International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 13 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Boosting vaccine effectiveness: An investigation into the impact of Chinese medicinal herbs and their immune synergists on classical swine fever vaccination

Fuchuan Wang¹, Yibo Yan¹*, Yuhuan Zhang¹, Yichao Han¹ and Chao Guan²

¹Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan 030032, China.
²Modern Agricultural Research Center, Taiyuan 030000, China.

Accepted 22 October, 2023

Abstract

Two-month-old piglets were fed with 1, 1.5 and 2% immune synergist of Chinese medicinal herbs together with vaccination against classic swine fever. Serum IgG and IgM levels increased more than the control group on day 30 (P<0.05). B and T lymphocyte proliferation in piglets fed with 1.5 and 2% herbal immune synergist markedly increased on day 30 as compared to the control group (P<0.05). Improvement was also observed in T lymphocyte CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD3+/CD8+ levels. Meanwhile, there were significant differences in SOD activities and rate of neutrophil phagocytosis between synergist groups and the control group. These results suggest that herbal immune synergist of Chinese traditional herbs prescription enhances the protective effect of classic swine fever vaccine.

Key words: Immune synergist, Chinese medicinal herbs, classic swine fever vaccine.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 13 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2024. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of different Orchidaceae mycorrhizal fungi on the development of dendrobium candidum and D. nobile

Yang Dan, Zhi-xia Meng and Shun-Xing Guo*

Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.

Accepted 10 November, 2023

Abstract

Dendrobium candidum and D. nobile, rare medicinal herbs in China, are difficult in artificial propagation due to symbiotic cultivation using endophytic fungi. In order to establish a symbiotic system, we investigated several decades of endophytic fungi from Orchidaceae plants in growth promotion of dendrobe (D. candidum and D. nobile). Forty strains were inoculated upon protocorms and plantlets of dendrobes and incubated for 60 days. Symbiotic strains were screened out by survival of hosts, and the survival hosts were measured in height and weight at interval days. Six of the 40 strains were best for development of the hosts, including Strains DC-13 (Mycena dendrobii), AR-13 (Mycena anoectochila), AR-15 (Epulorhiza sp.), DC-8 (Epulorhiza sp.), DN-3 (Gliocladium sp.), and AR-7 (Cephalosporium sp.). The former three were better than the rest ones. Gliocladium sp. (DN-3) was first found in promotion of Orchidaceae hosts and Cephalosporium sp. (AR-7) was the first species of Hyphomycetes for the development of Orchidaceae hosts. Several symbiotic cultivation systems have been established, which are the basis for propagation of Dendrobium plants in agriculture.

Key words: Dendrobium candidum, Dendrobium nobile, mycorrhizal fungi, Orchidaceae.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 13 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2024. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Exploring the efficacy of traditional healing methods in bone fracture management, with emphasis on piper sarmentosum

Mohamed Abdalla Estai¹*, Farihah Suhaimi¹, Ahmad Nazrun Shuid², Srijit Das¹ and Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman²

¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

²Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Accepted 3 November, 2023

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a socio-public health issue which led to a rise in risk of fractures with subsequent delay in fracture healing. Fracture healing is a complex physiological process which involves four overlapping phases that is, haematoma formation, inflammation, repair and remodelling phases. It involves a series of biological cascades which resemble tissues differentiation that occur during foetal skeletal development. Several studies have been carried out to investigate the different traditional medicines using plants known for their fracture healing properties. Piper sarmentosum (Daun Kaduk) is widely distributed in South East Asia and used traditionally to treat many diseases such as diabetes mellitus, fungoid dermatitis and joint ache. The high costs and adverse effects of conventional treatment modalities may favor the wide usage of traditional herbal medicines. The current review focused on the usage of traditional herbal medicine to treat fractures healing in osteoporotic state.

Key words: Bone, fracture healing, herbs, osteoporosis, Piper sarmentosum, traditional medicine.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 12 (10), pp. 001-008, October, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The use of Ficus capensis Thunb (Moraceae) in African traditional medicine against female infertility and hypogalactia: literature review

OUEDRAOGO Rakiswendé Alexis^1*, OUEDRAOGO Rakissida Alfred¹, Tindano Basile², BAYALA Balé², SANOU/LAMIEN Assita¹

¹Morphology and Organogenesis Laboratory of the Science and Health Doctoral School, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

²Animal Physiology Laboratory of the Science and Technology Doctoral School, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Received July 7, 2023; Accepted September 13, 2023; Published 09 October, 2023.

