Current Traditional Medicine - Current Issue

Li Qi Huo Xue Di Wan (LQHXDW), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat patients with the symptoms of palpitations, chest tightness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It is not known, however, whether LQHXDW can reduce high-altitude hypoxia-induced cardiopulmonary injury, what are the specific active ingredients, and what is the exact mechanism behind its cardiopulmonary protection.

This study intends to investigate the effect of LQHXDW on hypoxia-induced cardiopulmonary injury and the underlying mechanisms.

The components of LQHXDW were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS. The potential targets of LQHXDW against high-altitude hypoxia were screened via network pharmacology. Mice were subjected to an animal hypoxic chamber for 5 days to establish a high-altitude hypoxia animal model. Rat heart-derived H9c2 cells and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were cultured in glucose-free medium under hypoxic conditions (O2 /N2 /CO2, 3/92/5) for 72 h to mimic the high-altitude hypoxia in vivo.

The study found that LQHXDW can target apoptosis and inflammation pathways under the condition of high-altitude hypoxia. In mice exposed to hypoxia, LQHXDW reduced cardiac and lung injury, decreased inflammatory responses, and improved cardiac function. In vitro, LQHXDW increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and pulmonary artery endothelial cells. It also inhibited the activities of caspase-8 and caspase-3, preventing cardiopulmonary apoptosis.

The study investigates the impact of LQHXDW on hypoxia-induced heart and lung injury using UPLC-QTOF-MS and animal and cell models. Results show that LQHXDW can attenuate injury, prevent apoptosis, and protect the heart and lungs from hypoxia injury. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting LQHXDW as a potential candidate for traditional Chinese medicine in high-altitude sickness treatment.

LQHXDW can be used as a potential inhibitor of apoptosis for treating high-altitude hypoxia. This study provided a clue for future studies to identify the exact active components of LQHXDW for targeting the pathways of apoptosis.

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), is a hand, foot and mouth disease that has become one of the major health concerns in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior studies have reported that Houttuynia cordata (H. cordata) extract may possess antiviral activity against EV-A71. In this study, the chemical composition of H. cordata aqueous extract and its anti-EV-A71 properties were studied.

Anti-EV-A71 properties were studied according to different viral infection stages using cell survivability and viral titration assay repeatability against different EV-A71 sub-genotypes and stability in human saliva and hydrochloric acid was also tested. The total carbohydrate and protein content of the extract were estimated and active compounds were screened using LC-MS analysis.

The H. cordata extract exhibits significant inhibition against EV-A71 at a concentration of 1 mg/ml with minimal cytotoxicity. This antiviral effect is robust and resilient even in the presence of human salivary enzymes and an acidic environment. Intriguingly, our study indicates that the SCARB2 receptor does not seem to play a role in mediating the anti-EV-A71 activity. These promising results extend to various sub-genotypes of EV-A71. The total carbohydrate and protein content in the extract was 521.13 µg/ml and 21 µg/ml, respectively. LC-MS analysis unveiled the presence of 4 known and 16 unknown compounds, expanding our understanding of its composition.

These results underscore the potential of H. cordata aqueous extract and its constituents as promising candidates for the development of novel antiviral agents. Furthermore, our findings contribute to the broader field of antiviral research and highlight the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in combating viral infections.

Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) is a widely used plant known for its culinary, cosmetic, therapeutic, and pharmacological properties. Its leaves are particularly valued due to their rich content of bioactive compounds, such as essential oils, phenolic substances, flavonoids, and alkaloids. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, and therapeutic and industrial applications of these compounds.

An extensive literature review was conducted using scientific databases to collect and analyze published studies on the botanical traits, chemical constituents, traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and industrial applications of L. nobilis leaves.

The analysis revealed that bay leaves contain a variety of bioactive components, notably essential oils, phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds exhibit significant pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, as supported by various in vitro and in vivo studies.

The findings underscore the therapeutic relevance of L. nobilis leaves, aligning with traditional medicinal practices and modern pharmacological research. However, limitations exist in terms of standardized extraction methods and clinical trials, which must be addressed to validate and optimize their clinical application.

Laurus nobilis leaves are a promising natural source of pharmacologically active compounds. Their diverse applications across traditional medicine, modern pharmacology, and industrial sectors highlight their continuing relevance and potential for broader utilization.

Traditional Thai medicine significantly contributes to the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This research aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of traditional Thai herbal steam bath on the residual symptoms of COVID-19 recovered patients.

