treated dogs during the solvable phases, with a significant decrease in the time needed to solve the task. No behavioral difference was found between treated and untreated anxious dogs during the unsolvable phase. According to the results from the C-BARQ questionnaire, some of the behaviors appeared to improve. Clinical investigations, including a complete blood cell count and blood chemistry, showed no difference between groups, thus suggesting the safety of the product. In general, this study suggests that DìRelaxTM can be safely administered with no adverse effects and can exercise a beneficial effect on anxious dogs by enhancing their cognitive abilities, but further studies should investigate the best method of administration.
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Wang M, Wang S, Li Y, Wu P, Yi P, Huang L, Gu W, Zhou C, Hao X, Yuan C. A rare sesquiterpenoid-alkaloid hydrid with selective BuChE inhibitory activity from Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia Miq. Tetrahedron Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2022.153679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med 2021; 25:2515690X20967323. [PMID: 33086877 PMCID: PMC7585905 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x20967323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep problems are widely prevalent and associated with various comorbidities including anxiety. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a popular herbal medicine used as a sleep aid, however the outcomes of previous clinical studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to update and re-evaluate the available data in order to understand the reason behind the inconsistent outcomes and to provide a broader view of the use of valerian for associated disorders. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve publications relevant to the effectiveness of valerian as a treatment of sleep problems and associated disorders. A total of 60 studies (n=6,894) were included in this review, and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness to improve subjective sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and to reduce anxiety (8 studies, n=535). Results suggested that inconsistent outcomes were possibly due to the variable quality of herbal extracts and that more reliable effects could be expected from the whole root/rhizome. In addition, therapeutic benefits could be optimized when it was combined with appropriate herbal partners. There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years. In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Department of Infection and Host Defence, Graduate School of Medicine, 12737Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Julia Green
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, 4921University of Westminster, London, UK
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Borrás S, Martínez-Solís I, Ríos JL. Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2021; 87:738-753. [PMID: 34116572 DOI: 10.1055/a-1510-9826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disorders are common among the general population and can generate health problems such as insomnia and anxiety. In addition to standard drugs and psychological interventions, there are different complementary plant-based therapies used to treat insomnia and anxiety. This review aimed to find and examine the most recent research on the use of herbal medicines for treating anxiety and insomnia as compiled from clinical trials, as well as to assess the safety and efficacy of these medicines and to elucidate their possible mechanisms of action. The process entailed a search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases from 2010 to 2020. The search terms included "sleep disorder", "insomnia", "sedative", "hypnotic", "anxiety", "anxiolytic", and "clinical trial", combined with the search terms "herbs" and "medicinal plants", in addition to individual herbal medicines by both their common and scientific names. This updated review, which focuses mainly on clinical trials, includes research on 23 medicinal plants and their combinations. Essential oils and their associations have also been reviewed. The efficacy of medicinal plants depends on treatment duration, types of study subjects, administration route, and treatment method. More clinical trials with an adequate, standardized design are necessary, as are more preclinical studies to continue studying the mechanisms of action. As a result of our work, we can conclude that the 3 plants with the most potential are valerian, passionflower, and ashwagandha, with the combination of valerian with hops and passionflower giving the best results in the clinical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Borrás
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Spain
| | - Isabel Martínez-Solís
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Spain
| | - José Luis Ríos
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Spain
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Bottoni M, Milani F, Colombo L, Nallio K, Colombo PS, Giuliani C, Bruschi P, Fico G. Using Medicinal Plants in Valmalenco (Italian Alps): From Tradition to Scientific Approaches. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184144. [PMID: 32927742 PMCID: PMC7570945 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is possible to make a comparison between investigated extracts and traditional preparations. This study is thus a stimulus to new phytochemical investigations, mimicking as much as possible the traditional preparations. This work is part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, aimed at creating a management model for the ongoing climate change and searching for new sources of territory valorization as attractions for tourists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bottoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Milani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colombo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
| | - Kevin Nallio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Sira Colombo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Giuliani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
| | - Piero Bruschi
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental, Food and Forestry Science and Technology, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Fico
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Botanical Garden G.E. Ghirardi, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Toscolano Maderno, 25088 Brescia, Italy
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