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He M, Qin W, Qin Z, Zhao C. Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:58. [PMID: 35462555 PMCID: PMC9036742 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00682-3] [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: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this study, we attempted to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis (AR), and to test the robustness of the estimated effects. Methods The Cochrane methodology standard was followed to conduct this systematic review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with other therapies for AR were included. Furthermore, trial sequential analysis was conducted to test the robustness of pooled results. Thirty trials with 4413 participants were included. Results Acupuncture improved the nasal symptoms on Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and quality of life measured by Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) in adults with AR, compared to acupuncture with no intervention. Acupuncture was also shown to be more effective than sham acupuncture for nasal symptom (RQLQ subscale, n = 489, MD − 0.60, 95% CI − 1.16 to − 0.04) and quality of life (RQLQ, n = 248, − 8.47 95% CI − 14.91, − 2.03). No clear difference was observed between acupuncture and cetirizine or loratadine. Interestingly, trial sequential analysis (TSA) failed to confirm the aforementioned results. The effect of acupuncture for children/adolescents with AR remains unclear due to insufficient data. The performance bias and attrition bias are serious in most studies that were included. Selection bias may also have affected the quality of the evidence. Conclusion Acupuncture may have an advantage over no intervention and sham acupuncture in improving nasal symptoms and quality of life for adults with AR. The effect of acupuncture and cetirizine or loratadine for AR may be similar. Additional trials are necessary to confirm these results. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-022-00682-3.
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Jaber D, Ghannam RA, Rashed W, Shehadeh M, Zyoud SH. Use of complementary and alternative therapies by patients with eye diseases: a hospital-based cross-sectional study from Palestine. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:3. [PMID: 33397355 PMCID: PMC7784325 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generally, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are accepted methods of treatment by patients with various types of conditions. Their use is becoming especially prevalent among patients with eye problems even in developed countries. Thus, we aimed to determine the pattern of use of CAT in this patient population, to identify the patient characteristics associated with the use of CAT, and to assess the types of CAT used. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Palestine at An-Najah National University Hospital between the time periods of October 2019 to May 2020, using questionnaire-based face to face interviews. Data were collected through convenience sampling. Patients responded to the questionnaire, which was focused on information adapted from previous research in this area, covering socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, types of CAT, source of information, and side effects on CAT use. RESULTS A total of 86 patients were interviewed for our study. Over two thirds, 67% reported using CAT for the specific purpose of improving their eye condition, and about one third (29.1%) received more than one therapy. The most common therapies reported were duea' (i.e. supplication) (47.1%) and herbal therapies (24.1%). It was shown that patients with bilateral involvement of their eyes were almost twice more likely to describe using CAT than patients with unilateral eye pathology (p = 0.006). Also, patients who underwent surgery as their route of treatment were significantly less likely to use CAT (p = 0.043). Most of our study participants mentioned a non-physician source as their source of information regarding CAT with family members being the most frequently mentioned (30.2%) followed by the internet (25.6%) and friends (19.8%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of CAT use among patients with eye disease is somewhat high in our study population. Because CAT may trigger adverse reactions, influence the progression of the disease, and interfere with conventional treatment, the ophthalmologist should frequently be asked patients with such diagnostics regarding the use of these therapies. Further work is required to analyze the mechanisms of action and to establish realistic guidelines for the use of these modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Jaber
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Rafat Abu Ghannam
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Waleed Rashed
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Mohammad Shehadeh
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Ophthalmology, An-Najah National University Hospital, 44839 Nablus, Palestine
| | - Sa’ed H. Zyoud
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
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Meier-Girard D, Gerstenberg G, Stoffel L, Kohler T, Klein SD, Eschenmoser M, Mitter VR, Nelle M, Wolf U. Euphrasia Eye Drops in Preterm Neonates With Ocular Discharge: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:449. [PMID: 32850558 PMCID: PMC7431947 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate whether the early administration of Euphrasia eye drops® in preterm neonates presenting with ocular discharge fosters the resolution of the ocular discharge and reduces the need for topical antibiotic therapy, as compared to placebo. Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial at the University Children's Hospital Bern, Switzerland. Preterm neonates with white, yellow, or green ocular discharge were included. Infants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the Euphrasia arm (Euphrasia eye drops®, Weleda AG, Arlesheim) or the placebo arm (NaCl 0.9%). Euphrasia or placebo was administrated at a dose of one drop in each eye four times a day over a period of 96 h. The primary outcome was the treatment success, defined as no ocular discharge at 96 h and no use of topical antibiotic therapy during the 96-h intervention. Results: A total of 114 neonates were screened and 84 were randomized. Among neonates in the Euphrasia arm, 22 (55.0%) achieved our primary outcome compared to 21 (51.2%) in the placebo arm (p = 0.85). In the Euphrasia arm, time to resolution of reddening tended to fall within the shorter bracket of 24 to 48 h (24 (92.3%) vs. 12 (80.0%) in the placebo arm, p = 0.34) and relapse or first signs of reddening during the 96-h intervention tended to be lower [3 (7.9%) eyes vs. 8 (18.2%) eyes in the placebo arm, p = 0.17]. Tearing at 96 h tended to be lower in the Euphrasia arm [5 (12.8%) eyes in the Euphrasia arm vs. 12 (27.3%) eyes in the placebo arm, p = 0.10]. Discussion: Euphrasia did not significantly improve treatment success, defined as no ocular discharge at 96 h and no use of topical antibiotic therapy during the 96-h intervention. However, results suggest that Euphrasia may be of benefit for symptoms such as reddening and tearing, and thus improve the comfort of patients. Trial Registration: The trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) NCT04122300 and at the portal for human research in Switzerland SNCTP000003490.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Meier-Girard
- Anthroposophically Extended Medicine, Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gisa Gerstenberg
- Anthroposophically Extended Medicine, Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Liliane Stoffel
- Department of Neonatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Therese Kohler
- Department of Neonatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabine D. Klein
- Anthroposophically Extended Medicine, Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Vera Ruth Mitter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Nelle
- Neonatology Division, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Wolf
- Anthroposophically Extended Medicine, Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Liu Y, Hwang E, Ngo HTT, Perumalsamy H, Kim YJ, Li L, Yi TH. Protective Effects of Euphrasia officinalis Extract against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113327. [PMID: 30366440 PMCID: PMC6275060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which is associated with the elevation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the impairment of collagen. The Euphrasia species play a well-known role in the treatment of certain eye disorders through their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. However, their protective activity toward UVB-induced damage remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Euphrasia officinalis (95% ethanol extract) on UVB-irradiated photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Our results show that Euphrasia officinalis extract exhibited obvious reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, enhanced NHDF cell migration, and reduced UVB-induced apoptosis. The UVB-induced increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3 and decrease in type I procollagen were ameliorated by Euphrasia officinalis treatment, which worked by suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathways. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that Euphrasia officinalis ethanol extract could reduce UVB-induced photoaging by alleviating oxidative stress, proinflammatory activity, and cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Eunson Hwang
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Hien T T Ngo
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Haribalan Perumalsamy
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Yeon Ju Kim
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Lu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
| | - Tae-Hoo Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea.
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Bigagli E, Cinci L, D'Ambrosio M, Luceri C. Pharmacological activities of an eye drop containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts in UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation of human corneal cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 173:618-625. [PMID: 28704790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is a risk factor for corneal damage resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of a commercial eye drop (Dacriovis™) containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts on human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC-12) against UVB radiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the underlying mechanisms. The antioxidant potential of the eye drops was evaluated by measuring the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. HCEC-12 cells were exposed to UVB radiation and treated with the eye drops at various concentrations. Cell viability, wound healing assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, protein and lipid oxidative damage and COX-2, IL-1β, iNOS, SOD-2, HO-1 and GSS gene expression, were assessed. Eye drops were able to protect corneal epithelial cells from UVB-induced cell death and ameliorated the wound healing; the eye drops exhibited a strong antioxidant activity, decreasing ROS levels and protein and lipid oxidative damage. Eye drops also exerted anti-inflammatory activities by decreasing COX-2, IL-1β, iNOS expression, counteracted UVB-induced GSS and SOD-2 expression and restored HO-1 expression to control levels. These findings suggest that an eye drop containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts exerts positive effects against UVB induced oxidative stress and inflammation and may be useful in protecting corneal epithelial cells from UVB exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Bigagli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cinci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario D'Ambrosio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy.
