Herbal Science Research - traditional

Medicinal plants used by the villagers of a Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia.

Site Editor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:48:15 -0700

Medicinal plants used by the villagers of a Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Sep 19; Roosita K, Kusharto CM, Sekiyama M, Fachrurozi Y, Ohtsuka R

AIM OF THE STUDY: Based on the authors' fieldwork in a Sundanese village, Indonesia, this paper aimed to elucidate the roles of herbal medicine in treatment of illnesses and to report medicinal plants and their uses, comparing with those mentioned in the encyclopedic book series of Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interview survey was conducted for all of the 19 herbalist healers about their therapies for the past 1-month period, and the medicinal plants used were botanically identified. For 70 non-healer households, treatments for all members' illness episodes in the past 1-month period were asked. RESULTS: Medicinal plants were used in two-thirds of illness cases, either through the villagers' self-treatment (60.9%) or by the healers (6.5%). The healers made 96 therapies for illnesses (classified into 23 categories), using 117 plant species. There were 257 types of illness-plant pairs, and only 114 of them (44.4%) were judged conformed to those mentioned in the PROSEA. CONCLUSION: Sundanese villagers have depended heavily on herbal medicine, and high proportion of non-conformed illness-plant pairs suggests necessity of further studies about Sundanese medicinal plants, particularly their pharmacological effects.

[Weighing the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine: the case of Kava-Kava]

Site Editor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:25:03 -0700

[Weighing the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine: the case of Kava-Kava]: Harefuah. 2004 Aug;143(8):592-7, 621 Authors: Ben-Arye E, Reshef A, Berry E

Kava-Kava is an indigenous plant in the Pacific islands and has been traditionally used for centuries for both ceremonial and social purposes. The efficacy of the plant for treatment of anxiety states was recently acknowledged in randomized controlled trials. Although these trials support the safety of Kava for short term usage, a major concern was raised in accordance with emerging reports that relate Kava use to major hepatic damage, including a few cases of fulminant hepatitis that required liver transplantation or ended in death. As a result, most medical authorities in the West restricted or banned Kava use. This review discusses evidence of efficacy and safety in the use of Kava for treating patients with anxiety, as well as its meaning in the therapeutic context and patient-doctor dialogue.

PMID: 15523813 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Traditional kava beverage consumption and liver function tests in a predominantly Tongan population in Hawaii.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:14:11 -0700

Traditional kava beverage consumption and liver function tests in a predominantly Tongan population in Hawaii.: Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2007 Jun-Aug;45(5):549-56 Authors: Brown AC, Onopa J, Holck P, Kaufusi P, Kabasawa D, Craig WJ, Dragull K, Levine AM, Baker JD

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of traditionally prepared kava beverages on the liver function tests of regular kava beverage consumers in a population of Tongan and non-Tongan residents of Hawaii (Oahu). METHODS: The liver function tests of 31 healthy adult kava drinkers were compared against a control group of 31 healthy adult non-kava drinkers. Subjects were recruited from the general population, a kava bar, and Tongan kava drinking circles. The liver function profile included AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin (total and direct). Other tests included total protein, albumin, and screens for viral hepatitis and hemochromatosis when indicated. RESULTS: Chronic kava beverage consumption was associated with elevation of GGT in 65% of the kava drinkers versus 26% in the controls (P = .005). ALP was elevated in 23% of kava drinkers versus 3% in the controls (P = .053). CONCLUSION: Heavy kava beverage consumption was associated with significantly elevated GGT levels.

PMID: 17503265 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Traditional practices, beliefs and uses of medicinal plants in [...] maternal-baby health of Criollo woman in central Argentina.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:40:04 -0700

Traditional practices, beliefs and uses of medicinal plants in relation to maternal-baby health of Criollo woman in central Argentina.: Midwifery. 2007 Sep 28; Authors: Martínez GJ

OBJECTIVE: to present information on traditional practices and medicinal uses of plants for treating health diseases related to the reproductive cycle of Criollo women living in the hills of the province of Córdoba; and to interpret these uses in the context of this population's folk medicine. DESIGN: data were collected during several field trips to the study area based on the guidelines of a research project that included ethnographic and ethnobotanical aspects of the study area. SETTING: a rural community of central Argentina. PARTICIPANTS: a total of 62 peasants were interviewed on the basis of a semi-structured system. Repeated open and extensive interviews were also undertaken with seven women who had previously worked as midwives in areas of difficult access. FINDINGS: this study found that 12 different female diseases and complaints are treated using a total of 48 plant species belonging to 27 botanical families, with 71 different medicinal uses. The traditional beliefs and practices associated with maternal-baby health care in rural areas highlights the existing combination of principles reformulated from humoral medicine, the use of analogical reasoning, and ontological and functional interpretations of morbid processes. The principle of Hypocratical opposition and hot-cold categorisation are significant criteria that rule over the practices of mother and child health care during birth and puerperium. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: consequences of traditional knowledge on the health care of peasant women are discussed, based on the analysis of traditional practices from a peasant's point of view.

