Medicinal plants used by shepherds in Trans-Himalayan Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India / Plantas medicinales utilizadas por los pastores en el Santuario de Vida Silvestre Rakchham-Chitkul Trans-Himalayan en el distrito de Baspa Valley of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study deals with the ethnomedicines used by migratory shepherds in an Indian Trans-Himalayan area. Shepherding depends on traditional healthcare practices. A non-probabilistic sampling technic was used for the selection of the research participants; the information was collected through 8 extensive field visits. The data was analyzed by the interpretation of the interviews since a qualitative as well as quantitative perspectives. A comparison with previous studies in the area was donebased on literature research. The results of this study show that shepherds in tribal areas are highly dependent on medicinal plants, they report the use of 58 taxa to handle their main health problems. They prefer 20 taxa, to treat; coughs, asthma, colds, throat complaints, general pain, fever, dysentery, diarrhea and urinary infections, which are the main reported illnesses. Mainly they use the fresh plant juices of these taxa. Two health issues are remarkable highblood pressure and jaundice.

El presente estudio trata sobre las etnomedicinas utilizadas por los pastores migratorios en una zona india transhimalaya. El pastoreo depende de las prácticas sanitarias tradicionales. Se utilizó una técnica de muestreo no probabilístico para la selección de los participantes de la investigación; la información se recopiló a través de 8 extensas visitas de campo. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la interpretación de las entrevistas desde una perspectiva tanto cualitativa como cuantitativa. Se realizó una comparación con estudios previos en el área basada en la investigación de la literatura. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que los pastores en áreas tribales son altamente dependientes de las plantas medicinales, informan el uso de 58 taxones para manejar sus principales problemas de salud. Prefieren 20 taxones para tratar; tos, asma, resfriados, molestias de garganta, dolor general, fiebre, disentería, diarrea e infecciones urinarias, que son las principales enfermedades reportadas. Principalmente utilizan los jugos de plantas frescas de estos taxones. Dos problemas de salud son la hipertensión arterial y la ictericia.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of herbalists about medicinal plants from the semiarid region in northeastern Brazil / Conocimiento etnobotánico de herbolarios sobre plantas medicinales de la región semiárida del noreste de Brasil

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times to treat illnesses. This study aimed to identify through questionnaire the medicinal plants most frequently sold on public and street markets in some municipalities of Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil, and the knowledge of herbalists about their therapeutic indications and forms of use. The sample consisted of 28 herbalists. Fifteen plants with a dental indication were identified, including barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens), aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva), gengibre (Zingiber officinale), romã (Punica granatum), cajueiro-roxo (Anacardium occidentale), mulungu (Erythrina velutina) and quixaba (Sideroxylon obtusfolium), as well as 21 plants used for the treatment of general diseases, including barbatimão (S. adstringens), aroeira (M. urundeuva), cajueiro-roxo (A. occidentale), quixaba (S. obtusfolium), boldo (Peumus boldus) and erva doce (Pimpinella anisum). Bottled preparations ("garrafadas")and teas were the most frequently indicated forms of use. The results suggest that herbalists have a vast traditional knowledge of the therapeutic potential of commercialized plants.

Las plantas medicinales se han utilizado desde la antigüedad para tratar enfermedades. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar a través de cuestionario las plantas medicinales más vendidas en mercados públicos y callejeros en algunos municipios del estado de Paraíba, noreste de Brasil, y el conocimiento de los herbolarios sobre sus indicaciones terapéuticas y formas de uso. La muestra estuvo formada por 28 herbolarios. Se identificaron quince plantas con indicación dental, entre las que se encuentran barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens), aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva), jenjibre (Zingiber officinale), romã (Punica granatum), cajueiro-roxo (Anacardium occidentale), mulungu (Erythrina velutina) y quixaba (Sideroxylon obtusfolium), así como 21 plantas utilizadas para el tratamiento de enfermedades generales, incluidas barbatimão (S. adstringens), aroeira (M. urundeuva), cajueiro-roxo (A. occidentale), quixaba (S. obtusfolium), boldo (Peumus boldus) y erva doce (Pimpinella anisum). Las preparaciones embotelladas ("garrafadas") y los tés fueron las formas de uso más frecuentemente indicadas. Los resultados sugieren que los herbolarios tienen un vasto conocimiento tradicional del potencial terapéutico de las plantas comercializadas.

