BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies最新文献

{"title":"Sacroiliac joint abscess and osteomyelitis associated with wet cupping therapy: a case report.","authors":"Bahar Kandemir, Rukiyye Bulut, Pınar Belviranlı Keskin, Esma Kepenek Kurt, İbrahim Erayman","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05455-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05455-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Wet cupping therapy (Hijama) is a widely practiced procedure in traditional medicine. When performed under non-sterile conditions, it can lead to severe infections. In this report, we present a case of sacroiliac abscess and osteomyelitis that developed following cupping therapy.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 35-year-old male patient with no known systemic disease presented with a two-month history of lower back and right leg pain. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed an abscess extending into the iliopsoas muscle at the right sacroiliac joint and osteomyelitis of the iliac bone. Upon further questioning, it was revealed that wet cupping therapy had been applied to the affected area. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from two separate blood cultures. The patient was managed with sequential therapy consisting of intravenous teicoplanin followed by oral moxifloxacin. At the end of 6 months of treatment, full clinical and radiological recovery was achieved. No recurrence was observed during 15 months of follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>When performed under non-sterile conditions, wet cupping therapy may result in serious complications such as deep tissue infections. It is important to consider rare infections like sacroiliac abscess in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with similar symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13602509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148381628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions, acceptability and experiences of yoga to support long-COVID: a survey of people living with long-COVID.","authors":"Anna Cheshire, Tina Cartwright","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05430-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05430-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The impact of long-COVID can be substantial for individuals, health systems and the economy, nevertheless, treatment and support options are limited. Yoga offers a potential solution to reduce the burden of long-COVID, demonstrating positive impacts on the biological mechanisms implicated in long-COVID, key long-COVID symptoms and associated mental health challenges. Yoga interventions can also be designed for people with limited physical ability, and online delivery can increase accessibility.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To understand the perceptions and experiences of yoga among people with long-COVID (PWLC), and assess its potential benefits.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey of PWLC, comprised closed and open response questions on: long-COVID symptoms, support needs, perceptions of a yoga intervention and its components and yoga use. Participants (n = 171) were recruited via Prolific. Inclusion criteria were long-COVID (formal diagnosis or self-reported) and living in the UK. Inductive thematic analysis was used for open ended responses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis identified unmet needs among PWLC that align with the potential benefits of a yoga intervention, particularly in supporting symptom management, self-management and associated psychological symptoms. Additionally, a yoga intervention could provide acknowledgment and support to PWLC who feel despondent about their condition and abandoned by health professionals. Participants reported a high level of interest in a yoga intervention, perceiving it could be of benefit. Barriers to yoga practise included anxiety regarding the group setting, fitting sessions into schedules, lack of energy and concerns about suitability for long-COVID. Those already practising yoga with long-COVID reported that yoga helped to manage symptoms and associated psychological challenges, as well as increasing flexibility and providing a safer alternative to exercise.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Many PWLC have positive perceptions of yoga and there is a good level of interest in a yoga intervention among this population. These findings suggest that yoga is a suitable intervention for study in future research as well as delivery in the community by qualified yoga instructors with a knowledge of long-COVID - provided that any intervention is appropriately tailored to fit the ability and address the concerns of PWLC. It should be offered in the context of health professional validation of symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148381635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used in the treatment of prostate diseases in southern Benin.","authors":"Mahouwena Germaine Avohou, Relique Ignace Agbo, Dewanou Casimir Akpovi, Augustin Gaetan Julien Segbo, Antoine Abel Missihoun, Mahoudo Fidèle Assogba, Clément Agbangla","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05453-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05453-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Medicinal plants play an important role in the prevention and treatment of several diseases in Africa. They are the first resort for patients with Prostate Diseases (PD) as soon as the first symptoms appear in Benin; PD, particularly prostate cancer, are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and in Benin. This study aims to document the medicinal plants used by populations in southern Benin in the prevention and treatment of prostate diseases and to carry out chemical screening and larval toxicity testing on the most commonly used plants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a structured questionnaire, 41 herbalists and 27 traditional healers who agreed to participate in the study were interviewed on plants they use in the prevention and treatment of PD. The parts of these plants, their methods of use, and their route of administration were recorded. A triangulation was conducted on medicinal plants cited by herbalists and traditional healers in order to identify their pharmacological properties. Qualitative phytochemical screening based on colour and/or precipitation reactions and the larval toxicity test evaluating the survival of brine shrimp larvae in the presence of different extracts were carried out on the eight most commonly used plants.