Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine
Abstract
The authoritative and comprehensive modern textbook on western herbal medicine - now in its second edition This long-awaited second edition of Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy covers all major aspects of herbal medicine from fundamental concepts, traditional use and scientific research through to safety, effective dosage and clinical applications. Written by herbal practitioners with active experience in clinical practice, education, manufacturing and research, the textbook is both practical and evidence based. The focus, always, is on the importance of tailoring the treatment to the individual case. New insights are given into the herbal management of approxiately 100 modern ailments, including some of the most challenging medical conditions, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and other complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, and there is vibrant discussion around the contribution of phytotherapy in general to modern health issues, including health ageing. Fully referenced throughout, with more than 10, 000 citations, the book is a core resource for students and practitioners of phytotherapy and naturopathy and will be of value to all healthcare professionals - pharmacists, doctors, nurses - with an interest in herbal therapeutics.
... The extract contains steroidal lactones called withanolides in concentrations between 1.5-5.0% [8]. Overall, my objective is to promote this particular local variety for commercial cultivation in fallow or unutilized land of central to western Rajasthan. ...
... This species is widely distributed in north-western states of India particularly Rajasthan [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. 'Nagori Ashwagandha'' roots have been of high value in comparison to the rest [14]. ...
Ashwagandha is an important hardy and drought-tolerant root medicinal herb. It is very important in terms of their immense health-promoting effects as well as from an economic point of view. It is a profitable venture for growing in sandy soils even in culturable wasteland and not preferred as a feed by wild animals. If appropriate region-specific cultivation of this plant can be done, that will have a huge impact on the quality and quantity of the raw materials. Nagori Ashwagandha (N.A.) can ensure a supply of good quality raw (long, thick, brittle and starchy roots) as well as formulated materials in both national and overseas markets. Integration of this selection into existing farming systems could be considered remunerative and will generate employment for local nomads involved in the collection and harvesting of Ashwagandha.
... Andrografolit, neoandrografolit ve dehidroandrografolitin, sıçanlarda bakteriyel endotoksinler ve hemolitik Streptococcus gibi ateşi indükleyen ajanlar tarafından oluşan ateşi azalttığı gösterilmiştir [41]. 30 [43] A. paniculata'nın gözlenen antiinflamatuvar, antipiretik ve analjezik aktivitelerinden dolayı modern tıpta AAA'da kullanımı mevcuttur [45] ve türün immünomodülatör fonksiyonlarından dolayı birçok hastalığın profilaksi ve tedavisinde ideal bir fitoterapötik olarak değerlendirilebileceği bildirilmektedir [37]. ...
... Bu çalışmada AAA'da kullanılan potansiyel tıbbi bitkiler veya kombinasyonları değerlendirilmiş, Cannabis sativa L., Andrographis paniculata Nees. ve diğer bitki kombinasyonlarının sınırlı bir hasta grubunda yapılan çalışmalarında; antiinflamatuvar ve immünomodülatör etkilerinden dolayı atak şiddetini azaltmada etkili olduğu gözlenmiştir [35,36,45]. Tıbbi bitkilerin otoinflamatuvar hastalıklardaki etkinliğini anlamak için daha fazla klinik çalışmaya ihtiyaç vardır. ...
Ailevi Akdeniz Ateşi; otozomal resesif genin kalıtımıyla, doğuştan gelen ve immün sistemi etkileyen bir antiinflamatuvar hastalıktır. Hastalık, 16. kromozomdaki MEFV geninde oluşan mutasyon sonucu gözlenir. Tekrarlayan ateş ve serözit ataklarla seyreden bir hastalıktır. Colchicum autumnale L. isimli tıbbi bitkinin tohumlarından elde edilen kolşisin isimli alkaloid günümüzde AAA tedavisinde yaygın olarak kullanılmakta ve etkin bir rol oynamaktadır. Yakın zamanlı bazı araştırmalar Andrographis paniculata Nees., Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim., Schizandra chinensis Bail., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. bitki kombinasyonun AAA hastalarında güvenli ve etkili olduğuna dair anlamlı veriler sunmaktadır. Cannabis sativa L. ise karışık AAA olgularında alternatif bir terapötik seçenek olarak değerlendirmektedir. Bu çalışmada AAA tedavisinde kullanılan doğal kökenli bir ilaç etkin maddesi olan kolşisinin detaylı incelenmesi ile bunun yanı sıra diğer potansiyel tıbbi bitki türlerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmaktadır.
... Additionally, it interacts with Saquinavir and low therapeutic properties the amount of medication in the blood and circulatory system (148). Garlic enhances the effects of drugs that decrease cholesterol and lower blood pressure in the body (149). Garlic's impact on hypoglycemic medications increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia, among other drug interactions (150). ...
... Garlic's impact on hypoglycemic medications increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia, among other drug interactions (150). Anticoagulants including heparin, warfarin, and aspirin interact with the garlic plant to increase the risk of bleeding (149). Additionally, garlic increases the fibrinolytic and platelet-activating anti-factor activities in anesthesia (148). ...
Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible tuber belonging to the family Liliaceae. It has been used since ancient times as a spice to enhance the sensory characteristics of food and as a household remedy for the treatment of a variety of ailments. Garlic has been studied for its medicinal and therapeutic effects in the treatment of various human diseases for a long time. Health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic are attributed to the various sulfur compounds present in it such as allicin, ajoene, vinyl-dithiin, and other volatile organosulfur compounds which are all metabolized from alliin. Several researches in the literature have shown evidence that garlic exhibits antioxidant, antiviral,
anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antihypertensive, anti-anemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticarcinogenic, antiaggregant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present review identifies and discusses the various health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic, its essential oil, and bioactive constituents, along with
exploring the various snack-food products developed by incorporating garlic.
... Tannins and flavonoids are phytochemicals classified as phenolic compounds due to the fact they contain phenols or derivatives in their core structure. The presence of phenols as well as at least one other moiety such as hydroxyls results in most tannins and flavonoids being able to scavenge free radicals [9,36]. After donating proton ions [H+] to ionically unstable compounds or free radicals, phenolic phytochemicals could regain their charge balance from the resonating aromatic structure, and may still donate their protons to reduce the oxidative imbalance in other radical-containing compounds. ...
... In terms of mechanism of action, antibacterial activity-exhibiting phytochemicals may produce antioxidant activity as an additive from their active aromatic structures and scavenging-capable moieties [9,36]. Several antioxidative flavonoids were documented to alter the membrane fluidity of certain types of bacteria [61]. ...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an S. aureus strain that has developed resistance against ß-lactam antibiotics, resulting in a scarcity of a potent cure for treating Staphylococcus infections. In this study, the anti-MRSA and antioxidant activity of the Indonesian mangrove species Sonneratia caseolaris, Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Rhizophora apiculata were studied. Disk diffusion, DPPH, a brine shrimp lethality test, and total phenolic and flavonoid assays were conducted. Results showed that among the tested mangroves, ethanol solvent-based S. caseolaris leaves extract had the highest antioxidant and anti-MRSA activities. An antioxidant activity assay showed comparable activity when compared to ascorbic acid, with an IC50 value of 4.2499 ± 3.0506 ppm and 5.2456 ± 0.5937 ppm, respectively, classifying the extract as a super-antioxidant. Moreover, S. caseolaris leaves extract showed the highest content of strongly associated antioxidative and antibacterial polyphenols, with 12.4% consisting of nontoxic flavonoids with the minimum inhibitory concentration of the ethanol-based S. caseolaris leaves extract being approximately 5000 ppm. LC-MS/MS results showed that phenolic compounds such as azelaic acid and aspirin were found, as well as flavonoid glucosides such as isovitexin and quercitrin. This strongly suggested that these compounds greatly contributed to antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Further research is needed to elucidate the interaction of the main compounds in S. caseolaris leaves extract in order to confirm their potential either as single or two or more compounds that synergistically function as a nontoxic antioxidant and antibacterial against MRSA.
... A suitable nutraceutical form can be used for the prevention of some pathogenic conditions (Santini et al., 2017). Most of them are unlikely to provide the intended pharmacological activities without appropriate formulations, which contribute to the instability during processing, storage, or absorption in the GI tract (Bone and Mills, 2013 (Bone and Mills, 2013). ...
... A suitable nutraceutical form can be used for the prevention of some pathogenic conditions (Santini et al., 2017). Most of them are unlikely to provide the intended pharmacological activities without appropriate formulations, which contribute to the instability during processing, storage, or absorption in the GI tract (Bone and Mills, 2013 (Bone and Mills, 2013). ...
