Folk Medicine Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Extracts from the Caucasian species of comfrey-Symphytum asperum and S.caucasicum have been used in folk medicine in the treatment of some kinds of disorders, mainly fractures and wounds. The aforenamed extracts contain allantoin, claimed to be a cell proliferation-stimulating agent responsible for the wound-healing properties of Symphytum, and, on the other hand, hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids which strongly restrict internal use of comfrey extracts. In the present investigation, we obtained allantoin-and toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids-free composition containing crude polysaccharides and novel biopolymer from S. asperum roots-poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (PDGA), and attempted to appraise its pharmacological properties in in vitro (anticomplementary and antioxidant assays) and in vivo experiments (mouse excisional wound and skin burn models). PDGA exhibited marked antioxidant and anticomplementary activity in contrast with polysaccharides, which displayed no detectable anticomplementary and antioxidant efficacy. Besides, ointment, containing 2.5% crude polysaccharides and PDGA was found to have pronounced woundhealing properties, by efficacy not yielding to 2.5% allantoin ointment. The obtained results allow assuming with high degree of reliability that wound healing activity of comfrey preparations could be associated not only with allantoin but also with PDGA.

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- Folk Medicine, Wound Healing, Key words, Cell Proliferation

Propolis has been used in folk medicine since ancient times and is known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inXammatory, antitumoral and antioxidant properties. In view of the great therapeutic interest in propolis and the small number of studies regarding its mechanism of action, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic eVects of propolis using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Parameters such as the frequency of chromosome aberrations and mitotic index were analyzed. The results showed that, on one hand, the highest propolis tested concentration displayed a small but signiWcant increase in the frequency of chromosome aberrations, and on the other hand, it was observed that the lowest tested concentration signiWcantly reduced the chromosome damage induced by the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. The present results indicate that propolis shows the characteristic of a "Janus" compound, i.e., propolis is genotoxic at higher concentrations, while at lower concentrations it display a chemopreventive eVect on doxorubicin-induced mutagenicity. Flavonoids may be the components of propolis responsible for its both mutagenic and antimutagenic eVects, once these compounds may act either as pro-oxidant or as free radicals scavenger, depending on its concentration.

- by Livia Silva
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- Water, Folk Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Brazil

Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to be one of the commonest pathogens encountered in clinical as well as laboratory practice. It has become a major health problem worldwide. Newer... more

- by Abdul Hanan
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- Folk Medicine, Staphylococcus aureus, Antibacterial activity, Health Problems

The fifth-century world of Marcellus's De medicamentis, with its approximately 2,500 pharmaceutical recipes, frustrates and tantalizes in equal doses. Although most of the pharmacy derives from plants, the fairy-tale ingredients appear as well, with curative properties attributed to eagle bile (8.86), watercress seed mixed with goose fat (4.16), and the tips of lizard tails (29.13).1 A random selection provides a taste of the variety offered. The encyclopedist lists among his recommended half-dozen remedies for nosebleed the following three possibilities (10.65-66, 70): "Dip a feather in a mixture of crushed rue and sharp vinegar; if stuck in the nostrils it will check effectively the flow of blood. The dry manure of a she-ass rubbed on the nostrils quickly stops blood when it is flowing unchecked. ... Write on a fresh sheet of paper ψ α ψ ε ψ η ψ ε ψ η ψ α ψ ε and hang it, bound with three knots in unprocessed linen, from the neck of the one suffering from flow of blood." As awkward as may seem the acquisition of ingredients and the subsequent application of results, the preparation of the recipe could also offer significant challenges: a particularly ambitious healer will need seventy-three separate elements to concoct the antidotus Cosmiana, a miracle potion "for all that ails you" (29.11: prodest omni adversae valetudini).

In this study, medicinal uses and methods of administration of 45 wild plant taxa belonging to 27 families in Yalova are documented. The plant specimens were collected with informants. During the field works all the settlements (58 villages) were visited. The information was recorded and the collected plants were identified and prepared voucher specimens were kept in the Herbarium of Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy (ISTE). Özet Bu çalismada, Yalova'da tibbi amaçli kullanilan 27 familyaya ait, 45 dogal taksonun kullanilis nedenleri, uygulanis sekilleri arastirilmis ve kaydedilmistir. Bitkiler bilgi veren kisiler ile birlikte toplanmistir. Arazi çalismalari sirasinda bütün yerlesim yerlerine (58 köy) gidilmistir. Bilgiler kaydedilmis, toplanan bitkiler teshis edilmis ve hazirlanan herbaryum örnekleri Istanbul Üniversitesi Eczacilik Fakültesi Herbaryumu (ISTE)'nda saklanmistir.

