bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PTEROCARPUS ANGOLENSIS CRUDE EXTRACTS INDUCE THE EXPRESSION OF COLLAGEN TYPE II IN ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN VITRO
Authors: Ssemakalu Cornelius Cano , Razwinani Mapula , Maepa Makwese Johannes , Motaung Keolebogile Shirley 
Published: May 2022

Background: Pterocarpus angolensis (P. angolensis) is a large deciduous tree native to Sub-Saharan Africa. This tree has
traditionally been used to treat malaria, gonorrhoea, inflammation and wounds. The use of P. angolensis for tissue
engineering has not been explored. This study investigated the potential of the bark and root water extracts of P. angolensis
to induce the expression of collagen type II protein in the articular chondrocytes.
Materials and Methods: Surface and middle zone chondrocytes, as well as explants, were stimulated with crude root and
bark plant extracts at different concentrations. After 96 hours of stimulation, microscopic observation, XCELLigence assay
and collagen type II ELISA, histology and immunohistochemistry assays were done.
Results and Conclusion: Results showed no significant difference in the cell index between the controls and chondrocytes
that had been treated with the plant extracts at concentrations of 15 and 30 μg/ml. A significant increase in the expression of
collagen type II protein by the chondrocytes was observed and found to be optimal at a concentration of 30 μg/ml. There was
an increase in the production of proteoglycans. However, the plant extracts at a concentration of 50 μg/ml induced apoptosis
in the middle zone chondrocytes. These results show the potential of P. angolensis extracts in chondrocyte tissue
regeneration. This potential could be exploited in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
ANTI-TUMOR EFFECTS OF EPHEDRINE AND ANISODAMINE ON SKBR3 HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELL LINE
Authors: Chen Dan , Ma Feng , Liu Xiao-hui , Cao Rui , Wu Xiong-Zhi 
Published: May 2022

Background: To investigate the effects of ephedrine and anisodamine on the proliferation of human breast cancer.
Materials and Methods: SKBR3 cell was treated with or without ephedrine and / or anisodamine, respectively. The trypan blue exclusion assay was
used to determine cell numbers. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The concentration of cAMP and cyclin D1
was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was used to measure PKA.
Results: Ephedrine and anisodamine inhibited cell proliferation and arrested SKBR3 cells at G0/G1 phases. Ephedrine and anisodamine increased the
level of CD1 in SKBR3 cells. Furthermore, significant change in intracellular cAMP concentration was found in SKBR3 cells treated with ephedrine
and anisodamine. The phosphorylation of PKA substrate was not activated after 48 hours of treatment with ephedrine and anisodamine.
Conclusion: Ephedrine and anisodamine inhibit the proliferation of SKBR3 cells via a significantly change of intracellular cAMP concentration.
FOLIAR MICROMORPHOLOGY OF LIPPIA JAVANICA (BURM.F) SPRENG
Authors: Asowata-Ayodele Abiola Mojisola , Afolayan Anthony Jide , Otunola Gloria Aderonke 
Published: May 2022

Background: Lippia javanica (Burm.F.) Spreng is an aromatic indigenous South African plant with culinary and medicinal values.
This study investigated the foliar morphology and elemental composition of the plant because not much data concerning the
anatomical and micro-morphological features can be found in literature
Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of the plant were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
elemental composition of the leaf was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Results: The leaves of L. javanica were amphitrichomic while the stomata distribution was amphistomatic. These stomata were
more or less randomly distributed over the epidermis lying almost close to each other and were fewer in number in between the veins
and over the finer veins. The major constituents of crystals found in the plant were Ca, Na, S, Al, P, Cl, K, Mg and Fe. The presence
of long glandular trichomes on the leaf surfaces of the plant could indicate secretory sites where secondary metabolites are produced.
Conclusion: Secretions from the glandular trichomes and the presence of these elements, which are vital in maintaining good health,
are probably responsible for the culinary and medicinal properties of L. javanica.
THE EFFECTS OF EXTRACTS OF ATRACTYLODES MACROCEPHALA KOIDZ COMBINED WITH TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL ACUPOINT STIMULATION IN TREATING THE OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS
Authors: Weng Qing , Cao Zhu-Feng , Yu Yan-Wen , Lv Xiang-Lin , Qu Fan , Zhou Jue 
Published: May 2022

Background: The present study was to explore the effects of the extracts of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (EAMK) combined
with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the ovariectomized female rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operation, model, livial
and EAMK+TEAS groups (n=10 in each group). After the individual treatments for 8 weeks ended, the serum levels of estradiol
(E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), osteocalcin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured with
commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: We found that in the sham-operation group, the serum E2 and osteocalcin levels were significantly higher, and the serum
levels of FSH, LH and IL-6 were markedly lower than those of other groups (P0.05), however, the serum FSH and IL-6 levels of
EAMK+TEAS group were significantly lower than those of the livial group (P
CURATIVE CARE THROUGH ADMINISTRATION OF PLANT-DERIVED MEDICINES IN SEKHUKHUNE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Rankoana Agnes Sejabaledi 
Published: May 2022