Mulberry fruit extract (MFE) has been reported to show remarkable anti-obesity properties in vitro. While the trend for nutraceuticals is increasing, the study on the antiobesity potential of MFE in humans is limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the nutraceutical from MFE and examine the effects of the MFE capsule on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese adults. The nutraceutical was developed, and quality control was carried out. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, the major bioactive compound in MFE, was found at 21.50±0.54 mg in each MFE capsule when analyzed by using the validated HPLC method. The weight variation, disintegration, and dissolution profile of MFE capsules were acceptable within the USP 42 requirement for dietary supplements. A total of thirty-two overweight participants were assigned to consume a capsule containing MFE or a placebo capsule daily for 8 weeks in a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial (n = 16 per group). At the end of the study, MFE intake significantly caused a reduction in the visceral fat level when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the MFE group, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, subcutaneous fat of the whole body, trunk, arms, and legs, total body fat, and visceral fat were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). In conclusion, MFE was successfully developed into capsules. MFE capsules showed a favourable effect in reducing anthropometric measurements in overweight and obese adults. This is the first report on the promising anti-obesity potential of MFE capsules in humans.
... 28 The properties of saponins are similar to soap which have hydrophilic and lipophilic parts in their chemical structure, hence they can inhibit bacterial growth by damaging the bacterial cell wall and cell membrane. 29,30 Alkaloids are natural compounds which exist in plants and have bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Alkaloids have many skeleton structures that play a role in their antibacterial activity. ...
... 15 Saponins form complexes with water to form micelles, which destroy the bacterial cell wall by changing their permeability. 29,36,37 These compounds have also been reported to be found in various plant extracts. In pineapple extract, it was reported that saponins were more efficient in attacking Gramnegative bacteria. ...
Background: Centella asiatica leaves ethanol extract (CALEE) has higher concentration compared to other structures within the plant. The extract contains alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, which play an active role as antioxidant and antibacterial. Current study aimed to determine the effect of CALEE on Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, and Yersinia enterocolitica, Gram-negative bacteria that cause diarrhea. Materials and methods: Simplicia of C. asiatica leaves was dissolved in 96% ethanol and macerated to get condensed extract, which then produced a concentration of 1 g/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined to assess the effectiveness of CALEE on P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, and Y. enterocolitica. MIC was determined through serial dilution test with Mueller Hinton broth media. After incubation, the bacteria were streaked on nutrient agar or McConkey agar to determine the MBC. Results: The MIC value of CALEE could not be determined since the color of CALEE was dark, hence the turbidity could not be compared. CALEE had the same MBC value (0.25 g/mL) in all bacteria species used in this study. Conclusion: CALEE is effective against Gram-negative bacteria, such as P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris, and Y. enterocolitica. Further research is needed, especially in vivo experiments and evaluation of the cytotoxicity effect of CALEE. Keywords: Centella asiatica, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Yersinia enterocolitica, antibacterial
... Phytotherapy is characterized, in the simplest manner, as the treatment of diseases by using the herbal medicines extracted from plants in a novel way. It incorporates the core principles of both conventional (ethno-medicine) as well as modern medicine, though it is represented in a different manner in various countries (Mills and Bone, 2000) [54] . Phytotherapy (use of herbal extracts) is the application of therapeutic doses of dried aromatic plant materials or extracts of various plant parts for the treatment of the exhibited signs of the diseases. ...
The history of aromatic plants dates back through many ages and civilizations and they have been used for many years to prevent, restore and aid in numerous diseases, as well as to expand the wellbeing and prosperity of the populations. Since the beginning of time, essential oils have played a pivotal role in human life, either directly or indirectly. Each aromatic plant contains a certain number of chemical compounds that differ from plant to plant. These compounds have different modes of action, such as antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiprotozoal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory etc. Aromatic plants are exceptionally beneficial to human culture because they are more affordable, accessible, as well as being distinctive, natural, sustainable, and normally recognized as nontoxic items. Hence, aromatic plants play a significant role in human welfare. Intensifying interest in aromatic plants gears up new revenue generating opportunities for rural inhabitants. But, these aromatic plants are not taken care of properly. In light of the foregoing realities, such aromatic plants direly need preservation by all means for future generations.
... Various in vivo studies with rats, mice, and rabbits have demonstrated that saponins are not absorbed in the alimentary canal, and largely pass to the large intestine where they are hydrolyzed enzymatically to aglycones, known as sapogenins, and sugars [4]. Sapogenins derived in the gut via microbial biotransformation from saponins typically have higher lipid solubility and are more readily absorbed in the body [136]. ...
Saponins are a diverse group of naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites present in a wide range of foods ranging from grains, pulses, and green leaves to sea creatures. They consist of a hydrophilic sugar moiety linked to a lipophilic aglycone, resulting in an amphiphilic nature and unique functional properties. Their amphiphilic structures enable saponins to exhibit surface-active properties, resulting in stable foams and complexes with various molecules. In the context of food applications, saponins are utilized as natural emulsifiers, foaming agents, and stabilizers. They contribute to texture and stability in food products and have potential health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering and anticancer effects. Saponins possess additional bioactivities that make them valuable in the pharmaceutical industry as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic agents to name a few. Saponins can demonstrate cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines and can also act as adjuvants, enhancing the immune response to vaccines. Their ability to form stable complexes with drugs further expands their potential in drug delivery systems. However, challenges such as bitterness, cytotoxicity, and instability under certain conditions need to be addressed for effective utilization of saponins in foods and related applications. In this paper, we have reviewed the chemistry, functionality, and application aspects of saponins from various plant sources, and have summarized the regulatory aspects of the food-based application of quillaja saponins. Further research to explore the full potential of saponins in improving food quality and human health has been suggested. It is expected that this article will be a useful resource for researchers in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and material science.
... Various in vivo studies with rats, mice, and rabbits demonstrated that saponins are not absorbed in the alimentary canal and passes to the large intestine where they get hydrolysed enzymatically to sapogenins (Güçlü-Üstündağ et al., 2007). These sapogenins usually have better lipid solubility and are more readily absorbed in the body (Bone et al., 2012). ...
Saponins are a diverse group of naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites present in a wide range of foods ranging from grains, pulses, green leaves to sea creatures. They consist of a hydrophilic sugar moiety linked to a lipophilic aglycone, resulting in an amphiphilic nature and unique functional properties. The amphiphilic structures enable saponins to exhibit surface-active properties, forming stable foams and complexes with various molecules. In the context of food applications, saponins are utilized as natural emulsifiers, foaming agents, and stabilizers. They contribute to texture and stability in food products and have potential health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering and anticancer effects. Saponins possess additional bioactivities that make them valuable in the pharmaceutical industry as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic agents to name a few. Saponins can demonstrate cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines and can also act as adjuvants, enhancing the immune response to vaccines. Their ability to form stable complexes with drugs further expands their potential in drug delivery systems. However, challenges such as bitterness, cytotoxicity, and instability under certain conditions need to be addressed for effective utilization of saponins in foods and related applications. In this paper, we have reviewed chemistry, functionality, and application aspects of saponins from various plant sources and have summarised the regulatory aspects of food application of Quillaja saponins. Further research to explore the full potential of saponins in improving food quality and human health has been suggested. It is expected that this article will be a useful resource for researchers in food, feed, pharmaceutical and material science.
... Aromatic carboxylic and hydroxycarboxylic acids: benzoic, salicylic, and cinnamic are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect [8]. The significant iodine content in poplar bud oil is of significant interest due to the possibility of treating thyroid diseases [9]. It is described that a herbal preparation containing a flavonoid fraction and having antitumor, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and bactericidal activity is competitive to the synthetic antioxidant ionol in its antioxidant activity [10]. ...
Currently, natural plant extracts, which include biologically active substances, are increasingly used to produce medicines and cosmetics. In connection with the dangers of a radioecological crisis, special attention is paid to finding ways to protect against the effects of chronic exposure to low-intensity ionizing radiation in natural conditions. Currently, there is no ideal and safe radioprotective agent available, and we are seeing a great effort to find these agents from natural sources. Poplar extract is possible for use as a radioprotective shield from γ-radiation. Samples of protective screens were made from poplar extract on paper and showed a significant radioprotective effect. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are widely present in plants as a second metabolite and are considered for research depending on their benefits for human health, healing and preventing many disorders. The main biologically active properties of flavonoids include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, rejuvenating, antibacterial and viral, neuroprotective and radioprotective action. The aim of this work was – the study of Flavonoids in an extract obtained from poplar buds and the possibility of their use for protection against radiation. Materials and methods. The object of research is the vegetative organs of poplar (buds). In the process of work, experimental studies were carried out on the extraction and separation of natural compounds, identification of flavonoids, and study of the chemical composition of biologically active complexes of poplar and preparations based on them. Research results. Data from these studies provide the identification of flavonoids by spectroscopy and quantification of flavonoids in poplar bud extract and can contribute to the optimization of radioprotection procedures. The main components found in the poplar buds dry extract are 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone – are 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone – 2,67 %, 3,4-dihydro-2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone – 2,33 %, pinobaxin -1,91 %, chrysin – 0,76 %, pinostrobin – 0,04 %, pinocembrin – 0,61 %, tectochrysin- 0,54 % and galangin – 0,18 % of dry material. The results showed that the power of the penetrating radiation decreases with increasing the thickness of the protective screen. The power of penetrating radiation decreased from 78 % at the layer of 0.5 mm to 10 % at 3 mm layer thickness. Further increasing the thickness of the protective screen (> 3 mm), doesn’t affect the dose rate. Conclusions. The composition of the poplar buds' ethanol extract was investigated. Samples of protective screens made on the basis of poplar extract on paper showed a significant radioprotective effect on low-intensity ionizing radiation
... The most abundant triterpene in M. citrifolia fruit is ursolic acid, commonly used in diabetes studies for its hypoglycemic properties 37 . Coumarins, lactones of o-hydroxycinnamic acid, are found in edible plants 38 and exhibit various biological activities like antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties 39 . The most abundant coumarin in noni is scopoletin, which may have the potential for treating obesity and metabolic disorders 40 . ...
