Naman Kapoor , Harsh Kashyap , Deepak Ganjewala , Hina Bansal
{"title":"Exploring antiepileptic phytochemicals of Ferula assafoetida and underlying molecular mechanism using a combined approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking","authors":"Naman Kapoor , Harsh Kashyap , Deepak Ganjewala , Hina Bansal","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Epilepsy is a prevalent and devastating neurological disorder that affects 1–2% of the global population particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There is a growing interest in exploring plant-based alternative therapies for epilepsy as none of the available anti-epileptic drugs provide complete prevention. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive compounds from <em>Ferula assafoetida</em> using computational approach to assess their potential antiepileptic activity and elucidate the mechanisms involved.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>First, phytochemical data was extracted from IMPPAT database and mapped with PubChem. Then obtained their absorption and distribution patterns using SwissADME. Therapeutic targets associated with epilepsy were recognised using Swiss Target Prediction and GeneCards database. The target-network was constructed and performed topological, gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, molecular docking was performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three key bioactive constituents ferocolicin, luteolin, and farnesiferol with potential anti-epileptic activities were identified. These compounds influenced epileptogenesis by targeting proteins GABRA1, GABRA5, GRIN2B, MTOR, PTPRB, and CHRNA4. Molecular docking revealed stable binding of key constituents with three target proteins related to epileptogenesis. The order of binding affinities of the top three compounds to their respective targets was ferocolicin > farnesiferol > luteolin. This suggested a potentially higher therapeutic efficacy and target specificity of these compounds as compared to standard, valproic acid.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>F. assafoetida</em> could be utilised in the treatment of epilepsy by modulating epileptogenesis pathways. The study endorsed the importance of the efficacy of multicomponent, multi-target compound therapies decoding new therapeutic targets for epilepsy and related conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101033"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144297206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Piper betel L. Leaf Extract Lozenges for Preventing Dental Caries for Children","authors":"Desy Nawangsari , Tatiana Siregar , Ikhwan Yuda Kusuma","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Dental caries in children remains a significant public health concern, primarily caused by plaque-forming bacteria such as <em>Streptococcus mutans.</em> Effective antimicrobial alternatives from natural sources are increasingly explored to address this issue.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of <em>Piper betel L.</em> (<strong>PB</strong>) leaf extract against <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> using the agar diffusion method. PB extract was obtained via ethanol maceration and formulated into lozenges with varying binder types and concentrations. The formulations were assessed for inhibition zone diameter and key physical parameters such as tablet uniformity, friability, hardness, and disintegration time.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>Piper betel L.</em> extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity, with the 7.5% concentration yielding an inhibition zone of 22.76 mm, comparable to that of 10%. Lozenges containing 7.5% PB extract exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties across all formulations, with disintegration times under 9 minutes, friability below 0.1%, and tablet hardness ranging from 48.67 to 77.09 N.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>Piper betel L.</em> leaf extract formulated as lozenges demonstrates significant antimicrobial potential for preventing dental caries, supported by effective inhibition of <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> and acceptable pharmaceutical properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101032"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144297204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"TCM formulas for strengthening the spleen, tonifying Qi, and supplementing the marrow in the treatment of MG: A network meta-analysis","authors":"Chang Guan , Jian Wang , Peng Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. Traditional Chinese medicine (<strong>TCM</strong>) TSQNM formulas have been widely utilized in clinical practice and have shown effectiveness in treating Myasthenia gravis. There is a broad spectrum of TCM formulas with varying effectiveness, but there is a lack of direct comparative evidence between them. Bayesian network meta-analysis was utilized to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of TCM formulations that focus on spleen tonification, qi enhancement, and marrow nourishment (referred to as TSQNM) for treating myasthenia gravis. The results are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the treatment of myasthenia gravis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Pertinent randomized controlled trials were retrieved from databases from the inception of the databases to October 17, 2023. The quality of studies was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. It was also preregistered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023482260). Network meta-analysis was conducted using STATA16 and R4.2.3.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty studies were included, involving 1 473 participants, with 739 cases in the experimental group and 734 cases in the control group. These studies examined the effectiveness of eight TCM formulas.