The single-arm pre-post design research was performed on thirty-three post-COVID-19 patients. All patients received herbal steam bath therapy for twenty minutes twice a week for two consecutive weeks. The outcome measurements on dyspnea intensity, nasal symptom intensity, muscle pain intensity, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after two weeks of treatment by the modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, the total nasal symptom score (TNSS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and COPD assessment test questionnaire, respectively.

The results indicated a significant decrease in mMRC, TNSS, NRS, and CAT scores two weeks post-treatment (p < 0.05). The percentage of patients presenting no or mild symptoms improved to 86.36% in CAT, 80.00% in TNSS, 60.71% in mMRC, and 13.79% in NRS, respectively. In the TNSS test, the highest percentage of patients with no symptoms, reaching 73.91%, was attributable to congestion. In addition, the CAT test revealed that the highest number of patients exhibiting mild symptoms, at 72.22%, correlated with confidence in leaving home.

The herbal formulation may function as an antiviral agent, accelerate therapy, and alleviate side effects related to COVID-19 due to the synergistic antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties of its constituents.

The findings demonstrated that Thai herbal steam bath significantly improved the dyspnea intensity, nasal symptom intensity, muscle pain intensity, and quality of life in patients with post COVID-19 syndrome.

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., a medicinal plant from the Zingiberaceae family native to tropical regions, is valued for its bioactivity properties, commonly used as both a food ingredient and a traditional health tonic remedy. Although it has well-recognized potential as a material source of health products, research on the extraction method for bioactive enrichment remained unexplored.

To improve the extraction process and bioactive content of the plant by using pulse electric field (PEF) extraction compared to the classical extraction method.

Fresh rhizomes were macerated in 95% ethanol for 7, 15, 30, and 60 days for classical extraction. For PEF extraction, 95% ethanol was used as the extraction solvent with time variations of 30 to 150 minutes at a pulse rate of 116 pulses/min and a frequency of 50 Hz. The extraction efficiency was assessed by measuring bioactive compounds, pinostrobin (PS) and panduratin A (PA) using an HPLC assay, along with total flavonoid and phenolic content. Antioxidant activities were evaluated via DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, while glucose uptake inhibition was tested by using a yeast cell model.

Classical extraction achieved PS and PA equilibrium after 15 days, recovery of 937-970 mg/kg (0.093-0.097%w/w) and 26-28 mg/kg (0.0026-0.0028%w/w), respectively. PEF extraction optimized at 60 minutes significantly improved recovery with PS at 930±20.35 mg/kg and PA at143.4±3.48 mg/kg (0.014±0.0003%w/w). Additionally, PEF extraction also increased phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and glucose uptake inhibition.

PEF achieved a fivefold higher PA recovery than the classical method in just 30 minutes, with results evident after 15 days. Notably, applying PEF to fresh B. rotunda rhizomes in alcohol with metal electrodes induced electroporation, enhancing PS and PA permeability and diffusion from plant material.

PEF extraction presents a promising method for efficiently extracting bioactive compounds from Boesenbergia rotunda.

A Polyherbal Unani Powder Formulation for Urinary Tract Infections (PUFP-UTI) comprises Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Cucumis sativus L., Lagenaria siceraria, Malva sylvestris L., and Portulaca oleracea L. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical composition, quantification of luteolin using HPLC, microbial safety, and in vitro antibacterial activity to assess the quality, efficacy, and safety of the formulation.

Physicochemical analysis included organoleptic properties, ash value, density, moisture content, and extractive values. Phytochemical screening detected phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, and sterols. Quantitative analysis measured total phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Luteolin content was quantified by HPLC. Microbial contamination was assessed following WHO guidelines. Antibacterial activity was tested against E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. faecalis, P. mirabilis, S. saprophyticus, and P. aeruginosa using the agar well diffusion method.

PUFP-UTI exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties and contained significant amounts of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and luteolin. The formulation met WHO safety standards for microbial contamination. It also showed substantial antibacterial activity against all tested pathogens. These results indicate that PUFP-UTI is a microbiologically safe herbal formulation with notable antimicrobial efficacy.

The presence of multiple phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and tannins, along with measurable luteolin content, may contribute to the observed antibacterial effect of PUFP-UTI. Its broad-spectrum activity against common uropathogens supports its pharmacological relevance. The formulation also complies with basic quality and safety benchmarks, reinforcing its potential as a safe traditional remedy.