Medicinal plants and diabetes: an ethnopharmacological study in Brazilian Northeast / Plantas medicinales y diabetes: un estudio etnofarmacológico en el noreste brasileño

Despite access to conventional medical therapies, the use of complementary medicine is increasing in many communities. The present study aimed to evaluate the popular knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat diabetes and its co-morbidities, in four rural communities in the municipality of Vitória de Santo Antão, in the Brazilian State of Pernambuco. The relative importance of a particular medicinal plant was calculated based on the percentage of mentions (IR%). The similarity between the communities was quantified using the Sørensen index (Ss). Interviews were conducted with 141 patients, of these, 83 reported use of medicinal plants as an alternative treatment. Overall there were 186 mentions, covering 61 ethnospecies. In relation to IR%, Mentha × villosa presented the highest value.Knowing the factors that influence selection of medicinal plants sheds light on the mechanisms through which patterns of use develop and this may help to preserve this knowledge.

A pesar del acceso a las terapias médicas convencionales, el uso de la medicina complementaria está aumentando en muchas comunidades. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el conocimiento popular de las plantas medicinales utilizadas para el tratamiento de la diabetes y sus comorbilidades, en cuatro comunidades rurales del municipio de Vitória de Santo Antão, en el estado brasileño de Pernambuco. La importancia relativa de una planta medicinal en particular se calculó en base al porcentaje de menciones (% de IR). La similitud entre las comunidades se cuantificó mediante el índice de Sørensen (Ss). Se realizaron entrevistas con 141 pacientes, de estos, 83 informaron el uso de plantas medicinales como tratamiento alternativo. En total hubo 186 menciones, cubriendo 61 etnoespecies. En relación al% de RI, Mentha × villosa presentó el valor más alto. Conocer los factores que influyen en la selección de plantas medicinales arroja luz sobre los mecanismos a través de los cuales se desarrollan los patrones de uso y esto puede ayudar a preservar este conocimiento.

Manipulación de lesiones en pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea: serie de casos en un hospital peruano / Manipulation of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions: case series in a peruvian hospital

RESUMEN En áreas endémicas de leishmaniasis cutánea es común que los pacientes manipulen sus lesiones con tratamientos tradicionales como primera opción terapéutica. Con el objetivo de describir la frecuencia y los cambios de la manipulación de lesiones de leishmaniasis cutánea de pacientes en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia, se realizó un estudio tipo serie de casos. Se incluyeron 124 pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea. El 54% (67/124) manipuló sus lesiones; el 92,5% (62/67) lo hizo con productos químicos, y el 43,3% (29/67), con plantas. Los cambios locales más frecuentemente reportados por los pacientes fueron aumento de tamaño de la lesión en el 35,8% (24/67) e incremento de inflamación en el 28,4% (19/67). La manipulación disminuyó la positividad del diagnóstico parasitológico en aquellos pacientes con lesiones ulcerativas.

ABSTRACT In cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic areas it is a common practice for patients to manipulate their lesions with traditional treatments as a first therapeutic option. A case series study was conducted in order to describe the frequency and the variations of the patient manipulation of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital. The study included 124 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. From the patient population it was found that 54% (67/124) manipulated their lesions. Of this, 92.5% (62/67) did so with chemicals, and 43.3% (29/67) with plants. The most frequent local changes reported by patients were increased lesion size in 35.8% (24/67) and increased inflammation in 28.4% (19/67). Manipulation by patients decreased the positivity of the parasitological diagnosis in those patients with ulcerative lesions.