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Cancer Patients and Determination of Affecting Factors. Holist Nurs Pract 2015; 29:357-69. [DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Pfab F, Schalock PC, Napadow V, Athanasiadis GI, Huss-Marp J, Ring J. Acupuncture for allergic disease therapy--the current state of evidence. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 10:831-41. [PMID: 24881629 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2014.924855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes current evidence for acupuncture treatment of allergies. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a specific effect of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis; while a few studies have shown positive effects for atopic dermatitis, asthma and itch. Specifically for allergic rhinitis and asthma, acupuncture may be cost-effective in terms of money spent per quality-of-life gained. Acupuncture plays an increasingly important role as an evidence-based therapy for allergy relief and can be recommended as adjunct therapy for allergic rhinitis. Future randomized controlled trials need to further explore acupuncture efficacy for the treatment of itch, atopic dermatitis and asthma. More experimental research is also needed to investigate mechanisms of action underlying acupuncture for allergy relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Pfab
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Córdova C, Gutiérrez B, Martínez-García C, Martín R, Gallego-Muñoz P, Hernández M, Nieto ML. Oleanolic acid controls allergic and inflammatory responses in experimental allergic conjunctivitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91282. [PMID: 24699261 PMCID: PMC3974667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollen is the most common aeroallergen to cause seasonal conjunctivitis. The result of allergen exposure is a strong Th2-mediated response along with conjunctival mast cell degranulation and eosinophilic infiltration. Oleanolic acid (OA) is natural a triterpene that displays strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties being an active anti-allergic molecule on hypersensitivity reaction models. However, its effect on inflammatory ocular disorders including conjunctivitis, has not yet been addressed. Hence, using a Ragweed pollen (RWP)-specific allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) mouse model we study here whether OA could modify responses associated to allergic processes. We found that OA treatment restricted mast cell degranulation and infiltration of eosinophils in conjunctival tissue and decreased allergen-specific Igs levels in EAC mice. Th2-type cytokines, secreted phospholipase A2 type-IIA (sPLA2-IIA), and chemokines levels were also significantly diminished in the conjunctiva and serum of OA-treated EAC mice. Moreover, OA treatment also suppressed RWP-specific T-cell proliferation. In vitro studies, on relevant cells of the allergic process, revealed that OA reduced the proliferative and migratory response, as well as the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators on EoL-1 eosinophils and RBL-2H3 mast cells exposed to allergic and/or crucial inflammatory stimuli such as RWP, sPLA2-IIA or eotaxin. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the beneficial activity of OA in ocular allergic processes and may provide a new intervention strategy and potential therapy for allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Córdova
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-García
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología y Farmacología, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rubén Martín
- Instituto de Ciencias del Corazón. Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Patricia Gallego-Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología y Farmacología, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Marita Hernández
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - María L. Nieto
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Paduch R, Woźniak A, Niedziela P, Rejdak R. Assessment of eyebright (euphrasia officinalis L.) extract activity in relation to human corneal cells using in vitro tests. Balkan Med J 2014; 31:29-36. [PMID: 25207164 DOI: 10.5152/balkanmedj.2014.8377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Euphrasia officinalis L. is an herb traditionally used in folk medicine, mainly in the treatment of eye disorders. AIMS The present study analyzed the activity of three extracts of E. officinalis L. (ethanol, ethyl acetate and heptane) on cultured human corneal epithelial cells (10.014 pRSV-T). STUDY DESIGN In vitro study. METHODS Toxicity, free radical scavenging activity and the immunomodulatory effects of the extracts were tested using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) or Neutral Red, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ELISA tests, respectively. Moreover, nitric oxide levels and cytoskeleton architecture were analyzed after corneal cell incubation with the plant extracts. RESULTS We show that the biological effect depended on both the concentration and the extraction solvent used. Heptane extracts, distinct from those in ethanol and ethyl acetate, were toxic to 10.014 pRSV-T cells at low concentrations (25 μg/mL) and did not demonstrate free radical scavenging effects. All tested extracts decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and also anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression by human corneal cells when the extracts were added to the cell culture medium for 24 h. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we show that the promising effects of the application of E. officinalis L. preparations as a supplementary therapy for eye disorders are associated with the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, not the heptane extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Paduch
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Woźniak
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Niedziela
- Department of Surgery, District Railway Hospital, Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Bromfield SG, McGwin G. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Eye-related Diseases and Conditions. Curr Eye Res 2013; 38:1283-7. [DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2013.822086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Vitalini S, Tomè F, Fico G. Traditional uses of medicinal plants in Valvestino (Italy). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 121:106-16. [PMID: 18996175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 09/30/2008] [Accepted: 10/05/2008] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports the results of a survey concerning folk uses of medicinal plants in Valvestino (Brescia, Italy). The features of this area, recognized by European Union as "Site of Community interest", allowed the preservation of the ethnobotanical traditions. We have documented the use of 58 species belonging to 30 families by interviewing 54 villagers of a mean age of 72 years. The dominant families are Asteraceae (10 species), Pinaceae and Rosaceae (5 species, respectively); the most common preparations are infusion and decoction. Three plants have been mentioned for treatment of animals, some species are employed in cookery. The study, carried out for the first time in this valley, gathered information about traditional remedies, before they are completely lost. All the interesting species have been transplanted to the G. E. Ghirardi Botanical Garden for the ex situ conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vitalini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Piante medicinali e disturbi oculari. Fitoterapia 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/88-470-0505-1_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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