Noni, also known as Morinda citrifolia, is a plant that has been widely used for treating various pathologies due to its allegedly anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Macrophages and monocytes are critical immune cells that initiate inflammation and generate an immune response against various aggressors, regardless of their causative agent. However, it is not well investigated how noni fruit components affect the behavior or phenotype of these cells. Hence, studies in this direction could potentially demonstrate the therapeutic effects of this fruit, which is consumed worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic properties of noni fruit juice in modulating the behavior and phenotype of human monocytes and macrophage cells in vitro. The results show that noni fruit juice inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-4, while stimulating the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in monocytes. In addition, it negatively modulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In macrophages, noni fruit juice enhanced the secretion of all cytokines and NO, and inhibited the expression of TLR4. The contrasting results observed could be attributed to the joint stimuli of PMA (Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate), which was used to induce macrophage differentiation and noni Juice. Overall, the data indicate that noni may act as an anti-inflammatory agent and may aid in the treatment of uncontrolled inflammatory diseases as a complementary treatment to conventional therapies, under medical supervision.
... Catalpol has been assessed widely for its biological properties in vitro and in vivo [18]. Although catalpol is more toxic to generalist herbivores than aucubin [3,43,170,173], the research on its properties has shown various pharmacological effects, including sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, liver protective, anti-microbial (Table 7), purgative, anti-apoptosis actions, and anti-catarrhal for the upper and lower respiratory tract [174][175][176]. In addition to the listed activities, catalpol has been confirmed as a significant neuroprotective agent against experimental Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. ...
Background: Plantago species contain aucubin and catalpol iridoid glycosides used in traditional medicine for many purposes.
Objectives: To accelerate the utilization of aucubin and catalpol in Plantago species, research should be focused on introducing advanced purification and detection methods. In this regard, the therapeutic activities of aucubin and catalpol compounds are mentioned to confirm their effectiveness in medicinal uses.
Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using the keywords “Aucubin and Catalpol + Plantago” in the public domains of Google scholar.
Results: The iridoid patterns exhibited a significant correlation with morphological and other chemical specifications of the representatives of the genus Plantago. Commonly, iridoid glycosides are detected with gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and capillary electrophoresis techniques. The most common methods are HPLC and HPTLC. Aucubin and catalpol are active compounds possessing biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, osteoprotective, and neuroprotective properties.
Conclusion: This review article comprehensively summarizes cytotoxic activities and detection methods of aucubin and catalpol in Plantago species. The results suggest that Plantago species and their metabolites may benefit human health beyond their traditional uses.
... It is also used for digestive disorders; to reduce flatus, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, and colic; for abdominal pain and distension [6] and for dyspeptic conditions including loss of appetite, postprandial feelings of fullness, and liver and gallbladder complaints. It has anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antimicrobial and carminative actions [7]. Turmeric also has been used as foodstuff and cosmetic amongst other uses and importance. ...
Curcuma longa L (Tumeric) a rhizomatous perennial herb belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, was studied to evaluate its physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Two solvent extractions (Aqueous and Ethanol) were prepared from the rhizomes obtained from Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria which were dried and ground into powder of mesh size of 0.2 mm in diameter. The physicochemical analysis showed a pH of 6.95, Iodine Value of 51.39, Refractive Index of 1.44 and Specific Gravity of 1.45 which imply moderate level of unsaturated fatty acids content and high antimicrobial activity. Its antibacterial evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 25923 (gram +ve) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29953 (Gram -ve) were carried out with the two extracts and Chloramphenicol as the control using agar well diffusion method. The antibiotic showed significantly higher inhibitory effect on the bacterial isolates than the aqueous extract (P<0.05). It also showed higher effect than the ethanol extract on S. aureus (P<0.05) but statistically equal effect on P. aeruginosa (P>0.05). The ethanol extract showed higher activity against the test organisms than the aqueous extract at P<0.05. The zones of inhibition for the aqueous extract ranged from 7.00 mm – 13.67 mm for S. aureus and 7.33 mm – 14.33 mm for P. aeruginosa and the ethanol extract, 13.33 mm – 19.00 mm and 15.00 mm – 13.00 mm for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was observed at 12.5 mg/mL in both cases. The antibacterial activity shown by C. longa may be due to the presence of phytochemicals such as Alkaloids, Steroids, Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenols and Tannins which were observed when the extract was analyzed phytochemically. C. longa showed potent activity against bacteria in this study and would make a more active and viable antibiotic.
... These active compounds target processes such as inflammation and oxidative stress. According to Bone et al. [4] , Rehmannia glutinosa is an adrenaline tonic that is associated with autoimmune diseases in antiinflammatory infections. It enhances the functions of adrenocortical system. ...
... The study would also contribute to the body of knowledge and existing literature on HM and PH development, which no doubt will benefit the academia, students, and researchers in the field of HM and PH. Mills and Bone (2000) viewed HM as medications that contribute significantly to most indigenous forms of medicine, termed ethnomedicines, and their use is often intertwined with local customs and beliefs. Abdullahi (2011) conceptualises HM as the indigenous and culturally developed response to the health problems that threaten man's existence. ...
The focus of this research was on patronage of herbal medicine and its relationship with public health and how it could be integrated into public healthcare delivery in Plateau State. Despite significant progress made around the world in addressing the relevant issues in relation to herbal medicine, such as legislation, human resources development, and partnership between traditional and conventional medicines. Nigeria continued to experience such challenges especially in relation to criteria for integrating herbal medicine into national and primary healthcare delivery. The forgoing, therefore, underscored the need to find out the relationship between herbal medicine and public health, the level of patronage of herbal medicine in Plateau State, and proffer policy recommendations of integrating such medicine and its practice into healthcare delivery on the Plateau. The study is very significant as its outcome would help Plateau State and Nigeria at large in policy formulation, legislations, and regulations on herbal medicine and its practice.
The study adopted a cross-sectional design involving the administration of questionnaires to 381 respondents and key informant interview with relevant stakeholders in the fields of herbal medicine and public health in Plateau State. The data obtained was analysed and presented in simple percentages, tables and charts using thematic content analysis.
The study established that what is known to constitute herbal medicine in Plateau State include plant-based ingredients that are produced through extraction processes, ethnomedicines that often intertwined with local customs and beliefs, and medications that contribute significantly to indigenous forms of medicine. A positive relationship was established between herbal medicine and public health, and the need to include herbal medicine into essential medicine list in Plateau State. The study also established impressive patronage of herbal medicine in public healthcare delivery in Plateau State with families very often using herbal medicine for treatment of diseases or for personal wellbeing. These findings are consonant with the first Alma-Ata Declaration (WHO/UNICEF), that primary healthcare delivery relies heavily on traditional medical practitioners as they are needed to respond to the expressed health needs of their communities.
The study concluded that herbal medicine should be deployed in public healthcare delivery in Plateau State considering that majority of the population are residing in rural and semi-urban areas with little or no conventional health facilities and health personnel. The study therefore recommended that Plateau Sate government should build the capacity of herbal medicine practitioners on dosage, efficacy, and safety measures of herbal medicine and on primary healthcare delivery, and subsequently establish policy to guid the use of herbal medicine and its practice on the Plateau.
... Based on the current literature however, this might be attributed to its flavonoid contents and the saponins which are found in the plant (Hammadi and Salam, 2004;Wagner et al., 1984). Other studies demonstrated that the cynarin and chlorogenic acid content of GTE could inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA-reductase (HMG CoA reductase) and may cause a reduction in de novo cholesterol synthesis (Kraft, 1997;Mills and Bone, 1999). The gallic acid content of GTE may be an effective element in preventing cardiac dysfunctions (Dhalla et al., 1985;Patel and Goyal, 2011). ...
