El alivio natural: Sauzgatillo (Vitex agnus-castus) para el síndrome premenstrual y la dismenorrea / The natural relief: Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea

El síndrome premenstrual es un trastorno común en mujeres en edad reproductiva y se caracteriza por al menos un síntoma físico, emocional o conductual, que aparece en la fase lútea del ciclo menstrual y se resuelve poco después del inicio de la menstruación. Los tratamientos convencionales para el dolor perimenstrual cíclico tienen inconvenientes que incluyen efectos secundarios, interferencia con la función reproductiva de las mujeres o escasa efectividad en el alivio de los síntomas. Muchas mujeres recurren a terapias naturales para tratar una gran variedad de síntomas menstruales. Esta revisión se centra en una de esas opciones naturales, el Sauzgatillo (Vitex agnus-castus). Se realizó una búsqueda e identificación de artículos publicados hasta mayo de 2022 recopilados por medio de sistemas de búsqueda electrónicos como Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed y Scopus. Las palabras de búsqueda fueron: “Premenstrual syndrome”, “dysmenorrhea” AND “Vitex agnus-castus”. Los estudios preclínicos señalan un mecanismo de acción en su implicación sobre el sistema serotoninérgico, así como su unión a los receptores de dopamina. Los estudios clínicos demuestran la seguridad y el efecto positivo sobre el síndrome premenstrual y la dismenorrea.

Premenstrual syndrome is a common disorder in women of reproductive age and is characterized by at least one physical, emotional, or behavioral symptom, which appears in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolves shortly after the onset of menstruation. Conventional treatments for cyclical perimenstrual pain have drawbacks that include side effects, interference with womens reproductive function, or limited effectiveness in relieving symptoms. Many women turn to natural therapies to treat a wide variety of menstrual symptoms. This review focuses on one of those natural options, Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). The information available until May 2022 was collected via the library and electronic search systems such as Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. The search words were: “Premenstrual syndrome”, “dysmenorrhea” AND “Vitex agnus-castus”. Preclinical studies point to a mechanism of action in its involvement in the serotoninergic system, as well as its binding to dopamine receptors. Clinical studies prove safety and positive effect on premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.

HerboDontics A Descriptive Review

Background:Herbal ingredients have been a part of human life since ancient times when they relied upon only the plants and their products for curing ailments. There is vast research on the efficacy of Ayurveda in curing diseases. However need is felt regarding extensive studies on the usage of such historic natural products in oral health care and especially in endodontics. One of the important factors for successful root canal treatment is complete eradication of microbes, which require efficient bio-mechanical preparation of root canal system. There are variety of chemical based solutions available for the purpose of endodontic irrigation. Due to various safety concerns including oral and peri-radicular toxicity, there is the need for such solutions which can be usedas their alternative. In recent years, there has been a profound increase in the literature and research regarding the use of herbal solutions as endodontic irrigants. This article aims at providing a comprehensive overview about various herbal solutions that can be used in endodontic treatment.

Potential of Malawi's medicinal plants in Covid-19 disease management: A review

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered an international pandemic that has led to significant public health problems. To date, limited evidence exists to suggest that drugs are effective against the disease. As possible treatments are being investigated, herbal medicines have shown potential for producing novel antiviral agents for the COVID-19 disease. Aim This review explored the potential of Malawi's traditional medicinal plants for the management of COVID-19. Methods:The authors searched on PubMed and Google scholar for medicinal plants that are used in Malawi and published in openly available peer reviewed journals. Plants linked with antiviral treatment, anti-COVID-19 activity or COVID-19 symptoms management were targeted. These included activity against pneumonia, inflammation, cough, difficulty in breathing, pain/aches, fever, diarrhoea, rheumatism, fatigue, asthma, immunocompromised and cardiovascular diseases.Results:11 studies were found with 306 plant species. 127 plant species had at least one COVID-19 related pharmacological activity. Of these plant species, the number of herbal entities used for each indication was: pain/aches (87), fever (2), pneumonia (9), breathing/asthma problems (5), coughing (11), diarrhoea (1), immunosuppression (8), blood issues (10), fatigue (2), heart problems (11), inflammation (8), rheumatism (10) and viral diseases (12). Thirty (30) species were used for more than one disease and Azedarachta indica topped the list (6 of the 13 COVID-19 related diseases). The majority of the species had phytochemicals known to have antiviral activity or mechanisms of actions linked to COVID-19 and consequent diseases' treatment pathways.Conclusion:Medicinal plants are a promising source of compounds that can be used for drug development of COVID-19 related diseases. This review highlights potential targets for the World Health Organization and other research entities to explore in order to assist in controlling the pandemic.