PMID: 17905491 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Traditional antimalarial phytotherapy remedies used by the Kwale community of the Kenyan Coast.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:36:46 -0700

Traditional antimalarial phytotherapy remedies used by the Kwale community of the Kenyan Coast.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Aug 25; Authors: Muthaura CN, Rukunga GM, Chhabra SC, Mungai GM, Njagi EN

In Kenya, most people especially in rural areas use traditional medicine and medicinal plants to treat many diseases including malaria. Malaria is of national concern in Kenya, in view of development of resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum to drugs especially chloroquine, which had been effective and affordable. There is need for alternative and affordable therapy. Many antimalarial drugs have been derived from medicinal plants and this is evident from the reported antiplasmodial activity. The aim of the study was to document medicinal plants traditionally used to treat malaria by the Digo community of Kwale district. Traditional health practitioners were interviewed with standardized questionnaires in order to obtain information on medicinal plants traditionally used for management of malaria. Twenty-five species in 21 genera and 16 families were encountered during the study. Celestraceae, Leguminosae and Rubiaceae families represented the species most commonly cited. Three plant species, namely; Maytenus putterlickioides, Warburgia stuhlmannii and Pentas bussei are documented for the first time for the treatment of malaria.

PMID: 17904318 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[...] complementary and alternative medicine utilization in hypertensive patients attending an urban tertiary care centre [...]

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:33:58 -0700

Frequency of complementary and alternative medicine utilization in hypertensive patients attending an urban tertiary care centre in Nigeria.: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Sep 28;7(1):30 Authors: Amira OC, Okubadejo NU

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: To study the frequency and pattern of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with essential hypertension attending a tertiary hypertension clinic. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-five consecutive hypertensive patients attending the hypertension clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a 3-month period were interviewed. Socio-demographic data, duration of hypertension, clinic attendance, current blood pressure, and compliance to conventional medications was documented. CAM utilization was explored using both structured and open-ended questions. RESULTS: There were 90 (40%) male and 135 (60%) female patients with mean age +/- SD overall was 55.1 +/- 12.4years. 88 (39.1%) of the respondents used CAM. Herbal products were the most commonly used CAM type. Amongst the CAM users, the most common herbal product used was garlic (69.3%). Others were native herbs (25%), ginger (23.9%), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (9.1%), and aloe vera (4.5%). 2.5% used spiritual therapy. There was no difference in the clinical characteristics, socio-economic status, and blood pressure control of CAM users and non-users. Patients who utilized CAM had higher BMI compared with those who did not, but the difference was not statistically significant (mean BMI +/- SD of 29.1 +/- 5.6 vs 27.1 +/- 5.9 kg/m2; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of hypertensive patients attending our tertiary facility and receiving conventional treatment also use CAM therapies. Clinicians need to be aware of this practice, understand the rationale for this health-seeking behaviour, proactively enquire about their use, and counsel patients regarding the potential of some of the therapies for adverse reactions and drug interactions.

PMID: 17903257 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Medicinal plants of the caatinga (semi-arid) vegetation of NE Brazil: A quantitative approach.

Site Editor — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 02:35:21 -0700

Medicinal plants of the caatinga (semi-arid) vegetation of NE Brazil: A quantitative approach.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Aug 19; Authors: de Albuquerque UP, de Medeiros PM, de Almeida AL, Monteiro JM, de Freitas Lins Neto EM, de Melo JG, Dos Santos JP

The caatinga (semi-arid vegetation) is a Brazilian biome with a significant but poorly studied biodiversity closely associated with a diverse cultural heritage. The present work focused on analyzing published information available concerning medicinal plants used by traditional communities. We sought to contribute to future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations by documenting the therapeutic uses of native caatinga plants within the aims of modern ethnopharmacological research. Twenty-one published works cited a total of 389 plant species used by indigenous and rural communities in northeastern Brazil for medicinal purposes. The relative importance index (RI) of each species in these inventories was calculated, and information concerning the plant's local status (spontaneous or cultivated), distribution, and habit was recorded. Of the 275 spontaneous (non-cultivated) species cited, 15.3% were endemic to the caatinga. A statistical relationship was verified between the relative importance of the species and their endemic status (p<0.05). Herbaceous plants were more numerous (169) than trees (90) or shrubs and sub-shrubs (130) at a statistically significant level (p<0.05). A survey of published information on the phytochemical and pharmacological status of the plants demonstrating the highest RI supported the veracity of their attributed folk uses.

PMID: 17900836 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Plant folk medicines for gastrointestinal disorders among the main tribes of Sonora, Mexico.