- by Neriman Özhatay
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- Geography, Folk Medicine, Medicinal Plants, Yalova

The barks of Drimys winteri are used in folk medicine as a remedy to treat several diseases, including dolorous processes. Previous pre-clinical experiments carried out in our laboratories revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant showed anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Such promising results led us to determine the analgesic compounds present in D. winteri. Through conventional chromatographic procedures with fractions of CH 2 Cl 2 and EtOAc obtained from methanolic extract, it was found that polygodial (1), 1-i-(p-methoxycynnamyl) polygodial (2), taxifolin (3) and astilbin (4), are the main components of these fractions. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited marked antinociceptive action by intraperitoneal and oral routes against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in mice, suggesting that they are responsible, at least partially, for the antinociceptive effects of this plant. In addition, both compounds were notably more potent than aspirin and acetaminophen, two well-known drugs used here as comparison.

- by Mario Vaccaro
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- Pharmacology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Immunology, Folk Medicine

The practice of rubbing different plant material juices or extracts into the skin to relieve pain and rheumatic symptoms is deeply rooted in folk medicine and has been used for a long time. Several common species, usually available in agroecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula, were/are used for topical medicinal preparations as reported in recent ethnobotanical surveys. Based on these studies, the fruits of three relevant species (Bryonia dioica or white-bryony, Lonicera periclymenum or common honeysuckle and Tamus communis or black-bryony) were gathered and different analyses and assays were performed in order to characterize their phytochemical composition and to find biologically active compounds for pharmaceutical application. Black-bryony ripened fruits revealed the highest antioxidant properties which are in agreement to its highest concentration in phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and lycopene. The studied fruits revealed interesting antioxidant properties and bioactive phytochemicals that could provide scientific evidence for their folk uses as anti-inflammatory species.

- by Ana Maria Carvalho
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- Folk Medicine, Industrial Crops, Iberian Peninsula, Ascorbic Acid

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Baccharis trimera (Less) DC. (Asteraceae), popularly known in Brazil as "carqueja", have been used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal diseases, and inflammatory processes as rheumatism. Aim of the study: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo toxicological effects of anti-inflammatory Baccharis trimera aqueous extract and fractions. Materials and methods: Aqueous extract of Baccharis trimera (AEBt) was produced by infusion in boiling water. After lyophylization AEBt was extracted with 80% ethanol, originating the ethanolic supernatant fraction (EFBt) and the aqueous sediment fraction (AFBt). Anti-inflammatory properties of AEBt, EFBt or AFBt (3, 30 or 300 g/kg b.w.) were evaluated by the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema using indomethacin (10 mg/kg) as positive control. The growth of rat hepatoma cells (HTC) and human embryo kidney epithelial cells (HEK) was determined by protein staining assay. Cytotoxicity was assayed by the tetrazolium salt (MTT) reduction. Cyclosporin was used as reference cytotoxic drug for spleen cells and doxorubicin for HTC and HEK cells. For in vivo toxicological evaluation SW male mice were daily and oral (gavage) treated with extract/fractions at 4.2 mg/kg or 42 mg/kg during 15 days. After treatment liver or kidney cells were submitted to comet assay to determine the DNA damage index, and the glutathione S-transferase activity was assayed towards ETHA (class Pi) and CDNB (several classes). Mutagenicity was evaluated by the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, and TA102. Results: The anti-inflammatory effects of EFBt were higher than those of AEBt or AFBt. Mice treatment (3-300 g/kg) with AFBt reduced the paw edema (3 h) at lower levels (29.2-37.3%; P < 0.01), than those observed for AEBt (44.7-54.2%; P < 0.001), EFBt (49.3-58.2%; P < 0.001) or indomethacin (64.6%, P < 0.001, 10 mg/kg). The growth of kidney cells (HEK) was inhibited by AEBt (IC 50 182.6 g/ml), EFBt (IC 50 78.1 g/ml) and AFBt (IC 50 86.2 g/ml), with lower effects on HTC hepatic cell (IC 50 308.8 g/ml, 396.5 g/ml and 167.9 g/ml, respectively). As evaluated by MTT test, AFBt exhibited cytotoxicity for HEK cells (IC 50 372.5 g/ml), but none for HTC ones; by the way, AFBt stimulated spleen cells (EC 50 2.2 g/ml) while cyclosporine, a cytotoxic reference drug inhibited them with IC 50 of 0.42 g/ml; the IC 50 for doxorubicin for HEK and HTC cells was 0.28 g/ml and 14.4 g/ml, respectively, at 96 h. No mutagenic potential was observed. Mice treatment with AEBt or AFBt at 42 mg/kg for 15 days altered the kidney relative weight, but not at 4.2 mg/kg. Baccharis trimera did not change liver, spleen or popliteal lymph node relative weight. DNA damage index of kidney cells was observed on mice treated with AEBt/AFBt, but not on animals treated with EFBt, while DNA lesions were detected on liver cells only after AFBt treatment. The general activities of hepatic GST and Pi GST were reduced by EFBt and AFBt treatment, respectively. Conclusions: Baccharis trimera did not show mutagenicity, inhibited the GST activity, a hepatic detoxification enzyme, and induced in vivo (genotoxicity) and in vitro toxicological effects to kidney cells.