Plantas medicinales que se comercializan en Bogotá (Colombia) para el tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas / Medicinal plants which are marketed in Bogotá (Colombia) for treatment of infectious diseases

En este estudio se utilizó el factor de consenso, el nivel de fidelidad y la variedad de uso en la identificación de plantas medicinales para el tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas que son comercializadas en la plaza de mercado Samper Mendoza de Bogotá (Colombia). Para esto se realizó una encuesta a 61 herbolarios, la información obtenida fue organizada y analizada en el programa estadístico SPSS. Un total de 122 plantas para el tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas, distribuidas en cuatro categorías (urogenitales, respiratorias, gastrointestinales y piel y ojos) presentaron valores de FIC entre 0.74 y 0.79, indicando un criterio de selección definido con información correctamente transferida y alta eficacia para el control de infecciones. El 74% (90/122) de las plantas presentaron un nivel de fidelidad del 100% y en el 11% (14/122) se evidenció una importancia relativa con valor de uso inferior a 0.115. Este trabajo muestra la utilidad de la etnomedicina en la selección de plantas medicinales y contribuye al conocimiento de especies vegetales colombianas útiles para estudios fitoquímicos orientados a identificar compuestos con potencial antibacterial para el control de enfermedades infecciosas de impacto en salud pública.

This study used the consensus factor, fidelity level and variety of use in the identification of medicinal plants for the treatment of infectious diseases that are marketed in the Samper Mendoza market in Bogotá, Colombia. For this, a survey was conducted on 61 herbalists, the information obtained was organized and analyzed in the SPSS statistical program. A total of 122 plants of the treatment of infectious diseases, distributed in four categories (urogenital, respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin and eyes) presented FIC values between 0.74 and 0.79, indicating a selection criterion defined with correctly transferred information and high efficiency for infection control. 74% (90/122) of the plants had a fidelity level of 100% and 11% (14/122) a relative importance was evidenced with use value less than 0.125. This work shows the utility of ethnomedicine in the selection of medicinal plants and contributes to the knowledge of Colombian plant species useful for phytochemical studies aimed at identifying compounds with antibacterial potential for the control of infectious diseases of public health impact.

Aplicación de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional y dificultades para su uso en Estomatología / Uses of Natural and Traditional Medicine and difficulties for its application in dentistry

Introducción: en Cuba con la introducción de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en Estomatología, se amplía el enfoque terapéutico para las afecciones bucomaxilofaciales. No obstante, en la actualidad se observan dificultades para su aplicación. Objetivos: describir algunos aspectos de la aplicación de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional por estomatólogos del municipio Playa e identificar las dificultades que perciben para su utilización. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, de enero a mayo del año 2012, con la aplicación de un cuestionario elaborado al efecto a una muestra de 88 estomatólogos del municipio Playa, La Habana, Cuba. Las variables estudiadas fueron: años de graduado, especialidad, maestría, aplicación de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en el tratamiento estomatológico, terapias aplicadas con mayor frecuencia, dificultades para su aplicación y recomendaciones para favorecer su utilización. Resultados: en la muestra, el 58,0 por ciento correspondió a profesionales con 1 a 20 años de graduados y el 60,2 por ciento a especialistas en Estomatología General Integral. El 97,7 por ciento refirió hacer uso de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en el tratamiento estomatológico; la terapia más aplicada resultó ser la Fitoterapia (80,7 por ciento). El 62,5 por ciento refirió como dificultad, falta de conocimiento sobre estas terapias y el 35,2 por ciento recomendó realizar cursos sobre las mismas. Conclusiones: casi la totalidad de los encuestados refirieron aplicar la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en el tratamiento estomatológico. Las principales dificultades referidas para su aplicación fueron la falta de conocimiento sobre estas terapias y no disponer regularmente de los recursos necesarios en la consulta(AU)

