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Fulltext Ethnomedicine in Sabah: past trends and future perspectives

David Matanjun, Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, Freddie Robinson, Falah Abbas Mohamed Salih, Md Shamsur Rahman, Naing Oo Tha

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):82-82.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The objective of this presentation is to carry out a review of the historical status and possible future outlook of the practice of ethnomedicine in the State of Sabah. As in many parts of the world, there are many types of traditional medicines that have been used for hundreds of years among the various native cultural groups in Sabah. Methods: A literature survey was conducted with the aid of online database, and text books using keywords such as the current as well as previous names of Sabah and various related terminology such as ethnomedicine, CAM, complementary and alternative medicine, TCM, traditional and complementary medicine, herbalism, reflexology, spiritualism, ethnobiology ethnology, ethnoanthropology, biological activities, ethnobotanical uses, medicinal prop-erties, toxicity studies, etc. The status of ethnomedicine in Sabah is largely unknown. Results: Based on a review of previous literature, the study discovered that there is limited empirical documentation on the use of ethnomedicine in Sabah. In this preliminary review, a total number of 25 publications were recorded in the databases for the period up to 2019. There is still a need to realise the full potential of the biocultural diversity of Sabah, and that there is a strong need to focus more on socially relevant research. Ethnomedicine in Sabah consists mainly of herbalism, ma-nipulative practices and spiritualism. Plants can be said to be the central player in race-based traditional medicine. While data on ethnomedicine may be based on original field research, several are primarily derivative, drawing as they do from earlier published accounts and, importantly, anecdotes. Traditional massage and other manipula-tive-practices, based on manipulation and movement of body parts, are also popular because of their simplicity and apparent immediate relief that can be experienced by the patient or client. Spiritualism, which may be considered as a peculiar dimension of the mind-body medicine subset of traditional medicine, continues to have its adherents among the natives of Sabah. Conclusion: List and catalogs and sociological and ethnohistorical data were the fa-voured perspective of research in the past; but future evolution of ethnomedical studies need to address some of the debates related to biological, medical and social sciences . Future research should include systematic inves-tigation into efficacy and risk besides the possible incorporation of some parts of ethnomedicine into the existing healthcare services. Ethnomedicine occupies a distinct place in healthcare in the world in general, and Sabah in particular.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Mitragyna speciosa methanol extract (MSME) exhibits potential anti-oxidative property and inhibitory activity on tumour growth stimulating cytokines in SW480 colorectal cancer cell lines

Nur Fatin Zalikha Zailan, Uswatun Hasanah Zaidan, Hasni Mahayidin, Masriana Hassan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(108):35-35.
MyJurnal

Introduction:Alternative treatment for cancer from herbal medicine has gained interest due to its benefits on im-mune modulation, improving the survival and quality of life. Mitragyna speciosa (M. speciosa) or Kratom is an indig-enous plant that can be found in Thailand and northern part of Peninsular Malaysia has becomes popular in recent years due to its ability to exhibit the opioid-like effects of analgesia. Mitragynine is the main alkaloid in M. speciosa which is found to reduce gastrointestinal motility and has been used by local communities as traditional treatment for diarrhoea and many other diseases. However, there is lack of scientific evidence to show that M. speciosa has anti-oxidative and anti-cancer properties especially in colorectal cancer. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the anti-oxidative properties of M. Speciosa methanolic extract (MSME) and its effects on colorectal cancer cell line, SW480. Methods: The anti-oxidant content and scavenging activity of MSME were determined by total phenolic content (TPC) assay and total flavonoid content (TFC) assay as well as 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sul-phonic acid) (ABTS) assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay respectively. Cytotoxicity and cytokine inhibitory effects of MSME on SW480 cells were determined by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxy-phenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS) and cytokine beads array (CBA), respectively. Results: The TPC of MSME (0.1mg/ml = 85.85 ± 8.25 mg GAE/g extract; 1mg/ml = 167.43 ± 13.50 mg GAE/g extract; 10mg/ml = 408.94 ±7.17 mg GAE/g extract) was lower than pterostilbene, the positive control drug (76.37 ± 2.75; 230.52 ± 10.92; 835.44 ± 6.84 mg GAE/g extract). Conversely, the TFC of MSME (0.1mg/ml = 32.17 ± 27.92 mg QE/g extract; 1mg/ml = 347.72 ± 15.97 mg QE /g extract; 10mg/ml = 739.81 ± 5.56 mg QE /g extract) was slightly higher than pteros-tilbene (ND; 212.73 ± 17.92; 700.50 ± 3.47 mg QE/g extract). In DPPH assay, MSME showed comparatively similar antioxidant scavenging activity (IC50=4.34μg/ml) with pterostilbene (IC50=4.393μg/ml). However, MSME showed lower anti-oxidant scavenging activity (IC50=4.26μg/ml) than pterostilbene (IC50=1.556μg/ml) as measured by ABTS assay. In cytotoxicity assay, IC50 of MSME on SW480 cells was determined to be at 1.486 mg/ml. Overexpression of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8 (CXCR8) and IL-10 could potentially promote tumour cell proliferation, growth and metastasis. Increased production of these cytokines through LPS stimulation in SW480 was slightly reduced by treat-ment with MSME. Conclusion: MSME could have a potential bioactive compound that possesses anti-oxidative and anti-cancer properties that would be beneficial as an alternative treatment of colorectal cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Consumption of Manjakani among postpartum mothers and risk of heavy metal contamination

