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The increased recent popularity of synthetic drugs provokes a need to rethink the complex relation between humans and drugs throughout history to date. Considering the development of a drug problem predominantly based on the idea of use and abuse of both legal and illegal substances, this paper traces various functions that drugs played in human life, beginning from the earliest history of mankind. In the context of the latest developments, the analysis focuses on the emergence of new, often synthetic psychoactive substances, along with legislation and drug policies implemented in different countries. This provides a basis for considering the cultural, social and health consequences of drug abuse. Since the "synthetic turn" starting at the end of the 19th century, it seems that additional efforts need to be taken in order to meet the related challenges. This latest turn in the historical development of drugs is perceived as one of the most important moments when it comes to understanding coeval drug problems. Expanding the social awareness of the effects of drug consumption seems to lie among the crucial factors preventing societies from solving drug-related problems, including crime, health, social exclusion, poverty, overdoses, and death. The paper concludes that, while political and social endeavors are generally aimed at prevention, an equally important task may lie in the provision of high-quality, mass drug education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Thanks to the development of analytical techniques and the wide involvement of scientists from all over the world, the possibilities of effective use of the surrounding plant cover as a source of raw material and safe, stable and effective natural drugs including active substances often constituting an alternative to synthetic drugs significantly increased. A species that is increasingly used in modern medicine is common carbuncle (Lycopus europaeus L.) is. Numerous studies conducted on the properties of this plant over the past years provide new data, and its herb used in infusions is an element of treatment for hyperthyroidism. The aim of the work is to present information on the chemical composition, operation, use and cultivation of a littleknown herbal species - the common carbuncle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Despite of the great progress made in antifungal therapy, there is still a need in the development of efficient and safe antimycotics, which could be used to control fungal grow in infected mucosa and deep-seated tissues. Development of phyto-preparations – highly effective, non-toxic and without side effects, is an urgent task. Thiosulfinates, garlic compounds characterized by the ability to inhibit the growth of different microorganisms. The main active substance of garlic is allicin, one of the esters of thiosulfinic acid. Aim of the study: The purpose of present study was to test in vitro the cytotoxicity and antimycotic activity of two new synthesized thiosulfonates and rhamnolipid biosurfactant (RL) isolated from Pseudomonas sp. PS-17. Material and methods: Cytotoxicity of new synthetic tiosulfonates and rhamnolipid was determined in vitro on human lung cell line A549 and mouse fibroblast cells L929. Antifungal activity was tested on Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida glabrata ATCC 90030 and Aspergillus fumigatus IHEM 13934 according to M-27-A3 (CLSI, USA) microdilution method. Results: Thiosulfonates and rhamnolipid were characterized by low level of cytotoxicity. Thiosulfonates showed inhibitory activity against Candida and Aspergillus, however A. fumigatus seems to be more susceptible than Candida. Rhamnolipid RL displayed no activity against C. albicans as well as A. fumigatus, in tested range of concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]