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Objectives: Adulteration of herbal products can have a negative impact on the health of populations, as adulterants can lead to developmental defects, chronic diseases or death. Recently, in the literature, it has been reported that these products are used as adulterants in several traditional medicines. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to monitor synthetic adulterants in marketed liquid herbal products, which are most commonly used as strength and energy stimulants in Mali, for the safety of populations. Methods: In this study, we investigated the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil in the most popular marketed herbal products in Mali by HPLC for regulatory measurements. Results: A total of 16 samples were collected and analyzed, of which 14 revealed the presence of adulteration corresponding to 87%. Among these samples, 8 revealed the presence of Sildenafil and 6, the presence of Tadalafil at varying concentrations. These samples consist mostly of liquid, powder or paste preparations and are used as traditional medicines and food supplements for the treatment of physical and sexual weakness. Conclusion: These results clearly raise the issue of adulteration of traditional medicines and food supplements used for the treatment of physical and sexual weakness in Mali by chemicals and the need to strengthen regulatory controls to prevent the falsification of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of physicochemical and biochemical digestion conditions on β-arbutin stability and bioaccessibility were investigated. β-Arbutin, at doses that correspond to its natural occurrence in plant materials (i.e., 1–100 mg), was subjected to gastric and intestinal electrolyte treatments (application of physicochemical factors) or the whole digestion process (application of physicochemical and biochemical factors). Its content in in vitro bioaccessible fractions was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and percentage bioaccessibility was calculated. The study shows very high stability and bioaccessibility of β-arbutin in a wide range of applied concentrations. Especially at doses ≥7.5 mg, bioaccessibility was close to 100% regardless of the stage of digestion and the type of treatment (electrolyte treatment or the whole digestion process). The assessment of phytochemicals in terms of their stability and interactions with the digestion environment can help in the future evaluation of their applicability for therapeutic purposes. The high bioaccessibility of β-arbutin within its multifunctional biological activity makes it a promising substance for phytomedicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is one of the most common causes of acute liver injury. The current standard-of-care treatment for APAP hepatotoxicity, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, is highly effective when administered early after overdose, but loses efficacy in later-presenting patients. As a result, there is interest in the identification of new treatments for APAP overdose patients. Natural products are a promising source of new treatments because many are purported to have hepatoprotective effects. In fact, a great deal of research has been done to identify natural products that can protect against APAP-induced liver injury. However, serious concerns have been raised about the rigor and human relevance of these studies. Here, we systematically reviewed the APAP-natural product literature from 2013 to 2023 to determine the veracity of these concerns and the scope of the potential problem. The results substantiate the concerns that have been previously raised and point to concrete steps that can be taken to improve APAP-natural product research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary supplements consist of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, fatty acids, amino acids, and other nutritive or physiologically active components. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the use of dietary supplements and herbal products among students in health-related university departments in Turkey and to evaluate their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: This study was conducted between March and June 2023 with a sample of 305 university students. Data were collected online through a questionnaire form, which included questions about the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) and the use of herbal products and dietary supplements. Results: The mean age of the students was 21.70 ± 3.04 years, with 26.2% using dietary supplements and 27.2% using herbal products. The majority of students were found to have a lack of knowledge about herbal products (54.4%) and dietary supplements (62.0%). The results revealed that 57.3% of participants believe in the benefits of nutritional supplements, while only 4.3% disagree. Additionally, 23.3% of participants view nutritional products as commercial. More than half (55.7%) of students had very poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with an average KIDMED score of 3.2 ± 2.95. KIDMED scores were not significantly influenced by factors such as gender (p = 0.133), daily number of main meals consumed (p = 0.179), awareness of herbal products and dietary supplements (p = 0.585, p = 0.440 respectively). Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, students had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and insufficient knowledge about herbal products and dietary supplements. University students should be provided with education on balanced nutrition and advised to consult with expert healthcare professionals before using dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Herbal Products (HP) are commonly utilized for both medicinal and preventative purposes, however, there is a rising concern about their efficacy and safety in contemporary medical practice. The study aims to determine the perception and practice regarding HP among community pharmacists in Eastern Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in the Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess pharmacists' perceptions and practices regarding herbal remedies. Results: Pharmacy personnel from 246 community pharmacies participated in the study, in which the majority were male (78.9%), and had more than 3 years of experience (57.7%). 47.2% of respondents had shown a positive perception towards HP, whereas only 25.6% of respondents demonstrated good practices regarding herbal items at their pharmacy. Cough preparations (45.9%) and general health tonics (26.4%) were the most sold HP. Most participants (69.5%) believed HP is safe and effective, with 76% recommending the need for proper regulation. A significant number (84.1%) reinforced incorporating HP subjects in the pharmacy curriculum. In terms of practice, over half (51.2%) of pharmacy personnel sometimes dispensed HP, with 87.4% advising consumers on their use. A pharmacist perception was associated with pharmacy practice experience (p=0.020), and practice was linked with age, with better practices seen in those with age =30 years (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concludes that most community pharmacy personnel had poor perception and infrequent practice of herbal products in their pharmacy. The study recommends strict quality control, education, and regulation of herbal products to safely and effectively integrate HP in community pharmacy settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal plants grow abundantly and are widely available in Indonesia. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health awareness, perceived susceptibility, attitude, and consumer intention and to see the effect of consumer self-identity as a moderator on consumer purchase intentions in using herbal products. A Cross-sectional survey was used in this study, with primary data in the form of 300 questionnaire responses using purposive samples. A conceptual model is derived and tested through structural equation modeling. The empirical results indicated that health awareness, perceived susceptibility, and attitude are all necessary determinants of this phenomenon. This research also integrates the moderating roles of consumer self-identity into the relationship between health awareness and purchase intention. Based on the results, it shows that consumer self-identity can enhance the influence of health awareness on consumers' intentions to use herbal products with a significance value of 0.007. This study suggests that the Theory of Planned Behavior can be used effectively to explain healthrelated behavior. It also provides insights into consumer preferences and allows benefits in predicting consumer purchasing behavior towards herbal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been a cornerstone of healthcare for centuries, with an estimated 80% of the world's population relying on it. In Africa, herbal medicine is the backbone of rural healthcare, serving 80% to 90% of the population. Despite its widespread use, the safety of herbal medicine raises a significant concern considering the lack of regulation and testing, particularly in Africa. Microbial contamination is a primary safety risk threatening consumer health. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesise evidence on microbial contamination in herbal medicines across Africa, provide a clear understanding of the problem, and inform effective public health interventions regarding microbial contamination of herbal medicines in Africa. Method: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar using appropriate search terms. Eligible studies were selected based on predetermined criteria, and data were extracted and analysed. Results: The review included fifty eligible studies in Africa, with a combined sample size of 1996, of which 1791 showed microbial contamination. Bacterial contaminants were reported in 98% of studies, with Escherichia coli (62%) being the most reported bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (57%), and Bacillus spp. (55%). Fungal contaminants were reported in 70% of studies, with Aspergillus spp. (40%) being the most reported, followed by Penicillium spp. (27%) and Candida spp. (26%). Parasitic contaminants were reported in 2% of the studies reviewed. A total of 70 bacterial species, 37 fungal species, and 6 parasite species were identified in this review. Conclusion: Herbal medicines in Africa pose significant health threats to consumers due to the high prevalence of diverse microbial contaminants and clinically significant pathogens. This emphasises the need for stricter regulations and quality control measures in the production, sale and use of herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemophilous weeds from the Asteraceae family are highly allergenic and represent a significant source of aeroallergens in late summer and autumn. Ragweed and mugwort pollen allergies have become a significant health burden in Europe. Some people with respiratory allergies to weed pollen may also suffer hypersensitivity reactions to herbal medicines obtained from certain cross-reactive plants in the Compositae family, such as chamomile, marigold, and purple coneflower. General physicians, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, and pulmonologists need to be familiar with the diagnostic tests used by allergists in clinical practice to support accurate diagnosis in such patients. Allergists must also be aware of the suggestions of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)'s Herbal Medicinal Products Committee and the broad spectrum of herbal therapies to educate their patients about potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to prove that administering BBLE as a natural antioxidant can prevent atherosclerosis by maintaining lipid profiles, antioxidant enzymes, and netrin-1 levels in hyperlipidemia in rat models. The research subjects were 20 adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), which were divided into 2 groups using a randomized pretest and posttest control group design. Before treatment and after treatment for 3 months, lipid profiles, MDA, SOD, and netrin-1 were examined. The control group was only given high-cholesterol diets (HCD), while the treatment, apart from HCD, was also given BBLE 4mg/day. The data obtained was tested using paired t-test and group t-test. The results of the study showed that there was a significant decrease in netrin-1 in the control group (p<0.05) after being given HCD for three months. In the treatment group, it also decreased but it was not significant (p>0.05). Netrin-1 levels in the treatment group were higher than the control (p<0.05). The lipid profile experienced a significant increase in HDL in the treatment group accompanied by a significant decrease in MDA and an increase in SOD (p<0.05) when compared with the control group. This study concludes that administering BBLE at a dose of 4 mg/day to rats given HCD caused an increase in netrin-1 levels accompanied by improvements in lipid profiles and prevention of oxidative stress. The findings of this study reveal the novelty of BBLE in treating and maintaining blood vessel function in mice given HCD by increasing netrin-1 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are toxic compounds that occur naturally in certain plants, however, there are many secondary pathways causing PA contamination of other plants, including medicinal herbs and plant-based food products, which pose a risk of human intoxication. It is proven that chronic exposure to PAs causes serious adverse health consequences resulting from their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. This review briefly presents PA occurrence, structures, chemistry, and toxicity, as well as a set of analytical methods. Recently developed sensitive electrochemical and chromatographic methods for the determination of PAs in honey, teas, herbs, and spices were summarized. The main strategies for improving the analytical efficiency of PA determination are related to the use of mass spectrometric (MS) detection; therefore, this review focuses on advances in MS-based methods. Raising awareness of the potential health risks associated with the presence of PAs in food and herbal medicines requires ongoing research in this area, including the development of sensitive methods for PA determination and rigorous legal regulations of PA intake from herbal products. The maximum levels of PAs in certain products are regulated by the European Commission; however, the precise knowledge about which products contain trace but significant amounts of these alkaloids is still insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade of medicinal plants (MPs) is proving to be a major source of foreign earnings for many developing nations. In Montserrado County, the trade of medicinal plant products (MPPs) is prevalent, but literature regarding the export of these products from Liberia remains insufficient. This study examined the trade MPPs originating from Montserrado County on the international stage. A survey of seven selected marketplaces was carried out to determine the number of herbal product vendors (HPVs) in the study area. Primary data was collected from 27 herbal practitioners (HPs), and 43 HPVs using a questionnaires. Excel 2016 was used to perform a descriptive data analysis. Results showed that a whopping 70% of the respondents were involved in local trade, while only 30% were involved in exportation. ECOWAS Countries (38.10%) were the major export markets for MPPs from the County. This study found that the exportation of MPPs is more profitable than trading them locally, as reported by 90.48% of the exporters. The cheap cost of production (47.62%) was identified as the major spur to the exportation of these products. Nonetheless, the high cost of transportation (71.43%) was found to be the major hindrance to the exportation of these products. The government's involvement in this sector can boost Liberia's foreign earnings and open new opportunities for the country bordered on reduction of unemployment and promotion of economic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences (OTJHS) / Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Oguz KARABAY 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.)