- by Israel Felzenszwalb
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- Water, Folk Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Plant Biology

White flesh extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) was studied to ascertain the ethnopharmacological standing of its antimalarial usage in Malaysian folk medicine.The crude methanol extract was investigated for phytochemical constituents and acute oral toxicity. Antimalarial activity of different extract doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were investigated in vivo against Plasmodium berghei (NK65) infections in mice during early, established and residual infections. Chloroquine (20 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs.The results revealed that the extract contained some phytochemical constituents and is toxicologically safe by oral administration. The extract significantly reduced the parasitaemia by the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses in the all three in vivo assessment assays. However, the extract did not significantly increase the survival time of the infected mice.The observed pharmacological activities suggest that the Malaysian folkloric medicinal application of Cocos nucifera has a pharmacological basis.

- by adel A . amran
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- Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Folk Medicine

Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, blenorrhea, asthmatic bronchitis and nasal congestion. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects and acute toxicity of an aqueous extract of S. cordifolia were evaluated in animal models. The extract was prepared using leaves collected before the flowering period. The aqueous extract (AE) showed a significant inhibition of carrageenin-induced rat paw edema at a dose of 400 mg/kg administered orally, but did not block the edema induced by arachidonic acid. The AE also increased the latency period for mice in the hot plate test, and inhibited the number of writhes produced by acetic acid at the oral dose of 400 mg/kg. The aqueous extract of S. cordifolia showed low acute toxicity in mice.

- by Marcio Andrade
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- Folk Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Brazil, Ethnopharmacology
- by Mia Tuft and +2
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- Cultural History, Folklore, Folk Medicine, Epilepsy

The fresh juice of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.), a tropical plant used as a folk medicine in Pacific islands, possessed free-radical-scavenging activity (RSA), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), at 140 mg equivalent ascorbic acid/100 ml and total phenols at 210 mg gallic acid/100 ml. Fermentation of noni fruit for 3 months resulted in a loss of more than 90% of RSA. Dehydration at 50°C produced a loss of 20% of RSA. Storage of fresh noni juice at 24°C for 3 months reduced RSA more than 90%. Storage of noni juice or powder at À18°C and 4°C for 3 months decreased RSA by 10-55%. The reduction of RSA of noni juice or purée during heat treatment or dehydration was much greater than reduction of total phenols. For maintenance of the substantial antioxidant properties of noni products, processing of noni powder or fresh frozen noni juice rather than fermented noni juice is recommended.

- by Darah Ibrahim
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- Folk Medicine, Heat Treatment, Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Many plants used in Amazonian folk medicine present a high antioxidant activity. In this study, the antioxidant activities of four largely used plants, namely Byrsonima crassifolia, Davilla kunthii, Davilla rugosa and Inga edulis, were evaluated, using methanolic extracts of their leaves, fruits and bark and several different in vitro tests, based either on the capacity to scavenge free radicals (ORAC, TRAP) or on the ability to protect biological structures (LDLs, erythrocytes). The total phenolics (TP), flavanoids (TFA) and flavonols (TFO) were also measured. Almost all extracts performed well in all assays of antioxidative capacity, with best activities found in leaves (compared to fruits and bark). Most antioxidative performance indicators (ORAC, TRAP, LDL protection) correlated well with the TP and TFA content of the extracts. Conversely, correlation was lower between TFO and these indicators, reflecting a lower involvement of these compounds in antioxidant processes. Erythrocyte protection against oxidant-triggered haemolysis showed no correlation with any of the phenolic content indicators, suggesting that most of these compounds have a low ability to protect lipid targets in the erythrocyte membrane. On the other hand, protection of erythrocytes against haemolysis correlated positively with LDL protection. The extract of I. edulis leaves contained average amounts of polyphenols but ranked first in the majority of the tests, indicating the occurrence of particularly efficient compounds with very important antioxidant properties, which could be used for medicinal and other applications.

