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Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a "core" from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study is planned to investigate the hepato- and nephroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorum (EEMU) on paracetamol (PCM)-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: Hepato- and nephroprotective effects of EEMU were studied against PCMinduced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats. The rats were divided in to seven groups' viz., control, EEMU 400 mg/kg, PCM, PCM + Vitamin C 200 mg/kg, PCM + EEMU 100 mg/kg, PCM + EEMU 200 mg/kg and PCM + EEMU 400 mg/kg. The animal in groups III to VII were administered with PCM (750 mg/kg) once daily for seven days to induce hepato- and nephrotoxicity. EEMU and Vitamin C were administered once daily per orally for 7 days. On day 8, the animals were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected and used for estimation of biochemical parameters. Later the animals were sacrificed and liver and kidney were collected from all the animals for antioxidant assay and histopathological analysis. Results: The animals administered with EEMU (400 mg/kg) didn't show any significant changes in the biochemical parameters and histological features. The animals administered with PCM showed a significant increase in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin and urea compared with that of the control group. Whereas the animals administered with Vitamin C and EEMU (at 200 and 400 mg/kg) prevented PCM-induced changes in biochemical parameters and histological features. In the antioxidant assay, the animals administered with EEMU, PCM + Vitamin C and PCM + EEMU 400 mg/kg, didn't show any significant changes in the levels of reduced glutathione when compared with that of the control group. Conclusion: EEMU exhibited a significant hepatoprotective effect at the dose levels of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg against PCM-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. EEMU did not show any significant nephroprotective effect at the same dose levels on PCM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicine can improve economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods of local communities. In fact, the demand for herbal medicine is increasing globally while policymakers also value non-economic benefits, e.g. preserving traditions/heritage, enhancing communities’ cohesion/trust and promoting sustainable practices towards a low-carbon, low-energy and low-metabolism future. The paper discusses the context, opportunities and challenges for developing a medicinal herbal plants industry in Qatar. A literature review was carried out on international experiences in medicinal herbs businesses, with a focus on countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Qualitative data were collected through interviews with smallholders in the herbal medicine industry and experts in order to make a characterization of the business models in Qatar. The herbal medicine industry in Qatar consists of small entrepreneurs that share characteristics with traditional herbalists. It is challenged by the capacity of businesses to enhance resource-efficient production processes through environmentally friendly cultivation and commercial trade.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine abnormalities in women. Due to the side effects of drugs, the tendency to use natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to regulate metabolism, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia in PCOS patients has been increased. This review aimed to investigate the role of herbal substances on the treatment of PCOS.

Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable ingredients to the feed or drinking water of poultry flocks. Because of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in animal nutrition were prohibited. Additionally, consumer preferences tend towards purchasing products from livestock raised without antibiotics. Therefore, there is a critical need to find effective growth promoter alternatives and treatment methods for common poultry diseases. Some spice plants play important roles in improving the taste, aroma, and color of human food and their positive effects on human and animal health. The current review aimed to provide a broader perspective on some spice crops which can be effective alternatives to antibiotics in organic poultry production. These spices were including Thymus vulgaris, Cichorium intybus, Coriandrum sativum, Aloe vera, Heracleum persicum, Curcuma longa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a “core” from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Copyright of Multidiszciplináris Tudományok is the property of University of Miskolc and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Uranium concentration and the annual committed effective dose in some selected medicinal plants commonly used in Iraq have been determined using fission tracks technique etch in