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Combining conventional Western medicine treatment with TSQNM formulas has been shown to provide superior therapeutic effects for patients with myasthenia gravis, compared to using prescription drugs alone. Notably, when Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is combined with conventional Western medicine treatment, it has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing hormone-induced obesity and gastrointestinal tract discomfort.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101030"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144261377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asma Irfan , Saleeha Fatima Said , Soma Siddique , Muhammad Hassaan Farooq , Noor ul Ain Irfan , Sadia Mubarak , Saima Latif , Rubab Rameez , Saira Safdar , Irfan A. Mughal , Areej Niazi , Yasir Khan Niazi , Syed Haider Raza Rizvi , Aleena Naveed Butt , Khawaja Muhammad Usman , Muhammad Azadar Abbas , Muhammad Ibrahim Khan , Shaheer Zaman
{"title":"Synergistic effects of Moringa oleifera with metformin in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetics through a randomised controlled trial","authors":"Asma Irfan , Saleeha Fatima Said , Soma Siddique , Muhammad Hassaan Farooq , Noor ul Ain Irfan , Sadia Mubarak , Saima Latif , Rubab Rameez , Saira Safdar , Irfan A. Mughal , Areej Niazi , Yasir Khan Niazi , Syed Haider Raza Rizvi , Aleena Naveed Butt , Khawaja Muhammad Usman , Muhammad Azadar Abbas , Muhammad Ibrahim Khan , Shaheer Zaman","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects in diabetic patients. However, there is limited clinical evidence supporting their use as an adjunct therapy alongside standard antidiabetic treatment. This study evaluates the synergistic effects of <em>M. oleifera</em> leaf methanolic extracts in combination with Metformin on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomised controlled trial was conducted at Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH), Islamabad, from February 2023 to November 2023. A total of 50 participants (25 control, 25 case) were recruited using the World Health Organization sample size calculator. Patients diagnosed with T2DM, on Metformin 500 mg twice daily, and willing to participate were included. Informed consent was obtained, and triple blinding was maintained. The case group received Metformin plus Moringa leaf capsules containing 1 g of Moringa powder, while the control group received Metformin and a placebo. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, liver function tests (LFTs), renal function tests (RFTs), and lipid profiles were monitored. The study was registered at <span><span>http://clinicaltrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (NCT06125873) and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Islamabad Medical and Dental College.</div><div>SPSS version 26 was used for statistical analysis. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD or median (min, max), while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Paired <em>t</em>-tests and two-way Analysis of Variance were performed to assess pre- and post-treatment effects, with significance set at <em>P</em> < 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants receiving <em>M. oleifera</em> demonstrated significant improvements in HbA1c levels, fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure compared to the placebo group. However, no significant changes were observed in body mass index (BMI), LFTs, RFTs, or lipid profiles. Some individuals reported mild gastric discomfort, which resolved with dosage adjustment in the 1st week.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study suggests that <em>M. oleifera</em>, when used as an adjunct to Metformin, significantly improves glycemic control in T2DM patients. The absence of significant changes in BMI, LFTs, RFTs, and lipid profiles indicates its safety for human use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101029"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144213269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Cannabis Leaf (Sakon Nakhon Cultivar) Extracts on Anticholangiocarcinoma Activity","authors":"Pranee Sriraj , Thidarut Boonmars , Areeya Changthong , Praphat Manuelo Ruengthanoo , Panicha Pongnaratorn , Ratchadawan Aukkanimart","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study assesses the efficacy of Squirrel Tail cannabis (CLE) in inhibiting cholangiocarcinoma cells (CCA; KKU213B).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The total phenolic content was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method. The study also sought to compare the efficacy of Squirrel Tail cannabis with gallic acid and evaluate the total flavonoid content using the AlCl<sub>3</sub> colorimetric method, compared with the total flavonoid content of CLE with quercetin. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH and ABTS assays. Key compounds in CLE were identified using High-performance liquid chromatography. Inhibition of cholangiocarcinoma cell growth was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay, and the mechanism of apoptosis was examined by analysing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study found that the total phenolic content of CLE correlated with antioxidant activities. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that CLE contained 89.57 ± 10.34 µg/mg of cannabinol. Growth inhibition assays on KKU-213B cells indicated that cannabinol effectively inhibited cell growth, with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 8.14 ± 0.10, 7.30 ± 0.38, and 4.00 ± 0.96 µM (24, 48, and 72 hours). CLE demonstrated the ability to inhibit KKU-213B cell growth with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 55.26 ± 1.64, 42.25 ± 5.56, and 18.02 ± 9.43 µg/ml at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively, which were significantly different from those of the control group. Regarding the mechanism of apoptosis, CLE was found to stimulate the expression of p53, caspase-3, and Bax while reducing the expression of Bcl-2.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CLE from Sakon Nakhon strains may serve as a potential alternative for anticancer therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101028"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zainab Irfan, Sumaiya Tariq, Muhammad Farhan Sarwar