Introduction: the incorporation of Natural and Traditional Medicine into dental practice has broadened the scope of therapies for oral and maxillofacial disorders. However, difficulties are still found for its application. Objectives: describe some aspects of the application of Natural and Traditional Medicine by dentists from the municipality of Playa and identify the difficulties perceived for its application. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2012 based on a dedicated questionnaire applied to 88 dentists from the municipality of Playa, Havana, Cuba. The variables studied were years after graduation, specialty, master's degree, application of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment, therapies most commonly used, difficulties for their application and recommendations to improve their use. Results: from the overall study sample, 58.0 percent were professionals with 1 to 20 years' experience after graduation, whereas 60.2 percent were General Comprehensive Dentistry specialists. 97.7 percent stated they made use of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment. The therapy most commonly employed was phytotherapy (80.7 percent). 62.5 percent said that insufficient knowledge about these therapies was a difficulty, and 35.2 percent recommended to implement courses about them. Conclusions: almost all surveyed dentists said they included Natural and Traditional Medicine in their dental practice. The main difficulties cited in its application were lack of knowledge about these therapies and non-availability of the resources required in dental consultation offices(AU)

Uso de plantas medicinais por idosos da atenção primária / Use of medicinal plants by primary care elderly

Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar o uso de plantas medicinais por idosos usuários da atenção primária. Caracterizou-se como um estudo transversal, correlacional, analítico e descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Realizado no oeste do Paraná, em 2016. Foram aplicados 252 questionários aos idosos, contendo informações sociodemográficas e questões relacionadas ao uso de plantas medicinais. Os resultados evidenciaram que 72,22% dos idosos utilizam plantas, entre as mais citadas destacam-se a Hortelã, Cidreira, Boldo e Alecrim. Referem utilizar por ser melhor para curar, gostam mais e não faz mal. Dado discordante quanto às indicações, sendo que 36,81% não indicam por medo de causar malefício. Quanto à toxicidade relataram efeitos adversos que não são apresentados por literatura científica. Ressalta-se a importância de uma orientação correta quanto à toxicidades de algumas plantas, bem como seus benefícios, e a importância do enfermeiro neste contexto já que atua como um promotor da saúde

Our study objective was to verify the use of medicinal plants by elderly users of the primary care. The study has a cross-sectional, correlational, analytical and descriptive design with a quantitative approach. It was carried out in the west of Paraná state, in 2016. We applied 252 questionnaires with socio-demographic information and questions about the use of medicinal plants. Our results showed that 72.22% of elderly use plants, and of the most cited ones, Peppermint,Lemon Grass, Boldo and Rosemary were noteworthy. Elderly report to use them because they are better for healing, they prefer them, and it does not harm. There was disagreement regarding the recommendations, where 36.81% does not recommend them for fear to cause harm. About toxicity, they reported adverse events that are not found in the scientific literature. We highlight the importance of a correct guidance regarding the toxicity of some plants, as well as their benefits, and the importance of the nurse in this context acting as a health promoter.

Actividad antipirética del producto natural Noni-C en un modelo experimental en conejos / Antipyretic activity of the natural product called Noni C in an experimental rabbit model

INTRODUCCIÓN: en la medicina tradicional de Cuba se usa el fruto de la planta conocida como Noni por su efecto beneficioso sobre la salud. A esta se le atribuyen innumerables propiedades curativas. Sin embargo, no existen estudios preclínicos que demuestren el efecto antipirético y validen su uso. OBJETIVO: evaluar la actividad antipirética del producto natural Noni-C (Morinda Citrifolia Linn) en un modelo experimental en conejos. MÉTODOS: se realizó un ensayo preclínico en el Departamento de Investigaciones Médico Militares del Hospital militar "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto". Se utilizaron 30 conejos de la línea nueva Zelanda, sexo masculino y peso corporal entre 2,2 ­ 2,5 kg, distribuidos al azar en 5 grupos. Al grupo I se le inoculó Cloruro de Sodio 0,9 %, mientras que el grupo II fue tratado con ibuprofeno (100 mg/Kg). A los grupos III, IV y V se les administró Noni-C en dosis de 200, 400 y 800 mg/Kg respectivamente. Se midió temperatura basal rectal y los tiempos de una, dos, cuatro y seis horas postratamiento. Como inductor de la fiebre se utilizó una solución al 20 % de levadura desecada en cloruro de sodio al 0,9 %. El nivel de significación se fijó en p<0,05. RESULTADOS: se observó una disminución significativa de la temperatura corporal (p=0,00) a las dosis de 400 y 800 mg/Kgde N oni-C (38,5 ºC y 38,2 ºC) respectivamente, similar al del fármaco de referencia ibuprofeno, 38,5 ºC posterior a las 2 horas de haber suministrado la sustancia en estudio. Se pudo concluir que el producto natural Noni-C mostró actividad antipirética a las dosis de 400 y 800 mg/Kg administrado por vía oral.

