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Fulltext Vernonia cinerea regenerates tubular epithelial cells in cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in cancer bearing mice without affecting antitumor activity

Amuthan A, Devi V, Shreedhara CS, Rao V, Jasphin S, Kumar N

J Tradit Complement Med, 2021 May;11(3):279-286.
PMID: 34012874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.08.004

Background: Traditional Siddha Medicine advises using metal-based formulations to treat cancers. In the case of any toxicities during the therapy, Siddha physicians use Vernonia cinerea (VC) whole plant kashayam (crude aqueous extract-CAE) to reverse the toxic effects.
Aim: To evaluate the nephroprotective activity of CAE and its fractions in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and to assess whether they compromise the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin.
Materials and methods: Cisplatin-induced renal damage was induced in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice during mild phase of tumor growth. CAE and its butanol (BF) and aqueous (AF) fractions were administered orally from the 5th day for five days. Nephroprotective potential (serum urea, creatinine, renal histology) and effect of VC on cisplatin anticancer efficacy (tumor volume, viable tumor cells, percentage increase in life span (% ILS)) were calculated.
Result: CAE and its fractions significantly reversed the cisplatin-induced renal damage. CAE and BF treated animals showed regeneration of 50%-75% of proximal tubular cells. Compared to EAC control mice, the % ILS of the cisplatin-treated group was 244% and it was further extended to 379% after CAE administration. The % ILS in the CAE treated group was 1.6 times higher than the cisplatin alone treated group. GC-MS study showed the presence of astaxanthin and betulin.
Conclusion: CAE of VC reverses cisplatin-induced kidney damage as well as regenerates proximal tubular epithelial cells, without compromising the anticancer effect of cisplatin. When CAE was further fractionated, the nephroprotective activity was retained, but the beneficial anticancer effect of cisplatin was compromised.
Fulltext Use of complementary and alternative medicines among Malaysian cancer patients: A descriptive study

Farooqui M, Hassali MA, Shatar AK, Farooqui MA, Saleem F, Haq NU, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2016 Oct;6(4):321-326.
PMID: 27774413

The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM; bǔ chōng yǔ tì dài yī xué) has been rapidly increasing among cancer patients. However, this pervasiveness is still largely unexplored among Malaysian cancer patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the patterns of CAM use among cancer patients from a local hospital in Malaysia. In addition, the study focused on the information-seeking behavior and CAM use disclosure to doctors. Of 393 patients, 184 (46.1%) had used CAM for their cancers. CAM usage was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.021), level of education (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.02), and monthly income (p
Fulltext Tualang honey ameliorates viral load, CD4 counts and improves quality of life in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infected patients

Wan Yusuf WN, Wan Mohammad WMZ, Gan SH, Mustafa M, Abd Aziz CB, Sulaiman SA

J Tradit Complement Med, 2019 Oct;9(4):249-256.
PMID: 31453119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.05.003

This is the first study to report on the effects of honey in asymptomatic HIV positive subjects in ameliorating CD4 count, viral load (VL) and quality of life (QOL). It is a randomized, controlled, open labelled study, comparing the effects of Tualang honey (TH) administration for six months at three different doses: 20 g (THL), 40 g (THI) or 60 g (THH) daily compared with control (no administered treatment, THC). Only asymptomatic HIV positive subjects (n=95) having CD4 count 250-600 cell/ml, not on antiretrovirals were enrolled. Blood, (together with QOL questionnaires administration) were investigated at baseline, three and six months (CD4 cell count) while VL was determined only at baseline and six months. Significant reductions in CD4 counts in THL and THC groups (p= 0.003 for both) were seen with no significant reductions in the CD4 counts in THI and THH groups (p=0.447 and 0.053 respectively). There was improvement in VL in THC and THI (130% and 32% respectively) and reductions in THL and THH (26% and 8% respectively). Within and between group analyses for VL indicated significant differences between THL and THH compared to THC. In addition, significant improvement in QOL of groups which received TH was noted. TH has the potential to improve the QOL (physical and psychological) and CD4 counts. There was a trend of lower VL in asymptomatic HIV subjects following TH administration thus supporting the possible role of TH in boosting the immune system by improving CD4 counts, causing VL reductions in HIV positive subjects.
Fulltext The antinociceptive effects of tualang honey in male sprague-dawley rats: a preliminary study