Normina Ahmad Bustami, Yu Bin Ho, Chung Keat Tan, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):75-82.
MyJurnal

Introduction: In Malaysia, herbal medicines are used for variety of reasons including health promotion and home remedies during pregnancy and postpartum with Manjakani (Quercus infectoria) as one of the most commonly consumed herbs. Herbal medicines consumption had been linked to heavy metals contamination and transfer from mother to infant and may affect infant’s growth and development. This study aims to (i) determine Manjakani consumption among postpartum mothers, (ii) quantify its heavy metals level, namely lead, cadmium, arsenic and chromium, and (iii) determine health risk associated with its consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 106 postpartum mothers was carried out in Kuala Lumpur. Six samples of Manjakani were sampled and extracted using microwave digester and analysed using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Non-carcinogenic health risks for herbal medicine consumption were calculated using Hazard Quotient (HQ). Results: Manjakani was consumed by 16% of mothers (n=17). Highest level of the metals was shown by chromium with mean concentration of 4210 ± 1910 ug/kg, followed by lead (170.8 ± 193.2), arsenic (39.3 ± 27.1) and cadmium (7.7 ± 0.76). There were no significant non-carcinogenic health risks with lead, arsenic, chromium and cadmium contamination (HQ < 1). Conclusion: Manjakani is consumed by mothers during confinement period. Heavy metals were quantified in Manjakani although no significant association was observed with socio-demographic characteristics and birth outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Heavy metals in Danggui (Angelica sinensis) consumed by postpartum mothers and its health risk

Normina Ahmad Bustami, Yu Bin Ho, Chung Keat Tan, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Eugenie Sin Sing Tan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):113-117.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Consumption of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHMs) have escalated globally. They are preferred treat- ment for minor diseases or disorders. In Malaysia, CHMs are common home remedies during pregnancy and postpar- tum. Angelica sinensis (Danggui) is a staple CHMs during postpartum for purpose of nourishing blood and resolving stasis. Concerns are raised over possible heavy metals toxicity. Objective: This study aims to (i) determine Danggui consumption among postpartum mothers, (ii) quantify its heavy metals level, namely Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Ar- senic (As) and Chromium (Cr) and (iii) determine health risks of Danggui consumption among mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 112 postpartum mothers was carried out in Kuala Lumpur. Danggui samples were collected from nine districts in Kuala Lumpur (Segambut, Seputeh, Cheras, Kepong, Bandar Tun Razak, Titiwangsa, Setiawangsa, Batu and Lembah Pantai). Heavy metals were extracted using microwave digester and analysed using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Hazard Quotient (HQ) was used to determine non-carcino- genic health risks for herbal medicine consumption. Results: Danggui was consumed by 19.6% of mothers (n=22). Among them, incidence of jaundice was 63.6% and need for phototherapy was 40.9%. Heavy metals contamina- tions were found in the decreasing order of Cr > As > Pb > Cd with median (interquartile) of 3996.3 (2805.6) μg/ kg, 128.3 (56.7), 98.6 (99.1) and 37.0 (35.0) respectively. No non-carcinogenic health risks were found for all four metals. Conclusion: Alarming concentrations of heavy metals were quantified in Danggui warranting for further in- vestigation to safeguard health of postpartum mothers.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Involvement of liver in diabetes mellitus: herbal remedies