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of 28 medicinal plants species belonging to 28 families and 29 genus were collected and identified. All plants were administered orally. The dominant family was Annonaceae (11%). The main species according to frequency of citation (FC = percentage of informants who cited the plant) were Caesalpinia bonduc (FC = 36%), Bambusa vulgaris (FC = 29%), and Annona muricata (FC = 21%). Decoctions were the preferred method of preparation, and roots were the most commonly used part of the plant. The plants, rich in flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins, were non-toxic. Data analysis showed that Caesalpinia bonduc was the most widely used plant in southern Benin for treating prostate diseases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed a significant diversity of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat PD in southern Benin. The predominance of Annonaceae families, the preferential use of roots in decoctions, and the richness in non-toxic bioactive metabolites support these traditional practices. Further pharmacological studies are needed to validate their therapeutic efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13595600/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148367050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protective role of rosmarinic acid against radiation-induced dermatitis: focus on oxidative stress and inflammation.","authors":"Betül Zehra Karip, Esra Çikler, Hakan Beyaztaş, Eray Metin Güler, Serhat Aras, Fevzi Esen","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05442-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05442-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study investigated the potential protective role of rosmarinic acid (RA) against oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis induced by ionizing radiation in an experimental rat model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 6): G0, G1(14), G1(28), G2(14), G2(28), G3(14), and G3(28). While the G1 groups were exposed to radiation without treatment, the G2 groups received intraperitoneal saline, and the G3 groups were administered 20 mg/kg RA intraperitoneally. Skin tissue samples were collected on days 14 and 28 for histopathological, immunofluorescence, and biochemical analyses. Statistical evaluation was performed via SPSS software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Histological evaluation revealed intact skin morphology in the G0 group, whereas the G1 and G2 groups exhibited structural disorganization, epidermal and dermal loss, and hyperplasia. Mast cell infiltration and inflammatory activity were significantly increased, accompanied by reduced vascularization. In contrast, the morphological damage in the G3 group was ameliorated. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed elevated TGFβ-1 and 8-OHdG expression in G1 and G2, which was markedly reduced in G3. Similarly, the levels of biochemical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were greater in the G1 and G2 groups but lower in the RA-treated groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rosmarinic acid administration mitigated radiation-induced oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and fibrotic changes in skin tissue. These findings suggest that RA exerts protective effects against radiation-induced skin injury through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in this experimental model.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13579826/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148350719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolation and identification of hasubanan alkaloids having anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant activity from the stem Stephania japonica.","authors":"Anik Kumar Dey, Md Yusuf Al-Amin, Rafia Ferdous, A H M Khurshid Alam, Aziz Abdur Rahman, Md Bayazid Hossen, Md Nurul Haque Mollah, Md Golam Sadik","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05447-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05447-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A recent report showed that Stephania japonica chloroform fraction has potential anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities and is able to improve learning and memory in mice. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate and identify compounds from the chloroform fraction with cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activity that may be useful as new candidates for the treatment of AD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Chromatographic methods were used for isolation of compounds and the isolated compounds were analyzed by spectroscopic methods for structure elucidation. Acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitory activity were evaluated for by Ellman's method and the antioxidant activity by several in vitro models such as DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging, reducing power, total antioxidant activity, and inhibition of brain lipid peroxidation. The interaction of cholinesterase enzymes and isolated compounds were examined by molecular docking studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bioactivity guided approach led to the isolation of four compounds from the chloroform fraction and identified as aknadinine, aknadilactam, aknadicine and stephisoferuline on the basis of their ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectral data. All the compounds were of hasubanan type. They showed significant inhibition against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, with