Antivirulence and antipathogenic activity of Mayan herbal remedies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Yucatan Peninsula has a privileged wealth of vascular plants with which various Mayan herbal formulations have been developed. However, studies on their antipathogenic and antivirulence properties are scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY: Identify antivirulence properties in Mayan herbal remedies and determine their antipathogenic capacity in burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Mayan communities in central and southern Quintana Roo, Mexico. Furthermore, the antipathogenic capacity of three Mayan herbal remedies was analyzed using an animal model of thermal damage and P. aeruginosa infection. Antivirulence properties were determined by inhibiting phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing (pyocyanin, biofilm, and swarming) and by the secretion of the ExoU toxin. The chemical composition of the most active herbal remedy was analyzed using molecular network analysis. RESULTS: It was found that topical administration of the remedy called "herbal soap" (HS) for eleven days maintained 100% survival of the animals, reduced establishment of the bacteria in the burn and prevented its systemic dispersion. Although no curative effect was recorded on tissue damaged by HS treatment, its herbal composition strongly reduced swarming and ExoU secretion. Through analysis of Molecular Networks, it was possible to carry out a global study of its chemical components, and identify the family of oxindole monoterpenoid alkaloids and carboline and tetrahydropyrididole alkaloids. In addition, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and quinic acid derivatives were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The antipathogenic and antivirulence capacity of ancient Mayan remedies makes them a potential resource for developing new antibacterial therapies to treat burns infected by P. aeruginosa.

Bases científicas del principio de curación homeopática en la farmacología moderna / Scientific bases of the homeopathic healing principle in modern pharmacology

La homeopatía emplea el denominado 'principio de similares' como método terapéutico ­ el cual consiste en administrar medicamentos que provocan ciertos síntomas en individuos sanos para tratar síntomas similares en individuos enfermos (similia similibus curantur) - para inducir una reacción curativa secundaria del cuerpo en contra de sus propios trastornos. Esta reacción secundaria (vital, homeostática o paradójica) del cuerpo se basa en el 'efecto de rebote' de los fármacos modernos, un tipo de evento adverso que se produce después de interrumpir varias clases de fármacos prescritos según el 'principio de los contrarios' (contraria contrariis curantur). Objetivo: La presente revisión ha buscado justificar científicamente el principio de curación homeopática frente a la farmacología clínica y experimental a través de un estudio sistemático del efecto de rebote de los fármacos modernos o reacción paradójica del cuerpo. Métodos: Empleando como referencia estudios y revisiones sobre el tema publicados a partir de 1998, actualizamos los datos añadiendo estudios recientes incluidos en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: El efecto de rebote se produce después de interrumpir varias clases de fármacos con acción contraria a los síntomas de las enfermedades, exacerbándolos a niveles superiores a aquellos previos al tratamiento. Independientemente de la enfermedad, fármaco, dosis y duración del tratamiento, el fenómeno del rebote se manifiesta en una pequeña proporción de los individuos susceptibles. Siguiendo las premisas homeopáticas, los fármacos modernos también podrían usarse según el principio de la similitud terapéutica, empleando entonces el efecto de rebote (reacción paradójica) con propósito curativo. Conclusiones: Evidenciado por cientos de estudios que constatan la similitud de conceptos y manifestaciones, el efecto de rebote de los fármacos modernos justifica científicamente el principio de la cura homeopática. Aunque el fenómeno de rebote es un evento adverso estudiado por la farmacología moderna, no es conocido por los profesionales de la atención médica, lo cual priva a los médicos de un conocimiento indispensable para el manejo seguro de los fármacos.

Homeopathy employs the so-called 'principle of similars' as therapeutic method - which consists in administering medicines that cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) - to induce a secondary and healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. This secondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body is based on the 'rebound effect' of modern drugs, a type of adverse event that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugs prescribed according to the 'principle of contraries' (contraria contrariis curantur). Aim: The present review sought to scientifically substantiate the homeopathic healing principle vis-à-vis experimental and clinical pharmacology through a systematic study of the rebound effect of modern drugs or paradoxical reaction of the body. Methods: Employing as reference studies and revisions on the subject published since 1998, we updated the data adding recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: The rebound effect occurs after discontinuation of several classes of drugs with action contrary to the symptoms of diseases, exacerbating them to levels above the ones before treatment. Regardless of disease, drug, dose and duration of treatment, the rebound phenomenon manifests in a small proportion of susceptible individuals. Following the homeopathic premises, modern drugs might also be used according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, thus employing the rebound effect (paradoxical reaction) with curative intent. Conclusions: Evidenced by hundreds of studies that attest to the similarity of concepts and manifestations, the rebound effect of modern drugs scientifically substantiates the principle of homeopathic cure. Although the rebound phenomenon is an adverse event studied by modern pharmacology, it is not known by health care professionals, thus depriving doctors of knowledge indispensable for safe management of drugs.