Thent ZC, Das S

Clin Ter, 2014;165(4):223-30.
PMID: 25203338 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2014.1738

Liver disease is considered as one of the major complications in oxidative stress disorders like diabetes mellitus (DM). DM presents with deterioration in carbohydrate metabolism which is characterized with chronic hyperglycemia. The organ which involves in glucose or carbohydrate metabolism and is most likely to be affected is the liver. Deterioration in liver architecture and metabolism in DM, are considered as common findings. In the present review both biochemical and histological changes occurring in diabetic liver are conferred in detail. To counteract the oxidative stress disorders and its untoward complications, antioxidant or herbs have emerged as alternative medicine. The present review focuses on several herbs with antioxidant properties towards diabetic liver disease such as Liquorice, Pelargonium gravenolens, Momordica charantia, Propolis from bee hives, Dihar, Curcuma Longa, Tinospora cordifolia, Kangen-karyu, Parsley, Chard, Green tea Catechins and Piper sarmentosum (P.s). The herbs or the compounds present in herbs have potential to improve the liver metabolism and maintain the integrity of liver tissue in DM. The review also opens the door for effective use of herbal products for complications involved in the diabetic liver disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext The scientific values of Malaysian herbal products

Ibrahim Jantan

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2006;4(1):59-70.
MyJurnal

This paper attempts to examine the real values of Malaysian herbal products in the aspects of quality, safety and efficacy as curing agents. In so doing it will also determine the driving force behind the intense public interest for herbal medicine as alternative or complementary to conventional medicine. Most herbal products in the Malaysian market are not sufficiently provided with information on their ingredients, indications, dosage, pharmacology, contraindications and possible side-effects. Most published information on the products on evidence of safety and efficacy is not supported with scientific evidence. The present practice of traditional medicine still depend heavily on information obtained through ethnopharmacological experiences. However, the herbal product market is experiencing a tremendous growth and there is an increased trend of incorporating herbal therapy into modern medical practice by many mainstream health professionals. Unfortunately, the popularity of herbal products is more associated with consumer attitudes and the ability of the herbalists to influence rather than their true quality as medicinal agents. Many people are exploited due to ignorance on the real value of herbals as therapeutic agents. It is especially disappointing when popular media, promotional literature and talk shows by individuals promoting quackery are given much publicity. Even worse, many individuals trained in the health sciences are promoting quackery. This has often left the consumers with the perception that the authority condones the improper use of herbal products. Thus, it is important for pharmacists and physicians to be trained in traditional herbal medicine so that they can educate the public on the benefits, quality, safety and proper use of herbal products.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Medicinal plant research in Malaysia: scientific interests and advances

Ibrahim Jantan

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2004;2(2):27-46.
MyJurnal

This paper outlines the past five decades of scientific interests and advances in medicinal plant research in Malaysia. Initially the prime interest of research programmes has been on phytochemical studies leading to the discovery of biologically active compounds as chemical templates to produce new drug candidates. As the Malaysian herbal medicine market experiences an extraordinary growth, the research approaches taken have recently included activities to develop herbal medicines into quality, efficacious and safe products for human consumption. Advances in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have had a tremendous impact on the isolation and structure elucidation of the constituents of medicinal plants. The development of a series of bioassay methodologies and utilization of bioassay-guided isolation techniques have contributed significantly to the progress of medicinal plant research in Malaysia. Research work on some medicinal plants carried out by the local scientists will be illustrated as examples.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Medicines Availability among Hypertensive Patients in Primary Health Care Facilities in a Rural Province in South Africa: Findings and Implications

Rampamba EM, Meyer JC, Helberg E, Godman B

J Res Pharm Pract, 2021 01 11;9(4):181-185.
PMID: 33912500 DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.JRPP_20_49