A strategy for rapid discovery of traceable chemical markers in herbal products using MZmine 2 data processing toolbox: A case of Jing Liqueur / 中草药·英文版

Objective: The quality evaluation of herbal products remains a big challenge. Traceable markers are the core concept of the authentication of herbal products. However, the discovery of traceable markers is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The aim of this study is to develop a convenient approach to rapidly screen the traceable markers for herbal product authentication. Methods: Commercial Jing Liqueur and its 22 species of herbal ingredients were analyzed using HPLC-QTOF-MS and GC–MS to characterize nonvolatile and volatile chemicals. The acquired data were imported into MZmine 2 software for mass detection, chromatogram building, deconvolution and alignment. The aligned data were exported into a csv file and then traceable markers were selected using the built-in filter function in Excel. Finally, the traceable markers were identified by searching against online databases or publications, some of which were confirmed by reference standards. Results: A total of 288 chemical features transferred from herbal materials to Jing Liqueur product were rapidly screened out. Among them, 52 markers detected by HPLC-QTOF-MS were annotated, while nine volatile markers detected by GC–MS were annotated. Moreover, 30 of these markers were confirmed by comparing with reference standards. A chemical fingerprint consisting of traceable markers was finally generated to ensure the authentication and quality consistency of Jing Liqueur. Conclusion: A strategy for rapid discovery of traceable markers in herbal products using MZmine 2 software was developed.

Evaluación de la calidad microbiológica de productos naturales procesados de uso medicinal comercializados en Quito, Ecuador / Evaluation of the microbiological quality of natural processed products for medicinal use marketed in Quito, Ecuador

RESUMEN Objetivos: Determinar la calidad microbiológica de una muestra de productos naturales procesados de uso medicinal de libre comercio en Quito, Ecuador. Materiales y métodos: 83 productos se sometieron a recuentos de microorganismos aerobios, mohos y levaduras por técnicas convencionales estandarizadas, de acuerdo a la Farmacopea de los Estados Unidos (USP, por sus siglas en inglés). Se identificaron los microorganismos presentes y se determinó su sensibilidad antimicrobiana usando el método de difusión en agar. Resultados: El 17,0% de los jarabes, el 27,0% de los productos tópicos y el 43,0% de los sólidos orales excedieron los límites especificados para el recuento total de microorganismos aerobios, mientras que el 33,0% de los jarabes, el 7,0% de los productos tópicos y el 36,0% de los sólidos orales excedieron el límite para mohos y levaduras. Los productos de uso ocular no pasaron la prueba de esterilidad. El género bacteriano más frecuentemente aislado fue Bacillus, seguido por Escherichia coli, Klebsiella y Enterobacter. Salmonella ni Staphylococcus aureus se encontraron en ningún producto, pero microorganismos potencialmente patógenos como Pseudomonas se aislaron en el 40,0% de los colirios. Enterobacter y Escherichia coli mostraron resistencia a múltiples compuestos y Pseudomonas no fue resistente a ningún antibiótico. Conclusiones: La calidad microbiológica de los productos examinados no fue adecuada. Se aislaron microorganismos potencialmente patógenos y resistentes a antibióticos. Estos productos podrían no ser aptos para su distribución y consumo, aun cuando muchos de ellos cuenten con registro sanitario. El control y regulación por los entes responsables es indispensable.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the microbiological quality of samples from processed natural products used for medicinal purposes and marketed in Quito, Ecuador. Materials and methods: Aerobic microorganisms, molds and yeasts were counted by conventional standardized techniques, according to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), in samples from 83 products. The microorganisms found were identified and their antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using the agar diffusion method. Results: The total aerobic microorganism count exceeded the specified limits in 17.0% of syrups, 27.0% of topical products and 43.0% of oral solids; the molds and yeasts count exceeded the limit in 33.0% of syrups, 7.0% of topical products and 36.0% of oral solids. Products for eye use did not pass the sterility test. The most frequently isolated bacterial genus was Bacillus, followed by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter. Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were not found in any product, but potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as Pseudomonas were isolated in 40.0% of the eye drops. Enterobacter and Escherichia coli showed resistance to multiple compounds and Pseudomonas was not resistant to any antibiotic. Conclusions: The microbiological quality of the products examined was not adequate. Potentially pathogenic and antibiotic resistant microorganisms were isolated from the samples. These products may not be suitable for distribution and consumption, even though many of them have sanitary registration. Control and regulation by the corresponding authorities is essential.

