Investigation of anti-cancer effects of cherry in vitro

Cherry [Prunus Cerasus] is still one of the most popular preserve in Turkish cuisine. Cherry has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory-related symptoms. Recent researches have proved that cherry is a valuable natural source of some important bioactive compounds in human health preservation. Evidence suggests that, cherry consumption may decrease the risk of chronic diseases and cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cherry on breast cancer cells lines, asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA] level and certain multidrugresistant bacteria. The cancer cell proliferation activity and analysis of apoptotic-necrotic cells was evaluated by using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT] and scoring of apoptotic cell nuclei. Measurement of ADMA and the minimum inhibitory concentration was accomplished by HPLC and the micro dilution broth method. The results showed that, extracts of cherry exhibit anti-proliferative activity in mammary adenocarcinoma [MCF-7] and mouse mammary tumor cell [4T1] breast cancer cells lines as well as induction of apoptosis, lower ADMA concentrations in cell cultures treated with cherry extract and antibacterial effects against certain multidrug-resistant bacteria in vitro. These findings may open new horizons for traditional anti-inflammatory product as prophylactictherapeutic agent from cancer, cardiovascular diseases and multidrug-resistant infections.

Investigation of vasoactive ion content of herbs used in hemorrhoid treatment in Turkey

The aim of the present study is to determine anion and cation contents of the herbals used in Turkish folk remedy to explore the rationale of their use in hemorrhoid treatment in the context of the vasoactivity of these elements. Herbs used in the treatment of hemorrhoid were determined by the way of literature search. These herbs were obtained from certificated herb sellers. Grinded herb samples were placed in individual tubes containing methanol and incubated for 48 hours at 30°C. At the end of the incubation, supernatants were analyzed for their ion concentrations by using ion chromatography. Results: The difference between ion levels between systemic and locally used herbs, was not statistically significant [p > 0.05]. Anion concentrations [except nitrate] of locally used herbs were slightly higher than systemically used herbs [p > 0.05]. Cation levels [except magnesium] of systemically used herbs were slightly higher than locally used herbs [p > 0.05]. It was shown that the concentration of vasoconstrictor effective ions was higher than the concentration of vasodilator effective ions [p < 0.001]. While vasoconstrictor ion concentration of systemically used herbs was 88.06 +/- 147.42mg, vasodilator ion concentration of locally used herbs was 90.15 +/- 136.94mg. The difference between vasodilator concentrations of groups was more evident; 5.39 +/- 9.80 mg and 14.32 +/- 66.48 mg for locally and systemically used herbs respectively. This study showed that herbal remedies used for the treatment of hemorrhoid in Turkey contain vasoactive and especially vasoconstrictor ions. Vasoconstrictor agents could amplify each others' effects as it has been previously shown, therefore, it is probable that the vasoconstrictor ion contents could contribute to the curative effects of herbals in the treatment of hemorrhoids

Knowledge of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine amongst medical students in a Turkish medical school

To determine the knowledge level and attitude of Gulhane Military Medical School students towards complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]. This descriptive study was conducted on April 2008. Total 401 students participated in the study. The questionnaire contains demographic questions, and multiple-choice questions related to 14 frequently used CAM therapies. We also asked 5 more questions to asses' students' attitudes toward CAM. Information was collected through a questioner with multiple choice questions related to fourteen frequently used CAM therapies. Knowledge of meditation, Tai Chi, ayuverdic medicine, massage, reiki, spirituality [pray] and herbal therapy were found statistically different between male and female students. Hypnosis was the most known modality in all medical classes. We found that internet was the main source of information about CAM modalities for both gender. The proportion of students who believe the benefits of CAM modalities in medicine was found 64.9%. Although the positive attitude toward CAM was found to be high in our study group, it is lower than most of the studies conducted in different countries

Herbal treatment usage frequency, types and preferences in Turkey

Alternative treatment usage is increasing around the world although treatment methods are becoming more modern and more drugs are made available. Related to these global changes we aimed to determine the incidence of treatment with herbs, an alternative treatment method, in Turkey and the reasons for its usage. The study was carried out with a questionnaire on the Internet which 19,022 persons who had received preliminary information, completed. After the subjects were informed of the study, the analysis of medicinal plants by the participants between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004, at the web site where they completed the questionnaire was recorded and evaluated. 75.9% of those participating in the study reported that they had used a herbal medication at least once. The main health problems leading to the usage of herbal medication for their treatment was hair loss - hair care, hemorrhoids, skin care, peptic ulcer - gastritis and infertility. The plants the participants were most interested in were nettle, St. John's wort, rosemary, garden sage and hawthorn. The main reason for interest in herbal treatments was "hoping to find a herbal medicine which could help treat their condition". Nettle, ole and er and thyme were the plants most commonly used to treat cancer patients. Turkey has a higher rate of alternative medicine usage than other countries where similar studies have been conducted and comprehensive and regular studies are required to show changes over time