Keywords: Total antioxidant capacity Cholesterol Body mass index Adjunctive medicinal plant A B S T R A C T Context: Gundelia tournefortii (GT) has been known to possess hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of GT on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and methods: A total of 38 angiographically confirmed CAD patients were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. The subjects consumed G. tournefortii extract (GTE) or placebo for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) and TAC were determined by conventional methods. In addition, dietary intake was recorded using 24-h recall method and converted into nutrients with software Nut4 version1. Results: At the end of the study, the GTE group had recorded a significantly lower energy intake compared to the placebo group (p = 0.04). The BMI also significantly decreased in the GTE group by 3% (from 26.5 AE 3.6 kg/m 2 at baseline to 25.9 AE 3.6 kg/m 2 at the end of the trial). There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol level in the GTE group (151 AE 23.8 mg/dl at baseline to 131.1 AE 25.9 mg/dl at the end of the trial), however, its level increased slightly in the placebo group (133.5 AE 22 mg/dl at baseline to 141.4 AE 22.4 mg/dl at the end of the trial). The mean value of LDL-c level notably decreased in the GTE group from 86 AE 26 to 60.58 AE 29.9 mg/dl (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the groups for HDL-c or triglyceride levels; however, TAC significantly changed in the two groups after the intervention. Conclusion: The intervention resulted in a statistically significant difference in total cholesterol, LDL-c and BMI suggesting that GTE may be an appropriate adjunctive medicinal plant to help reduce the major risk factors of CAD.
... Des utilisations contre le rachitisme et l'anémie ont été observées (Kakoniova et al. 2009). Des propriétés cicatrisantes ont été rapportées chez certaines rubiacées (Khalil, Afifi, et al.-Hussaini 2007 (Bone et Mills 2013;Müller et al. 1996). ...
La garance est une plante tinctoriale qui a eu une importance économique et culturelle considérable pour le territoire du Vaucluse aux XVIIIème et XIXème siècles. Après être tombée en désuétude avec le développement des colorants synthétiques, face à une demande croissante des acteurs de l'industrie et des consommateurs, la garance suscite de nouveau de l’intérêt. L’objectif de ce projet en collaboration avec la société Erubescence est de réintroduire la culture de la garance dans la région en valorisation des procédés d’extraction utilisant des solvants naturels dans le contexte d'une chimie dite « verte », et par la stimulation de la production de colorant dans les racines.Ces travaux de recherche s’inscrivent dans ce contexte à travers l’étude de différents procédés d’extraction, utilisant des techniques novatrices telles que les ultrasons et les micro-ondes, afin d’optimiser les rendements d’extraction en molécules colorantes sans les dénaturer. La technique séparative par chromatographie liquide haute performance (CLHP) a été utilisée pour la quantification des colorants anthraquinoniques rouges. Dans les conditions testées, le temps d'analyse a été réduit de 80 % et l'extraction optimale des colorants a été réalisée dans un mélange EtOH/H2O, 5/5, (v/v) par micro-ondes.Par ailleurs, cette étude s’appuie sur la stimulation des voies métaboliques impliquées dans les mécanismes de réponse aux stress. La méthode envisagée a été l’application de stress abiotiques tels que la variation du pH de culture en hydroponie et l'application d'un rayonnement UV-C. La culture de garance et la production de colorants ont été optimales pour un pH de 4. Les UV-C ont mis en évidence la stimulation de la biosynthèse de ces métabolites d'intérêt.
... Kemampuan tanaman dalam mengatasi berbagai penyakit disebabkan adanya efek sinergisme antar senyawa metabolit sekunder. Selain itu, senyawa metabolit sekunder memiliki aktivitas polivalen sehingga memungkinkan mengatasi berbagai penyakit [9]. Salah satu tanaman yang digunakan masyarakat untuk mengobati asma adalah daun sirih (Piper betel L.). ...
Asma merupakan peradangan saluran napas kronik dengan indikasi adanya mengi, batuk, dan rasa sesak yang timbul berulang .Studi epidemiologi menunjukkan hubungan yang kuat antara asma dan infeksi dengan patogen pernapasan, termasuk virus pernapasan umum seperti rhinovirus, human respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, coronavirus dan virus influenza, serta bakteri dan jamur. Salah satu upaya dalam pengobatan asma dapat menggunakan tanaman obat seperti tanaman sirih (Piper betel L.). Sirih menunjukan beberapa aktivitas farmakologis seperti antioksidan, antibakteri dan antihistamin sehingga berpotensi untuk digunakan dalam terapi asma. Tujuan penulisan artikel review ini untuk mempelajari aktivitas tanaman sirih sebagai tanaman obat dalam terapi asma. Metode yang digunakan dalam penyusunan artikel review ini yaitu studi literatur melalaui beberapa basis data yang kemudian diskrining dengan beberapa kriteria. Hasil review menunjukan bahwa kejadian asma berkaitan erat dengan stress oksidatif yang terbentuk karena tingginya radikal bebas. Kandungan senyawa fenolik seperti chatecol dan allylpyrocatecol pada tanaman sirih berperan sebagai antioksidan yang menghambat timbulnya stress oksidatif. Selain itu tanaman sirih juga menunjukan aktivitas antibakteri terhadap bakteri pneumonia. Ekstrak etanolik dan minyak atsiri daun sirih juga secara signifikan menunjukan aktivitas penghambatan bronkospasme yang diinduksi histamine. Berdasarkan hasil dapat disimpulkan bahwa tanaman sirih dapat digunakan sebagai kandidat alternatif untuk pengembangan obat dalam penatalaksanaan asma.
... The pharmacological activity of lemongrass and its relatives mainly derived from its essential oils other than alkaloids, phenols, and tannins. Several Cymbopogon species are used in the formulation of traditional medicine and also have analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antipyretic, cardio-protective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and neuropharmacological activities (Bayala et al. 2020;Bharti et al. 2013;Bone and Mills 2013;Ekpenyong et al. 2015). ...
Fais MM, Yurnaliza Y, Hastuti LDS. 2022. Isolation and antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi from citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle). Biodiversitas 23: 6564-6569. Endophytic fungi are a group of functional microorganisms from plants that can be used as a sustainable source to produce bioactive metabolites including pharmaceuticals. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) is a kind of medicinal plant that could be used to research the capabilities of endophytic fungi it harbors. The objective of this study was to isolate different endophytic fungi from leaves and stem of citronella plant that may be able to produce antibacterial substances. The bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were used in plug agar method to determine the potency of endophytic fungi as antibacterials. Using ITS1F and ITS4R primers, endophytic fungal isolates were identified molecularly. Result showed that total 20 isolates of endophytic fungi were obtained from citronella, 15 isolates from stem and 5 isolates from leaves. Three fungal isolates i.e. CNB 254, CNB 253, and CND 111, exhibited highly potent antagonistic activity against tested bacteria. The ethyl acetate extract had a higher antibacterial ability than methanol extract based on the diameter of inhibition zone formed. The three potential isolates were molecularly identified and submitted to GenBank, such as Trichoderma atrobrunneum CNB 253 (OP584477), Trichoderma afroharzianum CNB 254 (OP584478), and Fusarium pernambucanum CND 111(OP584479). The results of this study revealed that citronella grass has a relationship with endophytic fungi that include strains that may be exploited as a source of antimicrobials.
... Flavonoids consisting of a single benzene ring joined to a benzo-gamma-pyrone structure are extremely common and widespread in plant with a variety of pharmacological properties (Cushnie and Lamb 2005;Groot and Rauen 2010;Nordeen et al. 2013;Bone and Mills 2013). Cui et al. (2014) explored the nematicidal activity of the metabolites from S. chamaejasme L. roots against B. xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus, and six nematicidal flavonoids, ruixianglangdusu B (Fig. 4a), chamaejasmenin C (Fig. 4b), 7-methoxyneochaejasmin A (Fig. 4c), ( + )-chamaejasmine (Fig. 4d), chamaechromone (Fig. 4e), and isosikokianin A (Fig. 4f) were identified with LC 50 value at 72 h of 15.7 μmol/L, 2.7 μmol/L, 167.3 μmol/L, 4.7 μmol/L, 36.7 μmol/L, and 2200 μmol/L, respectively. ...
AS the major causative agent of pine wilt disease, pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus can result in rapid and massive deaths of pine forest, and even severe economy burdens globally. Botanical nematicides are the promising alternatives of the synthetic commercial nematicides which are causing more and more concerns such as drug resistance, threats to biodiversity and environmental pollution. In this review, we summarized the main nematicidal plant secondary metabolites against pine wood nematode including alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonoids and glycosides. The chemical structures of the typical nematicidal phytochemicals with their activity index against pine wood nematode were illustrated, and the structure–activity relation and the action mode of the nematicidal phytochemicals were discussed, which will support future works on discovery of novel potent natural nematicides and the derivatives of natural products with higher nematicidal activity against pine wood nematode.