Site Editor — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:12:26 -0700

Plant folk medicines for gastrointestinal disorders among the main tribes of Sonora, Mexico.: Fitoterapia. 2007 Aug 9; Moreno-Salazar SF, Robles-Zepeda RE, Johnson DE

This paper describes the herbal remedies used by ethnic groups from Sonora, Mexico, for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Twelve types of these illnesses are cured using 85 different species which belong to 38 families. Thirty nine spp. are used to treat diarrhea, 28 for stomach-ache, 12 for constipation, 9 for intestinal parasites, 6 for indigestion, 3 for stomach or intestinal cancer, 3 for stomach inflammation and only 1 to treat gastrointestinal sicknesses, ulcers, gastritis, colitis and colic. Regarding the use of species of plant per ethnic group the following was observed: Mayo 47; Seri, 27; Yaqui, 13; Guarijio, 12, Pima, 5 and Papago, 3. The plants are used by two or more tribes, for the same or different illness but always related to the gastrointestinal system.

Use of traditional medicines in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Tanzania [...]

Site Editor — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:08:48 -0700

Use of traditional medicines in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Tanzania: a case in the Bukoba rural district.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2007; 3: 29 Kisangau DP, Lyaruu HV, Hosea KM, Joseph CC

BACKGROUND: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out to document herbal remedies used in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Bukoba Rural district, Tanzania. The district is currently an epicenter of HIV/AIDS and although over 90% of the population in the district relies on traditional medicines to manage the disease, this knowledge is impressionistic and not well documented. The HIV/AIDS opportunistic conditions considered during the study were Tuberculosis (TB), Herpes zoster (Shingles), Herpes simplex (Genital herpes), Oral candidiasis and Cryptococcal meningitis. Other symptomatic but undefined conditions considered were skin rashes and chronic diarrhea. METHODS: An open-ended semi-structured questionnaire was used in collecting field information. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the ethnobotanical data collected. Factor of informant consensus (Fic) was used to analyze the ethnobotanical importance of the plants. RESULTS: In the present study, 75 plant species belonging to 66 genera and 41 families were found to be used to treat one or more HIV/AIDS related infections in the district. The study revealed that TB and oral candidiasis were the most common manifestations of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections affecting most of the population in the area. It unveils the first detailed account of ethnomedical documentation of plants focusing the management of HIV/AIDS related infections in the district. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the ethnopharmacological information reported forms a basis for further research to identify and isolate bioactive constituents that can be developed to drugs for the management of the HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections.

[...] The need to examine and investigate traditional remedies for pharmacotherapy of animal and zoonotic diseases.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:03:00 -0700

Newer directions for plant drug research: The need to examine and investigate traditional remedies for pharmacotherapy of animal and zoonotic diseases.: Afr J Health Sci. 1998 Feb;5(1):12-4 Authors: Kofi-Tsekpo MW, Kioy DW

Traditional remedies for animal diseases have not been investigated as much as those for human diseases. Yet, there is a wealth of knowledge available to be tapped from the remedies used in the treatment of animal and zoonotic diseases. The indigenous knowledge available could be rationalized in the modern pharmaceutical context and applied directly to field use where appropriate. Furthermore, it is well known that many drugs have been developed initially through their use in animals because the ethical issues are easier to handle. It is worth examining some the indigenous medicinal plants that are used for both human and animal disease treatment, and determine the practical and cost-effective ways of exploiting the values of these plants.

PMID: 17580988 [PubMed - in process]

[...] The need to examine and investigate traditional remedies for pharmacotherapy of animal and zoonotic diseases.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:24:27 -0700

Newer directions for plant drug research: The need to examine and investigate traditional remedies for pharmacotherapy of animal and zoonotic diseases.:

Newer directions for plant drug research: The need to examine and investigate traditional remedies for pharmacotherapy of animal and zoonotic diseases.

Afr J Health Sci. 1998 Feb;5(1):12-4

Authors: Kofi-Tsekpo MW, Kioy DW

PMID: 17580988 [PubMed - in process]

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:20:18 -0700

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.:

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.

Fitoterapia. 2007 May 24;

Authors: Steenkamp V, Fernandes AC, van Rensburg CE

Crude methanol and water extracts of 36 plants, employed in the treatment of diseases of probable bacterial etiology by the Venda people, were screened for antibacterial activity. Combretum molle, Peltophorum africanum, Piper capense, Terminalia sericea and Zanthoxylum davyi were the most active and presented MIC values </=1.00 mg/ml.

PMID: 17582701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:17:53 -0700

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.:

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May 4;111(2):303-7

Authors: Njoroge GN, Bussmann RW

Skin health is increasingly becoming an important aspect of primary health care among many communities particularly because of the increased challenge of HIV-AIDS, skin conditions being among the common opportunistic diseases in immuno-compromised individuals. This study investigated the use of traditional remedies in managing various skin conditions in the Central Province of Kenya. Fifty-seven plant species in 31 families were identified as regularly utilized. Of these plants 27 species had a frequency of three and above. Some of the highly utilized plant species include: Croton megalocarpus Hutch., Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby, Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., Croton macrostachyus Del. and Aloe secundifolia Engl. In the majority of the cases the sap or occasionally the latex was applied directly on the affected areas. In other cases the plant parts were heated and used as poultice. Only in few conditions were the plant parts boiled and the extract used for washing affected areas, probably acting as antiseptic. This study found that 14 skin conditions were commonly managed using herbal preparations. Of these conditions nine (9) had informant consensus of 0.5 and above, with the highest consensus found in management of swellings and skin sores. Soils were also cited as an important non-plant resource for management of skin conditions especially those associated with measles. Since most skin conditions are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, the medicinal plants and other resources reported in this study form a justifiable basis for antimicrobial trials, pharmacological and phytochemical analysis, with promising results.

