Volume 15, Issue 3 -

Diabetes is a metabolic syndrome increasing rapidly due to occupational stress, lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and increasing occurrence of obesity, associated with rapidly growing urbanization and industrialization. Due to erroneous carbohydrate metabolism, diabetics are more prone to chronic complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease resulting in tissue damage. Current treatment protocols to these problems produce more serious adverse effects and are costly too. Medicinal plants provide an alternative of safe, reliable and cost-effective pharmacological source to all these ailments. This review provides the compiled data of isolated active phytoconstituents of 22 potent antidiabetic plants with their plant-part used, which might be useful for drug development.

Betalains are water soluble plant pigments in plants of the order Caryophyllales, which are widely used as colorants. Several preclinical studies reported that betanin reveals antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-diabetes, anti-lipid emic, antimicrobial activity, radio protective and anti-proliferative activity. They are isolated from sources such as red beetroot, amaranth, prickly pear, red pitahaya, etc. Betalains are divided into two groups based on the colour and confer either the betacyanins (purple reddish) or betaxanthins (yellowish orange). Betalain is one of the promising nutraceuticals which can provide beneficial effects for prevention and cure of various diseases. The purpose of this review is to focus on nutraceutical facts of betalains by focusing on the ongoing treatment using betalains and to address its future nutraceuticals implications.

Introduction Fennel has many medicinal properties and is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Given the widespread use of herbal medicine among women for menstrual problems and considering the fact that there has been no study to date about the effect of fennel on menstrual bleeding and duration of menstrual bleeding through systematic review, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of fennel on the amount (primary outcome) and duration of menstrual bleeding and its side-effects (secondary outcomes). Materials All articles, including Persian and English, with no time limit were searched for in the following databases: Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, EMBASE (through Ovid), Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Clininaltrial.gov, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, and Iranmedex, using MeSH terms, including menstrual bleeding, menstruation, severity of bleeding, hypermenorrhea, menorrhagia, fennel, fennelin, Foeniculum vulgare , dysmenorrhea, and painful menstruation, which were searched separately or in combination. Two authors separately reviewed articles to determine the inclusion criteria, and any disagreement was resolved by reaching consensus with a third person. Results A total of 7993 articles were identified through searching the databases, of which 7327 were excluded as duplicates and 666 were screened for inclusion. Six hundread and forty six were excluded by title and abstract based on not being relevant to the review and being conducted on animals. Eventually, six articles were included in the study and four articles entered into the meta-analysis. The results from meta-analysis showed that using fennel caused a significant increase in mean menstrual bleeding in the first cycle after treatment in the intervention group compared to the control (Std. mean difference: 0.46; 95 % CI: 0.18–0.73; p = 0.001; I 2 = 9 %). However, it had no significant effect on menstrual bleeding in the second cycle after treatment (Mean difference: 1.44; 95 % CI:-5.09 to 7.96; p = 0.67; I 2 = 0 %). Conclusions The results of meta-analysis of four articles showed that in the first cycle after treatment, use of fennel increased menstrual bleeding in the intervention group compared to the control, but meta-analysis of two articles showed no significant difference between intervention and control groups in the amount of menstrual bleeding in the second cycle after treatment. Given the poor quality of articles, conducting clinical trials to determine the effect of fennel on menstrual bleeding appears necessary.

The use of traditional means of oral hygiene maintenance has a long-recorded history, with widespread usage in rural areas of Africa, South America and the Indian subcontinent till date. Though dental healthcare professionals and the general population, especially in the urban areas can have the temptation of out-rightly rejecting them as ineffective, the usage of these natural products is based on time-tested scientific principles. The present article provides an overview of the major traditional practices of oral hygiene maintenance and how they compare against the modern-day armamentarium of oral hygiene maintenance.