Copyright of Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Artvin Coruh University 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.)

Current evidence suggests a beneficial role of herbal products in free radical-induced diseases. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen has long occupied a leading position in traditional Chinese medicine because of the ergogenic, nootropic, and antistress activities, although these properties are also acknowledged in the Western world. The goal of this paper is to review the pharmacological and toxicological properties of P. notoginseng and discuss its potential therapeutic effect. A literature search was carried out on Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The following search terms were used: “notoginseng”, “gut microbiota”, “immune system”, “inflammation”, “cardiovascular system”, “central nervous system”, “metabolism”, “cancer”, and “toxicology”. Only peer-reviewed articles written in English, with the full text available, have been included. Preclinical evidence has unraveled the P. notoginseng pharmacological effects in immune-inflammatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases by acting on several molecular targets. However, few clinical studies have confirmed the therapeutic properties of P. notoginseng, mainly as an adjuvant in the conventional treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Further clinical studies, which both confirm the efficacy of P. notoginseng in free radicalrelated diseases and delve into its toxicological aspects, are mandatory to broaden its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is a highly prevalent population-level disease that represents an important risk factor for several cardiovascular complications and occupies a leading position in mortality statistics. Antihypertensive therapy includes a wide variety of drugs. Additionally, the potential antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of several phytotherapy products have been evaluated, as these could also be a valuable therapeutic option for the prevention, improvement or treatment of hypertension and its complications. The present review includes an evaluation of the cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects of garlic, Aloe vera, green tea, Ginkgo biloba, berberine, ginseng, Nigella sativa, Apium graveolens, thyme, cinnamon and ginger, and their possible interactions with antihypertensive drugs. A literature search was undertaken via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Cochrane databases. Research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2023, in the English, Hungarian, and Romanian languages were selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of physicochemical and biochemical digestion conditions on β-arbutin stability and bioaccessibility were investigated. β-Arbutin, at doses that correspond to its natural occurrence in plant materials (i.e., 1–100 mg), was subjected to gastric and intestinal electrolyte treatments (application of physicochemical factors) or the whole digestion process (application of physicochemical and biochemical factors). Its content in in vitro bioaccessible fractions was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and percentage bioaccessibility was calculated. The study shows very high stability and bioaccessibility of β-arbutin in a wide range of applied concentrations. Especially at doses ≥7.5 mg, bioaccessibility was close to 100% regardless of the stage of digestion and the type of treatment (electrolyte treatment or the whole digestion process). The assessment of phytochemicals in terms of their stability and interactions with the digestion environment can help in the future evaluation of their applicability for therapeutic purposes. The high bioaccessibility of β-arbutin within its multifunctional biological activity makes it a promising substance for phytomedicinal applications.

This review delves into the contemporary advancements and research on anti-obesity agents sourced from natural origins. Obesity, a pressing global health concern, necessitates effective interventions due to its association with various comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Scientific data gathered from databases including PubMed and Scopus, as well as search engines such as Google and Google Scholar, focused on keywords such as "anti-obesity agents," "herbal anti-obesity agents," and "mechanism of action of anti-obesity agents." The review highlights the escalating research efforts toward formulating safe and efficient dosage forms to combat obesity, with synthetic agents often linked to adverse effects. Natural compounds emerge as promising anti-obesity agents due to their minimal side effects, garnering significant interest from researchers. Bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action in weight reduction are explored, alongside insights into commercialized herbal products and recent advancements in drug delivery systems. Ultimately, the review underscores the potential of natural anti-obesity agents and commercialized herbal products in addressing this pervasive health disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating overweight and obesity with medications generally offers initial advantages but can result in weight regain after stopping the drugs, as well as in medication-related side effects, and the potential for substance misuse. The allure of herbal products lies in their natural origin, thus leading individuals towards these products in search of a healthier and more sustainable approach to weight loss. Understanding how herbal products interact with biological systems is crucial for assessing their therapeutic potential. Anti-obesity herbal products and their compounds can act through different mechanisms, such as: appetite suppression, digestion and absorption blocking, stimulation of thermogenesis, inhibition of adipogenesis, and modulation of these processes through gene expression. The physiological effects and therapeutic properties exhibited by herbal products are ascribed to the presence and activity of their active components, such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, stanols, sterols and alkaloids. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of various phytochemicals have been explored to enhance their anti-obesity properties.