INTRODUCTION: in the Cuban traditional folk medicine, the fruit of a plant called Noni is used because of its beneficial effects on health and attributable curative qualities. However, there are no preclinical research studies that prove the antipyretic effect of Noni and validate its use in this field. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the antipyretic activity of the natural product Noni C (Morinda Citrifolia Linn) in an experimental rabbit model. METHODS: a preclinical assay was performed in the military medical research department of ¨Dr Luis Diaz Soto¨ military hospital. Thirty male New Zealand-line rabbits, weighed 2.2-2.5 kg and randomly distributed into 5 groups were used in the study. The first group was inoculated 0.9% sodium chloride; Group II was treated with Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) whereas groups III, IV and V received Noni C at a dose of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The basal rectal temperatures were measured at one, two, four and six hours after the treatment. The fever inducer was 0.9% sodium chloride-dried 20% yeast solution. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: body temperature significantly lowered with the 400 and 800 mg doses (38.5 and 38.2) respectively, similar to the figure of the reference drug Ibuprofen after two hours of administration of the substance under study. CONCLUSIONS: it was concluded that the natural product Noni-C showed its antipyretic action with the 400 and 800 mg/kg orally administered doses.

Ethnomedicinal Survey of Botanicals Used by Herbal Practitioners in Yagba East Local Government of Kogi State, Nigeria.

Despite the great values and importance of ethnobotany to the lives of men, a large percentage of distribution and utilization are yet to be identified and appropriately documented. This survey aims at identifying and documenting the medicinal plants as well as their methods of formulation for use among the people of Kogi State, Nigeria. A combination of semi-structured open ended questionnaires and guided interactive survey techniques were used to obtain information as a total of 70 respondents were interviewed. Guided direct field observation method was used for collection of cited specimen which was identified in accordance with standard taxonomic practices. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. A total of 53 medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families were identified among others as reported in this survey with the Fabaceae family being the most abundantly utilized. Leaves (47.8%), fruits (19.5%) and stem bark (10.8%) are most frequently employed and the remedies are administered mostly as decoction (s) and infusion. Ailments such as gynecological disorders, mental and nervous malfunctioning, GIT infection and disturbances, and fever, are mostly reported as commonly treated. The survey provides a veritable source of information and a reliable documentation of medicinal plants from flora of Nigeria and their uses. A further study is suggested on pharmacological evaluations of reported activities and pharmacological acceptable packaging of these medicaments.

Evolução dos recursos humanos nas práticas alternativas de saúde no setor público do Distrito Federal / Evolution of human resources in alternative health practices in the public sector of the Federal District