PUFP-UTI's antibacterial properties support its traditional use in treating urinary tract infections. Further stability studies and clinical trials are recommended to confirm its therapeutic potential.

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been utilized for centuries to manage Allergic Rhinitis (AR), proposing benefits through immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to investigate the safety and preliminary effects of nasal irrigation with CHM in the treatment of AR.

A total of 29 AR patients were randomly assigned to either the CHM group, receiving nasal irrigation with a saline-CHM solution, saline with a pack of CHM (1 gram of Szechwan Lovage Rhizome, 1 gram of Biod Magnolia Bud, 0.5 gram of Taiwan Angelica Root, 0.5 gram of Wild Mint Herb, 1.5 gram of Baikal Skullcap Root, and 0.5 gram of Borneo), or the placebo group, receiving saline with edible caramel. Evaluations included questionnaires, anterior rhinoscopy, rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and Eustachian tube function tests.

No major side effects were reported after two months, and Eustachian tube function remained unaffected. Both groups showed significant improvement in AR severity. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups.

While the CHM regimen is deemed safe for nasal irrigation in AR patients, its efficacy in symptom reduction does not surpass that of normal saline. The duration of nasal irrigation in this study may be too short to observe significant changes.

Our CHM regimen, dissolved in warm saline, is safe for washing the nasal cavity in patients with AR. Further research is warranted to explore the potential benefits of CHM in AR management.

The clinical trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (registration identifier: NCT05901532).

Natural extracts have a long history in traditional medicine for oral care. This review evaluates their integration into modern dentistry, driven by consumer demand for holistic therapies and concerns over synthetic agents.

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases (up to 2024). The search focused on keywords related to natural extracts, phytotherapy, and dental conditions. Inclusion criteria prioritized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and mechanistic studies relevant to human dentistry. Data on mechanisms, applications, and challenges were thematically extracted and synthesized.

Numerous extracts, including tea tree oil, aloe vera, neem, and green tea, demonstrate significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Evidence supports their use in managing gingivitis, periodontitis, caries, and oral lesions. Innovations like nano-encapsulation and integration into biomaterials are enhancing their therapeutic efficacy.

While promising, the widespread adoption of natural extracts is hindered by challenges in standardization, regulatory oversight, and the need for larger-scale clinical trials. Potential side effects and drug interactions require careful consideration by clinicians.

Natural extracts represent a valuable and evolving component of dental therapy. Ultimately, this review provides a comprehensive, evidence-based resource to guide clinical decision-making and direct future research in natural dental therapies.

Sarcopenia, characterized by a significant decline in muscle mass and strength, poses a serious threat to the quality of life. Current treatment options are limited, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the efficacy and mechanism of Jianpi Recipe (JPR), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, in ameliorating Sarcopenia.

This study employed a dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of JPR. miRNA sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). Enrichment analyses of target mRNAs were performed. The hub DEmiRNAs were identified by a Venn diagram and incorporated to construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. Finally, the hub DEmiRNAs were validated via RT-qPCR and correlation analysis.

JPR dose-dependently improved grip strength, muscle mass, and skeletal muscle histopathology. The miRNA sequencing identified 48 DEmiRNAs in the DEX vs. control group, as well as in the DEX and medium-dose JPR(DEX+M-JPR) vs. DEX group. Enrichment analyses revealed significant pathways, such as the Ras and Wnt signaling pathways, which are involved in the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of JPR. Nine hub DEmiRNAs were identified, with three (mmu-miR-423-3p, mmu-miR-328-3p, and mmu-miR-5621-3p) forming the ceRNA network. RT-qPCR showed that the expression levels of hub DEmiRNAs in control, DEX, and DEX+M - JPR groups were consistent with miRNA sequencing. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between hub DEmiRNAs and relative grip strength and gastrocnemius muscle index.

This study clarified the protective effects of JPR against Sarcopenia and the mechanisms underlying miRNA modulation.

JPR is suggested as a promising treatment for Sarcopenia.

Hypercholesterolemia is a commonly inherited metabolic condition that can result in ischemic heart disease. Due to the undesirable side effects associated with commercially accessible statin drugs, herbal plants are emerging as a preferable alternative for managing and controlling hypercholesterolemia. Substantially, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda formulations have been reported to play a primary part in the hypercholesterolemia therapy. The inhibition of HMG-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) is significant since it is the key enzyme for cholesterol production, which is crucial for reducing plasma cholesterol levels.