{"title":"Exploring the therapeutic potential of Polygonum aviculare L. compounds against Dengue virus through Computational methods","authors":"Zainab Irfan, Sumaiya Tariq, Muhammad Farhan Sarwar","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The dengue virus, commonly referred to as DENV, is the primary cause of dengue fever and is a serious health concern worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Since DENV's protease NS2B-NS3 is an enzyme necessary for viral transmission, antiviral medications have an adequate probability of being effective. Natural compounds derived from plants like <em>Polygonum aviculare</em> L. which is also commonly known as knot grass or prostate knotweed, have been recognised for their potential antiviral properties</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Initially, the three-dimensional model of NS2B-NS3 protease and the .sdf format structures of knot grass compounds were retreived from PDB and ChEBI databases, respectively which were later proceeded for molecular docking analysis using MOE. The pharmacokinetic analysis was done by utilizing ADMETlab ver. 2.0 and SwissADME servers whereas, the iMODS server was incoporated to evaluate the structural stability and flexibility of the docked complex.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results of docking analysis revealed significant interactions between knot grass compounds and the NS2B-NS3 protease. The selection of a potential drug candidate from the incorporated compounds was made not merely on the basis of the docking scores but, their pharmacokinetic properties were also examined in this context. The combined results of both of these investigations i.e., docking and pharmacokinetics analysis suggested that (−)-epicatechin exhibited the most stable binding affinity (-5.6924 kcal/mol) and drug-likeness features. These significant outcomes indicated that this compound possessed the notable degrees of drug-likeness attributes. In the end, the structural stability and interaction dynamics of NS2B-NS3 protease-epicatechin docked complex were examined by incorporating the normal mode analysis and multi-scale simulations. The results indicated significant structural stability and flexibility of the complex under study by the evaluations of the elastic network model, eigenvalues, and bfactor maps, among others</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>On the basis of the outcomes of multi-dimensional computational analyses, it was proposed that (-)-epicatechin could be a potential drug candidate against DENV. However, the actual efficacy of this compound can only be evaluated in the wet-lab and clinical settings. The findings of this study provided a direction towards exploring the medicinal perspectives of various plants-based compounds in order to identify a potential drug against DENV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"52 ","pages":"Article 101027"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144178322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of urinary illness in the El-Oued region (Algerian Sahara)","authors":"Djahra Ali Boutlelis , Benkaddour Mounia , Chabani Hadjer , Hamed Bahia , Benkherara Salah , Benine Chaima , Laib Ibtissam","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The goal of our study is shown by the ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants used by people in El-Oued State in southeast Algeria to treat urinary illness. The information was gathered via in-person interviews and written questionnaires. A total of 117 participants were interviewed, with the majority of them aged 50. The study of plants that can be used to treat urinary diseases has led to the discovery of 37 species in 23 families and different genera, including 49% of medicinal plants found in cultivated plants. Around 56% of plants were employed largely in their dried form for remedy preparation. The infusion method was the most widely used preparation method, and 70% of the participants cited <em>Petroselinum crispum</em> (Mill.) Fuss, <em>Parietaria officinalis</em> L., and <em>Apium graveolens</em> L., as sources of urinary illnesses treatment. According to the findings of this study, a significant number of individuals in the research area continue to treat urinary problems using herbal treatments. On the other hand, the current study offers crucial ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants that will serve as a starting point for future thorough research. This data will be provided by the present study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101026"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144154869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Atiqah Azam , Shihab Uddin Ahmad , Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan , Ajoy Kumer , Sanjit Dash , Shiplu Roy Chowdhury , Ahmad Nazrun Shuid , Isa Naina Mohamed