Determination of shelf life of four herbal medicinal products using high-performance liquid chromatography analyses of markers and the Systat Sigmaplot software

Shelf life determination of herbal medicines is of paramount importance as it relates to activity of constituents of theproduct. This work sought to determine shelf life of four herbal products (Nibima, Asena, Lippia tea, and NPK 500capsules). The method involved the determination of marker content of products (three batches each) at time points(0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months) at storage temperature and humidity of 30°C ± 2°C/70% RH ± 5% RH using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Batch blending was employed for preparation of referencesamples of products. In UV analyses, λmax of 289, 291, 327, and 289 nm were obtained from spectra for (Nibima,Asena, Lippia tea, and NPK 500 capsules, respectively. A common 230 nm UV marker was observed for all theproducts. Optimized HPLC conditions were developed for products using methanol: water: 0.1%v/v acetic acidsystem with mobile phase ratios of 9:0:1 (Nibima), 7:2:1 (Asena), 8:1:1 (Lippia tea), and 90:5:5 (NPK 500 capsules).Wavelength of detection used for HPLC analyses were 283, 290, 332, and 290 nm for Nibima, Asena, Lippia tea, andNPK 500 capsules, respectively. HPLC marker content analyses with time produced shelf life of 23.14, 21.16, 62.97and 32.91 months for Nibima, Asena, Lippia tea, and NPK 500 capsules, respectively. Obtained shelf life indicatesrelative stability of products.

Evaluation of the knowledge level and usage attitudes of the medical students on the medicinal herbs and herbal products: a project of special study module in the first three years of the school of medicine

Background: In this survey, it was aimed to determine the types of medicinal herbs and herbal products, reasons of use and consciousness levels among the medical students in the first three years of the School of Medicine.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire consisting of 50 questions was applied to all the students in the first three years of Dokuz Eyl黮 University School of Medicine between September 1, 2016 and June 1, 2017.Results: The results of 571 participating students were evaluated. Of these students, 301 (52.7%) were females and 270 (47.3%) were males. It was found that 73.4% (n=419) of the students used these products for treatment and mostly consumed linden, sage tea, mint and rosehip. Also, 11.6% of the students had chronic diseases (n=66). It was determined that 69.7% (n=46) of these students having chronic diseases used medicinal herbs and herbal products. Only 12.0% of the students had an opinion about the legal regulations regarding the use of herbs and herbal products in Turkey, while 39.7% of them had no idea, and 48.3% stated that such regulations on this matter were unreasonable. However, 59.7% of the respondents stated that legal regulations were necessary. It was found that the participating students used herbs and herbal products generally for therapeutic purposes without having sufficient knowledge about medicinal herbs; therefore it was necessary to increase their level of consciousness.Conclusions: Medical students neither have adequate medical information about medicinal herbs and herbal products, nor about the regulations on these products. It is crucial to revise the courses in the medical education so that the students would get informed about the regulations as well as potential risks of herbal plants while still in the medical schools.

Optimization of extraction method and HPLC analysis of six caffeoylquinic acids in Pluchea indica leaves from different provenances in Thailand

ABSTRACT Pluchea indica (L.) Less., Asteraceae, is a medicinal plant which contains a high amount of phenolic compounds such as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. The leaves have been traditionally used as a nerve tonic and extensively as herbal tea. This study aimed to develop and validate an HPLC method to quantitatively analyze six caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, viz. 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid in P. indica leaf extract. HPLC was carried out in a Hypersil BDS C18-column eluted with 0.5% acetic acid in water and methanol using gradient elution with a flow rate of 1 ml/min and detection at 326 nm. The method validation was performed to assure its linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantitation. Several extraction techniques including maceration, decoction, digestion, Soxhlet extraction, and ultrasound extraction, were used to extract active constituents. The ultrasound extraction with 50% ethanol yielded the highest concentration of these caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in the P. indica leaf extract. Our developed HPLC method is simple and reliable for a routine analysis of the six caffeoylquinic acids in P. indica leaves and could potentially be applied to be used in commercial herbal products.