PMID: 17207950 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Traditional Medicinal Plant Knowledge and Use by Local Healers in Sekoru District, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:34:32 -0700

Traditional Medicinal Plant Knowledge and Use by Local Healers in Sekoru District, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jun 4;3(1):24 Authors: Yineger H, Yewhalaw D

ABSTRACT: The knowledge and use of medicinal plant species by traditional healers was investigated in Sekoru District, Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia from December 2005 to November 2006. Traditional healers of the study area were selected randomly and interviewed with the help of translators to gather information on the knowledge and use of medicinal plants used as a remedy for human ailments in the study area. In the current study, it was reported that 27 plant species belonging to 27 genera and 18 families were commonly used to treat various human ailments. Most of these species (85.71%) were wild and harvested mainly for their leaves (64.52%). The most cited ethnomedicinal plant species was Alysicarpus quartinianus A. Rich., whose roots and leaves were reported by traditional healers to be crushed in fresh and applied as a lotion on the lesions of patients of Abiato (Shererit). No significant correlation was observed between the age of traditional healers and the number of species reported and the indigenous knowledge transfer was found to be similar. More than one medicinal plant species were used more frequently than the use of a single species for remedy preparations. Plant parts used for remedy preparations showed significant difference with medicinal plant species abundance in the study area.

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) [...]

Site Editor — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:21:43 -0700

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal): a comparative study.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 Jun 7;3(1):27 Authors: Pardo-de-Santayana M, Tardio J, Blanco E, Carvalho AM, Lastra JJ, San Miguel E, Morales R

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: We compare traditional knowledge and use of wild edible plants in six rural regions of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula as follows: Campoo, Picos de Europa, Pilona, Sanabria and Caurel in Spain and Parque Natural de Montesinho in Portugal. METHODS: Data on the use of 97 species were collected through informed consent semi-structured interviews with local informants. A semi-quantitative approach was used to document the relative importance of each species and to indicate differences in selection criteria for consuming wild food species in the regions studied. RESULTS: The most significant species include many wild berries and nuts (e.g. Castanea sativa, Rubus ulmifolius, Fragaria vesca) and the most popular species in each food-category (e.g. fruits or herbs used to prepare liqueurs such as Prunus spinosa, vegetables such as Rumex acetosa, condiments such as Origanum vulgare, or plants used to prepare herbal teas such as Chamaemelum nobile). The most important species in the study area as a whole are consumed at five or all six of the survey sites. CONCLUSIONS: Social, economic and cultural factors, such as poor communications, fads and direct contact with nature in everyday life should be taken into account in determining why some wild foods and traditional vegetables have been consumed, but others not. They may be even more important than biological factors such as richness and abundance of wild edible flora. Although most are no longer consumed, demand is growing for those regarded as local specialties that reflect regional identity.

Ethnobotanical remarks on Central and Southern Italy.

Site Editor — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:38:58 -0700

Ethnobotanical remarks on Central and Southern Italy.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2007 May 30; 3(1): 23 Authors: Guarrera PM, Leporatti ML

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The present paper is a brief survey on the ethnobotanical works published by the Authors since 1981, concerning the research carried out in some southern and central Italian regions. Before Roman domination these territories were first inhabited by local people, while the southern areas were colonized by the Greeks. These different cultural contributions left certain traces, both in the toponyms and in the vernacular names of the plants and, more generally, in the culture as a whole. METHODS: Field data were collected through open interviews, mainly of farmers, shepherds and elderly people, born or living in these areas for a long time. Voucher specimens of collected plants are preserved in the respective herbaria of the Authors and in the herbarium of Roma Tre University. Important contributions have been made by several students native to the areas under consideration. A comparative analysis with local specific ethnobotanical literature was carried out. RESULTS: The paper reports several examples concerning human and veterinary popular medicine and in addition some anti-parasitic, nutraceutic, dye and miscellaneous uses are also described. Moreover vernacular names and toponyms are cited. Eight regions of central and southern Italy (particularly Latium, Abruzzo, Marche and Basilicata) were investigated and the data obtained data presented in 32 papers. Most of the species of ethnobotanical interest have been listed in Latium (368 species), Marche (274) and Abruzzo (203). The paper also highlights particularly interesting aspects or uses not previously described in the specific ethnobotanical literature. CONCLUSION: Phyto-therapy in central and southern Italy is nowadays practised by a few elderly people who resort to medicinal plants only for mild complaints (on the contrary food uses are still commonly practised). Nowadays therapeutic uses, unlike in the past, are less closely or not at all linked to ritual aspects. Several plants deserve to be taken into consideration not only from the anthropological or cultural point of view, but also for further phyto-chemical investigation. Our studies, as well as those of other authors, try to provide an original picture of the local ethno-biodiversity.