Metal(loid)s in Common Medicinal Plants in a Uranium Mining-Impacted Area in Northwestern New Mexico, USA.

The objective of this study was to determine uranium (U) and other metal(loid) concentrations (As, Cd, Cs, Pb, Mo, Se, Th, and V) in eight species of plants that are commonly used for medicinal purposes on Diné (Navajo) lands in northwestern New Mexico. The study setting was a prime target for U mining, where more than 500 unreclaimed abandoned U mines and structures remain. The plants were located within 3.2 km of abandoned U mines and structures. Plant biota samples (N = 32) and corresponding soil sources were collected. The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma−Mass Spectrometry. In general, the study findings showed that metal(loid)s were concentrated greatest in soil > root > aboveground plant parts, respectively. Several medicinal plant samples were found to exceed the World Health Organization Raw Medicinal Plant Permissible Level for As and Cd; however, using the calculated human intake data, Reference Dietary Intakes, Recommended Dietary Allowances, and tolerable Upper Limits, the levels were not exceeded for those with established food intake or ingestion guidelines. There does not appear to be a dietary food rise of metal(loid) ingestion based solely on the eight medicinal plants examined. Food intake recommendations informed by research are needed for those who may be more sensitive to metal(loid) exposure. Further research is needed to identify research gaps and continued surveillance and monitoring are recommended for mining-impacted communities.

The use of homeopathy and flower therapy as an aid in the treatment of climacteric symptoms: an integrative review

Climacteric is characterized as the set of symptoms that usually start in the period of transition from the reproductive phase to female senility, and directly impacts woman's quality of life. Currently, the treatments approved by the FDA for this pathology mainly involve the use of antidepressants and hormone replacement, both having side effects. Clinical studies carried out in 2002, showed an increased risk of breast cancer, and other pathologies related to the prolonged use of these drugs. The impact ofthe studies resulted in a greater interest in complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), such as the use of homeopathy and flower remedies for the treatment of climacteric symptoms. This abstract aims to present an integrative review on the use of homeopathy and flower remedies in the treatment of climacteric symptoms, in order to identify it main scientific evidence. For this, metodology consisted of research in the databases Web of Science, Google Scholar, HomeoIndex, LILACS and SciELO. The inclusion criteria were original human studies, totally available, and published in the last 10 years in Portuguese, English and Spanish, presenting the use of floral remedies or homeopathic treatment. The main homeopathic medicines used were Lachesis mutus, Belladona, Sepia officinalis, Sanguinaria canadensis and Sulfur. The main flower remedies were Cherry plum, Agrimony, Gentian, Walnut, Olive and Larch. The findings in this review demonstrate a positive outcome trend in favor of the effectiveness of these practices through the studies evaluated, encouraging the expansion of new designs and research that fully contemplate the principles of these practices. Thus, this work contributes to the advancement in the understanding of each one of these rationalities, making this work a source of consultation for health professionals and for future research, resulting in a strengthening of CAMs in the field of health.

Influence of homeopathy on the quality of quail eggs stored for different periods of time

The purpose of this trial was to assess the influence of homeopathy products on the diet of quails based on egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. Methodology: Two hundred, 45 day old Japanese quails and 80% of production were used, in a completely randomized design comprised of a 4x3 factorial, and 4 diets (basal feed, inert vehicle and 2 homeopathic products: Fertsigo® (Sulphur10 CH, Sepia 15CH ) and Ovosigo® (Belladonna 12CH,Silicea 12 CH, Natrum mur. 30CH, Calcarea phos. 30CH, Sulphur 12CH) and 3 storage periods (0 days, 7 days and 14 days) with ten repetitions of three eggs per treatment. The weight, percentages of yoke, albumen and shell, albumen height and yolk color, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk index and shell thickness were evaluated. The data were submitted to variance analysis to verify whether there was a interaction effect between homeopathy factors and storage time, and when absent, the isolated effects. Results: An interaction between the homeopathic products and time was found for the parameters of albumen height and yolk, Haugh unit and yolk index, which reduced over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, a significant effect (p<0.05) was found only in the case of homeopathy for the percentages of albumen and shell. For egg and albumen weights, yolk and albumen percentages, specific gravity and colorimetry there was an effect for time, however these parameters reduced over the storage time in days. The addition of the homeopathic based products Ovosigo® and FertSigo® are indicated for the diets of Japanese quail during the laying phase since it resulted in better weights for the egg and its components. Conclusion: The different homeopathic products did not have an influence on conserving the quality of the Japanese quail eggs during the periods evaluated.