Objective: Controlling blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients is a challenge, with the lack of antihypertensive medicines negatively impacting on BP control. Consequently, we assessed the availability of prescribed antihypertensives among patients with chronic hypertension attending primary health care (PHC) facilities in a rural province of South Africa and explored any association between medicines availability, the number of prescribed antihypertensive medicines and BP control.
Methods: Secondary data that included patients' demographics, BP, and data on medicines availability of the intervention group from a 3 months' operational study conducted in rural PHC facilities in South Africa were analyzed. The association between medicines availability, the number of antihypertensive medicines, and BP control was explored.
Findings: Fifty-five African patients (89.1% females) with a mean age of 61.3 years were included. Two-thirds (67.2%) received all their medicines during their monthly visits, 25.5% received some, and for 7.3%, there was no record of whether medicines were dispensed or not. Patients with controlled BP (60.0%) were more likely to have been prescribed only one antihypertensive medicine compared to patients with uncontrolled BP (20.7%) (P = 0.017; odds ratio: 5.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.46, 22.61).
Conclusion: It is concerning that one-third of patients went home without all of their antihypertensive medicines from PHC facilities in this Province of South Africa where there is evidence of use of herbal medicines and uncontrolled BP contributing to high morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Additional studies are needed to fully explore the association between medicines availability, their use, and BP control among patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Knowledge of the Use of Herbal Medicines among Community Pharmacists and Reporting Their Adverse Drug Reactions

Tahir M, Upadhyay DK, Iqbal MZ, Rajan S, Iqbal MS, Albassam AA

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 10 08;12(4):436-443.
PMID: 33679090 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_263_20

Introduction: Community pharmacist's knowledge about the uses of herbal medicines and its adverse drug reactions reporting can contribute in better therapeutic outcomes and patient safety. Objectives: To evaluate community pharmacists' knowledge about the use of herbal medicines and its adverse drug reactions reporting in Kedah state, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 103 pharmacists from 74 different community pharmacies to assess their knowledge about the use of herbal medicines and its adverse drug reaction reporting by using a pre-validate knowledge questionnaire consisting of 12 questions related to it. The pharmacists' responses were measured at a 3-point Likert scale (Poor=1, Moderate=2, and Good=3) and data was entered in SPSS version 22. The minimum and maximum possible scores for knowledge questionnaires were 12 and 36 respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed by using One Way ANOVA and Paired t-test whereas Chi-square and Fisher exact test were used for qualitative data analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all the analyses.
Results: About 92% of the pharmacist had good knowledge regarding the use of herbal medicines and its adverse drug reaction reporting with a mean knowledge score of 32.88±3.16. One-way ANOVA determined a significant difference of employment setting (p<0.043) and years of experience (<0.008) with mean knowledge scores of Pharmacists. Pharmacists' knowledge was significantly associated with their years of experience with the Chi-square test.
Conclusion: Pharmacists exhibit good knowledge regarding the use of herbal medicines and its adverse drug reaction reporting. However, with an increasing trend of herbal medicine use and its adverse drug reaction reporting it recalls the empowerment of experienced pharmacists with training programs in this area for better clinical outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext The Current Studies of Education for a Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Malaysia

Kim YJ

J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med, 2017 Oct;22(4):531-537.
PMID: 28853309 DOI: 10.1177/2156587217726882

The aim of this study is to understand the current tradition and complementary medicine (T&CM) education in Malaysia. We referred to literature regarding to traditional medicine education in Malaysia, and collected the information via website or interview with faculty of T&CM in universities/colleges and Division of T&CM, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. T&CM education in Malaysia has been following China's T&CM systems for 50 years. Currently, Division of T&CM, Ministry of Health; and Ministry of Higher Education has approved 11 institutions to offer T&CM education. Students may major in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, or other T&CM subjects. Generally, clinical training programs in China, Taiwan, or Australia include substantial proportion of clinical training. We report on the general information of T&CM education in Malaysia. This result would be the first-stage information for the establishment of a strategy regarding the enhancement of T&CM education in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in a Non-urban Malaysian Population

Teow YEE, Ng SC, Azmi AHM, Hamzah MR, Kaur J, Mathiarasu DS, et al.

J Community Health, 2021 06;46(3):515-521.
PMID: 32710232 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00891-z

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have been an integral part of Malaysia culture for many centuries. In recent years influences from other parts of the world have gained a foot-hold in Malaysian popular culture. We investigated the engagement with CAM in a non-urban, Malaysian population. We investigated the association of CAM use with cultural influence, perceived health status, gender and age. We recruited 700 adult participants to this study across three sites in central Malaysia. We found massage, Vitamin supplements, Herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to be the most popular CAM modalities with participation at 67.7%, 55.7%, 55.5% and 26.3% respectively. CAM use was equally high at 67% among those people who claimed a predominantly Malay or Chinese cultural influence. The use of vitamins and participation in yoga were at higher prevalence among female participants compared to males. There was no gender difference for other CAM modalities. There were differences between age groups for most CAM modalities, and those over 50 years tended to be the highest frequency users for most modalities. There is a high rate of CAM use in non-urban Malaysia with younger people being more engaged with less traditional modalities such as aromatherapy, yoga and music therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines: predictors of recommendation by physicians

Aziz Z

J Clin Pharm Ther, 2004 Jun;29(3):241-6.
PMID: 15153085

We hypothesized that as the use of herbal medicines increases in the general population, so do patients' requests to physicians for recommendations. However, why some physicians recommend herbal medicines while others do not is not well understood.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine/trends*
Fulltext Indigenous maternity care-giving practice: implications for maternal, foetal and neonatal health in Northern Ghana

Bassoumah, B., Adam, M.A.

JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):32-38.
MyJurnal

The study aimed at government efforts in making maternal and child healthcare services more available to
rural women, many of whom who still seek care from traditional practitioners during the postpartum period
after childbirth. In this research, we explored the role of traditional practitioners, such as Traditional Birth
Attendants (TBAs), herbalists and spiritualists, in traditional maternity care and the implications for the health
of the expectant mother, foetus or baby. This qualitative inquiry used purposive sampling and snowballing to
select the respondents in their various localities. It was observed that the traditional practitioners performed
both spiritual and medical roles during pregnancy and childbirth.
In the study, we discovered that both mothers and babies were exposed to health risks, as administration
of the herbal medicines and assistance at deliveries were carried out under unhygienic conditions. The
techniques used in labour management were not in compliance with the recommendations of the World
Health Organisation. The stages of maternity were characterised with the application of herbal concoctions
with spirituality attached.
The study recommends re-examination of mediating socio-cultural factors to professional health care. There
is a need for the Ghana Health Service to ensure the efficacy and safety of herbal drugs as well as to monitor
the production and application of such medicines.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Inhibitory effect of allicin and garlic extracts on growth of cultured hyphae

Aala F, Yusuf UK, Nulit R, Rezaie S

Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2014 Mar;17(3):150-4.
PMID: 24847416

Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) is one of the most common dermatophytes worldwide. This fungus invaded skin appendages of humans and animals. Recently, resistance to antifungal drugs as well as appearance of side effects due to indication of these kinds of antibiotics has been reported. Besides, using some plant extracts have been indicated in herbal medicine as an alternative treatment of these fungal infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Garlic (Allium sativum) and pure allicin on the growth of hypha in T. rubrum using Electron miscroscopy.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Evaluation of mercury contamination in Smilax myosotiflora herbal preparations

Ang HH, Lee KL

Int J Toxicol, 2007 Sep-Oct;26(5):433-9.
PMID: 17963130 DOI: 10.1080/10915810701583036

The DCA (Drug Control Authority) of Malaysia implemented phase 3 registration of traditional medicines in January 1992 with special emphasis on the quality, efficacy, and safety of all dosage forms of these medicines. For this reason, a total of 100 herbal products containing Smilax myosotiflora were purchased in the Malaysian market and analyzed for mercury content, as mercury is a recognized reproductive toxicant. The products were analyzed using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was found that 89% of the above products do not exceed 0.5 ppm of mercury. Heavy metal poisoning such as mercury has been associated with traditional medicines. Therefore, it is important that doctors and health care practitioners are aware of these risks and finding ways to minimize them, including questions pertaining to the use of these remedies during the routine taking of a patient's history.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine/legislation & jurisprudence; Herbal Medicine/standards
Determination of mercury by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer in Tongkat Ali preparations obtained in Malaysia

Ang HH, Lee EL, Cheang HS

Int J Toxicol, 2004 Jan-Feb;23(1):65-71.
PMID: 15162849 DOI: 10.1080/10915810490269654

The DCA (Drug Control Authority), Malaysia, has implemented the phase 3 registration of traditional medicines on 1 January 1992, with special emphasis on the quality, efficacy, and safety (including the presence of heavy metals) in all pharmaceutical dosage forms of traditional medicine preparations. As such, a total of 100 products in various pharmaceutical dosage forms of a herbal preparation, containing Tongkat Ali, were analyzed for mercury content using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that 36% of the above products possessed 0.52 to 5.30 ppm of mercury and, therefore, do not comply with the quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia. Out of these 36 products, 5 products that possessed 1.05 to 4.41 ppm of mercury were in fact have already registered with the DCA, Malaysia. However, the rest of the products that contain 0.52 to 5.30 ppm of mercury still have not registered with the DCA, Malaysia. Although this study showed that only 64% of the products complied with the quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia pertaining to mercury, they cannot be assumed safe from mercury contamination because of batch-to-batch inconsistency.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine/legislation & jurisprudence; Herbal Medicine/standards*
Burden of stroke in the Philippines