Aziz CB, Ismail CA, Hussin CM, Mohamed M

J Tradit Complement Med, 2014 Oct;4(4):298-302.
PMID: 25379476 DOI: 10.4103/2225-4110.139115

Tualang honey ( Fēng Mì) is known to have anti-inflammatory property, but its antinociceptive property has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we examined the preemptive effects on administering different doses of Tualang honey and prednisolone on the nociceptive response in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups (n = 7) and each group received either distilled water, Tualang honey (0.2, 1.2 or 2.4 g/kg) or prednisolone (10 mg/kg) for 10 days. The response to noxious thermal stimulus was assessed using tail flick test on Day 10. The well-being of the rats was also assessed by monitoring their food intake and body weight. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Scheffe's test and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. In tail flick test, the tail flick latency time was significantly higher in the groups that received 1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg of Tualang honey and 10 mg/kg of prednisolone, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There was significant reduction in the total food pellet intake in the groups receiving prednisolone and Tualang honey (1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg) compared to controls; however, the body weight gain was only significantly reduced in the prednisolone group. All the parameters were not significantly affected in the group receiving 0.2 g/kg of Tualang honey. In conclusion, preemptive administration of Tualang honey (1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg) and prednisolone (10 mg/kg) had reduced the pain responses. The reduced weight gain in the prednisolone group is an unwanted effect due to its metabolic and central actions. Further studies are required to confirm the antinociceptive effects and elucidate the mechanism of antinociceptive action of Tualang honey in the rats.
Synergistic hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Solanum xanthocarpum and Juniperus communis against paracetamol and azithromycin induced liver injury in rats

Singh H, Prakash A, Kalia AN, Majeed AB

J Tradit Complement Med, 2016 Oct;6(4):370-376.
PMID: 27774421

Previously explored combination therapies mostly involved the use of bioactive molecules. It is believed that herbal compounds containing multiple plant products have synergistic hepatoprotective effects and could enhance the desired actions. To investigate the combination of ethanolic fruits extract of Solanum xanthocarpum (SX) and Juniperus communis (JC) against Paracetamol (PCM) and Azithromycin (AZM) induced liver toxicity in rats. Liver toxicity was induced by combine oral administration of PCM (250 mg/kg) and AZM (200 mg/kg) for 7 days in Wistar rats. Fruit extract of SX (200 and 400 mg/kg) and JC (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered daily for 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using liver functional test, oxidative parameters and histopathological examination. The results demonstrated that combine administration of AZM and PCM significantly produced liver toxicity by increasing the serum level of hepatic enzymes and oxidative parameters in liver of rats. Histopathological examination also indicated that AZM and PCM produced liver damage in rats. Chronic treatment of SX and JC extract significantly and dose-dependently attenuated the liver toxicity by normalizing the biochemical factors and no gross histopathological changes were observed in liver of rats. Furthermore, combine administration of lower dose of SX and JC significantly potentiated their hepatoprotective effect which was significant as compared to their effect per se. The results clearly indicated that SX and JC extract has hepatoprotective potential against AZM and PCM induced liver toxicity due to their synergistic anti-oxidant properties.
Fulltext Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training

Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW

J Tradit Complement Med, 2015 Oct;5(4):197-206.
PMID: 26587391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.08.008