Formation of Self-organized Structures in Drying Droplets: a Promising Analytical Tool for Homeopathy Basic Research

The droplet evaporation method (DEM) is based on the evaporation-induced pattern formation in droplets and is applied mainly for medical diagnosis[1].Here, we present aseries of experiments performed by our team showing DEMs potential also forhomeopathy basic research, in particular, for the investigation of(i) low potencies, (ii) low potency complexes (physical model), and (iii) the action of high potencies (plant-based model).Methods:(i) DEM differentiated significantly between Luffa, Baptisia, Echinacea, and Spongiauntil 4x[2]. Furthermore, the patterns varied in function of the numberof succussion strokes (0, 10, or 100) applied during potentization[3]. The performance of chaotic succussions vs. laminar flow vs. slight mixing during the potentization of Viscum album quercus3x influenced the DEM patterns; the chaotic succussions reduced, whereas laminar flow enhanced the patterns complexity vs. the unsuccussed control.(ii) The addition of Mercurius bijodatus9x to Luffa4x changed significantly the DEM patterns, even if the material quantity present in the 9x potency lied far beyond that of ultrapure water.(iii) Leakages obtained by placing healthy or arsenic-damaged wheat-seeds into Arsenicum album45x orheat-damaged intoZincum metallicum30c vs. water created significantly different DEM structures [4, 5]. Results:The damaged seeds put into the potency created structures characterized by a higher complexity than those obtained from damaged seeds put into control water. Furthermore, the potency action seemed to increase with rising numbers ofsuccussion strokes applied during potentization,ascould be shown by means of DEM patterns and germination rate using the same wheat-seed model[6].In all our studies, the pattern evaluation was computerized (texture and fractal analysis performed by means of ImageJ) or based on deep-learning algorithms and the robustness of the experimental system was checked by means of systematic control experiments.Conclusion:DEM together with other similarmethods has also been reviewed by our team for what concerns theapplication in homeopathy basic research[7].

Santos Remedios: How Mexican Immigrants Use Authoritative Healing Knowledge to Survive Migration.

Mexicans living in the United States frequently rely upon popular healing to address a broad spectrum of physical, psychological, and spiritual ailments. They practice Mesoamerican healing ways including using herbal remedies, employing nutritional health promotion and illness remediation, over the counter pharmaceuticals, prayer and religion, and visiting expert healers. In this article, we utilize Brigitte Jordan's theory of "authoritative knowledge," to show how Mexican immigrants' ancestral and ecological-based healing knowledge travels with them through migration. Based on original ethnographic research in the Southwest borderlands, we expand an understanding of the factors that support the continuity of authoritative knowledge spatially and temporally. Mexicans' healing knowledge persisted north of the border because it (1) incorporated a wide array of healing techniques and materials that remained accessible post-migration, (2) enabled immigrants to heal according to Mesoamerican worldviews that privileged natural modalities and a holistic approach to body, mind, and spirit, and (3) remained relevant by allowing immigrants to remedy daily health stressors inherent to Mexican migration, including the border crossing, detention and deportation, and daily fear provoked by undocumented status. While lay practices have often been interpreted as problematic by medical professionals, we conclude that Mexicans' authoritative healing knowledge serves as a survival mechanism during the challenging circumstances of binational migration.

Religion, Age, Education, Lifestyle, and Health: Structural Equation Modeling.

This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of religion between sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, and self-referred physical and mental health. Cross-sectional study with non-randomized sample of 392 participants. The Eight Natural Remedies Questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle. Religion was found to be positive predictor between age, education and lifestyle, better physical and mental health. Being an Adventist positively influenced the lifestyle (r = 0.680; p < 0.05) and consequently physical (r = 0.222) and mental health (r = 0.220). Belonging to a religion that emphasizes a healthy lifestyle is a contributing factor toward better lifestyle, physical and mental health.