twelve medical plants samples using CR-39 track detector. The results show that the uranium concentration ranged from 0.044±0.021 ppm in Thyme sample to 0.2±0.03 ppm in Black Pepper and Cardamom samples with an average value of 0.14 ±0.0 4ppm. The average annual effective dose due to ingestion of uranium radionuclide was 13.77x10 -5 mSv/y, which is below the world average annual committed effective dose of 0.3 mSv/y for ingestion of natural radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebiasis is is widely distributed in Iraq. In order to search for alternative new anti-amebic drugs, a study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of metronidazole and some medical herbs on the viability of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in vitro culture. E. histolytica was isolated from stool examination of patients attended Pediatric Hospital Kirkuk, using wet mount technique. The active trophozoites were cultured in Lock egg medium. After isolation of trophozoites tested against various concentrations of metronidazole, and medical herbs including Artemisia herba alba, Punica granatum and Tecurium polium , using viability Pandroff tube, which contain Jones broth medium. Both aqueous and alcoholic extractions of medical herbs were used, at concentrations of 50%, 25%, 12.5% and 6.25%. Results: Metronidazole had highest inhibitory effect on viability of E. histolytica trophozoites than medical herbs. Medical herbs, Artemisia herba alba, recorded highest inhibitory properties against Entamoeba histolytica, followed by Punicaa granatum and Tecurium polium. The effect of alcoholic extract of all medical herbs was greater than aqueous extracts Conclusions: The efficacy of metronidazole was greater than medical herbs. The alcoholic extraction of medical herbs had greatest effect on viability of trophozoites than aqueous ones. Medical herbs can be used as an alternative of metronidazole.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most important gynecological disorders among reproductive-age women. In patients with PCOS, the secretion rate and metabolism of androgens and estrogens are disrupted. With regards to the increasing prevalence of PCOS and associated physical and mental problems as well as the effects of changes in sex hormones in development of this disease, our aim is to investigate the effects of different herbal extracts on changes in the serum levels of sex hormones and ovarian tissue. To conduct this review, an extensive literature search was conducted using, relevant publications published between 1990 and 2017, and indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Scientific Information Database, and Science Direct were studied. The search terms used to retrieve the publications were as follows: Herbal medical extract? Names of medicinal plants ? polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, the mechanism of hormone. According to the evidence, herbal extracts containing phytoestrogens cause decrease in hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and ovary weight as well as increase in ovulation. Therefore, these plants can be partly effective in this syndrome via affecting the serum levels of different hormones and ovarian weight and morphology, representing an opportunity to investigate and discovery new bioactive products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the process of accumulation ofantioxidants in the herbal extracts depending on the stage of the herbal vegetation and the naturalconditions of the growth. [...]

Indonesia is known as a country with very high biodiversity, within which are potential medicinal plants that have not been fully explored or utilized. The potential of this natural biodiversity for the health and welfare of the Indonesian community is regarded as high, if it is properly utilized. An example of the potential benefits of these plants is reflected in the types of traditional medicinal plants used by the Mamuju ethnic in West Sulawesi. This research aims to describe the types of plants used as traditional medicines by the Mamuju ethnic group. The study is based on descriptive approach that used a combination of observations, interviews and taxonomy. The results of the study revealed that there are 31 species of medicinal plants used as sources of traditional medicine by the Mamuju ethnic group, of which there are 33 medical herbs used for the treatment of 31 kinds of diseases. The health issues that are addressed through the use of medicinal plants include the treatment of some types of internal diseases, including cysts, cancer, tumors, high blood pressure, ulcers and diabetes; disease symptoms such as itching, swelling, myopic, new injuries and infections. Some traditional medicines are used in relation to onset of menstruation, and postpartum treatment. The plant components that are used for medicinal purposes include roots, stems, stem bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, rhizomes and tubers. However, the predominant plant component used for medicinal purposes is plant leaves.

