Abstract : Objectives: 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy is a highly recommended treatment for different types of solid tumors. However, this treatment can have severe side effects on the heart and lungs. In this study, we compared the protective effects of citral, silymarin, thymoquinone, and curcumin against 5-fluorouracil-induced toxicity in the heart and lungs of rats.Methods: 56 healthy adult male rats were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups (n = 8), including healthy and carrier (dimethylsulfoxide) groups, 5-fluorouracil, citral group, silymarin group, thymoquinone group, and curcumin group. Blood samples and representative tissue specimens of the heart and lungs were immediately collected at the end of the experiment to measure the biochemical parameters, conduct histopathological studies, and analyze antioxidant activity, respectively.Results: The intraperitoneal administration of 5-fluorouracil caused cardiotoxicity, as evidenced by elevated serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, creatine kinase-MB (p < 0.05), and lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05). Besides, 5-fluorouracil increased malondealdehyde levels, indicating a lipid peroxidation index and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity index in the cardiac and pulmonary tissues (p < 0.05) of the animals. The preventive and therapeutic use of all the above compounds, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, led to a decrease in the mentioned cardiac serum biomarkers and malondealdehyde in the animals (p < 0.05). In addition, all the therapeutic compounds increased total antioxidant capacity in the heart and lungs (p < 0.05), indicating a high antioxidant capacity of these biological substances in ameliorating the resultant oxidative and histologic damages.Conclusion: Our study indicated that the natural compounds citral, silymarin, thymoquinone, and curcumin, when combined with 5-fluorouracil, could minimize the histopathological and biochemical changes caused by 5-fluorouracil treatment in the heart and pulmonary tissues likely via antioxidant mechanisms. These products can be useful and effective in chemotherapy patients by reducing the potential adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil administration.

Abstract : Objectives: Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that the sumac plant possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce menstrual bleeding. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of sumac capsules on postpartum bleeding among women at risk of excessive bleeding.Methods: This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted in 2022-2023. Participants were 72 women who were referred for vaginal delivery to the 9th Day Hospital in Torbat Heydariyeh city, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into two groups immediately after delivery, the placebo group received routine care. The intervention group, in addition to routine care, received two oral capsules of 500 mg sumac immediately after the expulsion of the placenta and fetal membranes, as well as two hours later. The amount of bleeding was measured using plastic bags for blood collection, which were weighed along with the sheets and pads used at hours 1, 2, 3, and 4 postpartum. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 65 women completed the study.Results: The sumac group exhibited lower mean bleeding volumes than the placebo group at all measured time points (first, second, third, and fourth hours after delivery). The independent t-test analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups’ bleeding volume at the end of the first hour (p = 0.013), second hour (p < 0.001), third hour (p < 0.001), and fourth hour (p < 0.001); that was less in sumac group. Overall, the sumac group demonstrated a significantly lower mean total bleeding volume in the first four hours after delivery (215.78 ± 16.92 cc) compared to the placebo group (261.51 ± 17.258 cc) (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Sumac capsules can be considered as a potentially effective and safe intervention for reducing postpartum bleeding among women at risk.