Does Home Remedy Use Contribute to Medication Nonadherence Among Blacks with Hypertension?

Background: Home remedies (HRs) are described as foods, herbs, and other household products used to manage chronic conditions. The objective of this study was to examine home remedy (HR) use among Blacks with hypertension and to determine if home remedy use is correlated with blood pressure and medication adherence. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the TRUST study conducted between 2006-2008. Medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and HR use was self-reported. Multivariable associations were quantified using ordinal logistic regression. Results: The study sample consisted of 788 Blacks with hypertension living in the southern region of the United States. HR use was associated with higher systolic (HR users 152.79, nonusers 149.53; P=.004) and diastolic blood pressure (HR users 84.10, nonusers 82.14 P=.005). Use of two or more HRs was associated with low adherence (OR: .55, CI: .36-.83, P= .004). Conclusion: The use of HR and the number of HRs used may be associated with medication nonadherence, and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure among Blacks with hypertension. Medication nonadherence is of critical importance for individuals with hypertension, and it is essential that health care providers be aware of health behaviors that may serve as barriers to medication adherence, such as use of home remedies.

Remedios curativos y propaganda médica contra la influenza de 1918 en México: ideas y conocimientos / Therapeutic remedies and medical propaganda on influenza in Mexico in 1918: ideas and knowledge sets

Resumen El artículo explora el pensamiento médico en torno al impacto de la pandemia de influenza de 1918 en México. Se analizan las ideas científicas sobre la etiología de la gripe, las cuales se reflejaron en el tipo de remedios y recetas médicas que se publicaron en la prensa y en boletines de salud. Para adentrarse en este tema profundizamos en el contexto histórico internacional dominado por la guerra. En México, años de conflictos armados a consecuencia de la Revolución agravaron las condiciones de vida de la población: hambre, tifo, viruela y otros padecimientos infecciosos se presentaron antes y durante el brote de la pandemia. El trabajo se apoya en documentación de archivo, boletines de salud, prensa de la época y bibliografía actualizada.

Abstract This article explores medical thought on the impact of the influenza pandemic of 1918 in Mexico. It analyzes scientific ideas on the etiology of the flu, as reflected in the types of remedies and medical prescriptions published in the press and in health bulletins. It then goes deeper into the topic by examining the international historic context, dominated by the war. In Mexico, years of armed conflict unleashed by the Revolution exacerbated living conditions among the population: starvation, typhus, smallpox and other infectious diseases were present before and during the outbreak of the pandemic. This study is based on archival documentation, health bulletins, press sources from the period, and modern bibliography.

Semeaduras: uma cartografia na atenção primária em saúde / Sembrando: una cartografía en la atención primaria en salud / Sowing: a cartography in primary health care

Resumo Os fitoterápicos podem atuar como dispositivo terapêutico micropolítico para o campo da saúde mental. Este relato de experiência apresenta o percurso de uma horta comunitária em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) no sul da Bahia, com objetivo de resgatar os saberes locais para produzir um campo de visibilidade. Trabalhou-se com o referencial teórico-metodológico da cartografia para analisar os efeitos do dispositivo horta na saúde dos participantes e na construção do vínculo dos trabalhadores de saúde com usuários do serviço. Participaram do grupo em torno de dez pessoas, majoritariamente mulheres negras, pobres, idosas e moradoras do local. Considera-se que a horta constituiu um dispositivo potente para o encontro de usuárias da USF, acompanhamento terapêutico, construção de vínculos, cultivo de plantas medicinais, redução no consumo de medicações alopáticas e mesmo para a produção de legumes e frutas para alimentação das participantes.

Resumen Los fitoterápicos pueden actuar como dispositivo terapéutico micropolítico para el campo de la salud mental. Este relato de experiencia presenta el recorrido de una huerta comunitaria en un servicio de atención primaria en el sur de Bahía, con el objetivo de rescatar los saberes locales para producir un campo de visibilidad. Se trabajó con el referencial teórico-metodológico de la cartografía para analizar los efectos del dispositivo huerta en la salud de los participantes y en la construcción del vínculo de los trabajadores con los usuarios del servicio. Participaron del grupo cerca de diez personas, mayoritariamente mujeres negras, pobres, ancianas y moradoras del lugar. Se considera que la huerta constituyó un dispositivo potente para el encuentro de usuarias del servicio de salud, acompañamiento terapéutico, construcción de vínculos, cultivo de plantas medicinales, reducción en el consumo de medicamentos alopáticos, e incluso para la producción de legumbres y frutas para alimentación de las participantes.