Reflexology is basically a study of how one part of the human body relates to another part of the body. Reflexology practitioners rely on the reflexes map of the feet and hands to all the internal organs and other human body parts. They believe that by applying the appropriate pressure and massage certain spots on the feet and hands, all other body parts could be energized and rejuvenated. This review aimed to revisit the concept of reflexology and examine its effectiveness, practices, and the training for reflexology practitioners. PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and SpringerLink databases were utilized to search the following medical subject headings or keywords: foot massage, reflexology, foot reflexotherapy, reflexological treatment, and zone therapy. The articles published for the last 10 years were included. Previous systematic reviews failed to show concrete evidence for any specific effect of reflexology in any conditions. Due to its non-invasive, non-pharmacological complementary nature, reflexology is widely accepted and anecdotal evidence of positive effect reflexology in a variety of health conditions are available. Adequate training for practitioners is necessary to ensure the consistency of service provided.
Fulltext Relaxant effects of Azadirachta indica A. Juss var. siamensis Valeton flower extract on isolated rat ileum contractions and the mechanisms of action

Duangjai A, Goh BH, Lee LH, Saokaew S

J Tradit Complement Med, 2018 Oct;8(4):515-520.
PMID: 30302332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.003

Azadirachta indica A. Juss var. siamensis Valeton or commonly known as Siamese neem is one of the most well-known plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relaxant effects of A. indica on isolated rat ileum contractions and its potential underlying mechanisms involved. The isometric contractions of ileum segments were investigated in organ baths for spontaneous activity and response to aqueous extract of Siamese neem flower (SNF). The spasmolytic action of the extract was also assessed on contraction induced by acetylcholine and high potassium. Our findings indicate that cumulative concentrations of SNF aqueous extract induced relaxant effect on spontaneous rat ileum contractions. The extract has also suppressed the cumulative concentration response curve for acetylcholine and pottasium ions-induced contraction. The presence and absence of propranol (antagonist of β-adrenergic receptor) and l-Name (antagonist of nitric oxide synthase) in SNF aqeous extract co-treatment demonstrated no significant different in term of contraction activity when compared to SNF extract treatment alone. The treatment of SNF extract caused a significant inhibition in tissue contraction stimulated by accumulation of calcium ions. Our results showed the relaxant effect of SNF aqueous extract on the isolated rat ileum. In short, the SNF aqueous extract exhibited an inhibitory effect on the spontaneous ileum contactions particularly on the contraction stimulated by acetylcholine and high potassium. The observed effect might acted through the modulation of calcium channels. This findings provide a pharmacological basis for the traditional use of SNF for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasms.
Fulltext Protective activity of geraniol against acetic acid and Helicobacter pylori- induced gastric ulcers in rats

Bhattamisra SK, Yean Yan VL, Koh Lee C, Hui Kuean C, Candasamy M, Liew YK, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2019 Jul;9(3):206-214.
PMID: 31193983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.05.001

Geraniol, an active constituent of rose and palmarosa essential oils, possesses several pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial and antiulcer activity. Geraniol was therefore investigated for its antiulcer and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity in rats. Ulcers were induced by injecting acetic acid into the sub-serosal layer of the stomach followed by orogastric inoculation of H. pylori for 7 days. Geraniol (15 and 30 mg/kg), vehicle and a standard drug combination (amoxicillin, 50 mg/kg; clarithromycin, 25 mg/kg and omeprazole, 20 mg/kg) were administered twice daily for 14 days. All the parameters were measured at the end of treatment. The ulcer index was significantly (P 
Fulltext Polymolecular botanical drug of Orthosiphon stamineus extract (C5OSEW5050ESA) as a complementary therapy to overcome gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells

Yehya AHS, Asif M, Abdul Majid AMS, Oon CE

J Tradit Complement Med, 2023 Jan;13(1):39-50.
PMID: 36685076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.10.002

