Abstract : A forty-three-year-old male patient was diagnosed with an acute abscess in the dorsum of the right hand. On the 5th day of conventional pharmacological therapy the patient was still suffering, and was referred to the Outpatient department (OPD) to evacuate and drain the abscess and treat the edema around the area with Hijama (wet cupping therapy, WCT). The hand abscess was successfully cured within a week using an integrative approach of wet cupping therapy together with conventional drug therapy.

Abstract : Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs frequently among women of reproductive age and is a polygenic, multifactorial, endocrine, and metabolic disorder. PCOS is becoming more common as a result of risk factors such as current lifestyle, overnutrition, and stress. The use of traditional herbal medicine is higher among the global population. Hence, this review article focuses on the potential of Nigella sativa to manage women with PCOS.Methods: A literature search was carried out using databases including Medline, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Embase, and Science Direct, as well as reference lists, to identify relevant publications that support the use of N. sativa in the management of women with PCOS.Results: Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the major bioactive constituent of black seed (N. sativa), thymoquinone, has potential for managing women with PCOS. Moreover, N. sativa may help to manage oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in women with PCOS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Conclusion: N. sativa has potential for use as a herbal medicine for managing women with PCOS as an integrative medicine along with traditional and modern medicine in conjunction with calorie restriction and regular exercise.

Abstract : Objectives: Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods: Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results: The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in non-diabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.

Abstract : Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate anti-arthritic activity of Ajmodadi Churna (AC) and its effect on Complete freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in Wistar rats.Methods: Arthritis was induced by injecting 0.2 mL CFA into sub plantar surface of left hind paw. Test sample AC-1 and AC-2, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively was given to the animals for 21 consecutive days. The increase in swelling was observed after induction of arthritis. The paw edema was measured on 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 day using Vernier calliper after the induction of arthritis. The collected blood samples further used for the estimation of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), and hemoglobin (Hb), using hematology analyzer. Serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α were also measured using rat ELISA kits.Results: Results showed that a significant reduction in paw edema was observed in AC-2 treated rats. The paw edema was restored on day 21 was 4.48 mm for AC-2, which is near to the control group. The arthritis score in treated rats was found to be considerably lower than in the control group i.e. 0.83 for AC-2 and 1.50 for AC-1. A decrease in levels of RBC and hemoglobin were observed in arthritic rats. Inflammation was significantly reduced and serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were lowered after treatment with the test drug.Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that AC possess significant anti-arthritic activity. Furthermore, this condition was linked to a reduction in abnormal humoral immune responses.

Abstract : Objectives: Cupping therapy is a widely used complementary medicine for the treatment of migraine headaches globally. However, conflicting evidence exists on its effectiveness. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cupping therapy in treating migraine headache disorder.Methods: Seven databases were systematically searched: PubMed/MEDLINE, Clinicaltrials. gov, Cochrane CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, SinoMed, and the National Science and Technology Library. The primary endpoints are the treatment success and the pain intensity reduction. The secondary endpoints were adverse events (AEs) risk and improvement in quality of life (QoL), which was based on the Migraine Disability Scale (MIDAS). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the cupping techniques (wet and dry cupping) and adjunctive complementary treatments (i.e. acupuncture and/or collateral pricking).Results: Eighteen trials out of 348 records were included, pooling 1,446 participants (n = 797 received cupping therapy). Treatment success was significantly higher among those with cupping therapy (risk ratio [RR] [95% CI] = 1.83 [1.52-2.21]); with significant improvement observed only with wet cupping (RR [95% CI] = 1.88 [1.53-2.30]). The adjunctive complementary therapy did not achieve a greater amplitude of treatment success compared to cupping therapy alone. Furthermore, cupping therapy showed significant pain reduction compared to baseline (standardized mean difference [SMD] [95% CI] = 0.55 [0.39-0.70]) and achieved fewer risks of AEs (RR [95% CI] = 1.88 [1.53-2.30]). However, cupping did not improve the overall QoL (MIDAS SMD [95% CI] = –0.79 [–3.55-1.98]).Conclusion: Cupping therapy was an effective complementary modality to treat migraine headaches. However, it did not demonstrate improvement in QoL (PROSPERO: CRD42024514509).