... They reduce the surface tension of lung secretions which facilitates their separation from the mucous membranes. Mucilage, another major substance of VE, can form a protective film over the inflamed mucous membranes and helps to reduce cough and inflammation (Bone K, 2013;Nosal'ova et al., 1992). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to the novel coronavirus has become the highest priority that threatens human health. This situation demands widespread vaccination and the innovation of new therapeutic methods. Despite drug discoveries, the need for approving new medicaments is felt because of adverse effects and lack of efficacy. Several medicinal plants including Viola odorata L. are recommended in traditional Persian medicine for alleviating respiratory infection symptoms. Recent studies showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, antitussive, analgesic, and antibacterial activities of sweet violet. These enhance respiratory functions, reduce pulmonary inflammation, and decline mucous membrane edema. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sweet violet syrup in alleviating the manifestations of COVID-19 infection.
Material and methods:
A randomized parallel-group double-blind controlled trial was conducted at Al-Zahra general hospital, Isfahan, Iran. A total of 108 outpatients were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to intervention and placebo groups, with 54 patients in each group. The allocation was concealed using sealed opaque envelopes. The intervention group received violet syrup and the control group received placebo syrup, an add-on to the conventional treatment. The outcomes were COVID-19 manifestations, such as dyspnea, cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea, considered as outcomes of the study and were evaluated twice using a visual analog scale before the intervention and after 7 days, at the end of the study. Patients were followed daily by phone calls to monitor proper drug consumption and possible side effects.
Results:
No significant difference was between groups regarding demographic characteristics and vital signs before and after the treatment. Although all symptoms have improved significantly in both groups, patients who received violet syrup recovered faster and the mean severity scores of cough (P = 0.025), myalgia (P = 0.036), headache (P = 0.037), and diarrhea (P = 0.044) decreased greater in comparison to control group.
Conclusion:
This study, the first clinical trial on the effectiveness of Viola odorata on SARS-CoV-2 patients, showed that Viola odorata L. effectively controls prevalent manifestations of COVID-19 including cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea. Regarding this survey, the violet syrup can be mentioned as a complementary treatment for viral influenza-like infections in which cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea are prominent.
... Licorice is known by several names including licorice, sweetwood, licorice radix, lakritzeholz (German), Meyan or Beyan (Turkish), Gan Cao (Chinese), Solodka (Russian), and reglisse (French). The name licorice essentially originated from the Greek word glykyrrhiza in which "glykys" referred to sweet whereas "rhiza" means root (1). ...
Objectives:
The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical analysis and demonstrate the nephroprotective potential of root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. against cisplatin (CP) -induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.
Materials and methods:
The HPTLC analysis and UPLC-MS were carried out for standardizing and metabolite profiling of methanolic extract of roots of G. glabra (GGE). Further, in vitro studies were conducted in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity and anti-oxidant potential of GGE with CP as a toxicant and ascorbic acid as standard. Also, in vivo nephroprotective potential at doses of 31.5, 63, and 126 mg/kg/day on CP (6 mg/kg, bw, IP) induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated on rodents.
Results:
Phytochemical analysis by HPTLC and UPLC-MS revealed the presence of glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and liquiritin along with other bioactive constituents. The in vitro assay of GGE showed significant (P<0.001 nephroprotective, cellular anti-oxidant potential and improvement in morphological changes induced by CP. Further, administration of CP caused significant (P<0.001) elevation in biochemical, inflammatory, oxidative stress, caspase-3, as well as histopathological changes in kidney tissue. Pre-treatment with GGE attenuated the elevated biochemical markers significantly, improved histopathological damage, and showed a comparable result to ascorbic acid and α-ketoanalogue.
Conclusion:
Present study concluded the nephroprotective potential of GGE which supports the traditional claim of G. glabra roots in various kidney and its related disorders. The nephroprotective activity may be attributed to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects. Thus, it holds promising potential in management of nephrotoxicity.
... Menurut pendapat Cahyo (2010), kurma banyak mengandung nutrisi yang berguna bagi tubuh seperti kandungan zat besinya yang tinggi dapat membantu pembentukan hemoglobin yang dapat membantu mempercepat metabolisme dalam sel. Bone (2013) mengemukakan bahwa kurma mengandung flavonoid yang dapat bermanfaat sebagai antioksidan, anti inflamasi (anti peradangan/pembengkakan), anti mikroba dan perangsang regenerasi hati. ...
... Dans le premier texte rédigé par les Sumériens date de 3000 ans av. J.-C.; ils utilisaient des plantes telles le myrte, le chanvre, le thym, le saule en décoctions filtrées (15). En Europe, la Pharmacopée était constituée essentiellement de plantes jusqu'au XIXème siècle et ce n'est qu'après la Seconde Guerre mondiale qu'elles ont été remplacées par les médicaments de synthèse, même si 70 % de notre pharmacopée est issue du monde végétal (16). ...
« En Février 2016, le troisième rapport sur la « Survie des personnes atteintes de cancer en France métropolitaine 1989-2013 » révèle une amélioration de la survie à 5 ans pour la plupart des cancers. Cette augmentation réside à la fois dans des diagnostics de plus en plus précoces et des thérapeutiques de plus en plus performantes. Ces avancées ont modifié le paradigme du cancer, soit guéri par la chirurgie soit mortel, qui est devenu dépassé car le cancer est devenue une maladie chronique qui nécessite un accompagnement pluriprofessionnel et pluridisciplinaire. Parallèlement, les patients atteints d’un cancer ont de plus en plus recours aux médecines alternatives et complémentaires MAC pour traiter leur cancer, pour prévenir voire diminuer les effets secondaires de la maladie et des traitements et arriver en soutien à leur bien-être physique et psychologique. À partir de 2004 le premier Plan Cancer a établi l’accès aux soins de support définis comme « l’ensemble des soins et soutiens nécessaires aux personnes malades atteintes de maladies graves potentiellement mortelles, tout au long de la maladie, conjointement aux traitements spécifiques, lorsqu’il y en a ». Toutefois, pour la majorité des MAC peu voire aucune preuve scientifique n’est disponible à ce jour, sans oublier le fait qu’elles puissent être plus néfastes que bénéfiques aux patients. Au Centre de Coordination en Cancérologie de l’Hôpital Lyon Sud (Hospices Civils de Lyon), pour répondre aux attentes des patients, des séances de réflexologie plantaire leur sont désormais proposées conjointement à leurs traitements conventionnels. Ce travail de thèse avait trois objectifs : i) faire un état de l’art des preuves scientifiques apportées par des essais cliniques randomisés (ECR) des MAC dans le cadre du cancer, ii) s’assurer que la réflexologie plantaire n’interfère pas avec les pratiques professionnelles, iii) évaluer les bénéfices de la réflexologie plantaire auprès de patients sous chimiothérapie en particulier les nausées/vomissements chimio-induits. Tout d’abord, la revue de la littérature montre que l’évaluation des MAC à l’aide d’ECR au niveau mondial est rare et est essentiellement menés par les États-Unis et la Chine. Ces études concernent principalement l’acupuncture, le yoga et les herbes chinoises avec des bénéfices significatifs au niveau de la qualité de vie globale, fatigue, douleur et anxiété. Enfin, l’évaluation de leur innocuité fait souvent défaut dans ces études. Ensuite, l’enquête réalisée auprès des professionnels de santé de l’hôpital suggère que la réflexologie plantaire délivrée lors des soins conventionnels n’interfère pas avec leur pratique et que ces derniers perçoivent de réels bénéfices pour leurs patients. Enfin les résultats de notre étude prospective contrôlée randomisée montrent une diminution significative des nausées aiguës. Nous observons également une tendance à une diminution des nausées retardées, conjointement à une diminution significative de la consommation des médicaments antiémétiques entre chaque cure de chimiothérapie. Aucun événement indésirable n’a été constaté dans cet ECR. En conclusion, les résultats de ce travail de thèse ont montré que la réflexologie plantaire, accueillie très favorablement par les professionnels de santé, semble être un complément prometteur aux médicaments antiémétiques. Cette thèse ouvre des perspectives de recherches des MAC avec des enjeux de santé publics majeurs : fournir aux professionnels de santé des données scientifiques rigoureuses, évaluer l’innocuité des MAC et améliorer la communication entre les professionnels de santé et les patients à propos des MAC.
... Due to the lack of side effects, availability, and reasonable price, the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of any diseases and disorders in the world is increasing, so according to the report of the World Health Organization, 80% of the world's population uses medicinal plants for treatment [10,11]. Many medicinal plants have wound-healing abilities and are used in the treatment of different wounds. ...