- by Hervé Rogez and +1
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- Folk Medicine, Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Free Radical

Terminalia catappa L. is a popular folk medicine for preventing hepatoma and treating hepatitis in Taiwan. In this paper, we examined the protective effects of T. catappa leaf water extract (TCE) and its major tannin component, punicalagin, on bleomycin-induced genotoxicity in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Pre-treatment with TCE or punicalagin prevented bleomycin-induced hgprt gene mutations and DNA strand breaks. TCE and punicalagin suppressed the generation of bleomycin-induced intracellular free radicals, identi®ed as superoxides and hydrogen peroxides. The effectiveness of TCE and punicalagin against bleomycin-induced genotoxicity could be, at least in part, due to their antioxidative potentials. q

- by Jih-heng Li
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- Folk Medicine, Free Radical, Reactive Oxygen Species, Anions

The acute and the subacute (15 days) hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effect of the two different doses (250, 500 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Vitis vinifera L. were evaluated in this study. The aqueous extract was further fractionated through successive solvent extractions and the acute effect of different doses of its subfractions, 25 mg/kg for ethylacetate fraction, 80 mg/kg for n-butanol fraction and 375 mg/kg for remaining aqueous fraction were investigated using normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were measured according to the glucose oxidase method. Tolbutamide was used as a reference drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The antioxidant activity of the test samples was studied in the liver, kidney and heart tissues of diabetic rats by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathion (GSH) levels. All results were compared to the diabetic control groups. The results showed that EtOAc Fr. was rich in polyphenolics and possessed a significant antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity equipotent with the reference hypoglycaemic agent (tolbutamide), when evaluated in diabetic rats.

Latviešu dziedināšanas tradīcija: teorētiskie un praktiskie aspekti. Promocijas darba kopsavilkums.
The latvian healing tradition: theoretical and practical aspects.
Summary of doctoral thesis.

- by Ieva Ancevska
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- Folklore, Folk Medicine

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic beverage that is prominent in the ethnomedicine and shamanism of indigenous Amazonian tribes. Its unique pharmacology depends on the oral activity of the hallucinogen, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which results from inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) by h-carboline alkaloids. MAO is the enzyme that normally degrades DMT in the liver and gut. Ayahuasca has long been integrated into mestizo folk medicine in the northwest Amazon. In Brazil, it is used as a sacrament by several syncretic churches. Some of these organizations have incorporated in the United States. The recreational and religious use of ayahuasca in the United States, as well as ''ayahuasca tourism'' in the Amazon, is increasing. The current legal status of ayahuasca or its source plants in the United States is unclear, although DMT is a Schedule I-controlled substance. One ayahuasca church has received favorable rulings in 2 federal courts in response to its petition to the Department of Justice for the right to use ayahuasca under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. A biomedical study of one of the churches, the Uñiao do Vegetal (UDV), indicated that ayahuasca may have therapeutic applications for the treatment of alcoholism, substance abuse, and possibly other disorders. Clinical studies conducted in Spain have demonstrated that ayahuasca can be used safely in normal healthy adults, but have done little to clarify its potential therapeutic uses. Because of ayahuasca's ill-defined legal status and variable botanical and chemical composition, clinical investigations in the United States, ideally under an approved Investigational New Drug (IND) protocol, are complicated by both regulatory and methodological issues. This article provides an overview of ayahuasca and discusses some of the challenges that must be overcome before it can be clinically investigated in the United States.