Background: Ajuga bracteosa and Viola odorata are frequently used by the native people of Swat-Pakistan for the curing of fever,
malaria, cough, urinary and stomach disorders with slightly different practice of usage like raw powdered, extracts, decoction etc.
Methods and Materials: Disc Diffusion Method was used for determination of antimicrobial activities of both plants. Nutrient Agar
Media was used for the culturing and growth of all microbial strains. Vitamin C and minerals contents were determined by standard
method of AOAC. Na and K were analyzed by using flame photometric technique. Micro minerals i.e. “Ni, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca, Pb,
and Mg” were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Total Soluble Solid (TSS) was determined by using abbe
refractometer and pH was determined by using pH meter.
Results: The present study demonstrates that both plants exhibited antibacterial activities against P. aeruginos, E. coli, S. typhi, B.
subtilis and S. aureus. The examined plants showed zone of inhibition for aqueous fraction (50.90, 45.90 %) against P. aeruginosa; for
EtOAc fraction (41.37, 57.62%) against C. Albicans and for hexane fraction (25.86, 40.57%) against K. pneumoniae, respectively. Total
of 14 different minerals (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd) were determined and it was also observed that both the
examined plants contained significant level of these analyzed minerals. The subject plants contained highest level of magnesium (295.75,
145.85 mg 100-1g) and calcium (212.49, 44.00 mg 100-1g) and potassium (152.6, 437.45 mg 100-1g) while moderate level P, Zn, Na and
lower amount of Cd, Ni, Mn and Cu using Atomic Absorption, Flame Photometry and spectrophotometric techniques. V. odorata was
found to contain a higher amount of vitamin C (64.05±12.37mg 100-1g) as compared to A. bracteosa (45.45 ± 7.29 mg 100-1 g).
Conclusion: Findings of this study can persuade researchers for future comprehensive phytochemical study of these plants using state of
art techniques and instruments, which include not only isolation of secondary metabolites from these plants but biological evaluation of
isolated compounds both in vivo and in vitro
EVALUATION OF ANTI-FATIGUE ACTIVITY OF FLAVONOIDS FROM TARTARY BUCKWHEAT IN MICE
Authors: Miao Fusheng , Wu Di , Ni Guichao 
Published: May 2022

Background: Flavonoids are the major biological activities components of tartary buckwheat which has multifunctional
bioactivities. However, there are a limited number of studies on the effect of flavonoids from tartary buckwheat (TBF) on physical
fatigue at present. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue activity of TBF in mice.
Materials and Methods: The mice were divided into four groups: control (C), low-dose TBF-treated (LFT), middle-dose
TBF-treated (MFT) and high-dose TBF-treated (HFT). The treated groups received TBF (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), while the control
group received physiological saline. After 28 days' treatment, the mice performed exhaustive running exercise on the treadmill, along
with the measure of exhaustive running times, blood lactic acid (BLA), serum urea nitrogen (SUN), serum creatine kinase (SCK),
liver glycogen, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT).
Results: TBF prolonged the exhaustive running time of the mice. It sub-served to remove the accumulated products of metabolism
by decreasing the levels of BLA and SUN. It ameliorated the muscle damage by decreasing the SCK levels. It improved the
metabolic control of exercise and activated the energy metabolism by increasing the liver glycogen contents, as well as improving
endogenous cellular antioxidant enzymes in mice by increasing the SOD, GPx and CAT activities.
Conclusion: TBF has significant anti‑fatigue activity.
EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Li Jing , Yang Jie , Wu Song , Wang Ming-Rui , Zhu Ji-Min 
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Materials and Methods: The literature were searched using 6 databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Chinese Biomedical
Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang database up to December 2013, without language
restrictions. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture treatment with non-acupuncture treatment of RA was
considered. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score.
Results: After strict screening, a total of 21 studies containing 1772 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that a
significant benefit of acupuncture compared with non-acupuncture on improving the symptoms of RA (pooled RR = 1.19, 95% CI
1.08–1.31, Z = 3.47, P = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, 9 RCTs showed significant effects of acupuncture for response rate
compared with western medicine (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.55, Z = 2.19, P = 0.028); 5 RCTs showed significant effects of
acupuncture plus traditional Chinese drug compared with traditional Chinese drug (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.29, Z = 3.31, P =
0.001); 5 RCTs showed beneficial effects of acupuncture plus western medicine compared with western medicine (RR = 1.27, 95%
CI 1.06–1.53, Z = 2.56 P = 0.01).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that acupuncture may have a favorable effect on treating RA. However, the evidence
was limited by the small sample size and the low methodological quality. Considering the potential of acupuncture, more researches
and well-designed, rigorous and large clinical trials are needed.
TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE IN A COMMUNITY POPULATION IN LAO PDR
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Sydara Kongmany , Pengpid Supa 
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Traditional, Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (TCAM) use in a community setting in a central province of Lao PDR.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community survey in 4 urban and 4 rural districts was conducted with the International
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q).
Results: Of the 1600 participants in the survey, the overall prevalence of any TCAM use (providers, products or self-care) was
40.2% (TCAM provider= 14.8%, TCAM products=34.1%, and self-help TCAM=4.5%) in the past 12 months.The most frequently
used herbal medicines were Maringa pterygosperma (12.6%), followed by Curcuma longa L. (9.4%), Curcuma xanthorrhiza (9.4%)
and Centella asiatica (7.2%). Many of the TCAM products were used for the purpose of health tonic or nourishments and for a
number of chronic conditions (gout, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cancer, migraine, mental disorder, and
gastrointestinal disorders). In multivariate logistic regression, lower educational level, rural residence and having chronic conditions
was associated with any TCAM use.
Conclusions: TCAM use seems to be common in Lao PDR and better knowledge on the use of different TCAM modalities in this
population may improve patient management.
EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF ZIWAN BAIBU TANG
Authors: Xin Rui-hua , Peng Wen-jing , Liu Xiao-lei , Luo Yong-jiang , Wang Gui-bo , Luo Chao-ying , Xie Jia-sheng , Li Jin-yu , Liang Ge , Zheng Ji-fang 
Published: May 2022