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gemcitabine remains the cornerstone of pancreatic cancer treatment, despite exhibiting a modest effect on patient survival due to the development of drug resistance. Nuvastatic™ polymolecular botanical drug Orthosiphon stamineus (O. stamineus) is a folklore Asian herbal medicine that is used for the treatment of a variety of ailments. However, little is known about the mechanism of actions of the Nuvastatic™ polymolecular botanical drug of O. stamineus as a complementary therapy in resistant pancreatic cancer. It is postulated that the proprietary O. stamineus extract formulation (ID: C5EOSEW5050ESA) in Nuvastatic™ may sensitise resistant pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. This study was conducted to assess the cytotoxic activity and synergistic effects of C5EOSEW5050ESA in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: The effects of C5EOSEW5050ESA treatment on cell viability, multidrug-resistant genes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cellular senescence, cell death, and Notch signalling pathway were evaluated in gemcitabine-resistant Panc-1 cells.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: C5EOSEW5050ESA sensitised gemcitabine resistant cells towards C5EOSEW5050ESA-gemcitabine combination treatment by reducing the expression of multidrug-resistant genes and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in gemcitabine-resistant cells compared to the control group, possibly through the inhibition of Notch signalling. This study provides valuable insight into using C5EOSEW5050ESA as a potential complementary treatment for resistant pancreatic cancer.
Fulltext Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach

Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW

J Tradit Complement Med, 2017 Jul;7(3):327-331.
PMID: 28725628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.008

INTRODUCTION: Reflexology is the systematic practice of applying some pressure to particular points on the feet and hands to impact on health of related parts of the body.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the practitioners' perspectives of reflexology in Malaysia.
METHODS: Data was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews with practitioners in Malaysia. The interviews were conducted in the Malay language and recorded. Interview conversations were translated and transcribed verbatim. Responses relating to different themes were identified in each of the interviews and a coding frame was developed. For each theme, the relevant data enabled a description of the range of views and experiences. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently and recruitment was stopped when saturation had been reached. All respondents gave written consent for their participation.
RESULTS: The findings show that reflexology treatment nowadays has been accepted as one of the ways to maintain general health. Practitioners believe that reflexology is able to detect some problems in to the body, which can make patients aware of a health condition and seek further treatment. However, if reflexology is not performed correctly, it may cause negative effects such as pain and bruises. Some practitioners voiced concern that illegal activities are taking place in unethical reflexology centers.
CONCLUSIONS: Empowering the practitioner as a professional would help gain the public's trust and confidence in their treatment. Strict enforcement of regulation related to illegal conduct in reflexology centers will improve people's perception of the practice.
Fulltext Pattern of complementary and alternative medicine use among Malaysian stroke survivors: A hospital-based prospective study

Kadir AA, Hamid AH, Mohammad M

J Tradit Complement Med, 2015 Jul;5(3):157-60.
PMID: 26151028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.010

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM; bǔ chōng yǔ tì dài yī xué) is widely practiced among stroke patients globally. We conducted a study to determine the pattern of CAM use and its associated factors in stroke survivors attending a tertiary hospital in Malaysia within 6 months after the stroke. This was a prospective cohort study that included all stroke patients who were admitted to a tertiary center in Malaysia from December 2009 to December 2010. Patients were interviewed and examined within 72 hours of admission. The sociodemographic data and medical history were collected. Clinical examinations were done to assess the stroke severity using the Scandinavian Stroke Scale and functional status based on modified Barthel index (MBI). Patients were reassessed at 6 months after the stroke on the CAM use and functional status (MBI). The response rate was 92%. The study population consisted of 52 men and 41 women with a mean age of 63.7 ± 10.3 years. Sixty-seven percent practiced CAM. Massage was the most frequently used method (63.4%), followed by vitamins (7.5%). In multiple logistic regression analysis, functional status (MBI score) on discharge (p = 0.004, odds ratio 1.034, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.06) and Scandinavian Stroke Scale score (p = 0.045, odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.43) were significant predictors for use of CAM. In conclusion, the use of CAM among stroke survivors is high. Patients who have better functional status on discharge and less severe stroke are more likely to use CAM.
Fulltext Neuronal health - can culinary and medicinal mushrooms help?