Anemophilous weeds from the Asteraceae family are highly allergenic and represent a significant source of aeroallergens in late summer and autumn. Ragweed and mugwort pollen allergies have become a significant health burden in Europe. Some people with respiratory allergies to weed pollen may also suffer hypersensitivity reactions to herbal medicines obtained from certain cross-reactive plants in the Compositae family, such as chamomile, marigold, and purple coneflower. General physicians, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, and pulmonologists need to be familiar with the diagnostic tests used by allergists in clinical practice to support accurate diagnosis in such patients. Allergists must also be aware of the suggestions of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s Herbal Medicinal Products Committee and the broad spectrum of herbal therapies to educate their patients about potential risks.

Abstract Introduction Phytochemical standardization of herbal materials involves establishing consistent levels of one or more active ingredients or markers. It ensures the authenticity and quality of herbal materials, extracts, and their products. This research aimed to apply the herbal chemical marker ranking system (Herb MaRS) originally proposed for quality assurance of complex herbal products to establish markers for controlling the quality of herbal raw materials. Methods The assessment of compounds for suitability as markers was based on the Herb MaRS, with minor modifications as follows: for more objective scoring, evidence of biological activity of the potential marker compound(s) was determined at three levels based on the number of symptoms of the disease condition a compound can treat or alleviate: (i) one symptom (1 point), two symptoms (2 points), and 3 or more symptoms (3 points). The reported concentrations of the compounds were also scored as follows: concentration not determined (0 points), concentration ≥ 5 ppm (1 point), concentration ≥ 50 ppm (2 points) and availability of analytical standards (1 point). Finally, the compounds were scored for the availability of an analytical method (1 point). The compounds were scored from 0 to 8, where 8 indicated the most suitable chemical marker. Results The selected markers were as follows: aromadendrine, α-terpineol, globulol, and 1,8-cineol (in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. ); aloin, aloe emodin, acemannan (in Aloe barbadensis (L.) Burm.f. ), lupeol, lupenone, betulinic acid, betulin, and catechin (in Albizia coriaria Oliv.); mangiferin, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid (in Mangifera indica L.); polygodial (in Warburgia ugandensis Sprague); azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin (in Azadirachta indica A. Juss. ); and 6,8,10-gingerols, and 6-shogaol (in Zingiber officinalis Roscoe). Conclusions Herb MaRS can be efficiently applied to select marker compounds for quality control of herbal materials. However, for herbs whose phytochemicals have not been sufficiently researched, it is difficult to establish evidence of activity, and there are no analytical standards and/or methods; this is the case for plants exclusively used in Africa. The markers identified should be incorporated into chromatographic fingerprints, their quantitative methods developed, and evaluated for applicability at the various stages of the production chain of herbal medicines; then, they can be included in future local plant monographs. There is also a need to build local capacity to isolate marker compounds, particularly those that are not sold by current vendors.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate patients' use of herbal products before surgery. Material and methods: The study was conducted among patients at a surgical clinic in a university hospital in Western Turkey from 1 January to 31 March 2019. The researchers developed a questionnaire, in accordance with existing literature, to gather data on patients' use of herbal products prior to surgery. Results: It was discovered that before surgery, 63% of patients used herbal products. Of those patients, 90.5% reported that their physicians did not inquire about their use of herbal products, and just 17% of patients knew the need to discontinue herbal products two weeks before the operation. Conclusion: Many surgical patients use herbal products, but most are unaware that they should stop two weeks before the operation. Furthermore, the medical staff has not proactively asked patients about their use of herbal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adulterating herbal medicine with undeclared synthetic drugs is a worldwide problem that seriously threatens human health. To detect such illicit and not labeled synthetic hypolipidemic substances in herbal medicines, an analytical method to simultaneously identify and quantify atorvastatin (ATV) calcium, simvastatin (SIM), gemfibrozil (GEM), fenofibrate (FEN) belonging to two different classes of drugs (statins and fibrates) was developed based on high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography. The method consisted of Silica Gel G60 F254 precoated aluminum plate as stationary phase and toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7:3:0.3, v/v/v) as optimized mobile phase. The densitometric evaluation wavelength was optimized at 254 nm. The Rf values of ATV, SIM, GEM, and FEN were 0.157, 0.268, 0.691, and 0.852, respectively. The linearity range is between 100–1500 ng/band for ATV and FEN and 200–3000 ng/band for SIM and GEM, respectively. The accuracy was found to be in the range of 97%–105%. The relative standard deviation of precision and robustness was found to be < 5%. However, the five screened market samples did not show the presence of adulteration of the above drugs. This method for the simultaneous determination of four drugs may be successfully employed to screen synthetic hypolipidemics as adulterants in herbal products and dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products, such as herbal medicinal products, food supplements, and functional food, are widely used to support well-being and for promoting health. In general, the effects of using these products are desired and beneficial, but unexpected adverse effects might also occur, especially when natural products are used with medication. Consumers do not often even know that they are exposed to bioactive compounds that might interact with the body and have effects on their well-being. One of the objectives of the World Health Organization is to promote herb-drug interaction monitoring, and it is important to know how marketed preparations and compounds from common foods interact when they are absorbed. In this review, we describe how a Caco-2 cell absorption model has been used to study how natural products, such as flaxseed, rapeseed, purple loosestrife, pine, echinacea, certain