INTRODUÇÃO: A pesquisa intitulada Evolução dos recursos humanos e das práticas alternativas de saúde no setor público do Distrito Federal faz parte de uma das linhas de investigação do Observatório de Recursos Humanos em Saúde (ObservaRH), que é vinculado ao Núcleo de Estudos de Saúde Pública do Centro de Estudos Avançados Multidisciplinares da Universidade de Brasília (Nesp/Ceam/UnB), e seu desenvolvimento é fruto da parceria com o Ministério da Saúde (MS) e com a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (Opas/OMS). O acompanhamento do mercado de trabalho na área da saúde e do percurso de seus recursos humanos levaram o ObservaRH a detectar o significativo aumento da visibilidade social e da inserção das práticas alternativas1 na área da saúde, bem como a necessidade de aprofundar e ampliar estudos e informações sobre as características e a abrangência dessas práticas e dos recursos humanos que as adotam. Desde o ano de 2006, o ObservaRH vem realizando investigações nesta área que culminaram com a publicação intitulada: Das medicinas tradicionais às práticas integrativas de saúde: caracterização dos recursos humanos nas práticas alternativas de saúde adotadas no Distrito Federal, e, na sequência: Confluência das práticas alternativas de saúde. OBJETIVO: Para dar continuidade a este campo de investigação foi planejada esta pesquisa, que teve como objetivo avaliar a evolução dos recursos humanos e das práticas alternativas de saúde no setor público do Distrito Federal, comparando dados coletados em 2006 aos dados coletados em 2009.MATERIAL E MÉTODO: No universo de dados oferecidos, especial atenção foi destinada ao quantitativo dos recursos humanos nas práticas alternativas de saúde vinculadas à Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Distrito Federal (SES/DF), bem como ao quantitativo de atendimentos realizados pelos profissionais vinculados a tais práticas, sob a coordenação do Núcleo de Medicina Natural e Terapêuticas de Integração (Numenati) RESULTADOS: Ao avaliar-se a evolução dos recursos humanos e das práticas alternativas de saúde no setor público do Distrito Federal comparando os dados de 2006 com os de 2009, verificou-se que houve um fortalecimento das ações dessas práticas na SES/DF tanto pela manutenção das já existentes quanto pela inclusão de novas áreas técnicas e coordenações. O número de recursos humanos manteve-se praticamente inalterado, com um breve crescimento: passou de 201 em 2006 para 202 profissionais em 2009.19 Os atendimentos e as consultas destinadas ao público, apesar de terem uma variação negativa de -12,06%, ainda continuam tendo números impactantes: 170.918 consultas e atendimentos em 2009, tendo em 2006 chegado a 194.365. CONCLUSÃO: A vinculação dos profissionais a mais de uma prática reforça a já conhecida tendência de tais recursos humanos integrarem práticas e absorverem novos conhecimentos, buscando ampliar sua capacitação para atender o ser humano/paciente em sua totalidade, buscando respostas para aspectos orgânicos, emocionais, sociais e espirituais envolvidos no adoecimento dos pacientes.

Macro and micromorphology of the aerial parts of Lantana montevidensis [spreng.] briq. cultivated in Egypt

Lantana montevidensis [Spreng.] Briq. is a member of family Verbenaceae, that includes about 98 genera and more than 2600 species which are predominantly tropical or subtropical plants. The leaf infusions of the plant are used in folk medicine to treat fever, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, and many other diseases. Biological studies showed that the plant has antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. No detailed information could be traced concerning the macroand micromorphology of the plant. This motivated the authors to carry out this study to identify the drug in both entire and powdered form

Alternative versus traditional medicine use among adults: Sharja -United Arab Emirates, 2009

Alternative medicine is increasing interest and acceptance among the general population. Although usage is thought to be widespread among patients, little studies have been done. The current study aimed to identify the types of alternative medicine, determine the medical problems for uses of alternative medicine and study the alternative medicine and its relation to some sociodemographic factors. A cross sectional study was carried out in the Alternative Medicine Clinic of Sharja. All the attended patients to the clinic during two months [March and April], 2009 was included in the study, the total number reached was 725 patients. The data was collected through interviewing questionnaire. It included the socio-demographic: age, gender, educational level, monthly income, and occupation. Also types and reasons for use of alternative medicine. The results showed that the males outnumbered females [56.7% and43.3% respectively], their mean age was 38.51 +/- 10.66 year. Arabic constituted 56.1%of the sample while local represented 31.0%. University or higher level of education was detected for almost half of the participants, and more than two-thirds of the participants are married, The most common medical problems for using alternative/ complementary medicine was chronic pain [40.1%] followed by headache [15.5%], general weakness and fatigue [12.2%], hypertension [7.3%], diabetes mellitus [5.5%] and the lowest percentage of use was observed among patients with cancers or eye diseases [1.1% for each]. The present study point to alternative medicine use more prevalent among young male who are more educated. Alternative medicine users are more likely to have chronic medical conditions e.g. chronic pain followed by headache. The increasing use of Alternative medicine may necessitate a need for the implementation of a surveillance system to report and monitor possible adverse events of all types of alternative medicine

Childhood morbidity, household practices and health care seeking for sick children in a tribal district of Maharashtra, India.