Abstract Herbal remedies may act as a micropolitical therapeutic device to the mental health field. This experience report shows the course of a community garden in a Family Health Unit (USF) in the south of Bahia, aiming to rescue the local knowledge in order to produce a visibility field. The cartography was used as theoretic-methodological to analyze the effects of the vegetable garden device on the participants' health and on the construction of a bond between workers and the service users. About 10 people participated, mostly black, poor and elder women that were local residents. The vegetable garden turned into a potent device for the meetings of primary health care users, for therapeutic follow-up, for building bonds, cultivating medicinal plants, reducing consumption of allopathic medication and even for the production of vegetables and fruits to feed the participants.

Conceptos emergentes: injuria hepática inducida por productos herbales (HILI). Revisión de tema / Emerging Concepts: Herb-Induced Liver Injury (HILI)

Resumen Las terapias consideradas alternativas son un grupo de intervenciones que incluyen el uso de suplementos herbarios y dietéticos bajo la falsa premisa de ofrecer un gran beneficio sobre la salud del paciente sin tener que someterse al riesgo de presentar efectos adversos, ya que se tratan de productos naturales. En Colombia, los remedios naturistas son una práctica común, pero la frecuencia de uso todavía es desconocida. A nivel mundial existe una gran preocupación al respecto, ya que se ha establecido con claridad la asociación existente con injuria hepática debido a su uso, lo cual ha motivado a introducir un concepto nuevo en medicina denominado injuria hepática inducida por productos herbales (HILI).

Abstract Alternative therapies are considered to be a group of interventions that include the use of herbal and dietary supplements under the false premise that they offer great benefits to patients' health without having adverse effects since they are "natural" products. In Colombia, naturopathic remedies are common, but their frequency of use is still unknown. Throughout the world there is great concern about these alternatives since hepatic injuries derived from their use have been clearly established. This has led to a new concept in medicine called HILI, an English language acronym for herb-induced liver injury.

Conocimiento tradicional de las vendedoras de plantas medicinales de la ciudad de Sucre-Bolivia / Traditional knowledge of the medicines of medicinal plants of the city of Sucre-Bolivia

En Bolivia se práctica la medicina tradicional por su alta diversidad cultural y biológica. Las plantas medicinales son comercializadas en Sucre-Bolivia mediante puestos urbanos atendidos por mujeres de origen quechua y castellano el objetivo es saber los conocimientos y usos de las plantas medicinales. La recolección de información fue por medio de entrevistas, con cinco preguntas básicas en los meses de julio-agosto. Se identificó que las señoras que tienen puesto fijo tienen de 90 a 110 especies de plantas medicinales y las señoras ambulantes que en su mayoría se encuentran en el mercado campesino tienen poca variedad de plantas medicinales de 5 a 10 especies, estas ambulantes en su totalidad son de orígenes indígenas es porque ellas siembran y cosechan sus propias plantas que en este caso son plantas con características medicinales en cambio las que tienen puesto fijo, también son las que tienen más años de experiencia traen plantas de La Paz (yungas), Cochabamba ya que estas ciudades producen mayor cantidad de plantas medicinales, también son traídas de los alrededores de sucre como Yotala, Icla, Jatun Mayu, Ravelo y del valle que son exportadas para su venta. Es así que estos recursos genéticos representan oportunidades para impulsar el desarrollo económico, enmarcado dentro la sostenibilidad y equidad social.

In Bolivia, traditional medicine is practiced because of its high cultural and biological diversity. The medicinal plants are commercialized in Sucre-Bolivia through urban posts served by women of Quechua and Spanish origin. The objective is to know the knowledge and uses of the medicinal plants. The information was collected through interviews, with five basic questions in the months of July-August. It was identified that the ladies who have a fixed position have 90 to 110 species of medicinal plants and the traveling ladies who are mostly in the peasant market have little variety of medicinal plants of 5 to 10 species, these ambulants in their entirety are of indigenous origins it is because they sow and harvest their own plants that in this case are plants with medicinal characteristics instead those that have a fixed position, they are also those that have more years of experience bring plants from La Paz (yungas), Cochabamba since These cities produce more medicinal plants, they are also brought from the surroundings of Sucre such as Yotala, Icla, Jatun Mayu, Ravelo and the valley that are exported for sale. Thus, these genetic resources represent opportunities to boost economic development, framed within sustainability and social equity.