Sabaratnam V, Kah-Hui W, Naidu M, Rosie David P

J Tradit Complement Med, 2013 Jan;3(1):62-8.
PMID: 24716157 DOI: 10.4103/2225-4110.106549

Hericium erinaceus a culinary and medicinal mushroom is a well established candidate for brain and nerve health. Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa and Sarcodon scabrosus have been reported to have neurite outgrowth and neuronal health benefits. The number of mushrooms, however, studied for neurohealth activity are few compared to the more than 2 000 species of edible and / or medicinal mushrooms identified. In the on-going search for other potent culinary and / or medicinal mushrooms, indigenous mushrooms used in traditional medicines such as Lignosus rhinocerotis and Ganoderma neo-japonicum are also being investigated. Further, the edible mushroom, Pleurotus giganteus can be a potential candidate, too. Can these edible and medicinal mushrooms be tapped to tackle the health concerns of the aging population which is projected to be more than 80-90 million of people age 65 and above in 2050 who may be affected by age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Scientific validation is needed if these mushrooms are to be considered and this can be achieved by understanding the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the stimulation of neurite outgrowth. Though it is difficult to extrapolate the in vitro studies to what may happen in the human brain, studies have shown that there can be improvement in cognitive abilities of the aged if the mushroom is incorporated in their daily diets.
Menhaden fish oil attenuates postpartum depression in rat model via inhibition of NLRP3-inflammasome driven inflammatory pathway

Abdul Aziz NU, Chiroma SM, Mohd Moklas MA, Adenan MI, Ismail A, Basir R, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2021 Sep;11(5):419-426.
PMID: 34522636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.02.007

Background and aim: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a familiar problem which is associated with about 10-20% of women after child delivery. Fish oil (FO) has a therapeutic potentials to many diseases including mood disorders. However, there is paucity of data on the effects of FO supplementation on PPD rat model. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the potentials of FO in ameliorating depressive-like behaviors in PPD rat by evaluating the involvement of NLRP3-inflammasome.
Experimental procedure: Thirty six virgin adult female rats (n = 6) were randomly divided into six groups; Group 1-3 were normal control (NC), Sham (SHAM) and ovariectomized group (OVX) respectively whereas group 4-6 were PPD rats forced-fed once daily with distilled water (PPD), fish oil (PPD + FO; 9 g/kg) and Fluoxetine (PPD + FLX; 15 mg/kg) respectively from postpartum day 1 and continued for 10 consecutive days. Rats behaviors were evaluated on postpartum day 10 through open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST), followed by biochemical analysis of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins pathway in their brain and determination of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
Results: PPD-induced rats exhibited high immobility and low swimming time in FST with increased inflammatory status; NLR, IL-1β and NFкB/NLRP3/caspase-1 activity in their hippocampus. However, administration of FO or fluoxetine reversed the aforementioned abnormalities.
Conclusion: In conclusion, 10 days supplementation with FO ameliorated the depressive-like behaviors in PPD rats by targeting the NFкB/NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β activity. This has shed light on the potential of NLRP3 as a therapeutic target in treatment of PPD in rats.
Fulltext Improvement of spatial learning and memory, cortical gyrification patterns and brain oxidative stress markers in diabetic rats treated with Ficus deltoidea leaf extract and vitexin

Nurdiana S, Goh YM, Hafandi A, Dom SM, Nur Syimal'ain A, Noor Syaffinaz NM, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2018 Jan;8(1):190-202.
PMID: 29322009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.05.006

Despite the fact that Ficus deltoidea and vitexin played important roles in controlling hyperglycemia, an effective mitigation strategy dealing with cognitive deficit observed in diabetes, little is known about its neuroprotective effects. The study is aimed to determine changes in behavioral, gyrification patterns and brain oxidative stress markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats following F. deltoidea and vitexin treatments. Diabetic rats were treated orally with metformin, methanolic extract of F. deltoidea leaves and vitexin for eight weeks. Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed to evaluate learning and memory functions. The patterns of cortical gyrification were subsequently visualized using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Quantification of brain oxidative stress biomarkers, insulin, amylin as well as serum testosterone were measured using a spectrophotometer. The brain fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography (GC). Biochemical variation in brain was estimated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results showed that oral administration of F. deltoidea extract and vitexin to diabetic rats attenuated learning and memory impairment, along with several clusters of improved gyrification. Both treatments also caused a significant increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) values, as well as a significant reduction of TBARS. Strikingly, improvement of cortical gyrification, spatial learning and memory are supported by serum testosterone levels, fatty acid composition of brain and FT-IR spectra.
Fulltext Goat milk enhances memory of d-galactose-induced aging rats