Background: Ziwan Baibu Tang (ZBT) is used as a traditional Chinese prescription used in the clinic to cure a variety of respiratory
diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of ZBT.
Materials and Methods: Fifty Kunming mice were assigned to 5 groups, and ZBT was administered at different concentrations.
Symptoms, mortality and behavioural changes were recorded. Eighty Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups or a
control group for 4 weeks of treatment (half male and half female); general observations and weekly body weight (BW) gain were
recorded. At the end of the 4-week experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected for haematological and serum
biochemical analyses. Samples from the primary organs were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological studies.
Results: The calculated LD50 of acute oral toxicity was 319.16 g/kg BW. After the 4-week treatment, BW did not significantly differ
in any of the dose groups, compared with the control group (P>0.05), and the rat blood red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (HGB)
levels in each dose group did not significantly differ (P>0.05). In addition, serum urea and creatine levels in each dose group did not
significantly differ from those in the control group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: These results indicate that ZBT does not possess toxic potential and that both the acute and subchronic toxicity in
animals are very low.
TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE OF CHRONIC DISEASE PATIENTS IN A COMMUNITY POPULATION IN MYANMAR
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Oo Win Myint , Pengpid Supa 
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Traditional, Complementary and
Alternative Medicine’s (TCAM) use of chronic disease patients in a community setting in Myanmar.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community survey was conducted in the Kyauk Tan Township with the International
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q).
Results: Of the 1600 participants in the survey, the overall prevalence of any TCAM use (providers, products or self-care) was
95.1% (TCAM provider= 14.6%, TCAM products=65.0%, and self-help TCAM=86.2%) in the past 12 months. For all different
types of TCAM providers, TCAM products and self-help TCAM more than 90% of participants perceived the TCAM as very or
somewhat helpful. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age, no formal education, rural residence and having two or
more chronic conditions were associated with any TCAM use.
Conclusions: TCAM use, especially TCAM products and self-help TCAM, seem to be common in Myanmar.
ASSESSING EFFECTS OF EQUISETUM RAMOSISSIMUM EXTRACT ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN PREGNANT SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS
Authors: Alebous Hana Dawood , Hudeb Arwa Ali , Sober Suzanne Ali , Gray Rosianna , Johnson Margaret Dean 
Published: May 2022