De remedios y pócimas: las medicinas en el Quito del siglo 18 / Of remedies and potions: the medicines in the 18th century Quito

Contexto: para conocer la historia de un pueblo, es necesario analizar su espíritu y costumbre, por medio de los cuales se puede comprender su pensamiento que lo identifica y valora dándole su propia razón de ser. Una de las más importantes actividades tiene relación con la forma de preservar su salud, fundamento vital de vida y existencia; en tal virtud este análisis permite conocer la tradición quiteña relacionada con el uso de plantas medicinales y sus diferentes aplicaciones. Objetivo: por medio de esta investigación histórica, detallar el uso de pócimas y plantas medicinales empleados por los llamados médicos y curanderos del Quito del siglo XVIII, con el fin de contrarrestar las enfermedades más comunes que afectaban a los quiteños. Discusión y análisis: son pocos los estudios históricos y antropológicos sobre la materia, lo cual no permite realizar un análisis comparativo con el fin de lograr mejores conclusiones. Posiblemente la dificultad para acceder a fuentes primarias localizadas en archivos especializados sea la causa para esta falencia. Por otro lado, la historia social relacionada con la Medicina es muy relativa, debido a que los historiadores han dado poca importancia a tan valioso tema, con lo cual bien se podría entender de mejor manera el pensamiento del siglo XVIII. Una de las razones, probablemente, tiene relación con el hecho de que para la época, quienes se dedicaban a curar, eran menospreciados, razón por la que el oficio de médico era practicado por mestizos y gente de clase media baja, lo que no permitió dejar mayores evidencias escritas con el fin de comprender como se trataban y curaban las enfermedades, siendo la medicina popular, que subsiste hasta nuestros días, la única evidencia para comprender ligeramente los procedimientos médicos practicados en el lejano siglo colonial de nuestro análisis. Conclusión: la historia de la Medicina en el Ecuador ha sido tratada en contadas ocasiones por médicos profesionales, quienes se han dedicado con admirable paciencia a recoger todo cuanto detalle les ha sido posible localizar sobre todo en los archivos del antiguo hospital San Juan de Dios de la capital ecuatoriana; en igual forma, han podido ubicar ciertos datos que la historia social y política del país no la han tomado en cuenta. Para ello han recurrido al valioso archivo histórico de la Universidad Central del Ecuador, el cual guarda y conserva verdaderas joyas documentales sobre la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; sin embargo, no existen estudios especializados sobre la farmacopea popular, base fundamental para comprender el estado de salud de los quiteños que habitaron en el siglo 18. Descriptores DeCs: historia del Ecuador, historia de la medicina, farmacopea, remedios caseros, siglo 18, Quito (AU)

Context: to know the history of the people, it is necessary to analyze their spirit and customs, by means of which they can understand their thought that identifies and values them by giving them their own reason for being. One of the most important activities is related to the way of preserving their health, vital foundation of life and existence. In this virtue, this analysis allows knowing the tradition of Quito related to the use of medicinal plants and their different applications. Objective: through this historical investigation, to detail the use of potions and medicinal plants used by the so-called doctors and healers of the eighteenth century Quito, in order to counteract the most common diseases affecting the people of Quito. Discussion and analysis: there are few historical and anthropological studies on the subject, which does not allow a comparative analysis in order to achieve better conclusions. Possibly the difficulty to access primary sources located in specialized files is the cause for this failure. On the other hand, social history related to Medicine is very relative, because historians have given little importance to such a valuable subject, which could well be understood in the eighteenth century thought. One of the reasons, probably, is related to the fact that for the time, those who were dedicated to cure, were despised, reason why the doctor's office was practiced by mestizos and people of lower middle class, which did not allow leave more written evidence in order to understand how diseases were treated and cured, being popular medicine, which subsists to our days, the only evidence to understand slightly the medical procedures practiced in the distant colonial century of our analysis. Conclusion: the history of Medicine in Ecuador has been treated on rare occasions by professional doctors, who have devoted themselves with admirable patience to collect all the details they have been able to locate; especially in the archives of the old San Juan de Dios hospital at the Ecuadorian capital. In the same way, they have been able to locate certain data that the social and political history of the country has not taken into account. For this they have resorted to the valuable historical archive of the Central University of Ecuador, which keeps and preserves true documentary gems about the Faculty of Medical Sciences. However, there are no specialized studies on the popular pharmacopoeia, a fundamental basis for understanding the state of health of the people of Quito who lived in the 18th century. (AU)