Objectives: To find out the magnitude of childhood morbidities, health care seeking behavior and explore the status of 'some desired practices' at household level during episodes of illness in two tribal blocks of Chandrapur district. Materials and Methods: The present explanatory mixed-method design of quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group discussions, FGDs )methods was undertaken in nine Primary health centers of Warora and Bhadrawati blocks in Chandrapur district. The information of 2,700 under-five children on morbidity, health care seeking behavior and some desired practices at household level was collected by paying home visits and using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS 12.0.1 and C sample program of epi_info (version 6.04d) software package. The conventional content analysis of FGD data was undertaken. Results: The prevalence of morbidities was high among newborns and children. About 1,811 (67%) children had at least one of the morbidities. Private health care providers and village level faith healers were preferred for seeking treatment of newborn danger sings and childhood morbidities. The status of some desired household practices such as frequent feeding and giving extra fluid to drink during episodes of illness was poor. Conclusions: In conclusion, considering high prevalence of child morbidities and poor status of some desired household practices of caregivers at household level for sick children, household and community IMNCI strategy needs to be implemented to promote child health and nutrition. Apart from this, health care delivery at village level should be strengthened.

Antitumor effects of ethanolic extracts from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds in mice

Sophora moorcroftiana [Wallich] is an endemic shrub species in Tibet, China, and is a plant with a great value in folk medicine. The previous studies had shown that the ethanolic [95%] extracts were much more effective than other extracts from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds on antiproliferative effects, inducing apoptosis in the human stomach cancer SGC-7901 cell line in vitro. To investigate the antitumor activity of the ethanolic extracts from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds, various doses of ethanolic extracts [200 mg/kg/d, 400 mg/kg/d, 800 mg/Kg/d] were administered via gavage to tumorbearing mice with S180 sarcoma cell for ten days. The weights of tumor tissue stripped from the left flank, TNF-alpha and IL-2 in blood-serum were tested and analyzed for photochemical composition, using standard procedures. The weight of tumor tissue was significantly decreased upon the treatment with ethanol extracts, but the decrease was more prominent in the group receiving ethanol extracts treatment at 800 mg/kg/d [1.35 +/- 0.21mg] and the inhibition rate on the growth of tumor tissue was higher [28.1%]. The structural changes of post-treatment in the tumor tissue by the ethanolic extracts at a dose of 800 mg/kg/d showed larger areas of necrosis and more significantly invaded lymphocytes. IL-2 and TNF-alpha in serum from the treated mice significantly increased in ethanolic extract-treated groups, compared with the untreated control animals. This suggested that the ethanolic extracts from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds had a weak antitumor role and in high concentration to tumor-bearing mice in vivo, the 95% ethanolic extracts was rather effective

Plantas medicinales utilizadas por la población de la ciudad de León / Medicinal plants used by the population of the city of León

El propósito de este estudio es obtener información sobre las plantas medicinales que tienen mayor uso y comercialización en la población del municipio de León. El objetivo principal ha sido conocer las plantas medicinales utilizadas por la población leonesa en el periodo de julio-diciembre de 2005. Dada la falta de acceso a medicamentos esenciales con precios asequibles y la dificultad para conseguir los mismos, el uso de plantas medicinales en Nicaragua como en muchos países centroamericanos, se ha consolidado como una alternativa viable en salud, pues contribuye de forma importante en la solución de problemas relacionados a ella. De 93 barrios que se encuentran en la ciudad de León, se seleccionaron al azar veinte, cada uno con un total de veinte viviendas. Por cada vivienda seleccionada se encuestó a una persona para el levantamiento de información; resultando un total de 400 personas encuestadas. Entre las 400 encuestas, 285 (71%) expresaron usar plantas medicinales y 115 (29%) respondieron no hacer uso de este recurso. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, se comprobó que las plantas medicinales representan una alternativa terapéutica para resolver los problemas de salud en la ciudad de León.