- by Dennis McKenna
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- Chemistry, Folk Medicine, Political Science, Brazil

Phospholipases A 2 (PLA 2 ) are important constituents of snake venoms, being responsible for several of their toxic actions. Extracts from plants used in folk medicine were screened for inhibition of the enzymatic activity of myotoxin I, a PLA 2 from Bothrops asper. Piper umbellatum and Piper peltatum extracts tested positive, and their fractionation resulted in the isolation of 4-nerolidylcatechol. Its inhibitory effects towards toxic activities of two Bothrops myotoxins, representing catalytically active (Asp49) and catalytically inactive (Lys49) types of group II PLA 2 s, respectively, were characterized. The enzyme activity of B. asper myotoxin I was completely inhibited by 4-nerolidylcatechol at an inhibitor:toxin ratio of 10:1 (wt/wt) with an IC50 of $1 mM. In addition, 4nerolidylcatechol inhibited representatives of groups I and III of PLA 2 s. Its preincubation with Bothrops myotoxins significantly reduced their myotoxic and edema-inducing activities in animal experiments. However, when 4-nerolidylcatechol was administered in situ, immediately after toxin injection, its inhibitory ability was substantially lower or negligible. This might be explained by the rapid action of these toxins in vivo, together with the slow inactivation of PLA 2 activity observed in vitro. Electrophoretic and chromatographic analyses of myotoxins ruled out major changes in protein charge, hydrophobicity, or gross molecular mass being involved in the inhibition mechanism. Mass spectrometry determinations are consistent with the covalent modification of myotoxin by one molecule of 4-nerolidylcatechol. Finally, a novel compound was isolated from both Piper species, sharing the nerolidyl skeleton, but nevertheless not being inhibitory towards the PLA 2 s studied.

- by Bruno Lomonte
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- Phytochemistry, Folk Medicine, Skeletal muscle biology, Mass Spectrometry
- by Aida Elmakawy
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- Folk Medicine

Exploring the tales of many of the mysterious and captivating Faerie Queens, this exceptional anthology contains eighteen essays exploring the diverse accounts and themes associated with the Faerie Queens and their influence in magic, literature and folklore. From the Arthurian mythos to Scandinavia, from ancient Greece to Renaissance poetry and beyond, the awesome power of the Faerie Queens to inspire, challenge and transform is investigated and discussed from both scholarly and personal perspectives.

- by Ceri Norman
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- Comparative Religion, Cultural History, Anthropology, Folklore

In 1995 research was conducted in Trinidad and Tobago with the aim of collecting knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicines in order to lay a foundation for further scientific study and validation. This paper describes only the ethnoveterinary practices used in the poultry sub-sector. A four stage process was used to conduct the research and document these ethnoveterinary practices. 28 ethnoveterinary respondents were identified using a modified Rapid Rural Appraisal Ž . RRA technique, the student essay method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with these respondents as well as with 30 veterinarians, 27 extension officers and 19 animal health assistantsragricultural officers, and the 7 key respondents that they identified. 5 participatory workshops were then held with 55 of the respondents interviewed to discuss the data generated from the interviews and to determine dosages for some of the plants mentioned. 12 plant species were used to treat 4 categories of health problems common to poultry production. Aloe Õera, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Citrus sp. and Momordica charantia were the main medicinal plants being used. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

- by Cheryl Lans
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- Veterinary Medicine, Participatory Research, Veterinary Education, Folk Medicine

Jojoba [Simmondsia chinensis (Link 1822) Schneider 1907] is an arid perennial shrub grown in several American and African countries. Jojoba seeds, which are rich in liquid wax, were used in folk medicine for diverse ailments. In the current study, the potential anti-inflammatory activity of jojoba liquid wax (JLW) was evaluated in a number of experimental models. Results showed that JLW caused reduction of carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema in addition to diminishing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level in the inflammatory exudates. In a test for anti-inflammatory potential utilizing the chick’s embryo chroioallantoic membrane (CAM), JLW also caused significant lowering of granulation tissue formation. Topical application of JLW reduced ear oedema induced by croton oil in rats. In the same animal model, JLW also reduced neutrophil infiltration, as indicated by decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In addition, JLW ameliorated histopathological changes affected by croton oil application. In the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in air pouch in rats, JLW reduced nitric oxide (NO) level and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of JLW in combating inflammation in several experimental models. Further investigations are needed to identify the active constituents responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of JLW.