Safdar A, Azman KF, Zakaria R, Ab Aziz CB, Rashid U

J Tradit Complement Med, 2021 Mar;11(2):117-122.
PMID: 33728271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.005

Background and aim: Goat milk is a food of high nutritional value and has been proved to possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, thus far, little is known of its possible effects on brain especially on memory during aging. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of goat milk supplementation on memory in d-galactose-induced aging rat model.
Experimental procedure: Fifty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control group, 2) goat milk treated group, 3) d-galactose treated group, and 4) goat milk plus d-galactose treated group. Goat milk (1 g/kg orally) and/or d-galactose (120 mg/kg subcutaneously) were administered continuously for six weeks preceded and followed by novel object recognition and T-maze test.
Results and conclusion: Prior to goat milk and d-galactose administration, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in memory between all groups. Goat milk administration alone significantly increased short- and long-term memory (p
Gelam honey attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mice model of allergic asthma

Shamshuddin NSS, Mohd Zohdi R

J Tradit Complement Med, 2018 Jan;8(1):39-45.
PMID: 29321987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.009

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pulmonary airways. Gelam honey has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory property with great potential to treat an inflammatory condition. However, the effect of ingestion of Gelam honey on allergic asthma has never been studied. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Gelam honey on the histopathological changes in the lungs of a mice model of allergic asthma. Forty-two Balb/c mice were divided into seven groups: control, I, II, III, IV, V and VI group. All groups except the control were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Mice in groups I, II, III, IV, and V were given honey at a dose of 10% (v/v), 40% (v/v) and 80% (v/v), dexamethasone 3 mg/kg, and phosphate buffered saline (vehicle) respectively, orally once a day for 5 days of the challenged period. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the last OVA challenged and the lungs were evaluated for histopathological changes by light microscopy. All histopathological parameters such as epithelium thickness, the number of mast cell and mucus expression in Group III significantly improved when compared to Group VI except for subepithelial smooth muscle thickness (p
Fulltext Exploration of the anticandidal mechanism of Cassia spectabilis in debilitating candidiasis

Torey A, Vijayarathna S, Jothy SL, Gothai S, Chen Y, Latha LY, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2016 Jan;6(1):97-104.
PMID: 26870686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.017

Candida albicans has become resistant to the commercially available, toxic, and expensive anti-Candida agents that are on the market. These factors force the search for new antifungal agents from natural resources. Cassia spectabilis had been traditionally employed by healers for many generations. The possible mechanisms of the C. spectabilis leaf extract were determined by potassium leakage study and the effect of the extract on the constituents of the cell wall and enzymes as well as the morphological changes on C. albicans cells were studied along with cytotoxicity assays. The cytotoxicity result indicated that the extract is nontoxic as was clearly substantiated by a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 59.10 μg/mL. The treated cells (C. spectabilis extract) demonstrated potassium leakage of 1039 parts per million (ppm) compared to Amphotericin B (AmpB)-treated cells with a released potassium value of 1115 ppm. The effects of the extract on the cell wall proteins illustrated that there were three major types of variations in the expression of treated cell wall proteins: the presence of new proteins, the absence of proteins, and the amount of expressed protein. The activities of two enzymes, α-glucosidase and proteinase, were determined to be significantly high, thereby not fully coinciding with the properties of the antifungal reaction triggered by C. spectabilis. The morphology of C. albicans cells treated with the C. spectabilis extract showed that the cells had abnormalities and were damaged or detached within the microcolonies. Our study verifies C. spectabilis leaf extract as an effective anti-C. albicans agent.
Fulltext Erratum: Retraction notice to "Goat milk enhances memory of d-galactose-induced aging rats" [J Tradit Complement Med 11 (2021) 117-122]