Study on use of Indigenous herbal product by diabetic patient visiting diabetic centre in Nepal

Background and Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease worldwide. With increasing trends towards sedentary lifestyle, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in urban region of Nepal too. Material and Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted for a period of two months. One-to-one structured interviews were taken to fill the structured questionnaire prepared after proper literature review from the patients attending a diabetic clinic in Lalitpur. The questionnaire  includes the socio-demographic details, lifestyle and questionnaires related to patients’ perception and use of herbal remedies/product. Relevant information was also obtained from the patient medical files. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of total population about 30 % of people were using the indigenous product for their treatment along with allopathic medication. Among them, 17 were male and 14 were female. Various indigenous herbal products were used by the patients. Among them fenugreek, aloe Vera, bitter guard, bottle guard, black berry are the common one. The frequencies of using these products are in fig 4.4. The total percentage of patient using fen ugreek is 42%, Aleo-Vera 35%, Bittergaurd 29% and very few participants were using Bottle guard, Neem, and Hibiscus and Guava leaf too.Conclusion: Participants have good faith on use of indigenous herbal products and are using it. Fenugreeks, Aloe-Vera, Bittergourd, Neem, Bottle gourd, Hibiscus and Guava leaf are commonly used. But no consistent data regarding fixed dose or method of preparation of such product was found. So, further researches are needed to confirm the effectiveness of those indigenous products.

Analysis of Some Selected Toxic Heavy Metals in Some Branded Nigerian Herbal Products.

The use of herbal medicine has been in the increase in many developing and developed nations and Nigeria in particular has been using herbal medicine for many centuries. The approval of these herbal remedies by regulatory bodies has further encouraged the use of herbal remedies. The safety of these herbal remedies is however poorly understood. The present study was designed to estimate the concentration of heavy toxic metals in branded Nigerian herbal products frequently used for treatment of various ailments. Nine brands of herbal medicines were selected for the analysis of trace metals quality using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The samples were prepared for analysis by wet digestion method using nitric acid and perchloric acid treatment and then analysed using a flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The contents of Copper, Manganese and Cadmium were below toxic limits in all the samples analysed. However, Chromium and Nickel were not detected in the samples. There is need for continuous monitoring of branded herbal drugs sold in the market to ensure wholesome and safe herbal drugs are sold for human consumption.

Herbal products: a survey of students’ perception and knowledge about their medicinal use.

Background: As herbal therapies are increasingly being used around the world because they are perceived to be free of side effects, it is important that prescribers should be made aware of their possible harm or herb-drug interactions. In this context present study was undertaken among dental students to assess their knowledge and attitude towards the use of herbal products as medicines. Methods: A detailed questionnaire having both open and close-ended questions to assess students’ perception, awareness and usage of herbal medication was given to 90 second year students in a teaching dental hospital. Data was expressed as counts and percentages. Results: A total response rate of 93.3% was observed. 60.77% of respondents had used herbal medication for various ailments. Highest frequency of the use was recorded for ginger (37.5%) followed by neem (16.66%), turmeric (15%) and tulsi (13.33%). Elders at home (86%) was cited the most common source of herbal product information. Students were familiar with the use of clove, aloe vera, turmeric and neem but St. John's wort and Gingko biloba are ones that were generally not known to them. 67.64% indicated unawareness about safety concerns and herb-drug interactions. Most (68.65%) agreed that they did not tell their physician about taking herbal products. 58.73% preferred herbal products over allopathic medicine. Conclusions: There is a need to impart knowledge to the students about the usage of herbal products as these are frequently used to treat various health problems. Students should be sensitized about their safety concerns and potential drug interactions.