Predictors of betel quid chewing behavior and cessation patterns in Taiwan aborigines.

Site Editor — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:26:20 -0700

Predictors of betel quid chewing behavior and cessation patterns in Taiwan aborigines.: BMC Public Health. 2006;6:271 Authors: Lin CF, Wang JD, Chen PH, Chang SJ, Yang YH, Ko YC

BACKGROUND: Betel quid, chewed by about 600 million people worldwide, is one of the most widely used addictive substances. Cessation factors in betel quid chewers are unknown. The present study explores prevalence and the quit rate of betel quid chewing in Taiwan aborigines. Our goal was to delineate potential predictors of chewing cessation. METHODS: A stratified random community-based survey was designed for the entire aborigines communities in Taiwan. A total of 7144 participants were included between June 2003 and May 2004 in this study. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, such as gender, age, obesity, education years, marital status, ethnicity, and habits of betel quid chewing, smoking and drinking was collected by trained interviewers. RESULTS: The prevalence of betel quid chewers was 46.1%. Betel quid chewing was closely associated with obesity (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.40-1.85). Betel quid chewers were most likely to use alcohol and cigarettes together. Quit rate of betel quid chewers was 7.6%. Betel quid chewers who did not drink alcohol were more likely to quit (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.43-2.50). Alcohol use is a significant factor related to cessation of betel quid chewing, but smoking is not. CONCLUSION: Taiwan aborigines have a high prevalence of betel quid chewers and a low quit rate. Alcohol use is strongly association with betel quid chewing. Efforts to reduce habitual alcohol consumption might be of benefit in cessation of betel quid chewing.

Hochu-ekki-to inhibits rhinovirus infection in human tracheal epithelial cells.

Site Editor — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:02:24 -0800

Hochu-ekki-to inhibits rhinovirus infection in human tracheal epithelial cells.: Br J Pharmacol. 2007 Feb 19; Authors: Yamaya M, Sasaki T, Yasuda H, Inoue D, Suzuki T, Asada M, Yoshida M, Seki T, Iwasaki K, Nishimura H, Nakayama K

Background and purpose:A traditional Japanese herbal medicine, hochu-ekki-to, has been used for the symptomatic treatment of the common cold and to reduce the frequency of colds in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the inhibitory effects of hochu-ekki-to on infection by rhinovirus (RV), the major cause of common colds, have not been studied.Experimental approach:Human tracheal epithelial cells in culture were infected with a major group rhinovirus-RV14. Virus output and viral RNA were measured along with interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha), mRNA for intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and acidic endosomes in cells.Key results:RV14 infection increased virus titers, the content of cytokines in supernatants and RV14 RNA in the cells. Hochu-ekki-to decreased virus output, RV14 RNA in the cells, susceptibility to RV infection and supernatant cytokine concentrations after RV14 infection. Hochu-ekki-to reduced mRNA for ICAM-1, the receptor for RV14, the concentration of the soluble form of ICAM-1 and the number and fluorescence intensity of acidic endosomes in the cells, from which RV RNA enters into the cytoplasm, at RV14 infection. Glycyrrhizin, one of the chemical constituents of hochu-ekki-to, reduced supernatant virus titers dose-dependently.Conclusion and implications:Hochu-ekki-to inhibited RV14 infection by decreasing ICAM-1 and by blocking entry of viral RNA into the cytoplasm from the endosomes, in airway epithelial cells. Glycyrrhizin may be partly responsible for inhibition of RV infection by hochu-ekki-to. Hochu-ekki-to could modulate airway inflammation by reducing production of cytokines in RV infections.British Journal of Pharmacology advance online publication, 19 February 2007; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707135.

Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison...

Site Editor — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 17:59:06 -0800

Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process.: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan;13(1):103-10 Authors: Wojcikowski K, Stevenson L, Leach D, Wohlmuth H, Gobe G

Background: The prevalence of chronic renal disease exceeds 10% in industrialized societies. Oxidative damage is thought to be one of the main mechanisms involved in nearly all chronic renal pathologies. Objective: We aimed to use the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method and a sequential multisolvent extraction process to compare the in vitro antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs and prioritize them for in vivo studies investigating the value of herbal therapies in the treatment of renal disorders. Methods: The herbs were chosen on the basis of their traditional use in kidney or urinary system disorders, or because they have attracted the attention of recent investigations into renal pathologies. The three solvents used for extraction were ethyl acetate, methanol, and 50% aqueous methanol. Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seed and Camellia sinensis (tea) leaf, both known to possess high antioxidant capacity, were included for comparison. Results: Twelve of the 55 herbs were comparable to or exceeded ORAC levels of milk thistle seed or tea leaf. The highest radical-scavenging activity was found in Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). Conclusions: The antioxidant capacity of many of the herbs studied may, at least in part, be responsible for their reputation as being protective of organs of the urinary system. Overall, the combined ORAC values for the methanol and aqueous methanol extracts comprised 84% of the total ORAC value. Sequential extraction with solvents of different polarities may be necessary to fully extract the antioxidant principles from medicinal plants.