- by Ashraf Abdel-Naim
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- Folk Medicine, Lipopolysaccharide, Animal Model, Plant extracts
- by Anna Trojanowska
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- Folk Medicine, History of pharmacy, Etnopharmacology, Medicnal Plants

акСиологичеСкий СтатуС болезни в традиционной культуре белоруСов В нынешнем прагматичном мире сам вопрос об аксиологии болезни ка-жется странным, ибо боль и болезнь однозначно подвергаются негации, целиком отрицательны, уничижительны и должны быть побеждены и уничтожены. В современном медицинском знании преобладает натурали-стическая установка, которая сводит болезнь к самостоятельной биологи-ческой сущности, отделенной от человека, от субъективных переживаний и социального контекста. В медицинском дискурсе (в отличие от антро-пологии и этнографии) лишь начинают звучать утверждения о социаль-ности — и уже тем самым неоднозначности аксиологических характери-стик — переживаний болезни. «Несмотря на то, что феноменологически (то есть по имманентному составу переживания) боль рвет интерсубъек-тивные связи, изолирует человека, поглощает его социальность, генетиче-ски боль всегда носит глубоко социальный характер. Прямо в тот момент, когда мы чувствуем себя отрезанными от всего человечества, от культуры, культура невидимо для нас формирует наше болевое переживание. Оно всегда осуществляется в том или ином социальном контексте, социальном окружении, на основе тех или иных всегда уже имеющихся интерпрета-ций» (Лехциер 2009: 94). Уже сами медики указывают на разрыв между значимостью болезни, которую она приобретает в переживании больного, и медицинской ин-терпретацией этого события, что можно видеть на примере рассказа Льва Толстого «Смерть Ивана Ильича». Когда после ушиба у Ивана Ильича воз-никла сильная и непроходящая боль в боку и он стал лечиться у врачей, то осознал одну вещь. Для него «был важен только один вопрос: опасно ли его положение или нет? Но доктор игнорировал этот неуместный вопрос. С точки зрения доктора, вопрос этот был праздный и не подлежал обсуж-дению; существовало только взвешивание вероятностей — блуждающей почки, хронического катара и болезни слепой кишки. Не было вопроса о жизни Ивана Ильича, а был спор между блуждающей почкой и слепой кишкой» (Толстой 1964: 82–83). Иван Ильич старался понять «запутанные и неясные научные слова», сам для себя объяснить свою болезнь, искал подходящие медицинские термины, пока отчетливо не осознал, что «не в слепой кишке, не в почке дело, а в жизни и… смерти».

- by Tatsiana Valodzina
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- Mythology And Folklore, Folk Medicine

Huperzia saururus (Lam.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae) known as cola de quirquincho is used in folk medicine to improve memory. The cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain, including those in the medial septum, and in the vertical limbs of the diagonal band of Broca and the nucleus basalis of Meynert, provide a major source of cholinergic enervation of the cortex and hippocampus. These neurons have also been shown to play an important role in learning and memory processes. Thus, the effects of this traditional Argentinean species were studied in relation to its activity on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. The alkaloid extract obtained first by decoction of the aerial parts and by subsequent alkaline extraction, was purified by using a Sephadex LH 20 packed column.Electrophysiological experiments were developed with the purified extract (E2) on rat hippocampus slices, thus eliciting long-term potentiation (LTP). Results show a marked increase in the hippocampal synaptic plasticity. The threshold value for generation of LTP was 22 ± 1.01 Hz on average for E2, while for controls it was 86 ± 0.92 Hz. All of these factors could explain the use of Huperzia saururus as a memory improver as is reported in the ethnomedicine.

- by Merili Metsvahi
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- Comparative Religion, Cultural History, Anthropology, Folklore

Maca (Lepidium meyenii walp.), a biennial herbaceous plant of the family Brassicae, which is cultivated mainly in the central Andes of Peru, has been used as both a food and a traditional medicine in the region for over 2000 years. The subterranean parts of the plant have long been used as a staple foodstuff by indigenous peoples in the Andean region, but the plant is also valued for its medicinal role. As is usual with many traditional ''folk'' medicines, many claims have been made regarding the efficacy of maca in treating a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions. However, in the 20th century most scientific attention has been focused in the areas where the pharmacological actions of maca seem most strongly attested, these include, enhancement of sexual drive in humans, increasing overall vigour and energy levels, and increasing sexual fertility in humans and domestic livestock. Since the early days of the 20th century numerous scientific studies have been carried out into the basis of its pharmacological action in these areas. In this review, the composition and pharmacological function of maca are systematically discussed. Additionally, the current discussion surrounding its mode of action in the areas listed above is also presented.