at least two fold increased affinity for butyrylcholinesterase than acetylcholinesterase. The IC₅₀ values of the alkaloids were in the range of 9.36-14.89 µg/mL against acetylcholinesterase and 3.97-6.66 µg/mL against butyrylcholinesterase. Kinetic analysis revealed that all the four compounds exhibited mixed type of inhibition against both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The interaction of compounds with several amino acids of enzymes was supported by molecular docking studies. All the hasubanan alkaloids showed antioxidant activity in all in vitro assays and inhibited peroxidation of brain lipid. The IC₅₀ values of the compounds for scavenging of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxidation inhibition were found to be in the range of 5.1-40.91, 10.44-19.41, and 20.60-31.72 µg/mL, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The hasubabanan alkaloids isolated from S. japonica may represent a new class of anti-cholinesterase compounds. The multitargeted activity of hasubanan alkaloids may lead to new candidates for the treatment of AD.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13573421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148343853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retraction Note: In vitro evaluation of Pandanus amaryllifolius ethanol extract for induction of cell death on non-hormone dependent human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell via apoptosis.","authors":"Hueh Zan Chong, Swee Keong Yeap, Asmah Rahmat, Abdah Md Akim, Noorjahan Banu Alitheen, Fauziah Othman, Cheng Lian Gwendoline-Ee","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05454-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05454-8","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13310430/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148338027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the preventive effect of Neiguan acupoint stimulation combined with Zusanli acupoint stimulation on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery.","authors":"Hongliang Gao, Zhifang Li, Wei Hao, Xiaoguang Liu, Mengmeng Liang, Li Yang, Yan Li, Yajing Dong, Chunlei Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05451-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05451-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the preventive effect of thumbtack needle Neiguan acupoint stimulation combined with Zusanli acupoint stimulation on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery.</p><p><strong>Experimental procedure: </strong>Using convenient sampling, 90 patients scheduled for hysteroscopic surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to group A (Neiguan acupoint stimulation combined with Zusanli acupoint stimulation group), group B (Neiguan acupoint stimulation group), and group C (Streitberger sham acupuncture group). Postoperative nausea, vomiting and pain indicators were collected for comparison.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The incidence of postoperative nausea in group A and group B was lower than that in group C at 0 ~ 6 h, and the incidence of postoperative vomiting in group A and group B was lower than that in group C at 0 ~ 6 h and 6 ~ 12 h. There were significant differences in VAS scores and postoperative exhaust time between the three groups at 6,12 and 24 h after operation. Further pairwise comparison showed that the VAS scores and postoperative exhaust time of group A at 6,12 and 24 h after operation were the smallest (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Combined acupoint stimulation at Zusanli and Neiguan was more effective in reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting and accelerating postoperative recovery than stimulation of Neiguan alone or sham control.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13563741/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148338040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional medicinal knowledge and diversity of medicinal plants in Benin: a systematic review (2014-2023).","authors":"Edna Hounsa, Inés Reigada, Phénix Assogba, Eric Agbodjento, Fréjus Ohouko, Boris Legba, Hornel Koudokpon, Jean Robert Klotoe, Christine Ouinsavi, Víctor López, Leena Hanski, Victorien Dougnon","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05440-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05440-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The richness of flora and traditional medical knowledge in the West African country Benin translate into the integral role of medicinal plants in local healthcare. This study explored the current status of traditional medicine research in Benin by evaluating data from ethnopharmacological and ethnobotanical surveys carried out between 2014 and 2023 and identifying knowledge gaps within the sustainable use of plant-based remedies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was used to guide the execution of the review. A total of 129 studies identified in scientific databases were analysed. The top 20 cited plant species were subjected to a comprehensive literature review to evaluate the experimental evidence to support the reported traditional uses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 765 plant species belonging to 141 botanical families were cited in the included studies to treat various animal and human diseases, including infectious diseases, digestive disorders and metabolic diseases. Severe gaps in the documentation of plant collection practices, preparation stability, and preservation techniques were observed. Khaya senegalensis A.Juss. (41 citing studies), Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G. Don (37 citing studies) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (33 citing studies) were the most frequently cited plants. Comparison of the scientific literature on the 20 most cited plant species revealed a lack of experimental evidence, even for the most frequent traditional uses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study illustrated the wide spectrum of plant species applied in Beninese traditional medicine