Plantas medicinales utilizadas por las comunidades de MINVAH, Mina el Limón y Santa Pancha; Municipio Larreynaga / Medicinal plants used by the communities of MINVAH, Mina el Limón and Santa Pancha; Municipality Larreynaga

Este trabajo se realizó en tres Comunidades: MINVAH, Mina el Limón y Santa Pancha del Municipio de Larreynaga; cuyo objetivo principal es el de identificar las plantas más utilizadas con fines medicinales por los pobladores de estas Comunidades. El trabajo incluye información proporcionada por un total de 450 personas que representan el numero de viviendas que fueron seleccionadas por medio de un Muestreo Probabilístico Aleatorio Simple. En la Comunidad de MINVAH el 87% de personas respondieron que utilizan plantas con fines medicinales y el 13% no utilizan plantas, mencionando las más importantes: Eucalipto, Orégano Orejón, Manzanilla, entre otras. En la Mina El Limón el 79% de las personas respondieron que utilizan plantas con fines medicinales y el 21% restante no utilizan plantas para aliviar sus dolores, mencionando las más importantes: Eucalipto, Manzanilla, Orégano Orejón, etc. Y en Santa Pancha el 91% de las personas utilizan plantas con fines medicinales habiendo un 8% que no las utiliza; entre las más importantes están: Manzanilla, Eucalipto, Orégano Orejón, entre otras. De las plantas reportadas en el trabajo en la Comunidad de MINVAH el 68% son Introducidas y el 32% son Nativas, en la Comunidad de la Mina El Limón el 68% de las plantas son Introducidas y el 32% son plantas Nativas; yn en la Comunidad de Santas Pancha el 70% son plantas Introducidas y el 30% de las plantas encontradas son Nativas.

Frecuencia y factores que conllevan a la utilización de la medicina tradicional en el distrito de Mache-Otuzco / Frequency and factors that lead to the use of traditional medicine in the district of Mache-Otuzco

Con el propósito de identificar la frecuencia y los factores que conllevan a la utilización de la Medicina Tradicional en la población del distrito de Mache, Provincia de Otuzco del Departamento La Libertad; se hizo un estudio descriptivo transversal, donde se tomó contacto con los pobladores una sola vez, a través de la aplicación de una encuesta a la población de la localidad en mención. De 1356 viviendas, se tomó una muestra de 283; para encuestar a un habitante por vivienda que sea mayor de 18 años y que residiera más de 2 años en la localidad. La encuesta se aplicó durante los meses de abril y mayo del presente año. Los datos recolectados se procesaron y se organizaron en cuadros y gráficos. Del análisis de los resultados y con un nivel de significancia del 95% (α=0.05%) se concluye que: La frecuencia de utilización de Medicina Tradicional es de un 91.5% y los tres factores principales que motivan su utilización son las creencias y/o costumbres (63.7%), su utilización como tratamiento complementario (21.6%) y su bajo costo en el tratamiento (20.1%). Sus tres principales problemas de salud son las enfermedades Respiratorias (57.9%), Sistema Digestivo (34.4%) y las del Sistema Genitourinario (31.3%). La primera opción del poblador para restablecer su salud es tomar Plantas Medicinales (81.3%) y el principal motivo es por Creencias y/o Costumbres (70.4%).

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

Informe del seminario sobre fomento de la producción de plantas medicinales y su industrialización en Centroamérica / Report of the seminar on promoting the production of medicinal plants and their industrialization in Central America

El proyecto se propuso determinar, a nivel de prefactibilidad, la posibilidad de expandir la producción de plantas medicinales y su industrialización, a fin de contribuir al proceso de diversificación agrícola, la generación de empleo y mejorar la posición del sector externo. Durante el proceso de recolección de información surgió como un factor de especial importancia la producción de plantas medicinales para atender problemas de salud de la población centroamericana, especialmente de los estratos de bajos ingresos.