berries and herbs, anthranoid laxatives, and traditional medicinal plants, affect the absorption of co-administered drugs. We discuss the types of interactions and adverse effects that might occur and their possible reasons. Overall, we conclude that the Caco-2 cell absorption model is a useful tool for studying the absorption of natural products with drugs; and that to enable the safe use of natural products with medicines, concomitant use should be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lonicerae japonicae flos, also known as Jinyinhua (JYH), is an important component of traditional Chinese patent medicine (TCPM) products. However, the potential for adulteration and substitution with low-quality materials highlights the need for a reliable and sensitive approach to identify the species composition of TCPM products for consumer safety. Methods and results: We used universal ITS2 primers to amplify TCPMs containing JYH. However, the results were inconclusive, as only one operational taxonomic unit (OTU) was identified as Lonicera sp., which could not be identified at the species level. To confirm the species identification of Lonicera sp. in TCPM, we developed a short mini-barcode primer based on the psbA-trnH region, which, in combination with DNA metabarcoding technology, allowed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of artificially mixed samples. We applied the mini-barcode to distinguish TCPMs containing JYH and demonstrated its relatively accurate quantitative ability in identifying two Lonicera species. Conclusions: Our study presents a method for qualitative and quantitative identification of JYH, providing a promising application of DNA metabarcoding technology in the quality control of TCPM products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phytochemical standardization of herbal materials involves establishing consistent levels of one or more active ingredients or markers. It ensures the authenticity and quality of herbal materials, extracts, and their products. This research aimed to apply the herbal chemical marker ranking system (Herb MaRS) originally proposed for quality assurance of complex herbal products to establish markers for controlling the quality of herbal raw materials. Methods: The assessment of compounds for suitability as markers was based on the Herb MaRS, with minor modifications as follows: for more objective scoring, evidence of biological activity of the potential marker compound(s) was determined at three levels based on the number of symptoms of the disease condition a compound can treat or alleviate: (i) one symptom (1 point), two symptoms (2 points), and 3 or more symptoms (3 points). The reported concentrations of the compounds were also scored as follows: concentration not determined (0 points), concentration ≥ 5 ppm (1 point), concentration ≥ 50 ppm (2 points) and availability of analytical standards (1 point). Finally, the compounds were scored for the availability of an analytical method (1 point). The compounds were scored from 0 to 8, where 8 indicated the most suitable chemical marker. Results: The selected markers were as follows: aromadendrine, α-terpineol, globulol, and 1,8-cineol (in Eucalyptus globulus Labill.); aloin, aloe emodin, acemannan (in Aloe barbadensis (L.) Burm.f.), lupeol, lupenone, betulinic acid, betulin, and catechin (in Albizia coriaria Oliv.); mangiferin, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid (in Mangifera indica L.); polygodial (in Warburgia ugandensis Sprague); azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin (in Azadirachta indica A. Juss.); and 6,8,10-gingerols, and 6-shogaol (in Zingiber officinalis Roscoe). Conclusions: Herb MaRS can be efficiently applied to select marker compounds for quality control of herbal materials. However, for herbs whose phytochemicals have not been sufficiently researched, it is difficult to establish evidence of activity, and there are no analytical standards and/or methods; this is the case for plants exclusively used in Africa. The markers identified should be incorporated into chromatographic fingerprints, their quantitative methods developed, and evaluated for applicability at the various stages of the production chain of herbal medicines; then, they can be included in future local plant monographs. There is also a need to build local capacity to isolate marker compounds, particularly those that are not sold by current vendors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 outbreak, which emerged in China in December 2019, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The epidemic has negatively affected all aspects of daily life. In order to cope with the epidemic, measures have been taken that completely affect social life. Treatment and vaccine studies have started all over the world. Individuals have applied to complementary and alternative medicine methods against the disease. This research was planned to examine the herbal products consumed by individuals in order to avoid the disease due to the Covid-19 epidemic, and the relationship between these herbal products used and the state of passing the Covid-19 disease. Relational screening model was used in this research. The data collection phase of the study was done by face-to-face survey method. The research was carried out in Muş 1 and 2 Family Health Centers in April and May 2023. 26 of 430 individuals aged 15 and over who voluntarily participated in the study were not included in the study due to discontinuation from the study or missing information in the questionnaires. For these reasons, 144 women and 260 men with a mean age of 31.90±14.5 were included in our study. The data we obtained in our research, 48.5% of the individuals participating in the research think that herbal products protect from Covid-19, and it has been determined that they consume the most mint plant with 65.3%. A statistically significant difference was found between the status of contracting Covid-19 disease and the protection of herbal products (p<0.05). However, it was determined that 69.1% of those who did not have the disease consumed mint, 63.6% thyme, 58.2% garlic or onion. As a result, it was determined that more than half of the participants in the study were protective of herbal products, and those who did not suffer from the disease used mint, thyme, garlic and onions. The fact that individuals using herbal products are statistically significantly less likely to catch Covid-19 shows that herbal products provide protection against Covid-19 in individuals, but more research is recommended to examine the relationship between herbal product use and infectious diseases such as Covid-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal tissue injury is one of the biggest concerns for cancer therapy as also exposure to radiation accidents. Damage to radiosensitive organs such as bone marrow