Loo KW, Gan SH

Int J Stroke, 2013 Feb;8(2):131-4.
PMID: 22568853 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2012.00806.x

Based on disability-adjusted life-years, stroke is the second leading cause of death and among the top five diseases with the greatest burden. Although two community-based studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of stroke in the Philippines, the incidence has not been nationally recorded to date. The prevalence ranged from 1·9% to 6·59%, and 'Wiihabilitation', a rehabilitation stroke therapy, is widely practiced. A clinical trial for stroke rehabilitation using the Chinese Medicine NeuroAid®, which consists of several herbs, is ongoing in many hospitals across the Philippines. Due to their ready availability, phytomedicines are widely used, especially in the rural areas, for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia, which are predisposing factors for stroke in the Philippines. Due to the increasing number of stroke cases annually, the government of the Philippines should emphasize primary and secondary prevention strategies.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Determination of lead in Smilax myosotiflora herbal preparations obtained in Malaysia

Ang HH, Lee KL, Kiyoshi M

Int J Environ Health Res, 2004 Aug;14(4):261-72.
PMID: 15369991

The DCA (Drug Control Authority), Malaysia implemented the phase 3 registration of traditional medicines on 1 January 1992 with special emphasis on the quality, efficacy and safety (including the presence of heavy metals) in all pharmaceutical dosage forms of traditional medicinal preparations. As such, a total of 100 traditional medicinal preparations, containing Smilax myosotiflora, in various pharmaceutical dosage forms, which were bought in the Malaysian market, were analysed for lead content using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed that 15% of the products analysed possessed 10.23-23.05 ppm of lead, and therefore, do not comply with the quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia. The quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia is that they should not exceed 10 ppm of lead. Out of these 15 products, five products exhibited 10.23-23.05 ppm of lead, in fact they have already been registered with the DCA Malaysia. However, the rest of the products, which possessed 12.24-20.72 ppm of lead, have still not been registered with the DCA Malaysia. Although this study successfully showed that only 85% of the products complied with the quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia pertaining to lead, they cannot, however, be assumed to be safe from lead contamination because of batch-to-batch inconsistency.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine/standards
Fulltext Developing a Chinese Medicine programme in a western medical university

Zhou, Wenxin

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2012;6(10):0-0.
MyJurnal

Chinese medicine is one of the most famous traditional medicines in the world with a glorious and long written history of at least 2000 years. Recently, acupuncture and the use of other herbal medicine are being gradually accepted globally. In 2011,the International Medical University (IMU) started the Chinese Medicine programme which is the first of its kind in a western medicine university in Malaysia.The author introduced the background of Chinese medicine and the curriculum of the Chinese Medicine programme established in IMU, analyzed the situation regarding the quality of lectures given by internal and
external lecturers in this programme and also discussed on ways to integrate western and traditional medicine in IMU or in Malaysia. The launching of Chinese medicine in IMU is a great step in the development of IMU and also an important step in the development of medical education in Malaysia or even in South-east Asia.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine
Fulltext Anticancer activity of acetogenins from Annona muricata fruit

Daddiouaissa, Djabir, Azura Amid

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(3):103-112.
MyJurnal

Medicinal plants become very important in our days for their therapeutic benefits to humankind. It sustains human health, and it is commonly known as herbal medicines since ancient times. Annona muricata is a heart-shaped fruit that is consumed raw or as the fruit juice in the tropical area. A. muricata is used in traditional and alternative medicine to treat different ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and skin illness, inflammation and cancer. A. muricata contains essential anticancer agents named acetogenins that play the significant role in various cancer types. Acetogenins are strong nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase inhibitors of the cancer cell's mitochondrial membrane but showed neurotoxic effects in rats. Therefore, acetogenins need to be further investigated to determine the exact mechanisms of action, long-term safety, optimal dosage, and potential side effects. Given the extensive studies on A. muricata, this review focuses on the phytochemistry, medicinal uses, biological activities and the mechanisms of action for the fruit extracts and acetogenins, to stimulate further studies on the fruit pulp used for human consumption.

Matched MeSH terms: Herbal Medicine

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