Objectives: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) iswell established world wide. The present work is aimed at studying the knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM by the people of Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive household survey studyof the people living in Riyadh city, as well as the surrounding governorates. A multistage random sample was taken from1st January to the end of March 2010, with a total number of 518 participants. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire through direct interview. The data was collected based on socio-demography, as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM.Results: Participants were nearly sex-matched, consisting of approximately 70�0Saudi and 30�0non-Saudis. About 89�0ofthe participants had some knowledge of CAM. Mass media e.g.(T.V., newspapers and radio) and family, relatives and friends represented the main sources of CAM knowledge, (46.5�0and46.3�0respectively). Nearly 85�0of participants or one of their family members has used some form of CAM before, and the most common users of CAM practices were females, housewives, and illiterate subjects (or those who could just read and write), as well as participants aged 60 years and above. Medical herbs (58.89� prayer (54� honey and bee products (54� hijama (35.71�nd cauterization or medical massage therapy (22�20were thecommonly used CAM practices. Most participants agreed that there are needs for; CAM practices (93.8� regulations for CAM(94.9� health education (96.6� specialized centers (94.8�20and CAM clinics (92.7� While only 8.3�0of participants usually discussed CAM with their physicians.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and increased public interest in CAM use in the Riyadh region. There is a positiv eattitude towards CAM, yet most participants are reluctant to share and discuss CAM information with their physicians.

La historia oficial afirma que Occidente heredó directamente el legado cultural de Grecia y Roma. Pero si la mayoría de los manuscritos griegos y latinos fueron destruidos a partir del saqueo de la Biblioteca de Alejandría en 391, los archivos de Roma fueron devastados en sendas ocasiones entre 410 y 476 por visigodos y hérulos, y los escasos vestigios clásicos que quedaban en Atenas fueron arrasados por Justiniano I en 529, ¿cuál fue la conexión que logró transmitir esa literatura y pudo ser aprovechada en un período anterior al renacimiento? La salvación de las piezas literarias se realizó durante ochocientos afios de activa y responsable tarea de recopilación por parte de los árabes durante la línea de tiempo que oscila entre 650-1450 en la que fueron rescatados, traducidos y retransmitidos hacia los cuatro puntos cardinales. Los científicos árabes, al igual que Arquímedes o Herón, nunca se separaron del saber empírico, por el contrario, lo profundizaron. El movimiento científico árabe no sólo interpretó el saber de los antiguos sino desarrolló una nueva ciencia donde la razón sustentaba a la fe y viceversa. Esta fue la base esencial que permitió construir el Renacimiento y la Ilustración, que a su vez posibilitaron la Modernidad. En este contexto, fue de capital importancia la traducción al árabe de la obra de Dioscórides ya que no sólo fue de gran utilidad para la farmacología y medicina en el mundo musulmán sino que a través de éste las recetas del médico griego de Nerón reingresaron a la Europa latina donde fueron recibidas como una panacea.Official history affirms that the West directly inherited the cultural legacy of Greece and Rome. But if most of the Greek and latin manuscripts they were destroyed at the sacking of the Library of Alexandria in 391, the archives of Rome were devastated in several occasions between 410 and 476 by Visigoth and heruls, and the little classic vestiges that were in Athens were devastated by Justinian in 529, which was the connection that managed to transmit that Literature and could be taken advantage of it in a period previous to the Renaissance? The salvation of the literary mastepieces was made during eight hundred years od active and responsible task of compilation by the Arabs during the time line that oscillates between 650-1450 in that were rescued, translated and relayed towards the four cardinal points. The Arab scientists, like Archimedes or Hero, never separated of the empirical knowledge, on the contrary, they deepened it. The Arab scientific movement not only interpreted the knowledge of the old ones but it developed the new science where the reason sustained the faith and vice versa. This was the essential base that allowed to construct to the Renaissance and the Illustration, that made possible Modernity as well. In this context, it was of capital importance the translation to the Arab of the work of Dioscorides since it was not only very useful for the pharmacology and medicine in the Muslim World but that through this one the recipes of the Greek physician of Nero turned back to latin Europe where were received like a panacea.

The economic results show that the Melissa officinalis cultivation is economically effective and in comparison with the economic indicators of conventional crops planted on arable land, this herb achieves several times higher profit per hectare. The marginal costs of production are higher than its marginal revenues. Our research confirms that production of Salvia officinalis - sort Krajova and Comune is not profitable. The dominant factors that negatively affect the efficiency of growing this herb are low and unstable hectare yields on the one hand and high production costs on the other hand. Based on our research, it is possible to assume that the profit from production of Salvia officinaliswas obtained only of the sort of Primorska and only through direct planting.