Simon Mills video on Google Video

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 19:03:25 -0800

This video has been posted over on Google Video . It is of the esteemed Simon Mills, MCPP, FNIMH, MA, lecturing at Schumacher College in Devon, England.

The video is titled,"Hot and Cold: Crucial Aspects of Herbalism".

Ergot and its alkaloids.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:11:45 -0800

Ergot and its alkaloids.: Am J Pharm Educ. 2006 Oct 15;70(5):98 Authors: Schiff PL

This manuscript reviews the history and pharmacognosy of ergot, and describes the isolation/preparation, chemistry, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of the major ergot alkaloids and their derivatives. A brief discussion of the hallucinogenic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide is also featured. An abbreviated form of the material found in this paper is presented in a 4-hour didactic format to third-professional year PharmD students as part of their study of vascular migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, and naturally occurring hallucinogens/hallucinogen derivatives in the modular course offering Neurology/Psychiatry.

The anti-snake venom properties of Tamarindus indica (leguminosae) seed extract.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:46:19 -0800

The anti-snake venom properties of Tamarindus indica (leguminosae) seed extract.: Phytother Res. 2006 Oct;20(10):851-8 Authors: Ushanandini S, Nagaraju S, Harish Kumar K, Vedavathi M, Machiah DK, Kemparaju K, Vishwanath BS, Gowda TV, Girish KS

In Indian traditional medicine, various plants have been used widely as a remedy for treating snake bites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tamarindus indica seed extract on the pharmacological as well as the enzymatic effects induced by V. russelli venom. Tamarind seed extract inhibited the PLA(2), protease, hyaluronidase, l-amino acid oxidase and 5'-nucleotidase enzyme activities of venom in a dose-dependent manner. These are the major hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the early effects of envenomation, such as local tissue damage, inflammation and hypotension. Furthermore, the extract neutralized the degradation of the Bbeta chain of human fibrinogen and indirect hemolysis caused by venom. It was also observed that the extract exerted a moderate effect on the clotting time, prolonging it only to a small extent. Edema, hemorrhage and myotoxic effects including lethality, induced by venom were neutralized significantly when different doses of the extract were preincubated with venom before the assays. On the other hand, animals that received extract 10 min after the injection of venom were protected from venom induced toxicity. Since it inhibits hydrolytic enzymes and pharmacological effects, it may be used as an alternative treatment to serum therapy and, in addition, as a rich source of potential inhibitors of PLA(2), metalloproteinases, serine proteases, hyaluronidases and 5 cent-nucleotidases, the enzymes involved in several physiopathological human and animal diseases.

Ancient medicine, modern use: Withania somnifera and its potential role in integrative oncology.

Site Editor — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 18:55:53 -0800

Ancient medicine, modern use: Withania somnifera and its potential role in integrative oncology.: Altern Med Rev. 2006 Dec;11(4):269-77 Authors: Winters M

Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to increase longevity and vitality. Western research supports its polypharmaceutical use, confirming antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and antistress properties in the whole plant extract and several separate constituents. This article reviews the literature pertaining to Withania somnifera and its botanical constituents as antitumor agents and in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Following a search of MEDLINE and EBSCO databases, it can be concluded that Withania somnifera reduces tumor cell proliferation while increasing overall animal survival time. Furthermore, it has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy while potentially mitigating undesirable side effects. Withania somnifera also reduces the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel without interfering with the tumor-reducing actions of the drugs. These effects have been demonstrated in vitro on human cancer cell lines, and in vivo on animal subjects, but there have been no human trials to date. Given its broad spectrum of cytotoxic and tumor-sensitizing actions, Withania somnifera presents itself as a novel complementary therapy for integrative oncology care.

Modulation of cytokine expression by traditional medicines: a review of herbal immunomodulators.

Site Editor — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:55:48 -0700

Modulation of cytokine expression by traditional medicines: a review of herbal immunomodulators.: Altern Med Rev. 2006 Jun; 11(2): 128-50 Spellman K, Burns J, Nichols D, Winters N, Ottersberg S, Tenborg M