and gastrointestinal system, lung, liver, and kidney is the most important reason for mortality or reduced quality of life caused by long-term side effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. The use of antioxidant compounds and radioprotectors is one of the best options for reducing radiation effects. This study is a narrative review that overviews the capability of antioxidants and natural plant compounds for ameliorating radiation-induced damage. Using natural antioxidants and radioprotectors is one of the best choices for the amelioration of radiation side effects. Although to date, some chemical agents have been studied for this aim, natural antioxidants with low toxicity are more interested in mitigation of radiation accidents after radiological and nuclear accidents. In the current review, natural antioxidants and herbal agents for the amelioration of damages caused by exposure to radiation will be discussed. The need for further research in this area is a significant gap that can be attributed to further applied studies in the future. It seems that natural radiomitigators can play an effective role in treating side effects and reducing mortality after radiation disasters. The need for further research in this area is a significant gap that can be attributed to further applied studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The oral bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability of many herbal products are too low to explain the significant efficacy fully. Gut microbiota and liver can metabolize herbal ingredients to more absorbable forms. The current study aims to evaluate the ability of a novel biotransformation-integrated network pharmacology strategy to discover the therapeutic mechanisms of low-bioavailability herbal products in neurological diseases. Methods A study on the mechanisms of Astragaloside IV (ASIV) in treating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was selected as an example. Firstly, the absorbed ASIV metabolites were collected by a literature search. Next, the ADMET properties and the ICH-associated targets of ASIV and its metabolites were compared. Finally, the biotransformation-increased targets and biological processes were screened out and verified by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and cell and animal experiments. Results The metabolites (3-epi-cycloastragenol and cycloastragenol) showed higher bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability than ASIV. Biotransformation added the targets ASIV in ICH, including PTK2, CDC42, CSF1R, and TNF. The increased targets were primarily enriched in microglia and involved in cell migration, proliferation, and inflammation. The computer simulations revealed that 3-epi-cycloastragenol bound CSF1R and cycloastragenol bound PTK2 and CDC42 stably. The In vivo and in vitro studies confirmed that the ASIV-derived metabolites suppressed CDC42 and CSF1R expression and inhibited microglia migration, proliferation, and TNF-α secretion. Conclusion ASIV inhibits post-ICH microglia/macrophage proliferation and migration, probably through its transformed products to bind CDC42, PTK2, and CSF1R. The integrated strategy can be used to discover novel mechanisms of herbal products or traditional Chinses medicine in treating diseases. Graphical Abstract

Introduction: Irrigation is a major part of successful root canal treatment due to the fulfilment carried out of various essential mechanical, chemical and miro-biological functions that include the healing of periapical tissues. This way, they reach areas of the root canal wall easier, which are not touched by any mechanical instrumentation. The important factor is to go for the initial and primary endodontic treatment, otherwise known as root canal treatment. The focus should be on using root canal disinfection to prevent infection. The widely used endodontic irrigant is sodium hypochlorite. It has many limitations; therefore, there has been a study going on for many years to replace to get an ideal root canal irrigant! Various studies are being conducted in an attempt to replace sodium chloride with newer root canal irrigants. There has been wide research conducted for several years to use new endodontic irrigant materials in place of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Many solutions are available in the new age practice of endodontic practice with plenty of advantages. Hence the objective of this study is to conduct an in depth research of such available literature in lieu of usage of natural based products in endodontics. Materials and Methods: By making use of the Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, this study has been conducted. Large data covering the relevant and potential literature, along with review articles in the English language were looked upon. Results: The extensive research of literature resulted in the varied examples of the usage of herbal products in the field of endodontics are pulp–dentine repair, cleaning, disinfection, removal of smear layer, sealer cement for lubricating, removal of obturation material by dissolving it, etc. This signifies that there is a strong possibility for establishing the fact that herbal based products can be effectively be used in endodontics with further detailed studies being conducted. Conclusion: As per the research conducted, “Naturodontics” does have a good potential although there is an extensive need for elaborative in-vitro and in-vivo studies, confirming the same.

Aflatoxin contamination in food commodities is a major food safety concern all over the world. These aflatoxins are a group of carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by some fungi belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi. To minimize the level of aflatoxins in food commodities, a wide range of pre- and post-harvest procedures have been employed. In this study, aqueous extracts of 13 medicinal herbs were assessed for their ability to detoxify aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most potent and commonly occurring carcinogen in foods. Among them, herbal extracts of Hybanthus enneaspermus, Eclipta prostrata and Centella asiatica exhibited over 70% detoxification of AFB1. The degradation of AFB1 upon treatment with these herbal extracts was confirmed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Two fractions (Rf 0.75 and 0.87) purified from H. enneaspermus by using thin-layer chromatography displayed in vitro AFB1-detoxifying properties. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the active fractions revealed the presence of linalool and bornyl acetate as the major components suggesting possible involvement of volatile compounds of H. enneaspermus in the detoxification of AFB1. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detoxification of AFB1 by H. enneaspermus, E. prostrata and C. asiatica aqueous extracts.