Watermelon (Citrulluslanatus L.) is one of the most abundant fruit-producing plants in Indonesia. Watermelon is generally only consumed on the red flesh, while the rind is less desirable so that it becomes waste. The purpose of this study was to comparison of anti-diarrheal activity of methanol and 70% ethanol extractss of watermelon rind (citrulluslanatus l.) in white miice (musmuscucolus. This study used a protection method with the induction of MgSO4 (Magnesium Sulfate) by calculating the frequency of diarrhea, changes in stool consistency and stool weight. The data obtained from the activity test results of the watermelon rind methanol extracts against white mice were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test.Methanolic and 70% ethanolicextractss of watermelon rind (Citruluslanatus L.) contain tannin compounds that have antidiarrheal activity against mice (Musmusculus). From the results of the one-way ANOVA test, the weight of feces, the frequency of diarrhea and the consistency of the stools in the methanol extracts of watermelon rind at a dose of 100 mg/KgBW gave an optimal effect, because the weight of the feces obtained a value of p = 0.633, the frequency of diarrhea obtained a value of p = 0.899 and the consistency of the fecesobtained a value of p = 0.899 p-value = 0.525 compared to the positive control (loperamide). Ethanol extracts of Citrulluslanatus L. had antidiarrheal effect at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW, 200 mg/kgBW, and 300 mg/kgBW. Based on the results of the One Way ANOVA statistical test, the ethanolicextracts of Citrulluslanatus L. had an antidiarrheal effect at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW and the best dose was a dose of 300 mg/kgBW which was significant with the positive control group loperamide P value = 0.000, meaning that the ethanolicextracts of Citrulluslanatus L. at a dose of 300 mg/kgBW had almost the same effect as the loperamide positive control group based on the parameters of stool weight, frequency of diarrhea, and stool consistency. From this data 70% Ethanolic extracts better than methanolicextracts for antidiarrheal activity in mice.
Golden plant (Turmeric) has succulent, religious views with numerous pharmaceutical values. Due to its pharmaceutical values, it has been a research center for long years. Many bioactive compounds like curcuminoid, identified in turmeric, are rich in therapeutics. In the last 10 years, research interests have concentrated on bioactive curcuminoid compounds (curcumin, demethoxy curcumin, and bisdemethoxy curcumin). Lipophilic polyphenol, curcumin ((1E,6E)-(1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione;4-hydroxynaphthalene-1,2-dione)), was found to have maximum amounts in Curcuma longa as curcuminoids. In recent studies, it has been found to play a very effective role against diseases such as cancer, biotic, inflammatory, and aging. The present study summarizes the pharmaceutical usages of turmeric with distinct reference to its polyphenolic compound curcumin.Keywords
Curcuma longa
NutraceuticalPhytochemistryCurcuminoidsPharmaceutical and disease
Phytonutrients and Neurological Disorders: Therapeutic and Toxicological Aspects provides and assesses the latest research and developments surrounding the use of phytonutrients for the treatment of neurological disorders. The volume analyzes advances in phytonutrient isolation, characterization and therapeutic applications, giving particular emphasis to mechanisms and safety profiles. The book takes toxicological considerations into account, including adverse drug reactions, toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. Sections cover bioactive compound classes and biosynthesis pathways, general considerations, including quality control, standardization, and technology, and toxicology. This title is a comprehensive work on the latest research in phytonutrients and neurological disorders that will be useful to researchers and medical practitioners.
Konstipasi adalah ketidakmampuan melakukan evaluasi tinja secara sempurna. Penyebab konstipasi seringterjadi karena faktor risiko asupan serat yang rendah. Secara empiris tanaman keji beling dapat digunakansebagai laksatif. Tanaman keji beling mengandung senyawa alkaloid dan saponin yang berkhasiat sebagaidiuretik, emoliens dan laksatif. Menyadari fakta tersebut, peneliti merasa perlu untuk melakukan penelitianmengenai efek laksatif terhadap ekstrak daun keji beling. Penelitian ini bersifat eksperimental menggunakanhewan percobaan tikus putih jantan sebanyak 30 ekor yang dibagi menjadi enam kelompok. Kelompok I(kontrol normal), kelompok II (kontrol negatif), kelompok III (perlakuan suspensi ekstrak dosis I 20 mg/200grBB), kelompok IV (perlakuan suspensi ekstrak dosis II 40 mg/200 grBB), kelompok V (perlakuan suspensiekstrak dosis III 80 mg/200 grBB), dan kelompok VI (kontrol positif, diberi suspensi bisacodyl 0,09 mg/200kgBB). Efek laksatif dibuktikan dengan metode transit instestinal yaitu mengukur rasio panjang lintasan markernorit pada usus terhadap panjang keseluruhan usus tikus. Penelitian ini menunjukkan perbedaan yangsiginifikan antara kontrol positif dengan kontrol negatif, normal, dosis I dan dosis II, namun tidak pada dosisIII (p>0,05) yang berarti dosis III memiliki efek laksatif. Ekstrak etanol daun keji beling (Strobilanthes crispusBI.) yang memiliki efek laksatif secara signifikan (p>0,05) dengan positif yaitu dosis III 80 mg.
The turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an important medicinal spice crop. There are several secondary metabolites like Curcumin, Anti-oxidants, Flavonoids, Alkoloids, Poly-phenols, Saponins, Terpenoids, Essential oils and Oleoresins are present in turmeric. The concentration of the various secondary metabolites strongly dependent on the growing conditions, season, various biotic and abiotic stress conditions and growth stage which has impact on the metabolic pathways responsible for the accumulation of the related natural products.The present research was carried out to standardize the growth stage of turmeric for the potential harvest of secondary metabolites. The experiment consisted of six treatments, which includes different stages of harvesting from 4 th months after planting to maturity and data was analysed by Completely Randomized Design. The secondary metabolites are increased with advancement of maturity. The maximum potential harvest of secondary metabolites from fingers was found at the maturity of turmeric.
Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Recent research demonstrates that phytochemicals are critical in preventing and managing gastrointestinal cancer. The increased intake of phytochemicals could reduce the risk of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressing angiogenesis as well as cancer cell metastasis. These mechanisms are also known to counter Helicobacter pylori infection and modulate gut microbiota. There is preliminary data suggesting that daily supplementation with high doses of certain vitamins combined with conventional therapeutic agents may enhance their growth inhibitory effects on tumor cells and protect normal tissues against some of their toxic effects. This book attempts to fill gaps on the role of phytonutrients in the treatment of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It discusses the action of individual vitamins on cellular and molecular parameters and describes how vitamins inhibit protein kinase C activity, increase the production of certain growth factors, and modulate the expression of a number of oncogenes. The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part summarizes the pathophysiology of GIT cancers and introduces readers to anticancer phytonutrients. A chapter on the status of FDA approved nutraceuticals rounds up this section. The second part of the book provides a systematic review on the different plant derived chemicals that can be used to treat GIT cancer. Each chapter in this section focuses on a specific type of phytochemical agent and its molecular mechanisms relevant to the disease. This book will give the reader a holistic view of gastrointestinal cancer treatment and the value of natural compounds in developing functional food and drugs for preventive medicine.
The use of medicinal plant species and their products is widespread in the field of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the traditional use of Salvia sclarea L., clary sage, finding the possible mechanisms of its spasmolytic and bronchodilator actions in in vitro conditions supported by molecular docking analysis, along with the antimicrobial effects. Four dry extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of S. sclarea, using absolute or 80% (v/v) methanol by the method of a single-stage maceration or an ultrasound-assisted extraction. Characterization of the bioactive compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography indicated the presence of significant amounts of polyphenolics, with rosmarinic acid as the prevalent one. The spontaneous ileal contractions were best inhibited by the extract prepared with 80% methanol and maceration. The same extract was superior in the carbachol- and KCl-induced tracheal smooth muscle contractions, being the strongest bronchodilator agent. The most powerful relaxation of KCl-induced ileal contractions was achieved with the extract made of absolute methanol by maceration, while the 80% methanolic extract made with the ultrasound method generated the best spasmolytic effects in the acetylcholine-induced ileal contractions. Docking analysis suggested that apigenin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside exhibited the highest binding affinity to voltage-gated calcium channels. Gram (+) bacteria were more susceptible to the effects of the extracts, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, in contrast to Gram (−) bacteria and Candida albicans. This is the first study to point out the influence of S. sclarea methanolic extracts on the gastrointestinal and respiratory spasm reduction, paving the way for their potential place in complementary medicine.