Abstract : Objectives: This study assessed the electrocardiographic pattern and cardiac inflammatory response of doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury in Wistar rats treated with Peperomia pellucida ethanol extract.Methods: Female Wistar rats (190-200 g) were assigned into five groups of seven rats each. The Group 1 (Control group) was given rat chow and drinking water while the Group 2 (doxorubicin group) received intraperitoneal administration of doxorubicin (2 mg/kg) once weekly for three weeks. The Group 3 (Peperomia pellucida group) received 200 mg/ kg of ethanolic extract of Peperomia pellucida daily. Group 4 (Doxorubicin + P. pellucida group) received doxorubicin in addition to Peperomia pellucida. Group 5 (Captopril (50 mg/kg) was administered to another group in addition to P. pellucida while the doxorubicin + captopril group was administered captopril in addition to doxorubicin. Electrical recording and cardiac markers were evaluated.Results: The results revealed a significant (p < 0.01) elevation of T-wave and altered electrocardiographic parameters in the doxorubicin group than the control, P. pellucida, and other experimental groups. The heart rate, cardiac troponin level, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, angiotensin-converting enzyme activities, and inflammatory biomarkers were significantly (p < 0.01) higher while nitric oxide level was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the doxorubicin-only group compared to the control. Cardiac cell hypertrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed due to doxorubicin administration. Treatment with P. pellucida extract and captopril reversed these trends and improved the antioxidants and inflammatory activities.Conclusion: Peperomia pellucida extract improves electrocardiographic pattern, has cardioprotective ability, and prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury probably due to its phytochemical constituents and anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract : Objectives: Among the various treatment methods involving the use of natural substances, pharmacopuncture using animal venom is a relatively new form of acupuncture that has been developed in South Korea and is gaining popularity worldwide. Pharmacopuncture with animal venom is widely used in clinical practice; therefore, ensuring its procedural safety is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and toxicity of pharmacopuncture using animal venom.Methods: In October 2021, nine samples of animal venom-derived pharmacopuncture products were randomly collected from four External Herbal Dispensaries (EHDs). These samples underwent sterility and microbial limit testing to ensure they were free from microbial contamination. Toxicity tests were conducted using three different cell lines to evaluate cytotoxic effects.Results: The sterility and microbial limit tests showed no microbial growth in any of the pharmacopuncture samples. However, the toxicity tests revealed that bee venom exhibited strong cytotoxicity. Furthermore, samples containing Bovis Calculus, Fel Ursi, and Moschus also demonstrated varying degrees of cytotoxic effects.Conclusion: This study is the first to analyze the safety and toxicity of animal venomderived pharmacopuncture products, providing evidence for its procedural safety. Although the samples analyzed were limited to four EHDs, these findings highlight the importance of further research on the safety and toxicity of pharmacopuncture to ensure its clinical application is both effective and safe.

Abstract : Objectives: Insomnia, characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, affects a significant portion of the global population. Bedtime procrastination, which is a voluntary delay in going to bed, is a major contributing factor to the prevalence of sleep deprivation in modern societies. Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang (HJD decoction) has shown promise in improving the symptoms of insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HJD decoction in patients with insomnia and bedtime procrastination.Methods: This study employs a parallel-group design, comparing HJD decoction to usual care in a 1:1 ratio. Sixty participants with insomnia and bedtime procrastination will be enrolled. The experimental group will receive HJD decoction for 4 weeks, while both groups will undergo a brief behavioral treatment for insomnia. The primary outcome will be the change in the Insomnia Severity Index score (ISI) from baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes include sleep diary metrics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS). The exploratory outcomes include perceived stress, anxiety, smartphone use, and heart rate variability.Conclusion: This trial examines the role of herbal medicine in treating a specific type of insomnia that is increasingly common in modern society. The combination of HJD decoction with behavioral intervention offers a comprehensive approach to treating insomnia complicated by bedtime procrastination. The results will provide valuable insights into integrative treatment strategies for sleep disorders in the digital age.

Abstract : Objectives: To determine growth inhibitory and anti-cancer effects of Cannabigerol (CBG) in human colorectal cancer cells.Methods: Anti-proliferative effect of CBG was examined using MTT assay and two colorectal cancer cells (SW480 and LoVo cells). Cell death ratio was analyzed using Annexin V/ PI staining experiment. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed using flow cytometry. We also performed western blot analysis on apoptotic marker proteins.Results: CBG showed growth inhibitory effect in colorectal cancer cells using MTT assay. IC₅₀ concentration of CBG was 34.89 μM in SW480 cells and 23.51 μM in LoVo cells. Annexin V/PI staining showed that CBG treatment increased apoptotic cells from 4.8% to 31.7% in SW480 cells and from 7.7% to 33.9% in LoVo cells. Flow cytometry confirmed that CBG increased sub G₁ population via G₁ arrest in both SW480 and LoVo cells. Western blot analysis showed that CBG increased expression levels of cell death-related proteins such as cleaved PARP-1, cleaved caspase 9, p53, and caspase 3.Conclusion: CBG treatment shows antiproliferative activity and causes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that CBG is applicable as a promising anticancer drug.