Natural plant products have been widely used as an alternative approach to treat microbial infections to overcome issues of antibiotics-associated side effects and the emergence of resistant pathogens. One of the most popular infections causing significant morbidity and death toll is urinary tract infection. This study is designed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of four commercial herbal products against five uropathogenic clinical isolates. In vitro, well diffusion assay and crystal violet staining techniques were used to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects respectively. Antimicrobial effect was reported for Renalka™ against Enterococcus faecium, ROWAtinex® against Staphylococcus aureus and E. faecium and UROCLEAR against Candida albicans. A significant antibiofilm effect, semi-quantified by stained biomass, was reported for all of the products included in the study against the tested pathogens but to a varying degree. Medicinal herbal products can exert a substantial prophylactic antibiofilm effect in addition to their beneficial health effects in treating urological pathologies.

Background: Despite the existence of treatment strategies, there was no effective drug treatment available during the outbreak of COVID-19. Consequently, medicinal herbs were commonly used as complementary drugs to prevent COVID-19 and reduce the symptoms of the disease in many countries. Medicinal plants used in the preparation of anti-COVID-19 supplements have proven effective in reducing the symptoms of this disease, with various mechanisms such as strengthening the immune system, antiviral effects, and anti-inflammatory activities. Several herbal products based on traditional and complementary medicine have been used worldwide for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Examples include Chinese herbal medicines such as Jinhua Qinggan and Lianhua Qingwen, Indian Kadha used as an immune booster and, Artemisia annua, which gained popularity in African countries like Madagascar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Latin American and Caribbean regions, such as Cuba, have utilized 'Prevengho-VIR' to prevent severe respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. Purpose: This study was conducted with the aim of introducing Iran's commercial herbal products for the management of COVID-19 based on clinical trials. Methods: Research articles based on clinical evidence of Iran's commercial herbal supplements for managing COVID-19 were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. In addition, the anti-COVID potential of medicinal plants used in these herbal products has also been discussed. Results: This study presents a comprehensive review of the 12 approved COVID-19 herbal supplements in Iran, based on related articles published so far that discuss their clinical use. The Food and Drug Administration of Iran has approved the use of commercial herbal products, including Alerguard®, Imfluna®, Palminavir®, Co Iran Amin®, PHR 160®, Colchinale®, Thymonige®, Covexirpars®, Mocozift, Saliravira®, Relung ZMZ®, and Ferula astragalus ZMZ®. These products are produced with herbal medicine and are intended for the symptomatic treatment of COVID-19. Furthermore, this review analyzes the specific 41 herbal compounds which used in each formula and their effectiveness in combating COVID-19 along with potential mechanisms of action for each herb. Conclusion: Clinical evidence suggests that polyherbal formulations, such as Imfluna®, PHR 160®, Covexir®, and Saliravira®, when used in conjunction with routine care of COVID-19, can potentially decrease the duration of hospital stay, accelerate clinical improvement, enhance tolerance against COVID‐19, and reduce symptoms such as fever, anorexia, dry cough, and muscle pain.

Radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients varies from mild irritation to life‐threatening lesions. Several studies suggest a role for topical corticosteroid ointments in the treatment of radiodermatitis. Yet, to avoid the adverse effects of corticosteroids, many authors recommend the use of topical herbal products instead. The therapeutic role of herbal treatments has yet to be fully understood. This systematic review evaluates the role of topical or oral herbal medicines in radiodermatitis prevention and treatment. A systematic search of four databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) was performed without language and time restrictions from their inception until April 2023. The bibliographies of potential articles were also searched manually. Studies evaluated and compared the effects of herbal preparations with the control group, on dermatitis induced by radiotherapy for breast cancer. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the included studies. Thirty‐five studies were included in the systematic review. Studies which used herbal drugs including topical and oral formulations were evaluated. Herbal monotherapy and combination therapy were reported, and their effects on radiodermatitis were explained in the systematic review. In conclusion, henna ointments, silymarin gel, and Juango cream were reported to reduce the severity of radiodermatitis. These agents should be considered for radiodermatitis prophylaxis and treatment. The data on aloe gel and calendula ointment were conflicting. Further randomized controlled trials of herbal medications and new herbal formulations are required to determine their effects on breast cancer radiodermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In thin-layer chromatography coupled with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TLC-SERS), the coffee ring effect (CRE) describes the formation of a ring-shape spot (blank in the middle and darker on the edge) caused by the aggregation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), alone (single CRE) or with the analytes (double CRE). In this work, the SCRE and DCRE were investigated in two anti-diabetic drugs, hydrophobic glibenclamide (GLB) and more hydrophilic metformin (MET). The SCRE occurred in GLB analysis, as opposed to the DCRE that occurred in MET. It was proven that for optimization of the TLC-SERS analytical procedure, it is necessary to distinguish the CRE patterns of analytes. Additionally, MET and GLB were analyzed with the developed TLC-SERS method and confirmed by another validated method using high-performance liquid chromatography. Four herbal products collected on the market were found to be adulterated with GLB or/and MET; among those, one product was adulterated with both MET and GLB, and two products were adulterated with GLB at a higher concentration than the usual GLB prescription dose. The TLC-SERS method provided a useful tool for the simultaneous detection of adulterated anti-diabetic herbal products, and the comparison of the SCRE and DCRE provided more evidence to predict CRE patterns in