Modulation of cytokine secretion may offer novel approaches in the treatment of a variety of diseases. One strategy in the modulation of cytokine expression may be through the use of herbal medicines. A class of herbal medicines, known as immunomodulators, alters the activity of immune function through the dynamic regulation of informational molecules such as cytokines. This may offer an explanation of the effects of herbs on the immune system and other tissues. For this informal review, the authors surveyed the primary literature on medicinal plants and their effects on cytokine expression, taking special care to analyze research that utilized the multi-component extracts equivalent to or similar to what are used in traditional medicine, clinical phytotherapy, or in the marketplace. METHODOLOGY: MEDLINE, EBSCO, and BIOSIS were used to identify research on botanical medicines, in whole or standardized form, that act on cytokine activity through different models, i.e., in vivo (human and animal), ex vivo, or in vitro. RESULTS: Many medicinal plant extracts had effects on at least one cytokine. The most frequently studied cytokines were IL-1, IL-6, TNF, and IFN. Acalypha wilkesiana, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Allium sativum, Ananus comosus, Cissampelos sympodialis, Coriolus versicolor, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Grifola frondosa, Harpagophytum procumbens, Panax ginseng, Polygala tenuifolia, Poria cocos, Silybum marianum, Smilax glabra, Tinospora cordifolia, Uncaria tomentosa, and Withania somnifera demonstrate modulation of multiple cytokines. CONCLUSION: The in vitro and in vivo research demonstrates that the reviewed botanical medicines modulate the secretion of multiple cytokines. The reported therapeutic success of these plants by traditional cultures and modern clinicians may be partially due to their effects on cytokines. Phytotherapy offers a potential therapeutic modality for the treatment of many differing conditions involving cytokines. Given the activity demonstrated by many of the reviewed herbal medicines and the increasing awareness of the broad-spectrum effects of cytokines on autoimmune conditions and chronic degenerative processes, further study of phytotherapy for cytokine-related diseases and syndromes is warranted.

A review of the bioactivity of south African herbal teas: rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia).

Site Editor — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:38:30 -0700

A review of the bioactivity of south African herbal teas: rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia).: Phytother Res. 2006 Aug 23; McKay DL, Blumberg JB

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) are popular tisanes in their native South Africa and have a growing worldwide market. Both herbal teas are used traditionally for medicinal purposes and are rich in polyphenols with rooibos a rare source of the dietary dihydrochalcones, aspalathin and nothofagin. The principal polyphenols in honeybush include the xanthone mangiferin and the flavonones hesperitin and isokuranetin. Despite their divergent phytochemical and nutrient compositions, rooibos and honeybush share potent antioxidant and antimutagenic activities in vitro. Animal model studies indicate both herbal teas possess potent antioxidant, immune-modulating and chemopreventive actions. However, human studies of rooibos are limited and of honeybush are absent. No adverse effects of rooibos or honeybush consumption as tisanes have been reported. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Bisandrographolide from Andrographis Paniculata activates TRPV4 channels.

Site Editor — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:16:15 -0700

Bisandrographolide from Andrographis Paniculata activates TRPV4 channels.: J Biol Chem. 2006 Aug 9; Smith PL, Maloney KN, Pothen RG, Clardy J, Clapham DE

Many transient receptor potential channels (TRP) are activated or blocked by various compounds found in plants; two prominent examples include the activation of TRPV1 channels by capsaicin and the activation of TRPM8 channels by menthol. We sought to identify additional plant compounds that are active on other types of TRP channels. We screened a library of extracts from fifty Chinese herbal plants using a calcium-imaging assay to find compounds active on TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels. An extract from the plant Andrographis paniculata potently activated TRPV4 channels. The extract was fractionated further, and the active compound was identified as bisandrographolide A (BAA). We used purified compound to characterize the activity of BAA on certain TRPV channel subtypes. Although BAA activated TRPV4 channels with an EC50 of 790-950 nM, it did not activate or block activation of TRPV1, TRPV2 or TRPV3 channels. BAA activated a large TRPV4-like current in immortalized mouse keratinocytes (308 cells) that have been shown to express TRPV4 protein endogenously. This compound also activated TRPV4 currents in cell-free outside-out patches from HEK293T cells overexpressing TRPV4 cDNA suggesting that BAA can activate the channel in a membrane delimited manner. Another related compound, andrographolide, found in abundance in the plant Andrographis was unable to activate or block activation of TRPV4 channels. These experiments show that BAA activates TRPV4 channels, and we discuss the possibility that activation of TRPV4 by BAA could play a role in some of the effects of Andrographis extract described in traditional medicine.

Screening for antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants used in Colombian folkloric medicine...

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:22:43 -0700

Screening for antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants used in Colombian folkloric medicine: A possible alternative in the treatment of non-nosocomial infections.: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006 Feb 17;6(1):2 Authors: Rojas JJ, Ochoa VJ, Ocampo SA, Munoz JF