Snail and slug mucus is a viscous-elastic substance secreted by specific glands with adhesive and lubricants properties that allows them to adhere tenaciously to many different surfaces. It has been used since ancient times for care and human health and it is still very important in traditional and folkloristic medicine. Recently, mucus from snail and slugs and its protein and components have been subjected to some investigations on their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity due to extensive traditional uses and for a future application in medicine. Antimicrobial activities of crude mucus, and its components, against different microorganism have been reported, showing antimicrobial activities that lead their potential employment in several fields as natural additives. The purpose of this Review is to summarize the results of antimicrobial studies of snail and slug mucus and its compounds from the first scientific applications to the isolation of the single components in order to better understand its application and propose an employment in future studies as a natural antimicrobial agent.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting up to 10 million people worldwide according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Epidemiological and genetic studies show a preponderance of idiopathic cases and a subset linked to genetic polymorphisms of a familial nature. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda recognized and treated the illness that Western Medicine terms PD millennia ago, and descriptions of Parkinson’s symptomatology by Europeans date back 2000 years to the ancient Greek physician Galen. However, the Western nosological classification now referred to in English as “Parkinson’s disease” and the description of symptoms that define it, are accredited to British physician James Parkinson, who in 1817 authored The Shaking Palsy. Later in the nineteenth century, French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot re-labeled paralysis agitans “Parkinson’s disease” and over a century of scientific research ensued. This review discusses European, North American, and Asian contributions to the understanding and treatment of PD from ancient times through the twentieth century.

Objectives To determine the efficacy of Sahaja Yoga (SY) meditation on mental health among clinical and healthy populations. Methods All publications on SY were eligible. Databases were searched up to November 2017, namely PubMed, MEDLINE (NLM), PsychINFO, and Scopus. An internet search (Google Scholar) was also conducted. The quality of the randomized controlled trails was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment for Bias. The quality of cross-sectional studies, a non-randomized controlled trial and a cohort study was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results We included a total of eleven studies; four randomized controlled trials, one non-randomized controlled trial, five cross-sectional studies, and one prospective cohort study. The studies included a total of 910 participants. Significant findings were reported in relation to the following outcomes: anxiety, depression, stress, subjective well-being, and psychological well-being. Two randomized studies were rated as high quality studies, two randomized studies as low quality studies. The quality of the non-randomized trial, the cross-sectional studies and the cohort study was high. Effect sizes could not be calculated in five studies due to unclear or incomplete reporting. Conclusions After reviewing the articles and taking the quality of the studies into account, it appears that SY may reduce depression and possibly anxiety. In addition, the practice of SY is also associated with increased subjective wellbeing and psychological well-beng. However, due to the limited number of publications, definite conclusions on the effects of SY cannot be made and more high quality randomized studies are needed to justify any firm conclusions on the beneficial effects of SY on mental health.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently a major health problem and the most common chronic disease worldwide. Traditional medicinal plants remedies remain a potential adjunct therapy to maintain better glycemic control while also imparting few side-effects. Arbutus unedo L. has been traditionally used to manage several diseases including diabetes. This study was undertaken to contribute the validation of the traditional use of Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae) in the treatment of diabetes. Methods In-vitro antidiabetic effect of the A. unedo roots aqueous extract was conducted using α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays. While in-vivo antidiabetic activity was conducted using streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic mice. Diabetic animals were orally administered the aqueous extract in 500 mg/kg of body weight to assess the antidiabetic effect. The blood glucose level and body weight of the experimental animals were monitored for 4 weeks. In addition, the histopathological examination of the treated mice pancreas was also conducted to observe the changes of β-cells during the treatment process. Results The extract produced a significant decrease in blood glucose level in diabetic mice. This decrease was equivalent to that which observed in mice treated with a standard after 2–4 weeks. In addition, the plant extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity with IC 50 values of 730.15±0.25 μg/mL and 94.81±5.99 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the histopathologic examination of the pancreas showed a restoration of normal pancreatic islet cell architecture which observed in the diabetic mice treated with plant extract. Conclusions The aqueous A. unedo roots extract has a significant in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects and improves metabolic alterations. The revealed results justify its traditional medicinal use.

Background Many recent studies have shown that medicinal plants, which have been used worldwide through the past history in the folkloric medicine, harbor a significant number of novel metabolic compounds with potent pharmacological properties. In several countries, the aerial parts of the Scolymus angiospermus plant have been used as a food supply and as a folkloric medicinal plant. The current study aimed is to investigate the antimicrobial, antilipase, antioxidant activities and phytochemical profile of methanolic, hexane, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions obtained from the aerial parts of S. angiospermus . Methods Phytochemical assessments were based on standard analytical methods. The obtained fractions were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity and their antilipase activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory tests, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the obtained fractions was evaluated using broth microdilution assay against several American Type Culture Collection bacterial and fungal strains and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolate. Results Our data showed that of all obtained fractions used in the above-mentioned assays, both of methanolic and aqueous fractions, had the highest content of flavonoids (24.93 ± 2.11 and 12.21 ± 2.11 mg QUE/g, respectively) and phenolic compounds (96.28 ± 2.87 and 91.25 ± 2.63 mg of GAEq/g, respectively) as well as the best levels of both antioxidant (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) 13.67 ± 1.44 and 14.69 ± 1.97 µg/ml, respectively) and antilipase (IC 50 134.89 ± 1.65 and 269.15 ± 2.33 µg/ml, respectively) activities. In addition, these fractions exhibited various levels of both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Hydrophilic fractions were more potent against the investigated bacterial strains, while hydrophobic fractions were more potent against the investigated fungal strains. Conclusions The hydrophilic fractions derived from S. angiospermus have shown the best antioxidant and antilipase effects. This is may be due to the high contents of phenols and/or flavonoids. However, further investigations are essential to isolate and identify the antioxidant, antilipase and antimicrobial compounds. Our data provide significant evidence that S. angiospermus can be very useful in the prevention and treatment of various infectious and non-infectious chronic diseases and as natural food preservatives.