Messenger-RNA (mRNA) has recently emerged as a potential substitute against the
traditional immunization approaches due to its affordability, rapid and large-scale
manufacturing, high immunogenicity, admirable safety profile, and its potential to
encode for almost any protein. Strong activation of cytotoxic immune response has
been illustrated by mRNA vaccines. The key for their success depends upon the
selection of an efficient carrier. In comparison to various nonviral vectors,
nanoparticles composed of lipids are the most promising carrier due to numerous
advantages, some of them being easy production, negligible carrier cytotoxicity,
protection of the mRNA against degradation, facilitation of endocytic getaway, and
the ability to be targeted towards the desired cell type by epidermal decoration with
APCs. Messenger-RNA encoding antigen when encapsulated by lipid
nanoparticles, effectively excite the growth of dendric sections and encourage its
initiation along with production of T cells. An immune response is stimulated, once
the mRNA is adopted by the host cells, its transcripts, gets directly translated in
cytoplasm and the developing antigens move to the antigen presenting cells. This
chapter is about recent progressions in mRNA-based immunotherapies, and the
need to use lipid nanoparticles for the enhancement of mRNA to treat cancer. The
lipid nanoparticle in conclusion, as depicted here is an encouraging vector for
mRNA vaccine transportation. To Further improve the efficacy of the mRNA
vaccine, the inclusion of different adjuvants would most likely improve the efficacy
of the vaccine.
Plant mucilages have been used for many applications as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening or gelling agents, viscosity modifiers, encapsulating agents and food packaging materials (stand-alone films, coatings). In these studies, it has been reported that plant mucilages have potential to extend the shelf-life of food products when applied as coatings or packaging films by reducing the oxidative reactions, microbial spoilage. Besides, they exert required mechanical integrity, and/or barrier against water, and provide active properties as carriers of aroma compounds or antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Along with their digestive health promoting activities, mucilages also can be used as a fat replacer to reduce the calorie of added food product. Acting as biopolymeric encapsulating agent, mucilages can protect antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds or retain viability of probiotic bacteria in gastrointestinal system with their controlled release properties.
This review shows an overview of literature concerning the chemistry, extraction and recent uses of seed mucilage in food industry including encapsulation, emulsion/stabilization, edible film or coating applications, as well as their possible health benefits or employement for drug delivery purposes.
Background
The phytochemical study of medicinal plants is rapidly gaining popularity with many pharmacologic effects. This study aims to determine the antioxidant capacity as well as anticancer and antimigration activities of Clear belongs Plus extract (CBL-P) which consisted of five medicinal plants namely, Alpinia galanga, Piper nigrum, Citrus aurantifolia, Tiliacora triandra, and Cannabis sativa on human colon cancer cells SW620 and HCT116 cell lines, and human non-small cell lung cancer cells A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines.
Methods
In this study the dried-plant powder was extracted using 90% ethanol. Additionally, CBL-P was studied antioxidative activity via DPPH and ABTS assays and anti-inflammatory activities using nitric oxide assay using Griess reaction. Antiproliferation and antimigration of CBL-P were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and scratch assay.
Results
The results showed that CBL-P had potent antiproliferative activity with IC50 values in a concentration- and time-dependent manners for all four cell lines. CBL-P also possessed potent antimigration activity against all studied cancer cells. CBL-P demonstrated antimigration activity on four different types of cancer cells (A549, NCI-H460, HCT116, and SW620) after 48 h of incubation, with the greatest effect seen at the highest concentration tested (15 μg/mL) in A549 cells (10.23% of wound closure) and NCI-H460 cells (9.16% of wound closure). CBL-P was also effective in reducing migration in HCT116 and SW620 cells, with a range of closure area from 10—50%. In addition, CBL-P had antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 8.549 ± 0.241 mg/mL and 2.673 ± 0.437 mg/mL for DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. CBL-P also showed anti-inflammatory activity with the best inhibitory activity on NO production at a concentration of 40 μg/mL.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mixture extract possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, the mixture plant extract significantly exhibited antiproliferative and antimigration activities on SW620, HCT116, A549, and NCI-H460 cells (P ≤ 0.05). Taken together, our results suggest that medicinal plants may have synergistic effects that could potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment when used as adjuvants. These findings provide a solid scientific foundation for future efforts to explore the mechanism of action.
Brazil is one of the main centers of biological heterogeneity of the Cactaceae family vegetables, representing around 33% of the world’s genera (Zappi et al. 2015). These cacti, especially their cladodes, are usually purposed as animal fodder (Sousa 2017). New studies, however, present some species, such as Opuntia fícus-indica L. (palm), Cereus jamacaru D.C. (mandacaru), Pilosocereus gounellei (xique-xique), and Pilosocereus pachycladusr (facheiro), as sources for useful substances, like mucilages (Vieira et al. 2021).
ÖZET
Hodan bitkisinin kökeninin Suriye ve Anadolu olduğu varsayılmaktadır. Batı Akdeniz çevresi, İspanya ve Kuzey Afrika ve daha sonra başka yerlerde de geçmiştir. Tarihi belgelere göre Kuzey Afrika’daki kabileler İspanya’ya ve daha sonra diğer bölgelere bu bitkiyi taşımışlardır. Borago officinalis L. (Hodan) Boraginaceae familyasına dâhil 30-60 cm yüksekliğinde, sert tüylü, açık mavi çiçekli, bir yıllık otsu bir bitki olup yaprakları sebze olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu bitki tohumla üretilir ve her bir tohum ağırlığı yaklaşık 17 ila 19 g. dekara 5-7 kg tohum ekilir. Hodan bitkisi için önerilen uygun bitki sıklığı, 10.000 bitki/da’dır. Bitki için uygun ekim zamanı erken ilkbahar ise de sonbahar ve kış sonlarında da yetiştirilebilir. Bitki için uygun ekim zamanı erken ilkbahar ise de sonbahar ve kış sonlarında da yetiştirilebilir. Hodan verimi dekara 150-250 kg kuru bitki arasında değişim gösterir. Hodan tohumu üretimindeki ciddi sorunlardan biri de sınırsız çiçek ve tohum dökümü sürecidir. Yani bitkide sınırsız büyüme (indeterminate growth) söz konusudur. Kullanılan bitki kısımları yaprakları, çiçekleri, bazal yaprak sapı, tohumlarıdır. Bitkinin tohumları ϒ- linolenik asitçe zengindir ve bitkiyi esas önemli kılan da bu yağ asididir. Bitki sağlıklı ve dengeli öğünler için oldukça yararlı mineral, vitamin, yağ, protein vb içeriklerince de oldukça değerlidir. Yüksek seviyede C vitamini, A vitamini içermektedir. Antioksidanlarca zengindir. Geleneksel bir Akdeniz mutfağı bitkisi olarak, borago yaprakları sebze olarak, turşu, salata ve buzlu içeceklerde tüketilmektedir. Yine birçok Akdeniz ülkesinde bazal yaprak sapı yüksek besleyici değerinden dolayı gıda olarak tüketilmektedir. Hodan tohumlarının yağı, ateroskleroz, enflamatuar bozukluklar, alzheimer, astım ve gastrointestinal bozukluklar gibi çeşitli hastalıklar için kullanılan ve önemli bir tıbbi bitki olan Borago officinalis’in hem tarımı, hem yaygınlaştırılması hem de sağlık alanında kullanılmasına yönelik arge ve farkındalık çalışmalarının yapılmasında büyük yarar olacağı düşünülmektedir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Hodan Otu, Borago officinalis, tıbbi sabit yağ,
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF IMPORTANCE, CULTIVATION, AND USES OF BORAGE (Borago officinalis)
ABSTARCT
The origin of Borage is assumed to be Syria and Anatolia. Then, it spread to around the Western Mediterranean, Spain, North Africa and some other places. According to historical documents North African tribes carried the mentioned plant to Spain and other regions. Being a wire-haired herbaceous annual plant with blue blossoms, Borago Officinalis L. (Borage) belongs to Boraginaceae family and grows up to 30-60 cm; and, its leaves are used as vegetable. This plant is produced by seeds and every seed weighs between 17 and 19 gr. Between 5-7 kg. per decare is cultivated. The recommended proper plant density for Borage is 10.000 plant/decare. Even if the proper cultivation time of the mentioned plant is early spring, it can be grown in autumn and late winter. Crop of Borage ranges from 150 kg. to 250 kg. of dried plant per decare. One of the significant problems with the production of Borage seed is continuous blossom and seed loss process. This means the plant has a feature of indeterminate growth. The plant’s used parts are its leaves, blossoms, basal leaf stem and seeds. Seeds of the plant are rich in terms of ϒ- linolenic acid, and what makes the plant valuable is this fatty acid. The plant is extremely valuable in terms of contents like minerals, vitamins, oils and proteins that are very useful for healthy and balanced meals. It contains high levels of vitamins C and A. The plant is rich in antioxidants. As a traditional Mediterranean cuisine plant, Borage leaves are used as vegetable, pickle, salad and in iced drinks. Its basal leaf stem is also consumed as food in many Mediterranean countries because of its highly nutritious value. Borage seeds oil is used to cure various diseases, such as atherosclerosis, inflammatory disorders, Alzheimer's, asthma and gastrointestinal disorders. It is supposed that both cultivation and vulgarization of Borago Officinalis, a significant medical plant; and, carrying out R&D and awareness endeavors towards using it in health industry would have important benefits.