Background: As a medicinal herb, Equisetum ramossisemum has been utilized for centuries as a diuretic and has been
recommended for different disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the maternal toxicity of aerial parts of Equisetum
ramosissimum extract on pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats.
Methods: Females were mated and the coupling time was recorded at gestation day 0– E0. Four experimental groups I, II, III, and
IV, received daily gavage doses of 0 mg, 500 mg, 250 mg, and 125 mg/kg, respectively, of Equisetum ramosissimum extract.
Pregnant rats were observed for mortality and toxicological effects during daily treatment. On day E20, samples of blood were
withdrawn from the retro-orbital sinus under light ether anaesthesia for haematological and clinical chemistry examinations.
Results: Data analyses detected significant differences in biochemical and haematological parameters between the control group and
other groups receiving extract.
Conclusion: This study constitutes a first approach to defining adverse effects of using Equisetum ramosissimum as a medicinal
plant during pregnancy. Daily gavage doses of Equisetum ramosissimum extract produced significant differences in biochemical and
haematological parameters in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats as compared to the control group.
THREATENED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SOUTH AFRICA: CASE OF THE FAMILY HYACINTHACEAE
Authors: Xego S. , Kambizi L. , Nchu F. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Traditional medicine plays a major role in the primary health care of many people living in rural areas. South Africa is a
home to over 30,000 species of higher plants and 3,000 of these species have been found to be used in traditional medicine across the
country. South African medicinal plants are decreasing at an alarming rate as a result of over exploitation. Today many medicinal plants
face extinction but detailed information is lacking. The purpose of this paper was to review current and proposed cultivation strategies
that could be used to improve plant conservation statuses, livelihoods of the people involved in medicinal plant industry and
sustainability of this industry.
Methods: In this review, emphasis was on the members of Hyacinthaceae family and the species Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Schweinf)
B.L. Burtt (Zingiberaceae), which are some of the most traded and used in traditional herbal medicine. Detailed literature search was
conducted on the current strategies that are being used for the cultivation of medicinal and food crops and a conceptual analysis of how
technologies used for the cultivation of non-medicinal crops could be adopted for cultivation of medicinal plants in Africa. Siphonochilus
aethiopicus was used as a case study to demonstrate the potential of using alternative cultivation strategy such as hydroponics in the
cultivation of medicinal plants.
Results: The results showed that hydroponics has the potential to improve plant growth. In conclusion, evidences suggest that there is
potential for growth in the medicinal plant industry if optimum cultivation technologies such as hydroponics are implemented despite the
perception that Africans have an ingrained traditional preference of wild harvested plants, on the contrary many Africans have no issues
with cultivated medicinal plants.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE TONGXINLUO PROTECTS MICROVASCULAR FROM ARTERIOLE SPASM INDUCED BY NOREPINEPHRINE IN RATS MESENTERY
Authors: Zhang Jun xiu , Li Shao dan , Liu Yi , Yang Ming hui 
Published: May 2022

Background: Arteriole spasm (AS) served as a common pathogenesis of many diseases. Tongxinluo (TXL), a traditional Chinese
formula, has been proved to benefit patients with diseases associated with AS. However, the effect of TXL on AS has not been
elucidated, especially on the hemorheology of microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess the protective function of TXL
against AS on microcirculation in rats’ mesentery.
Materials and Methods: Arteriole spasm model was established by local administration of norepinephrine in rats’ mesentery. Rats
were randomized divided into five groups: sham group (local administration of normal saline), arteriole spasm group, TXL0.4+AS
group, TXL0.8+AS group, TXL1.6+AS group. Drugs were administered orally daily for 7 days before modeling. Microcirculation
was observed using an upright microscope and recorded to study the hemorheology changes, including spasm time, diameter
changes, and arteriole blood flow. Mast cell degranulation was identified by vital staining with topical application of 0.1% toluidine
blue. The serum samples were collected for detect of NO and ET-1.
Results: Pre-administration of TXL markedly decreased arteriole spasm time, and indicated a dose-dependent effect.
Pre-administration of TXL also indicates dose-dependent effect to maintain arteriole diameter in the presence of AS. Pretreatment
with TXL significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation induced by AS, TXL also exert great beneficial protection on arteriole
blood flow against AS. The serum level of NO and ET-1 had no obvious changes among each groups.
Conclusion: AS caused microvascular dysfunction in rats’ mesentery. TXL had a beneficial effect against AS in the perspective of
protecting microvascular function, indicated that TXL fight against AS through regulation on microcirculation.
EVALUATION OF ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC ACTIVITIES OF PHLORIDZIN IN DIABETIC MICE
Authors: Liang ZhenHong , Liu XiaoHong , Gong ShuMei 
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Phloridzin.
Methods and Materials: High fat diet induced diabetic KKAy mice were administered with phloridzin at an oral dose (60
mg/kg/day, ig.) for 10 weeks. A range of parameters, including blood glucose and lipid, serum insulin, glucose tolerance, were tested
to evaluate its anti-hyperglycemic effects.
Results: Phloridzin decreased water-intake, body weight, FBG, FINS, HOME-IR, Serum leptin, and CRP levels, increased serum
adiponectin level in diabetic mice. Phloridzin also improved the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to a certain degree. In addition,
phloridzin decreased liver index, and epididymal, perirenal white adipose tissue indexs, increased pancreas index in diabetic mice. At
last, phloridzin increased hepatic GK activity and hepatic glycogen level, decreased hepatic PEPCK, G-6-Pase activities in diabetic
mice.
Conclusions: Phloridzin possessed anti-hyperglycemic activities.