- by Brian McNeil and +1
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- Chemical Engineering, Folk Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Food

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Quillaja saponaria bark contains a high percentage of triterpene saponins and has been used for centuries as a cleansing and analgesic agent in Chilean folk medicine. Aim of the study: The topical and systemic analgesic effects of a commercial partially purified saponin extract, 3␤,16␣-dihydroxy-23-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid (quillaic acid), methyl 3␤,16␣-dihydroxy-23oxoolean-12-en-28-oate and methyl 4-nor-3,16-dioxoolean-12-en-28-oate. Materials and methods: The samples were assessed in mice using the topical tail-flick and i.p. hot-plate tests, respectively. Results: All the samples showed activity in both analgesic tests in a dose-dependent manner. The most active against tail flick test was commercial partially purified saponin extract (EC50 27.9 mg%, w/v) and more than the ibuprofen sodium. On hot-plate test, methyl 4-nor-3, 16-dioxoolean-12-en-28-oate was the most active (ED50 12.2 mg/kg) and more than the ibuprofen sodium.

- by Carlos Cartagena
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- Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Pain, Folk Medicine

Hypertension is a common global health problem with significant mortality and morbidity. Hibiscus sabdariffa is a plant known in many countries and is consumed as hot and cold drinks In addition to its use in folk medicine; it has been suggested as treatment for many conditions including hypertension.The objectives of this review were to examine the evidence of effectiveness and safety of hibiscus in the treatment of hypertension.We searched several medical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the specialized register of the Cochrane Hypertension Group and the general engine Google) to January 2009.We included randomized controlled trials that had examined Hibiscus's effectiveness and safety in the treatment of primary hypertension in adults. Two authors independently selected the trials for the review, extracted the data, and critically appraised the included studies.Four trials, with a total of 390 patients, met our inclusion criteria. Two studies compared Hibiscus sabdariffa to black tea; one study compared it to captopril and one to lisinopril. The studies found that Hibiscus had greater blood pressure reduction than tea but less than the ACE-inhibitors. However, all studies, except one, were short term and of poor quality with a Jadad scoring of <3 and did not meet international standards.The four randomized controlled studies identified in this review do not provide reliable evidence to support recommending Hibiscus sabdariffa for the treatment of primary hypertension in adults.

- by Wahabi Wahabi
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- Folk Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Global Health, Plant Biology
- by Marsha B Quinlan
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- Social Change, Anthropology, Folk Medicine, Traditional Medicine

At least 42 insects have been reported as used in folk medicine in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. These resources are distributed in nine orders, with Hymenopterans the most prevalent with 22 specimens. Medicinal insects, which are used live, cooked, ground, in infusions, in plasters, or as ointments, provide honey, nests, eggs, cocoons, sting, wax, and parts of their bodies for the elaboration of folk remedies to treat a great variety of locally diagnosed ailments. Most of the folk remedies are administered in the form of teas made using the powder produced by grinding the toasted or scraped part of the body of the insects or the whole toasted animal. Traditional knowledge concerning entomotherapy in the state of Bahia is very important since folk medicine is still one of the most important resources for discovery of unknown natural drug resources.

- by Eraldo Costa Neto
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- Human Ecology, Folk Medicine, Traditional Knowledge, Northeastern Brazil

Zagori is a group of villages in and around the National Park of Vikos-Aoos, in Epirus, north-west Greece. It was renowned in previous centuries as a major centre of folk medicine, and its practitioners, called 'vikoyiatri' or 'komboyiannites', were famous beyond the borders of Greece. Given the rich biological and cultural heritage of Zagori, we have tried to evaluate the present status concerning the medicinal flora of the area and its uses in the everyday life of the Zagori inhabitants.

- by D. Vokou
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- Botany, Folk Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Traditional Medicine

This chapter provides an overview of the global use of herpetofauna in traditional folk medicine and the implications for conservation. The results indicate that 331 species (284 reptiles and 47 amphibians) are used in traditional folk medicine around the world. Among the species recorded, 182 reptiles and 42 amphibians are listed in the IUCN Red List. Additionally, 93 reptiles are in some of the appendices of CITES. These numbers demonstrate the importance of understanding such medicinal uses in the context of reptile conservation as well as the need for considering sociocultural factors when establishing management plans directed toward the sustainable use of these reptiles.