Abstract

Treatment of infertility and promotion of exclusive breastfeeding are important components of strategies to promote progress in reproductive health. Given the difficulties in accessing medically assisted reproductive techniques and commercial dairy products, African populations sometimes rely on medicinal plants. Ficus capensis is a fig tree used in African traditional medicine to treat female infertility and hypogalactia. The objective of this work was to review the use of Ficus capensis in African traditional medicine treatment of female infertility and hypogalactia. Data were collected from the PRELUDE database, Persée, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Researchgate. Data collected showed that Ficus capensis extracts were used in the treatment of female infertility and hypogalactia in at least thirteen African countries. All regions of sub-Saharan Africa were concerned. The organs of the plant used to treat these two diseases were the roots, bark, leaves and fruits. Roots were most commonly used for infertility and bark for hypogalactia. These organs were used isolated or combined in various forms, including decoctions, macerations and infusions. These preparations were administered orally, intrauterine or by external application to the abdomen or breast. Histological and physiological effects of Ficus capensis extracts on breast and on female reproductive organs were not well documented.

Keywords: Ficus capensis, female infertility, breastfeeding, hypogalactia, African traditional medicine.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 12 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Opinion

Accepted 04 September, 2023

Title: The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

David M. Johnson, J.S Anderson and John Foster

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University, USA.

Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. The conventional treatments for RA often have limited efficacy and are associated with various side effects. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions, including RA. This article aims to review the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of medicinal plants in the treatment of RA.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, medicinal plants, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, traditional medicine.

Introduction:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and joint deformities. It is estimated that approximately 1% of the global population is affected by RA, with women being more susceptible than men. The exact cause of RA remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The current treatment options for RA include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and biologic agents. While these medications can help manage symptoms and slow down disease progression, they often come with adverse effects and may not be effective for all patients. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative therapies such as medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide to treat various ailments, including inflammatory conditions like RA. These plants contain bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory activity helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes involved in joint inflammation, while the antioxidant activity helps neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to oxidative stress.

Discussion:

Numerous medicinal plants have shown promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in preclinical and clinical studies related to RA. One such plant is Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibits the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key regulator of inflammation, and reduces the production of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, curcumin exhibits potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.

Another medicinal plant with potential benefits in RA is Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense. The resin extract from Boswellia serrata contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), thereby reducing inflammation in the joints. Boswellic acids also exhibit antioxidant activity by modulating oxidative stress markers and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is another medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Gingerols and shogaols, the bioactive compounds in ginger, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, ginger possesses potent antioxidant activity by increasing the levels of endogenous antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase.

Other medicinal plants that have shown potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in RA include green tea (Camellia sinensis), which contains polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera), which is rich in proanthocyanidins. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating various signaling pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusion:

Medicinal plants have long been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The bioactive compounds present in these plants can help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Curcumin, boswellic acids, gingerols, shogaols, EGCG, and proanthocyanidins are some of the key compounds found in medicinal plants that exhibit promising effects against RA. However, further research is needed to determine their optimal dosage, safety profile, and potential interactions with conventional medications. Integrating medicinal plants into the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may provide a more holistic approach to managing this chronic autoimmune disease.

References:

1. Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KB. Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti-inflammatory agent, against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009;41(1):40-59.

2. Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011;73(3):255-261.

3. Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36-S42.

4. Yang CS, Wang X, Lu G, Picinich SC. Cancer prevention by tea: animal studies, molecular mechanisms and human relevance. Nat Rev Cancer. 2009;9(6):429-439.

5. Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Stohs SJ, et al. Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology. 2000;148(2-3):187-197.

International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 12 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Opinion

Accepted 09 August, 2023

Title: The Neuroprotective Effects of Medicinal Plants

James Wesley and Lauren Skinner

Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, University of Glasgow, UK.

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Recent studies have shown that these plants contain a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. In this opinion article, we will review the current evidence for the neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants, and discuss their potential as therapeutic agents for neurological disorders.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, neuroprotection, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids.

Introduction

Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the development of a range of pharmacological treatments, these disorders remain incurable and are often associated with significant cognitive and functional impairment. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential of medicinal plants as therapeutic agents for neurological disorders.

Discussion

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Recent studies have shown that these plants contain a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. For example, flavonoids have been shown to inhibit the formation of amyloid-β plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, while terpenoids have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In addition to their potential as therapeutic agents, medicinal plants have several other advantages. They are generally well tolerated, with few side effects, and are often more cost-effective than pharmaceutical drugs. Furthermore, many medicinal plants are readily available and can be grown in a variety of environments, making them a sustainable and renewable resource.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants provide a promising avenue for the development of new therapeutic agents for neurological disorders. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of these plants, the current evidence suggests that they have the potential to provide significant benefits for patients with neurological disorders. As such, we recommend further investigation into the neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants, with a view to their potential use as therapeutic agents.

References

1. Kumar et al. (2018). Neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants: A review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 70(8), 1061-1074.

2. Mishra et al. (2017). Flavonoids: A review of their antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Journal of Nutritional Science, 6, e35.

3. Srivastava et al. (2016). Neuroprotective effects of terpenoids: A review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 68(8), 1041-1054.