The present review aimed to explore in-depth TCM and Ayurveda polyherbal formulations, along with their pharmacological activities, especially on the serum lipid biomarkers, including low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins, and their potential suppression against HMGCR activity. The review highlights the potential usage of polyherbal formulations for the management of hypercholesterolemia that could potentially be effective with minimal side effects.

TCM and Ayurveda are poly pharmacology systems that have been proven to exhibit better effects than single-targeted compounds in hypercholesterolemia. Polyherbal formulation involves interaction of multi-components that possess synergistic effects and able to replace the synthetic anti-hypercholesterolemia agents associated with side effects. It is the need of the hour to evaluate the integration of both TCM and Ayurveda polyherbal formulations as a strategy to maximize their potential and efficacy in hypercholesterolemia treatment since TCM and Ayurveda have been proven to be effective in combating hypercholesterolemia.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological condition characterized by the inflammation of sebaceous follicles. This inflammation results in various clinical manifestations, including open and closed comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which predominantly appear on the face. The impact of acne vulgaris extends beyond physical symptoms, often affecting psychological well-being and quality of life, particularly among adolescents. Given this condition's widespread prevalence and significant implications, there is a pressing need for effective and accessible treatments.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Kencur Rhizome Ethanol Extract Gel (Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizoma / KGR) on mild and moderate acne vulgaris lesions among high school students.

Twenty-four high school students were divided into three groups: Group 1 received 0.75% Kaempferia galanga rhizome ethanol extract gel, Group 2 received a combination gel of 0.75% Kaempferia galanga ethanol extract, and 75% benzoyl peroxide with 1% clindamycin gel, and Group 3 received 1% clindamycin gel. The number of subjects in each group was determined using the G Power application. The distribution of gels was randomly assigned using the “Randomly Assign Subjects to Treatment Group” application. Before treatment, blood samples were taken to measure IL-8 levels. After three weeks of treatment, bilateral facial photographs were taken: one with the right side tilted at 45 degrees and the other with the left side tilted at 45 degrees. Blood samples were collected again for IL-8 measurement, and high-resolution photographs of both sides of the face were taken to analyze acne lesions using the ImageJ application.

A combination of 0.75% KGR ethanol extract gel and 1% clindamycin gel significantly reduced the severity of AV lesions by affecting IL8 expression (p=0.042) in reducing the severity of mild and moderate AV lesions. For AV lesions using the ImageJ application, the administration of group 2 gel (a combination of 0.75% KGR ethanol extract gel and 1% clindamycin gel) has a significant effect on reducing the severity of mild and moderate degrees of whitehead or blackhead (p = 0.030) and nodules (p = 0.035) in acne vulgaris.

A combination of 0.75% kencur rhizome ethanol extract gel and 1% clindamycin gel effectively alleviate acne vulgaris symptoms while also reducing inflammation of acne vulgaris lesions.

Further investigation is required to deeply understand the role of traditional medicines in menopause and their safe and effective usage.

To determine the effects of Zingiber officinale roscoe (ZO) and Curcuma longa (CL) supplementation on 17-β estradiol (ES) levels, quality of life, and body composition indices in postmenopausal women.

In this four-month randomized controlled trial, women were recruited from the Tabriz health centers between 2018 and 2019 and randomly allocated to one of four groups: ZO tablet 1000 mg and CL placebo, CL tablet 1000 mg and ZO placebo, ZO tablet 1000 mg and CL tablet 1000 mg, and ZO placebo and CL placebo.

One hundred and fifteen women completed this study. ZO (mean change (MC) = 3.18 (95% CI: 0.55 to 5.81)) resulted in a greater increase in serum ES than placebo. ZO (MC= -1.26 (95% CI: -2.78 to -0.72)), CL (MC=-1.21 (95% CI: -2.79 to -0.53)) and ZO + CL (MC=-1.69 (95% CI: -2.48 to -0.85)) resulted in greater improvements in total quality of life score compared to placebo (MC=-0.51(95% CI: -0.04 to 1.32)). A significant group difference favoring the ZO group compared to the placebo was detected for the vasomotor symptoms (MC= -1.03 (95% CI: -2.57 to -0.97)). No significant adverse events were noted.

Findings suggest ginger and turmeric alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve QoL, potentially via estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions. Inconsistent body composition results may be due to low bioavailability.

Ginger, turmeric, and their combination improved menopausal QoL, with ginger benefiting vasomotor symptoms.

Registered in the Iranian clinical trial registry (IRCT20161022030424N3) on 2018-04-29.