TLC-SERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral hygiene is one of the most influential and important issues in people's health. People have been using herbal components to maintain their oral hygiene for centuries. Oral cancer develops in the oral cavity, and its origin always lies in the growth of malignant epithelial tissue cells. Due to the spread of this cancer in Iran, we intend to measure the antibacterial effects of the combination of Salvadora persica and Moringa oleifera extracts. Cariogenic bacteria are one leading cause of oral cancer. We used this extract in mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum, and we expect that it would reduce cell proliferation and be used in prevention and treatment. The new organic mouthwash, chewing gum, and toothpaste were designed and prepared using M. oleifera oil, S. persica, M. oleifera extract, the powder of S. persica wood, and M. oleifera leaves. With the use of herbal compounds in the preparation of these products, the quantity of essential chemical ingredients in the prepared samples was decreased. We examined the quality and stability of mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum that indicated the standard level of each substance. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of our products, which indicated that our products can significantly reduce the total bacterial count. For the first time, a combination of S. persica and M. oleifera extract replaced chemicals in mouthwash, toothpaste, and chewing gum. Natural herbal ingredients with antimicrobial activity are effective in maintaining low bacterial counts in the mouth, and as a result, improving oral hygiene and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shikonin and its derivatives are the natural naphthoquinone compounds produced in the roots of the Boraginaceae family. These red pigments have been used for a long time in coloring silk, as food colorants, and in the Chinese traditional system of medicines The resurgence of public interest in natural and plant-based products has led to this category of compounds being in high demand due to their wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, antitumor, antifungal, anti-inflammatory ones. Different researchers worldwide have reported various applications of shikonin derivatives in the area of pharmacology. Nevertheless, the use of these compounds in the food and cosmetics fields needs to be explored more in order to make them available for commercial utilization in various food industries as a packaging material and to enhance their shelf life without any side effects. Similarly, the antioxidant properties and skin whitening effects of these bioactive molecules may be used successfully in various cosmetic formulations. The present review delves into the updated knowledge on the various properties of shikonin derivatives in relation to food and cosmetics. The pharmacological effects of these bioactive compounds are also highlighted. Based on various studies, it can be concluded that these natural bioactive molecules have potential to be used in different sectors, including functional food, food additives, skin, health care, and to cure various diseases. Further research is required for the sustainable production of these compounds with minimum disturbances to the environment and in order to make them available in the market at an economic price. Simultaneous studies utilizing recent techniques in computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and artificial intelligence in laboratory and clinical trials would further help in making these potential candidates promising alternative natural bioactive therapeutics with multiple uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interest in herbal treatments and herbal products has been increasing. Herbal products are preferred because of the properties provided by the secondary metabolites they contain. These products constitute an additional alternative to chemical-added products. Centaury plant is also a popular herb that has been used in the treatment of many diseases for centuries. Secondary metabolites such as hyperforin and hypericin in its structure have provided the plant with various qualities such as antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, etc. properties. These properties of the centaury plant have made it a good alternative for skin treatment. Acne scars and blemishes on the skin over time pose a problem for people. Centaury plant will also be a good option for solving such problems. Generally, various studies are carried out on the healing effects of the Hypericum perforatum (Hp) plant on the skin. However, there is limited research on the healing properties of other centaury varieties such as Hypericum capitatum (Hc) and Centaurea cyanus (Cc). There is no study in the literature on formulating a cream composed of combinations of Hp, Hc and Cc herbs. In this study, plant extracts from three centaury species were obtained by soxhlet extraction methods. The hypericin and hyperforin content of the plant extracts were determined by LC-MS analysis. Creams containing Hc, Hp and Cc extracts and combinations were formulated and antibacterial activities of the creams against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) bacteria were determined. As a result of the study, 14 placebo cream containing 5% and 15% centaury extracts and 1 non-centaury extract were produced. It has been concluded that creams containing Cc at 5% and 15% concentrations, Hp at 5% and 15% concentrations, Cc-Hc, Cc-Hp extract in creams can create a potential for use in the cosmetic sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wounds of an acute or chronic etiology affect millions of people worldwide, with increasing prevalence every year. Microbial infections are one of the main causes that impair the wound healing process, and Staphylococcus aureus, a commensal member of the skin microbiota, is one of the main causative agents of wound infections. Crucially, a high proportion of these infections are caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which, in addition to β-lactams, has acquired resistance to almost all the antibacterial agents used to treat it, limiting therapeutic options. Studies on the antimicrobial and healing activities of extracts, essential oils, or metabolites obtained from native plants have been reported in many countries that have a diverse flora and traditions with the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of wound infections. Due to their great chemical diversity, plants have proven to be promising sources of bioactive molecules for the discovery and development of new drugs or strategies for the treatment of wounds. This review highlights the main herbal preparations that have antimicrobial and healing activities with potential for the treatment of wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]