Abstract: In the presented study samples of sage (Salvia officinalis L) and mountain germander (Teucrium montanum L) as well as infusions prepared from them were investigated for their mineral composition ranging from trace to major elements. Element concentrations in the medical herbs and their infusions were determined by ICP-AES. The following elements were studied: Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn. Blossoms and leaves of the herb samples were digested in a microwave oven in order to determine the total content of the elements of interest. Infusions were prepared using distilled water of different temperature and applying various decoction times. The extraction yields for all elements present in the infusions were calculated. The essential elements Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn are present in the whole overground herb and infusions at concentration levels of μg/L, whereas Ca, K, Mg, and Na in mg/L. The toxic elements Cd and Pb were found only in the whole overground herb at very low concentrations, but not in the final infusions. High amounts of K, Mg, and Na in the resulting infusions justify the use of this herb as nutritional supplement in addition to the organic compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Dermatology / Turk Dermatoloji Dergisis is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is well established worldwide. The present work is aimed at studying the knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM by the people of Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive household survey study of the people living in Riyadh city, as well as the surrounding governorates. A multistage random sample was taken from 1st January to the end of March 2010, with a total number of 518 participants. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire through direct interview. The data was collected based on socio-demography, as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM. Results: Participants were nearly sex-matched, consisting of approximately 70% Saudi and 30% non-Saudis. About 89% of the participants had some knowledge of CAM. Mass media e.g. (T.V., newspapers and radio) and family, relatives and friends represented the main sources of CAM knowledge, (46.5% and 46.3% respectively). Nearly 85% of participants or one of their family members has used some form of CAM before, and the most common users of CAM practices were females, housewives, and illiterate subjects (or those who could just read and write), as well as participants aged 60 years and above. Medical herbs (58.89%), prayer (54%), honey and bee products (54%), hijama (35.71%) and cauterization or medical massage therapy (22%) were the commonly used CAM practices. Most participants agreed that there are needs for; CAM practices (93.8%), regulations for CAM (94.9%), health education (96.6%), specialized centers (94.8%) and CAM clinics (92.7%). While only 8.3% of participants usually discussed CAM with their physicians. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and increased public interest in CAM use in the Riyadh region. There is a positive attitude towards CAM, yet most participants are reluctant to share and discuss CAM information with their physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The radiation-induced EPR spectra in some medical herbs are reported. The samples studied are: (i) leaves of nettle, common balm, peppermint and thyme; (ii) stalks of common balm, thyme, milfoil, yarrow and marigold; (iii) blossoms of yarrow and marigold; (iv) blossoms and leaves of hawthorn and tutsan; and (v) roots of common valerian, nettle, elecampane (black and white), restharrows and carlina. Before irradiation all samples exhibit one weak anisotropic singlet EPR line with effective g-value of 2.0050±0.0002. The radiation-induced spectra fall into three groups. EPR spectra of irradiated blossoms of yarrow and marigold, stalks of common balm, thyme, tutsan and yarrow as well as roots of common valerian, nettle and elecampane (black and white) show “cellulose-like” EPR spectrum typical for irradiated plants. It is characterized by one intense central line with g=2.0050±0.0005 and two weak satellite lines situated ca. 30G left and right to it. EPR spectra of gamma-irradiated restharrows and carlina are complex. They may be represented by one triplet corresponding to the “cellulose-like” EPR spectrum, one relatively intense singlet, situated in the center of the spectrum, and five weak additional satellite lines left and right to the center. The last spectrum was assigned as “carbohydrate-like” type. Only one intense EPR singlet with g=2.0048±0.0005 was recorded after irradiation of leaves of nettle and common balm. The lifetime of the radiation-induced EPR spectra was followed for a period of 3 months. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Official history affirms that the West directly inherited the cultural legacy of Greece and Rome. But if most of the Greek and latin manuscripts they were destroyed at the sacking of the Library of Alexandria in 391, the archives of Rome were devastated in several occasions between 410 and 476 by Visigoth and heruls, and the little classic vestiges that were in Athens were devastated by Justinian in 529, which was the connection that managed to transmit that Literature and could be taken advantage of it in a period previous to the Renaissance? The salvation of the literary mastepieces was made during eight hundred years od active and responsible task of compilation by the Arabs during the time line that oscillates between 650-1450 in that were rescued, translated and relayed towards the four cardinal points. The Arab scientists, like Archimedes or Hero, never separated of the empirical knowledge, on the contrary, they deepened it. The Arab scientific movement not only interpreted the knowledge of the old ones but it developed the new science where the reason sustained the faith and vice versa. This was the essential base that allowed to construct to the Renaissance and the Illustration, that made possible Modernity as well. In this context, it was of capital importance the translation to the Arab of the work of Dioscorides since it was not only very useful for the pharmacology and medicine in the Muslim World but that through this one the recipes of the Greek physician of Nero turned back to latin Europe where were received like a panacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted during 2004-2005 on opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) and the influence of 10-6 M gibberellic acid (GA3) and 10-6 M triacontanol (TRIA) either alone or together, on the growth, yield, quality and morphine content. Among the treatments, foliar spray of GA3+TRIA significantly promoted the values of most of the physiological and biochemical parameters including the opium yield. The morphine content was also enhanced. The effects of GA3 and TRIA were similar when given individually, in general, while only TRIA induced branching in the plants. Another important finding of this experiment was that GA3+TRIA favoured the branching as well as the development of capsules at the same levels of height in all the branches. This influence will bring about a practical benefit by facilitating easier manual or mechanical lancing of the capsules, the collection of the latex and the harvesting of the opium poppies. Thus, we conclude that 10-6 M each of GA3 and TRIA given together may be used for maximizing the yield of opium and morphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant properties of six medical herbs used in the traditional Paraguayan medicine were studied using free radical-generating systems. The methanol extracts from Aristolochia giberti, Cecropia pachystachya, Eugenia uniflora, Piper fulvescens, Schinus weinmannifolia and Schinus terebinthifolia protected against enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation in microsomal membranes of rat. C. pachystachya, E. uniflora, S. weinmannifolia and S. terebinthifolia showed the highest scavenging activity on the superoxide and DPPH radicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antioxidant properties of twenty medical herbs used in the traditional Mediterranean and Chinese medicine were studied. Extracts from Forsythia suspensa, Helichrysum italicum, Scrophularia auriculata, Inula viscosa, Coptis chinensis, Poria cocos and Scutellaria baicalensis had previously shown anti-inflammatory activity in different experimental models. Using free radical-generating systems H. italicum, I. viscosa and F. suspensa protected against enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation in model membranes and also showed scavenging property on the superoxide radical. All extracts were assayed at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. Most of the extracts were weak scavengers of the hydroxyl radical and C. chinensis and P. cocos exhibited the highest scavenging activity. Although S. baicalensis inhibited the lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and red blood cells, the extract showed inhibitory actions on aminopyrine N-demethylase and xanthine oxidase activities as well as an pro-oxidant effect observed in the Fe3+-EDTA - H2O2 system. The results of the present work suggest that the anti-inflammatory activities of the same extracts could be explained, at least in part, by their antioxidant properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Medical herb Mongolian astragalus has anxiolytic activity in conflict situation imposed on random-bred male albino rats, and evokes changes in electroencephalogram which are characteristic of tranquilizers. The drug moderates the τ-rhythm in cerebral hemispheres and hippocampus. In contrast to benzodiazepine tranquilizers, it does not affect the frequencies in other bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]