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts of Bidens pilosa L. ,Bixa orellana L., Cecropia peltata L., Cinchona officinalis L., Gliricidia sepium H.B. & K, Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don, Justicia secunda Vahl., Piper pulchrum C.DC, P. paniculata L. and Spilanthes americana Hieron were evaluated against five bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus beta hemolitic, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), and one yeast (Candida albicans). These plants are used in Colombian folk medicine to treat infections of microbial origin. METHODS: Plants were collected by farmers and traditional healers. The ethanol, hexane and water extracts were obtained by standard methods. The antimicrobial activity was found by using a modified agar well diffusion method. All microorganisms were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). MIC was determined in the plant extracts that showed some efficacy against the tested microorganisms. Gentamycin sulfate (1.0 ug/ml), clindamycin (0.3 ug/ml) and nystatin (1.0 ug/ml) were used as positive controls. RESULTS: The water extracts of Bidens pilosa L., Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don, and Piper pulchrum C.DC showed a higher activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli than gentamycin sulfate. Similarly, the ethanol extracts of all species were active against Staphylococcus aureus except for Justicia secunda. Furthermore, Bixa orellana L, Justicia secunda Vahl. and Piper pulchrum C.DC presented the lowest MICs against Escherichia coli (0.8, 0.6 and 0.6 ug/ml, respectively) compared to gentamycin sulfate (0.9 ug/ml). Likewise, Justicia secunda and Piper pulchrum C.DC showed an analogous MIC against Candida albicans (0.5 and 0.6 ug/ml, respectively) compared to nystatin (0.6 ug/ml). Bixa orellana L, exhibited a better MIC against Bacillus cereus (0.2 ug/ml) than gentamycin sulfate (0.5 ug/ml). CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro study corroborated the antimicrobial activity of the selected plants used in folkloric medicine. All these plants were effective against three or more of the pathogenic microorganisms. However, they were ineffective against Streptococcus beta hemolytic and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Their medicinal use in infections associated with these two species is not recommended. This study also showed that Bixa orellana L, Justicia secunda Vahl. and Piper pulchrum C.DC could be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents.

A role for physicians in ethnopharmacology and drug discovery.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:18:03 -0700

A role for physicians in ethnopharmacology and drug discovery.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 2; Authors: Raza M

Ethnopharmacology investigations classically involved traditional healers, botanists, anthropologists, chemists and pharmacologists. The role of some groups of researchers but not of physician has been highlighted and well defined in ethnopharmacological investigations. Historical data shows that discovery of several important modern drugs of herbal origin owe to the medical knowledge and clinical expertise of physicians. Current trends indicate negligible role of physicians in ethnopharmacological studies. Rising cost of modern drug development is attributed to the lack of classical ethnopharmacological approach. Physicians can play multiple roles in the ethnopharmacological studies to facilitate drug discovery as well as to rescue authentic traditional knowledge of use of medicinal plants. These include: (1) Ethnopharmacological field work which involves interviewing healers, interpreting traditional terminologies into their modern counterparts, examining patients consuming herbal remedies and identifying the disease for which an herbal remedy is used. (2) Interpretation of signs and symptoms mentioned in ancient texts and suggesting proper use of old traditional remedies in the light of modern medicine. (3) Clinical studies on herbs and their interaction with modern medicines. (4) Advising pharmacologists to carryout laboratory studies on herbs observed during field studies. (5) Work in collaboration with local healers to strengthen traditional system of medicine in a community. In conclusion, physician's involvement in ethnopharmacological studies will lead to more reliable information on traditional use of medicinal plants both from field and ancient texts, more focused and cheaper natural product based drug discovery, as well as bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine.

Camellia sinensis: historical perspectives and future prospects.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:22:03 -0700

Camellia sinensis: historical perspectives and future prospects.: J Agromedicine. 2005;10(2):57-64 Authors: Patel SH

As the source of brewed tea preparations, Camellia sinensis has operated for centuries at the interface of agriculture, politics, and biology. The purpose of this review is to present an inter-disciplinary survey of issues surrounding cultivation, processing, and consumption of the tea plant. Particular attention is given to the biologic effects of tea: first, assessing at the level of human physiology its value as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent; second, examining effects of production upon local ecosystems, due to resource demands and industrial farming practices. In sum, C. sinensis emerges as a potentially powerful contributor to both public health and economic growth if its role is managed from a prospective, sustainable, and evidence-based vantage.

Ethno-diversity within current ethno-pharmacology as part of Israeli traditional medicine - A review.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:13:32 -0700

Ethno-diversity within current ethno-pharmacology as part of Israeli traditional medicine - A review.: J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine. 2006 Jan 9;2(1):4 Authors: Lev E

ABSTRACT: The Holy Land has absorbed millions of immigrants in recent centuries: Jews from East and West, Druze, Circassians, Muslim and Christian Arabs. The land is unique and diverse in geographical location and ethnic groups, and also in its cultural characteristics, including traditional medicine and use of materia medica. However, these traditions have waned over the years. The young state of Israel adopted a "melting pot" approach to fashion Jews from all over the world into Israelis. The traditional medicine and materia medica of different ethnic groups (Yemenite, Iranian, and Iraqi Jews) are reviewed in this paper, as well as the ethno-botanical survey (first conducted in the 1980s, covering Bedouins, Druze, Circassians, and Muslim and Christian Arabs), and the matching ethno-pharmacological survey (conducted in the late 1990s) covering the medicines sold in stores. Present-day healers are usually not young and are believed to be the end of the chain of traditional medical knowledge. The ethno-diversity of Israel is becoming blurred; modernity prevails, and ethnic characteristics are fading. The characteristic lines of traditional medicine and materia medica have hardly lasted three generations. A salient former dividing line between ethnic groups, namely their use of different medicinal substances, paradoxically becomes a bridge for conservative users of all groups and religions. Shops selling these substances have become centers for "nostalgia" and preserving the oriental heritage, traditional medicine, and medicinal substances!