Terapias tradicional y natural combinadas en pacientes con alopecia areata / Combined traditional and natural therapies in patients with alopecia areata

Se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica en 30 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de alopecia areata en forma de placas, atendidos en la consulta de Dermatología del Hospital General Docente Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio del 2014 hasta igual mes del 2015, con vistas a determinar la efectividad de la terapia tradicional china y la natural combinadas (esencias florales de Bach por modelo transpersonal, acupuntura con martillo de 7 puntas y masaje local con el rizoma del jengibre), para lo cual se conformó un grupo de estudio que la recibió y otro de control que fue tratado con crema esteroidea (triamcinolona a 0,1 por ciento). Los pacientes, cuya mayoría comprendía las edades de 25 a 34 años y era del sexo masculino, fueron evaluados al inicio, y luego a la cuarta, la octava y duodécima semanas. La terapia tradicional y la natural combinadas en pacientes con alopecia areata presentó una mejor respuesta y no existieron efectos secundarios, lo que demostró su efectividad al respecto

A study of therapeutic intervention in 30 patients with diagnosis of patchy alopecia areata, assisted in the Dermatology service of Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from June, 2014 to the same month in 2015, aimed at determining the effectiveness of the combined Chinese traditional therapy and the natural one (Bach flowers remedies for transpersonal pattern, acupuncture with hammer of 7 tips and local massage with ginger rhizome), for which a study group was formed which received it and another control group which was treated with steroid cream (triamcinolone 0,1 percent). Patients from the age group 25 - 34 years and male sex, were evaluated at the beginning, and then at fourth, eighth and twelfth weeks. The combined traditional and natural therapies in patients with alopecia areata provided a better response and there were no secondary effects, what demonstrated its effectiveness on this respect

Nests of "caba-leão" wasps (Sceliphron sp., Sphecidae) used in traditional medicine by riverine communities of the Jaú and Unini Rivers, Amazon, Brazil: ethnopharmacological, chemical and mineralogical aspects

ABSTRACT This research contributes to the study of substances present in homemade remedies used by the riverine communities of the Amazon, which are the result of insect-mineral-vegetable oil-interaction. The results of the analyses show the main components (inorganic and organic components) of the "caba-leão" wasps nests (Sceliphron sp., Sphecidae) used by "caboclos" as a topical medication to treat mumps and earaches. The ethnopharmacological data collection consisted of samples of wasps nests and soil, as a source of inorganic elements, from the Jaú and Unini Rivers, in the River Negro basin, Amazon, Brazil. The samples were qualitatively analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (organic and inorganic composition) as well as by X-ray diffraction (to identify minerals). Quantitative chemical analyses for ten major common elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence. The inorganic components are formed by minerals (quartz, kaolinite, illite and gibbsite), identified by X-ray diffraction and Infrared spectroscopy, which are common in the soil of the region. The analyses by X-ray fluorescence indicate that the most common oxides are SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 within minerals. This research contributed to the study of substances found in homemade remedies used by the riverine communities of the Amazon, which are the result of insect-mineral-vegetable oil-interaction.

Herbolaria migrante boliviana en un contexto periurbano del Noroeste Argentino / Herbal medicine used by Bolivian migrants in a peri-urban context in Northwest Argentina

Se estudió la herbolaria de una población migrante boliviana de un barrio de la ciudad de San Salvador de Jujuy (Jujuy, Argentina) que sufre notorias condiciones de vulnerabilidad social y sanitaria, así como fuertes procesos de estigmatización. Desde una aproximación etnobotánica, se realizaron entrevistas abiertas y semiestructuradas a personas adultas. Se relevaron 89 especies medicinales empleadas para el tratamiento de 43 dolencias. Las más consensuadas fueron Matricaria chamomilla, "manzanilla" (62%) y Ruta chalepensis, "ruda" (50%). Se distinguieron cinco ambientes de recolección de plantas siendo el más importante "casa y alrededores" (46%). Gran parte de las especies seleccionadas son adaptógenas (plantas generadoras de bienestar, empleadas para el stress). La herbolaria casera parece ser una alternativa terapéutica clave de los bolivianos en Jujuy permitiéndoles a las familias sobrellevar situaciones difíciles de stress, desarraigo y discriminación. Esta información puede ser útil para las instituciones de salud con el fin de mejorar la atención y el diagnóstico en situaciones de incertidumbre.