Keywords: Borago, borage oil, medical fixed oil
The current study evaluated the effects of hydrolyzable and condensed tannins from chestnut and quebracho wood, respectively (TSP, Silvafeed®), on zebrafish with intestinal inflammation induced by a plant-based diet (basal diet). Four experimental diets were prepared as follows: the basal diet + 0 TSP, the basal diet + TSP at 0.9 g/Kg of feed, the basal diet + TSP at 1.7 g/Kg of feed, and the basal diet + TSP at 3.4 g/Kg of feed. Eighty-four zebrafish (Danio rerio) were fed for 12 days with the experimental diets. In zebrafish fed the basal diet, intestine integrity appeared to be altered, with damaged intestinal villi, high immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and high expression of the cox2, interleukin 1 (il-1b), interleukin 8 (cxcl8-l1), and tnfα genes. The tannin treatment partially restored intestinal morphology and downregulated the expression of cytokines. The best activity was detected with 1.7 and 3.4 g/kg of feed. In the guts of all groups, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the most represented phyla. The most represented genera were Plesiomonas and Sphingomonas, belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum; Cetobacterium, belonging to the Fusobacteria phylum; and Lactobacillus, belonging to the Firmicutes phylum. No significant differences were detected among groups, except for a slight decrease in the Fusobacteria phylum and slight increases in the Shewanella and Bacteroides genera with TSP. In conclusion, these results suggest that tannins can improve the zebrafish intestinal inflammation caused by a terrestrial-plant-based diet in a dose-dependent manner.
Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the adverse effects of Rasaraj Rasa tablets after repeated oral administration for 180 days in Wistar rats.
Methods:
Wistar rats were divided into five groups, of which three were treated with 54, 162, and 270 mg/kg body weight of Rasaraj Rasa, respectively, which correspond to one, three, and five times the proposed human therapeutic dose, for 180 days consecutively. The fifth group (satellite) also received 270 mg/kg body weight of Rasaraj Rasa for 180 days. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and their blood, serum, and organs were collected and examined using hematology, serum biochemistry, gross pathology, and histopathology tests. In contrast, the satellite group was kept for 4 weeks after treatment.
Results:
No significant treatment-related toxicological findings were observed in the clinical features, body weight, laboratory findings, and pathological findings of the high-dose treated groups, when compared to those of the control group.
Conclusion:
The no-observed-adverse-effect-level for Rasaraj Rasa in Wistar rats is set at 270 mg/kg body weight.
Hemonchosis disebabkan oleh cacing nematoda Haemonchus contortus dan dapat menyebabkan kerugian ekonomi yang tinggi. Penanganan dan pengendalian kecacingan yang paling umum dilakukan adalah dengan pemberian antelmintika kimia berspektrum luas, tetapi jika digunakan secara terus menerus dalam waktu yang lama dapat mengakibatkan resistensi dan residu terhadap produk ternak yang menjadi ancaman serius bagi produksi ternak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeteksi apakah tanaman herbal biji pare (Momordica charantia L.), temu putih (Curcuma zedoaria Rosce), buah mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia), biji alpukat (Persea americana mill), buah pinang (Areca catechu) dapat digunakan sebagai obat cacing nematoda yang efektif dan efisien. Tanaman herbal diekstrak dan diuji secara fitokimia di Balai Penelitian Rempah dan Obat (Balittro). Ekstrak biji pare dan biji alpukat dalam DMSO 1% dengan konsentrasi 2.5%, 5% dan 7.5% memiliki aktivitas antelmintik ovisidal, larvasidal dan vermisidal.
Glycoalkaloids are abundantly found among the members of the Solanaceae family. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) are the most common sources of glycoalkaloids. The most predominant glycoalkaloids present in potatoes are α-solanine and α-chaconine, and several other glycoalkaloids such as β-chaconine, γ-chaconine, β1-solanine, β2-solanine, and γ-solanine are also present in small quantities. Tomatoes contain α-tomatine and dehydrotomatine, and eggplant contains solasonine and solamargine as their main glycoalkaloids. Glycoalkaloids, especially from potatoes e.g., α-solanine and α-chaconine, are known to cause gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, gastrointestinal disturbance, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, low blood pressure, and, in high doses, cause a fast pulse rate along with neurological and occasional death in humans and farm animals. In recent years, an increasing number of toxicological events were reported by food contaminations with glycoalkaloids. Hence, it becomes very important to identify, analyze, and characterize different types of glycoalkaloids present in food items. This book chapter comprehensively covers sources, chemistry, pharmacological, and toxicological actions of glycoalkaloids present in food items.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a robust method, which can rapidly analyze compounds or their mixtures in complex matrices without separating or purifying them. This makes the technique ideal for analysis of foods and related products. NMR continues to be an underutilized methodology in the area of food authentication and analysis, mainly due to the high cost, relatively low sensitivity, and the lack of NMR expertise among food analysts. The aim of this chapter is to explore the role of NMR methodologies in the field of food science with a special focus on analysis of food toxins. An introduction of the basic principles of NMR related to the study of foods and nutrients is given. This is followed by a detailed description of metabolomics studies. NMR with metabolomics studies together make a powerful methodology to address the challenges faced in food science. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of their recent applications in the areas of compositional analysis, food authentication, quality control, and human nutrition is provided. In addition, use of NMR techniques in the analysis of potential food toxins is discussed. Finally, future perspective of the use NMR-based studies in the identification and characterization of food constituents and toxins is presented.
Food toxins of natural origin cover a wide diversity of macromolecules; generated by plants, algae, fungi, or degraded products of metabolism with destructive effects even at very low concentration/dose or when consumed in sufficient quantities. These toxins have diverse chemical structures and may serve definite purposes in plants or are developed as biochemical protectant against predators, insects, or microbes. Glycoalkaloids, cyanide-generating compounds, enzyme inhibitors and lectins, and mycotoxins are some important examples of natural food toxins. The toxicity of food toxins relies on the level of toxins available as well as susceptibility of a given population. These toxins may lead to acute and chronic health issues whose clinical indications may range from minor gastrointestinal distress, neurological indications, and respiratory paralysis to fatality. Analysis of food toxins requires authentication of analytical techniques for screening, quantification, and identification of contaminants. Undeniably, chromatographic analytical approaches can analyze numerous natural food toxins in a given period of time, in a sensitive and selective manner, yielding toxins concentration accurately. Even though extensively used, these approaches are costly, consume a lot of time, and deliver data following a noteworthy time lapse. Furthermore, samples (food toxins) are damaged by analytical procedures. Thus, alternative approaches/substitutes such as IR spectroscopy are actually progressively advanced to deliver simple and rapid procedures for the detection of food toxins. IR spectroscopy is a non-destructive procedure; employed to authenticate and characterize samples in high throughput. The usefulness of IR spectroscopy has directed its usage in numerous applications which comprises chemistry of soil, cereals, agricultural produce, medicine, and so forth. Since it reviews the interactions between radiation and matter, IR spectroscopy is a suitable tool for carrying out analysis of food toxins in finished foodstuffs. This chapter delivers the advancement and potential prospective of IR spectroscopy as an alternate/substitute to prevailing techniques for the assessment of food toxins.
An epidemic illness which affected nearly 300 members of the staff of the Royal Free Hospital Group between July 13 and November 24, 1955, is reported. The clinical picture is studied in 200 in-patients. There is evidence of involvement of lympho-reticular structures in almost every case and of involvement of the central nervous system in about three-quarters of the 200. The illness tends to run a fluctuating course. Treatment was symptomatic, but in 20 cases antibiotics were tried without effect. No patient died of the disease. In the majority of cases recoverydis the rule. Severe disability, however, may persist for many months and has persisted in at least four patients who are still disabled at the time of this report. Laboratory investigations give no aid to diagnosis; haematological changes are non-specific and the cerebrospinal fluid is normal. Electrodiagnostic investigations failed to show any evidence of lower motor neurone degeneration except in one case. The motor paralysis was accompanied by a reduction in the number of motor-unit potentials recruited on attempted volition, the residual potentials often being polyphasic. Occasionally, particularly during recovery, volition was accompanied by grouping of the motor-unit potentials. Epidemiological studies suggest that the disease is spread by case-to-case contact and that the incubation period is five to six days. Extensive investigations with the help of outside laboratories have faied, so far, to reveal either an infective agent or a causative factor. The relationship of the outbreak in the Royal Free Hospital Group to similar epidemics reported in recent years from almost every quarter of the globe is discussed. © 1957, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.