Farmacovigilancia y medicina interna / Pharmacovigilance and internal medicine

En Medicina Interna es indispensable conocer y reportar las Reacciones Adversas a los Medicamentos (RAM). Se presentan cuatro (4) situaciones de este tipo, provenientes del Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General del Oeste, Caracas, Venezuela. Caso 1: paciente con SIDA y toxoplasmosis cerebral, en tratamiento con antiretrovirales, trimetoprim-sulfa y pirimetamina. Consulta a la emergencia por presentar lesiones cutáneas. Caso 2: paciente de 24 años, síndrome de Down, con comunicación interventricular corregida, hipotiroidismo controlado y Hepatitis C en tratamientocon ribavirina – tegainterferon, con abscesoinguinal. Se encuentra pancitopenia severa y progresiva. Caso 3: Mujer de 70 años en preoperatori de facotomía en quien se diagnóstica trombosis venosa profunda poplítea izquierda. Se prescribe enoxaparina – warfarina y se aprecia un hematoma del recto anterior del abdomen. Se identifica el uso previo y simultáneo de productos herbarios. Caso 4: paciente que ingiere un producto sin registro sanitario y prohibido por las autoridades regulatorias del país; contiene compuestos no declarados: diclofenac sódico y esteroides. La farmacovigilancia es indispensable en un servicio de medicina interna.

Pharmacovigilanceis essential in the practice of Internal Medicine. Four situations from an Internal Medicine Department of the Hospital General del Oeste, Caracas, Venezuela, are analyzed. Case 1: patient with AIDS and cerebral toxoplasmosis, trated with antiretroviral drugs, trimetoprim-sulfimetoxasol and pyrimethamine. This patient consultedbecause of with cutaneous. Case 2: 24 year-old patient with Down syndrome, corrected congenital cardiac disease, treated hypothyroidism and hepatitis C treated with ribavirin - tegainterferon had an inguinal abscess. A severe and progressive pancytopenia is found and It analyzed the high suspicion causality of RAM. Case 3: A 70 year-old woman, was examined for a preoperative evaluation and a left popliteal deep vein thrombosis is found. Enoxaparin - warfarin were prescribed and in the next 24 hours a hematoma of abdominal rectus was found. The oriented anamnesis identifies the use of herbal products. Drug interaction is discussed. Case 4: regulatory authorities prohibit an unregistered health product that has not reported compounds: diclofenac and steroids. Pharmacovigilance is essential in a department of internal medicine.

Search of new Antimitotics compounds from the Cuban flora / Búsqueda de nuevos compuestos con actividad antimitótica en la flora cubana

The main objective of anti-carcinogenic chemotherapy is to stop uncontrolled cellular proliferation. This has prompted us to begin a systematic survey of new effective inhibitors with ability to react with cytoskeletal components and arrest living, dividing cells. Even for traditional populations herbs-consuming, encouraging the use of species with chemopreventive actions could be helpful as part of life expectancy improvement strategies. Herbal products have significantly lower costs, exhibit little or no toxicity during long-term oral administration and are relatively available at large scale. Current work involved the screening of 85 extracts from Cuban medicinal plants, selected on the basis of traditional use, ethnobotanics and pharmacological information (antiparasitic, antitumour, abortive, etc.). Antitubulinic activity in the hydroalcoholics extracts was evaluated by using a modified version of the conventional turbidity assay of tubulin assembly/ disassembly. The activity limits of the news isolated antitubulin agents were thoroughly investigated. According to the presented results, the extracts displaying the highest antitubulinic activity were Tamarindus indica L., Lawsonia inermes L and Xanthium strumarium L.

Detener la proliferación celular es el principal propósito de la quimioterapia anticarcinogénica. Para ello se ha realizado una búsqueda a partir de fuentes naturales de nuevos inhibidores efectivos que reaccionen con los componentes del citoesqueleto y puedan detener la división celular. En poblaciones que tradicionalmente utilizan plantas medicinales se estimula el uso de aquellas especies con acción quimiopreventivas como parte de una estrategia que contribuya a la calidad de vida. Los productos herbarios tienen costos significativamente más bajos, exhiben poca o ninguna toxicidad durante la administración oral a largo plazo y están al alcance de todos. Nuestro trabajo consistió en realizar un tamizaje de 85 extractos de plantas medicinales cubanas seleccionadas en base al uso tradicional, en las encuestas etnobotánicas e información farmacológica (actividad antiparasitaria, antitumoral, abortiva, etc). La actividad antitubulínica fue evaluada mediante una versión modificada del ensayo turbimétrico del ensamblaje/desensamblaje de la tubulina. Se determinó la actividad límite de los nuevos agentes antitubulínicos siendo los extractos de Tamarindus indica L., Lawsonia inermes L and Xanthium strumarium L. los de mejor actividad antitubulínica según las condiciones ensayadas.