{"title":"Wound healing potential of Labisia pumila extracts and relationship with its phytochemical contents through in silico assessment","authors":"Atiqah Azam , Shihab Uddin Ahmad , Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan , Ajoy Kumer , Sanjit Dash , Shiplu Roy Chowdhury , Ahmad Nazrun Shuid , Isa Naina Mohamed","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Labisia pumila (LP)</em> has traditionally been used for women's postnatal recovery, with research highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and phytoestrogen properties essential for wound healing. This study explores its wound-healing potential through <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in silico</em> models.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study focused on the proliferation and migration activities of human primary skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes treated with two common LP varieties found in Malaysia: <em>var. pumila and var. alata</em>. leaf and root aqueous extracts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results showed that root extracts of both LP species were toxic to skin cells at low concentrations compared to leaf extracts. Optimal concentrations of LP leaf extracts (1.5 µg/ml for fibroblasts and 3.1 µg/ml for keratinocytes) significantly increased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the proliferation of fibroblasts (194000 ± 3623 cells/cm<sup>2</sup>) and keratinocytes (275578 ± 14959 cells/cm<sup>2</sup>) compared to untreated controls. Additionally, both LP leaf extracts promoted higher healing rates (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in fibroblasts (14791.5 ± 1615.6 μm<sup>2</sup>/h) and keratinocytes (20438 ± 2206 μm<sup>2</sup>/h) compared to the control group. Furthermore, a docking study was conducted to assess the affinity of major phytoconstituents for binding to glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-<em>β</em>), a protein involved in wound healing. Ellagic acid derivative showed the highest binding affinity (-12 kcal/mol)) against GSK3-<em>β</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, both LP <em>var. alata and var. pumila</em> leaf extracts demonstrated the ability to enhance the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, suggesting their potential for promoting wound healing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101024"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144123745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of polyphenol-based standardised cinnamon bark extract in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19","authors":"Prasad Thakurdesai , Pallavi Deshpande , Sunil Bhaskaran , Dhananjay Raje","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral supplementation of polyphenol-based standardised cinnamon bark extract (IND02) capsules to ‘standard of care’ (SoC) in mild-to-moderate patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled study.</div></div><div><h3>Design and methods</h3><div>A total of 118 participants (aged 18–60 years, both sexes) were randomised to have 15 days of regimen of IND02 or placebo capsules in two stages: a loading dose of 3 g/d for the initial three days and a maintenance dose of 1.5 g/d for the subsequent 12 days. Efficacy and safety outcome measures were based on guidelines issued by ‘Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India’.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All patients in both treatment groups showed clinical recovery and improvement without significant differences between the groups. The number of patients with negative COVID-19 status and having enhanced (>2% increase) oxygen saturation (SpO<sub>2</sub>) was significantly (<em>P</em> = 0.039 and <em>P</em> = 0.049, respectively) higher in the IND02 supplemented group (vs. Placebo), but no significant differences in other outcome measures between the groups. No serious adverse events, deaths, or treatment-related adverse effects were observed. None of the patients in either group required discontinuation of treatment or ventilation support, progressed to a severe stage, or had changes in vital signs or laboratory examination results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>IND02 supplementation with SoC in COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms was safe and well-tolerated, with improved oxygen saturation and an increased number of patients achieving negative status for clinical recovery and improvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101023"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144116446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of topical herbal medicine on rosacea: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Huan-Hsuan Hsu , Ya-Ching Chang , Zi-Yu Chang , Jian-An Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by facial erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasia. Traditional treatments often associated with adverse effects and high recurrence rates. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of topical herbal medicines for rosacea.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from various databases, including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Chinese Electronic Periodical Services (CEPS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and <span><span>http://ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> databases from the inception of the source to September 1, 2024. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data regarding study characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Moreover, statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager software. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42022383985.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 10 RCTs involving 833 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed that topical herbal medicines exhibited significantly greater efficacy in treating skin lesions (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.09–1.34) and resulted in a significantly improved Investigator Global Assessment of Rosacea Severity Score (IGA-RSS) (MD = −0.40; 95% CI = −0.50 to −0.30) than control treatments. Adverse events were reported in eight studies; however, no significant difference was noted between the intervention and control groups. Sensitivity analysis reduced heterogeneity, further confirming these findings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Topical herbal medicines appear to be effective and safe for treating rosacea; they also exhibit fewer adverse effects than conventional treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56077,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Herbal Medicine","volume":"51 ","pages":"Article 101022"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144090434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}