A study was undertaken of the herbolarium of a migrant Bolivian population living in San Salvador de Jujuy (Jujuy, Argentina) in conditions of marked social and health vulnerability; they also suffer strong stigmatization processes. Using an ethnobotanical approach, open and semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults. A total of 89 medicinal species were recorded, which were used to treat 43 ailments. The plants with the highest consensus were Matricaria chamomilla, "manzanilla" (chamomile) (62%) and Ruta chalepensis, "ruda" (50%). Five plant resource gathering environments were identified, the most important being "dwelling and surroundings" (46%). A large proportion of the plant species selected are adaptogens (plants that generate wellbeing, used to deal with stress). Home prepared herbal medicine appears to be a key therapeutic option for Bolivians in Jujuy, enabling families to endure difficult situations associated with stress, separation from family roots, and discrimination. This information can be of use to health institutions, with the aim of improving care and diagnosis in situations of uncertainty.

Use of lead-glazed ceramic ware and lead-based folk remedies in a rural community of Baja California, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Lead exposure from lead-glazed ceramics (LGCs) and traditional folk remedies have been identified as significant sources of elevated blood lead levels in Mexico and the United States. This study took place from 2005 to 2012 in a rural community in Baja California, Mexico. OBJECTIVES: 1) Investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to lead and lead exposures from LGCs and two lead-based folk remedies ( azarcon and greta); and 2) evaluate a pilot intervention to provide alternative lead-safe cookware. METHODS: A baseline household survey was conducted in 2005, followed by the pilot intervention in 2006, and follow-up surveys in 2007 and 2012. For the pilot intervention, families who reported using LGCs were given lead-safe alternative cookware to try and its acceptance was evaluated in the following year. RESULTS: The community was mostly of indigenous background from Oaxaca and a high proportion of households had young children. In 2006, all participants using traditional ceramic ware at the time ( n = 48) accepted lead-safe alternative cookware to try, and 97% reported that they were willing to exchange traditional ceramic ware for lead-safe alternatives. The use of ceramic cookware decreased from over 90% during respondents' childhood household use in Oaxaca to 47% in 2006 among households in Baja California, and further reduced to 16.8% in 2012. While empacho, a folk illness, was widely recognized as an intestinal disorder, there was almost universal unfamiliarity with the use and knowledge of azarcon and greta for its treatment. CONCLUSION: This pilot evaluation provides evidence 1) for an effective and innovative strategy to reduce lead exposure from LGCs and 2) of the feasibility of substituting lead-free alternative cookware for traditional ceramic ware in a rural indigenous community, when delivered in a culturally appropriate manner with health education. This strategy could complement other approaches to reduce exposure to lead from LGCs.

Predictors of positive opinion about Bach Flower Remedies in adults from three Latin-American countries: An exploratory study.

The current study aimed to determine if positive opinions about BFR interacts with spirituality in adults from three Latin-American countries using a CHAID algorithm. Participants were 703 adults from Cuba (n = 319), Costa Rica (n = 252) and Chile (n = 132). PREDICTORS: demographic data, received information, received treatment, spirituality, dispositional optimism and willingness to use a placebo intervention were measured and analyzed. A supervised classification which included a training phase (n = 423) and a test phase (n = 280) was employed. Received information about BFR, spirituality and education were selected as significant predictors of the positive opinion about BFR (>90% of correct classifications).

Identity in a medicine cabinet: Discursive positions of Andean migrants towards their use of herbal remedies in the United Kingdom.

This study explores different rationales for using herbal remedies among people from Andean descent in the United Kingdom, using positioning theory as a conceptual framework. By analysing processes of positioning in narratives about healthcare choices conducted with 40 Bolivian and Peruvian migrants in London (between 2005 and 2009), we examine in which ways talking about personal preferences for herbal medicine can be constitutive of one's health identity. The results reveal three distinct discursive repertoires that frame the use of herbal remedies either as a tradition, a health-conscious consumer choice, or as a coping strategy, each allowing specific health identity outcomes. An enhanced understanding of how people make sense of their use of traditional, plant-based medicines enables healthcare professionals to better assist patients in making meaningful decisions about their health. Through illustrating how treatment choices are discursively linked with identity, the present results debunk the tendency to perceive patients with a migration background as one homogenous group and thus urge for a patient centred approach.