Abstract : Objectives: Litchi chinensis (Sonn.), belonging to the Sapindaceae family, has historically been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, including ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea, and infections. Plants in the Sapindaceae family have demonstrated potential anthelmintic effects, while the efficacy of L. chinensis remains barely investigated. L. chinensis seeds are often discarded as waste; however, utilizing these seeds promotes sustainable practices and may provide a natural alternative to conventional anthelmintics. The study aims to investigate the qualitative phytochemicals and evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of L. chinensis seed ethanolic extract (LCSE).Methods: Fresh L. chinensis fruits were collected from a local market, peeled fruits and removed aril from the seeds and then washed, air-dried and extracted with ethanol. A qualitative phytochemical screening and assessment of the anthelmintic properties of LCSE were conducted using standard procedures. The time required for paralysis and death of adult earthworms (Eisenia fetida) was assessed by analyzing each test solution at five distinct dosages (5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL). Albendazole served as the standard, while distilled water functioned as the control. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test in GraphPad Prism version 10.1.2.Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that LCSE is rich in phytochemicals, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, flavonoid, glycosides, proteins and amino acids, phenols, terpenoids, and tannins. The anthelmintic activities of the LCSE and albendazole were dose-dependent, as the time required for paralysis and mortality decreased in proportion to the concentrations increased. LCSE exhibited strong anthelmintic efficacy at a concentration of 100 mg/mL (paralysis: 12.67 ± 0.33, death: 14 ± 0.58), which was significantly greater than that of albendazole (paralysis: 15 ± 1.15, death: 17.67 ± 1.15).Conclusion: This finding suggests that LCSE holds potent anthelmintic properties, making it a promising natural alternative to conventional treatments like albendazole.

Abstract : Objectives: Subjective memory complaints, increasingly common among older adults, may indicate early cognitive decline or dementia. Sophora japonica L., a herbal medicine in Korean medicine, has shown potential cognitive benefits in preclinical studies through neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Given limited efficacy of current pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment and growing interest in natural products, investigating S. japonica extract in humans is warranted.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will involve 100 participants aged 40-70 years with subjective memory complaints but without diagnosed cognitive impairment. Participants will receive either S. japonica extract (1,250 mg) or placebo daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is change in digit span test score, assessing shortterm memory and attention. Secondary outcomes include changes in other cognitive function tests (visual short-term memory, visual learning, and verbal learning), as well as measures of depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- Y), stress (Stress Response Inventory), heart rate variability, and quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension-3L). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after 8 weeks, with safety monitoring throughout the study period.Conclusion: This study will provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of S. japonica extract for improving cognitive function in adults with subjective memory complaints. If proven effective, this supplement could offer a new approach for supporting cognitive health in aging populations. The comprehensive assessment of cognitive, mood, and quality of life outcomes will allow thorough evaluation of its potential benefits.

Abstract : Objectives: To develop and compare machine learning models to classify individuals vulnerable to Hwa-byung (HB) using an existing HB personality scale and to evaluate the efficacy of these models in predicting HB vulnerability.Methods: We analyzed data from 500 Korean adults (aged 19-44) using HB personality and symptom scales. We used various machine learning techniques, including the random forest classifier (RFC), XGBoost classifier, logistic regression, and their ensemble method (RFC-XGC-LR). The models were developed using recursive feature elimination with crossvalidation for feature selection and evaluated using multiple performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).Results: The 16 items on the HB personality scale were identified as optimal features to predict high HB symptom scores requiring further clinical evaluation. The ensemble model slightly outperformed the other models, with an accuracy of 0.80 and an AUROC of 0.86, in the test set. Notably, item 16 (“I often feel guilty easily ”) of the HB personality scale showed the greatest importance in predicting HB vulnerability across all models. Although all models showed consistent performance across training, validation, and test sets, the RFC model exhibited signs of slight overfitting, with a higher AUROC of 0.97 in the training dataset compared to 0.85 in the validation and 0.86 in the test datasets.Conclusion: Machine learning models, particularly the ensemble method, show capabilities promising for screening individuals with high HB symptom scores based on personality traits, potentially facilitating early referral for clinical evaluation. These models can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the HB risk assessment in clinical settings, potentially aiding early intervention and prevention strategies.