- by Kleber Vieira
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- Folk Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Ecology, Ethnozoology

This work provides substantial evidence for the advocated diuretic effect of parsley in folk medicine and determines the mechanism of action of the herb. Rats offered an aqueous parsley seed extract to drink, eliminated a significantly larger volume of urine per 24 h as compared to when they were drinking water. These findings were supported by the results of other experiments using an in situ kidney perfusion technique which demonstrated also a significant increase in urine flow rate with parsley seed extract. This effect was still apparent in presence of amiloride, furosemide and in the absence of sodium, but not in the absence of potassium, suggesting that the diuretic effect of the herb is mediated through an increase in K + retention in the lumen. Parsley extract, was shown on the other hand, to reduce the activity of the Na + -K + ATPase in both cortex and medulla homogenates. Such an inhibition would decrease apical cellular Na + reabsorption, lower K + secretion, increase K + concentration in the intercellular space and consequently would inhibit passive K + influx across the tight junctions. The mechanism of action of parsley seems to be mediated through an inhibition of the Na + -K + pump that would lead to a reduction in Na + and K + reabsorption leading thus to an osmotic water flow into the lumen, and diuresis.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is an indigenous plant of Thailand used traditionally in folk medicine although it is claimed to cause addiction. It is used to treat diarrhea, however, there is no scientific evidence to support the use. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of kratom leaves on the rat gastrointestinal tract. Kratom extract at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) caused a dose dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and also inhibited intestinal transit. The antidiarrheal effect was not antagonized by naloxzone. The inhibition of intestinal transit by kratom extract was significantly different from the control when treated with a single dose for 1 day. For longer-term treatments of 15 and 30 days, kratom extract did not decrease the intestinal transit time indicating that adaptation had occurred. Kratom extract at a dose level of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 30 days and morphine at 3 mg/kg (i.p.) caused a decrease in the increment of body weight that was significantly different from the control and kratom extract at lower doses (50 and 100 mg/kg). However it had no effect on the level of plasma cholecystokinin. The results suggested that methanolic kratom extract exhibited its antidiarrheal effect on rat gastrointestinal tract. The effects may occur via pathways in addition to the action on opioid receptors. High does of kratom extract decreased the increment of body weight similar to the effect of morphine.

Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) and Lepidium meyenii (maca) were the traditional crops of the original population of Peru where they are also still used in folk medicine. These plants are little known in Europe and Northern America although at least yacon can be cultivated in the climatic conditions of these regions. This article deals with the botany and the composition, the structure of main constituents, biological activity of these plants and the cultivation of yacon in the Czech Republic. The potential of yacon tubers to treat hyperglycemia, kidney problems and for skin rejuvenation and the antihyperglycemic and cytoprotective activity of its leaves seems to be related mostly to its oligofructan and phenolic content, respectively. Maca alkaloids, steroids, glucosinolates, isothicyanates and macamides are probably responsible for its aptitude to act as a fertility enhancer, aphrodisiac, adaptogen, immunostimulant, anabolic and to influence hormonal balance. Yacon and maca are already on the European market as prospective functional foods and dietary supplements, mainly for use in certain risk groups of the population, e.g. seniors, diabetics, postmenopausal women etc.

- by Kateřina Valentová
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- Folk Medicine, Peru, Medicinal Plants, Czech Republic

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg. is commonly used in Jordan folk medicine for the treatment of panophthalmitis, chronic constipation, and diabetes. In addition, herbalists prescribe the aqueous... more

- by Lubna Tahtamouni
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- Folk Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Plant Biology, Fertility
- by Tarrell Portman
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- Folk Medicine, Native American, Beliefs, Medicine

The work basically about the study of traditional phytomedicine used by traditional people of Malaysia (Ipoh region). Traditional medicine also known as indigenous or folk medicine comprises medical knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine. We did survey on phytomedicine and tried to explore their probable future aspects. We did survey and tried to communicate with the villagers to collect information about both that is claimed as well as unclaimed traditional drugs. Most importantly we focused on the various therapeutic uses of those drugs which is till now not claimed in any journals or literatures, and hence, this might be helpful for the researchers for further exploration of these phytomedicines.

- by earthjournals publisher
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- Biochemistry, Botany, Folk Medicine, Biology

As a Muslim-majority region, Bengal is conspicuous by its absence from histories of the institutionalisation of Islamic medicine in South Asia. Bengal's invisibility in these histories is partly a result of exclusive scholarly pre-occupations with Unani Tibb and, to a much lesser extent, Tibb ul Nabi. ‘Islamic medicine’ in Bengal was institutionalised under other names and drew upon other traditions. This article explores the institutionalisation of three such traditions of ‘Islamic Medicine’ and argues that the form they took drew directly upon the distinctive history of Islam in Bengal.