and the critical lack of experimental evidence for their traditional applications and the conservation of medicinal preparations. These findings underscore the need for sustainable harvesting practices, community-based conservation measures, and evidence-based use of plant resources to preserve biodiversity and support long-term availability. This calls for a national database, quality standards, and better integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13556067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148326860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protective effects of Tinospora crispa and Tinospora cordifolia extracts against methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in hFOB 1.19 cells: ELISA-based evaluation and molecular docking insights with antioxidant enzymes.","authors":"Luqman Jaya, Gabriele Ruth Anisah Froemming, Zunika Amit","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05450-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05450-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end products (AGE) induced by methylglyoxal (MGO) contribute to oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis in osteoblasts, ultimately disrupting bone homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Tinospora crispa and Tinospora cordifolia extracts against MGO-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in hFOB 1.19 osteoblastic cells.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Methanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated for their ability to reduce intracellular ROS, caspase-3 expression, and AGE expression through ELISA based assays. Molecular docking was performed between selected bioactive compounds of these extracts and related proteins through AutoDock Vina. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, followed by post-hoc tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Methanolic extracts of T. crispa (240 µg/mL) and T. cordifolia (100 µg/mL) significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels by 46.8% and 41.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression in MGO-induced osteoblast cells was significantly decreased following treatment with T. crispa and T. cordifolia extracts, indicating anti-apoptotic effects. However, only methanolic T. cordifolia (100 µg/mL) and aqueous T. crispa at (375 µg/mL) significantly reduced intracellular AGE expression (p < 0.05), suggesting selective effects on oxidative stress pathways. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong binding affinities of key bioactive compounds particularly towards berberine with xanthine oxidase (-8.3 kcal/mol) and caspase-9 (-8.7 kcal/mol). Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase showed a strong binding affinity towards quercetin (-7.9 kcal/mol).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that T. crispa and T. cordifolia extracts possess significant antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, making them promising therapeutic agents in mitigating MGO-induced osteoblastic damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148315738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional phytopharmaceutical practices and integrative healthcare perspectives among herbal practitioners: a cross-sectional analysis in Tigray, Ethiopia.","authors":"Yemane Tadesse Desta, Tesfay Godifey Tsegay, Haftom Kahsay Abraha","doi":"10.1186/s12906-026-05444-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12906-026-05444-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditional medicine remains a crucial component of primary healthcare in Ethiopia. This study assessed phytopharmaceutical practices and integrative health perspectives among traditional herbal practitioners in Tigray, Ethiopia. A community-based mixed-method cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2024 among 58 purposively selected traditional herbal practitioners across five zones in Tigray. A semi-structured interviews, observational assessments and medicinal plant specimen documentation were employed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content. The findings revealed that the mean age of practitioners was 56.5 years, with males constituting 62.07% participants. Most of the practitioners' experience exceeded 20 years and practiced herbal remedy on a part-time basis. A total of 22 medicinal plant species were documented for the treatment of infectious, physical and spiritual illnesses. Leaves (47.80%), roots (23.80%) and stem barks (16.41%) were the most extensively used plant parts. Greater informant consensus was observed for gastrointestinal disorders (ICF = 0.95) and respiratory diseases (ICF = 0.86). Fidelity level analysis indicated strong agreement on the utilization of Osimum lamifolium for respiratory disorders (93.1%), Ruta chalepensis for gastrointestinal ailments (92%) and Aloe vera for skin infections (90%). Formal education (OR = 6.00, p = 0,046), both family influence and experiential source of knowledge (OR = 11.67, p = 0.032), and prior training (OR = 3.82, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with openness towards integration with modern healthcare systems, whereas older age was reversibly associated with integration willingness (OR = 0.17, p = 0.05). Environmental degradation (98.28%), knowledge erosion (96.55%), lack of formal recognition (89.66%), and inadequate documentation (87.93%) were cited as major challenges to the sustainable practice of traditional medicine. In conclusion, the findings underscore the significance of traditional herbal medicine in community healthcare of Tigray. However, inadequate documentation, environmental factors and poor regulatory framework threatens sustainability of the knowledge. Improving documentation systems, regulatory frameworks and culturally sensitive integration strategies may enhance the sustainability and integration of traditional herbal medicine with the modern healthcare system.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13573366/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148300889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}