Background Favism is an acute hemolytic anemia occurs in glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PD) deficient individuals. β-Carotene occurs in vegetables such as carrots. This study aimed to establish the therapeutic effect of β-carotene to rebalance the testicular and blood proteins disturbances in favism. Methods Forty-eight male rats were divided into six equal groups; Groups 1, 2 and 3: normal rats were daily oral administrated with 1 ml saline, 1 ml corn oil and β-carotene (60 mg/kg dissolved in 1 ml corn oil), respectively, once a day over 15 days period. Group 4 (favism-induced group): normal rats injected intraperitoneal (ip) with diethyl maleate (5 μl/rat) and after 1 h injected ip with 1/3 LD 50 of faba beans ethanolic extract for 15 day to induce favism. Groups 5 and 6: favism-induced rats were daily oral administered with 30 and 60 mg/kg β-carotene dissolved in 1 ml corn oil, respectively, once a day over 15 days. Results The results revealed that oral administration of corn oil or β-carotene into normal rats over 15 days period did not induce any change. In favism-induced groups, hematological parameters, liver function, serum glucose, G6-PD, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones and sex-hormone binding globulin showed significant increase. Moreover, serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testicular G6-PD, 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, cholesterol and total protein were decreased. Treatment with both doses of β-carotene into favism groups restored all the abovementioned parameters to approach normal values. Favism inhibited blood proteins while β-carotene treatment into favism group stopped blood cells damage and blood proteins inhibition. These results were supported by histological studies. Conclusions In conclusion, taken β-carotene into favism group abolished testicular and blood proteins disturbances and this effect was dose dependent.

Background Habb-e-Suranjan ( HS ) is a Unani pharmacopoeial formulation used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The present study was carried to evaluate the toxic potential of HS in albino Wistar rats. Methods The subchronic was carried out at the dose levels of 2440 mg/kg of body weight in both sexes. The rats were observed carefully for any behavioral change for next 24 hours (hr) after the administration of the drug and daily twice thereafter till the completion of experimentation. Water/feed consumption and body weight were recorded on weekly basis. The rats were sacrificed on 91st day after overnight fasting. Blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. The rats were dissected and organs were observed for any morphological changes. Organ samples were collected for histological studies. Results There were no incidences of mortality/morbidity found in any of the treated rats. HS caused no significant difference in the body weights as well as relative organs weights of treated groups when compared with the control groups. There were no significant changes found in any biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters that could indicate any signs of toxicity. Conclusions The study suggests that HS is safe and did not induce any adverse effect in rats.

Background Ghee (G) is attributed with numerous health benefits in Ayurveda. However, due to the high saturated fat content, it has been predicted to increase the cardiovascular disease risk. Hence, the current study was performed to evaluate the effect of G consumption as compared to mustard oil (MO) on lipid profile. Methods Two hundred (100 males) apparently healthy adults (≥40 years) were randomly selected out of the total individuals interviewed in a house-to-house survey. They were divided into three groups based on G and MO consumption: (A) MO >1 L/month, G<0.5 kg/month; (B) MO 1–0.5 L/month, G 1.25–0.5 kg/month; and (C) MO <0.5–0.2 L/month, G>1.25 kg/month. Serum lipid parameters were compared among the groups. Results Group C had the significantly lowest triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), TC/HDL and LDL/HDL and highest high-density lipoprotein (HDL). A similar finding was found when analysis was done separetely for male and female. Conclusions A favorable lipid profile might suggest a possible beneficial effect of predominantly G consumption over MO.