Safdar A, Azman KF, Zakaria R, Ab Aziz CB, Rashid U

J Tradit Complement Med, 2021 Jul;11(4):381.
PMID: 34195033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.06.003

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.005.].
Fulltext Effectiveness of two different herbal toothpaste formulations in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in patients with established gingivitis - A randomized controlled trial

Hosadurga R, Boloor VA, Rao SN, MeghRani N

J Tradit Complement Med, 2018 Jan;8(1):113-119.
PMID: 29321998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.04.005

Background: Plant based toothpastes have received great attention in reducing gingival inflammation. Studies show contrasting results regarding the effectiveness of these toothpastes. In the present study, the effectiveness of two herbal tooth paste formulations in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation was assessed. Nicotine content in the toothpastes was assessed using GCMS.
Material and methods: 50 patients with established gingivitis were included in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the test (Parodontax®) or the control (Colgate® herbal) group. There were 5 drop outs in the study in the control group after baseline examination. No prophylaxis was undertaken prior to commencement of the study, and no attempt was made to modify the participant's oral hygiene habits. A brief case history was recorded at baseline. The Turesky (1970) modification of the Quigley, Hein (1962) Plaque index (PI), the Loe and Silness (1963) Gingival Index (GI). Unstimulated salivary samples were collected at baseline and 30th day and the pH was measured using a salivary pH meter (CL-51B; Systronics New Delhi, India).Comparisons (intergroup and intragroup) were analysed by the t-test. Groups were also compared regarding age by means of t test, and association between group and sex was verified by means of the chi-square test. All statistical tests employed a level of significance of α = 0.05. There were reports of presence of nicotine and its derivatives in herbal toothpaste after the study was nearing completion. Hence we assessed for the presence of nicotine in both the toothpaste using the methods described by Aggarwal et al.24.
Results: When the two groups (test and control groups) were evaluated, after 30 days, the test group presented an average 21.08% reduction in plaque and the control group showed 31.85% reduction in plaque scores. The mean reduction in gingival index (GI) scores was 25.92% and 19.14% in the test and control groups respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in GI, PI and salivary pH levels. There was no evidence of nicotine or related compounds in both the tooth paste.
Conclusion: Both herbal based dentifrices reduce plaque levels and gingival inflammation. But, it did not alter the pH of the saliva. However, there were no additional benefits of the Parodontax® toothpaste over Colgate® Herbal toothpaste. There was no evidence of nicotine or related compounds in both herbal toothpaste.
Fulltext Dual actions of gallic acid and andrographolide trigger AdipoR1 to stimulate insulin secretion in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model

Wong TS, Mohamed Tap F, Hashim Z, Abdul Majid FA, Zakaria NH, Siahaan P, et al.

J Tradit Complement Med, 2023 Jan;13(1):11-19.
PMID: 36685073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.09.002

Common treatments for the management of diabetes have limitations due to side effects, hence the need for continuous research to discover new remedies with better therapeutic efficacy. Previously, we have reported that the combination treatment of gallic acid (20 mg/kg) and andrographolide (10 mg/kg) for 15 days demonstrated synergistic hypoglycemic activity in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin-deficient diabetes rat model. Here, we attempt to further elucidate the effect of this combination therapy at the biochemical, histological and molecular levels. Our biochemical analyses showed that the combination treatment significantly increased the serum insulin level and decreased the total cholesterol and triglyceride level of the diabetic animals. Histological examinations of H&E stained pancreas, liver, kidney and adipose tissues of combination-treated diabetic animals showed restoration to the normalcy of the tissues. Besides, the combination treatment significantly enhanced the level of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) protein expression in the skeletal muscle of treated diabetic animals compared to single compound treated and untreated diabetic animals. The molecular docking analysis on the interaction of gallic acid and/or andrographolide with the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), a key component in the regulation of pancreatic insulin secretion, revealed a greater binding affinity of AdipoR1 to both compounds compared to individual compounds. Taken together, these findings suggest the combination of gallic acid and andrographolide as a potent therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus.

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