Background There exist controversies about the health effects of coconut. Fresh coconut consumption on human health has not been studied substantially. Fresh coconut consumption is a regular part of the diet for many people in tropical countries like India, and thus there is an increasing need to understand the effects of fresh coconut on various aspects of health. Aim To compare the effects of increased saturated fatty acid (SFA) and fiber intake, provided by fresh coconut, versus monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and fiber intake, provided by a combination of groundnut oil and groundnuts, on anthropometry, serum insulin, glucose levels and blood pressure in healthy adults. Materials Eighty healthy volunteers, randomized into two groups, were provided with a standardized diet along with either 100 g fresh coconut or an equivalent amount of groundnuts and groundnut oil for a period of 90 days. Assessments such as anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels were performed before and after the supplementation period. Results Results of this study showed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS) in both the groups. However, a significant reduction in body weight was observed in the coconut group, while a significant increase in diastolic pressure was observed in the groundnut group. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that fresh coconut-added diet helps reduce blood glucose levels and body weight in normal healthy individuals.

Background Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is an ancient medical system that provides suggestions to improve the health of mothers and children during pregnancy and labor. Persian physicians believed that these instructions made labor easier, safer, and less painful. Methods The present randomized clinical trial was conducted among women at 33–38 weeks of pregnancy in Tehran, Iran. TPM instructions consisted of diet, bathing, and application of oil from the 38th week of pregnancy to the onset of labor. The primary outcome was the duration of the active phase of labor. Results The mean duration of the active phase was 331.60 ± 151.48 min for the intervention group and 344.40 ± 271.46 min for the control groups, but it was not statistically significant. The active phase was significantly shorter in women who had better compliance (p=0.03). The need for oxytocin augmentation was 53.3% in the control group and 38.5% in the intervention group (p=0.17). The rate of perineal infection was 13% in the control group and 0% in the intervention group (p=0.11). Conclusions The active phase was not different in the intervention and control groups, but it was shorter in compliant women. It is possible that prolonged use of these recommendations in combination with a sitz baths and a larger sample size could result in more significant outcomes.

Background Fish oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which were considered as essential fatty acids. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effects of fish oil supplementation on maternal serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct). Methods In this randomized triple-blind clinical trial, 150 pregnant women were allocated into two groups randomly. In the intervention group, women received one fish oil capsule daily (1,000 mg consisted of 120 mg DHA and 180 mg EPA), and control group received placebo from the end of twentieth week of pregnancy until delivery (140 capsules). FBS, 2-hour 75 g OGTT, Hb, and Hct were measured at 6–10 and 26–30 weeks of pregnancy. Analysis was based on intervention to treat. Results At the weeks 26–30, mean FBS in the intervention and control groups were 76.92 (9.8) and 75.64 (8.2) mg/dl, respectively [adjusted mean difference (aMD) (95% CI):1.46 (−2.13 to 5.05)]. Also, there was no significant difference between two groups in 2-hour OGTT [aMD (95% CI): −4.69 (−13.75 to 4.52)]. Mean (SD) Hb was 11.8 (1.1) versus 11.8 (0.7) g/dl in the intervention and control groups, respectively [aMD (95% CI): 0.001 (−0.328 to 0.330)], mean (SD) Hct were 36.12% (2.8%) and 35.84% (2.3%), respectively [aMD (95% CI): 0.25 (−0.65 to 1.14)]. Conclusions Based on the findings of present study, fish oil supplementation has no significant effect on Hb, Hct, FBS and 2-hour OGTT of pregnant women.

Background Overweight and obesity are the accumulation of high body adiposity, which can have detrimental health effects and contribute to the developments of numerous non communicable diseases. Aim To study the psycho-physiological changes after the practice of forced right nostril breathing and selected yogasanas on obese college students. Methods To carry out this study, 32 female subjects aged 18–25 years of age were recruited with informed consent from Priyanka degree college, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The design was a single group pre-post. Height and weight were recorded and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated using standard procedures and equation. The students were given the practice of forced right nostril breathing for 10 min daily four times a day and some selected yogasanas. The assessments were taken before start of intervention and at the last day after 30 days. The intervention was for 6 days per week which consists of forced right nostril breathing and some selected asanas. Conclusions The study exhibited that forced right nostril breathing and selected yogasanas reduces the physiological risk factors. These yogic practices are effective to overcome complications arise due to obesity and are helpful to induce positive psychological changes in obese individual.