Abstract : Objectives: Moroccan Arbutus unedo is an essential medicinal plant; however, little is known about the biological properties of its leaves mentioned in Moroccan traditional medicine.Methods: Various standard experiments were performed to evaluate the phytochemical, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and acute and sub-chronic toxicity characteristics of A. unedo leaves.Results: Phytochemical screening led to the identification of several phytochemical classes, including tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones, with high concentrations of polyphenols (31.83 ± 0.29 mg GAEs/g extract) and flavonoids (16.66 ± 1.47 mg REs/g extract). Further, the mineral analysis revealed high levels of calcium and potassium. A. unedo extract demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting α-amylase (1.350 ± 0.32 g/mL) and α-glucosidase (0.099 ± 1.21 g/mL) compared to the reference drug Acarbose. Also, the methanolic extract of the plant exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract. Precisely, three of the four examined bacterial strains exhibited substantial susceptibility to the methanolic extract . Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values indicated that A. unedo harbor abundant bactericidal compounds. For toxicological studies, mice were administered with A. unedo aqueous extract at single doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg. They did not exhibit significant abnormal behavior, toxic symptoms, or death during the 14-day acute toxicity test and the 90-day sub-chronic toxicity test periods. The general behavior, body weight, and hematological and biochemical status of the rats were assessed, revealing no toxicological symptoms or clinically significant changes in biological markers observed in the mice models, except hypoglycemia, after 90 days of daily dose administration.Conclusion: The study highlighted several biological advantages of A. unedo leaves without toxic effects in short-term application. Our findings suggest that conducting more comprehensive and extensive in vivo investigations is of utmost importance to identify molecules that can be formulated into pharmaceuticals in the future.

Abstract : Objectives: Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent endocrine pathophysiology among women of fertile age, is associated with woman’s lifespan endocrine, metabolic and psychological implications. Long-term usage side effects of allopathic strategies and their low efficacy made complementary medicine treatments a relevant subject for these patients. The main aim of this work is to review the efficiency of the acupuncture treatment reported in the latest studies on literature regarding PCOS patients.Methods: A comprehensive literature search, in English language, about the use of acupuncture on the management of PCOS, was conducted in October 2020 using EBSCO, Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, Embase, databases for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials between 2015 and 2020 (09/2015-10/2020), following the PRISMA protocol.Results: This research led us to an analysis, according to PICOS, of six final papers selected among 178 in total. The articles addressed distinct aspects of the PCOS condition, diverse acupuncture techniques and different main and secondary outcomes in agreement to the respective main objective. According to this review, acupuncture seems to be useful for the treatment of this debilitating and chronic health condition which affects millions of women worldwide, many of them part of the workforce in their community.Conclusion: Despite of the display of these positive results addressing acupuncture treatments to manage PCOS major symptoms - whether they are reproductive, metabolic, or mental health features - more research is urgent. Randomized, double blinded controlled trials with improved quality design and following STRICTA and/or CONSORT recommendations are necessary to engage acupuncture as a standardized and scientific validated technique in PCOS condition.

Abstract : Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The disease initiates with bacterial adherence to the tooth surface followed by the formation of dental plaques. Mutans streptococci and Candida albicans are principal oral microorganisms involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess promising antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Herein, we reviewed literature on plants that are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties or possess promising anticariogenic activity. We selected aerial parts of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) and galls of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) and investigated their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms.Methods: Water soluble fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria and their antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was evaluated separately and in combination. The extracts were then used for preparing an herbal mouthwash whose stability and tannic acid content were evaluated over 60 days.Results: Q. infectoria gall extract possesses efficient antimicrobial activity that was synergistically enhanced in the presence of S. striata extract. Mouthwash prepared using these extracts showed desirable organoleptic characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and stability.Conclusion: Extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria galls can be used together for preparing dental products with effective anticariogenic properties. Our study highlights the importance of extensive pharmacological investigations when using herbal products alone or in combination with other chemical substances.

Abstract : Objectives: Murraya paniculata (family-Rutaceae), popularly known as orange jasmine, is the most important evergreen plant. The Rutaceae family is economically significant due to its diverse edible fruits and essential oils.Methods: Murraya paniculata extracts (MPE) of leaf have been shown to include phenolic compounds, highly oxygenated flavonoids, flavanones, sesquiterpenoids, polymethoxy glycosides, and coumarins. Cyclocitral, methyl salicylate, trans-nerolidol, cubenol, isogermacrene, -cadinol, and cubeb-11-ene are all abundant in MPE. The usages of various parts of this plant, such as bark, leaves and flower, as a remedy for a variety of ailments as widely recorded in the traditional literature. The plant has anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial, anti-implantation, anti-oxidative, cytotoxic, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties and many others.Results: The goal of the review is to reignite interest in this potential plant, encouraging researchers to continue their research in order to uncover novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment and management of a range of infections. The current review provided a comprehensive overview of this traditional unique plant.Conclusion: The review paves a way for exploring its active chemical elements with substantial pharmacological values further for potential benefits of mankind.

Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess and compare the effectiveness of manual therapy in alleviating infant crying, a common symptom of nocturnal crying (NC) and infantile colic (IC). Methods: Total effective rate, crying time and adverse events were used as outcome indicators. To assess the quality, the risk of bias was determined for each study by two authors, using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.0 was used for data analysis. A total of 98 articles were identified from 6 electronic databases. Results: Among them, twenty-seven studies which included 13 NC and 14 IC were included. Meta-analysis showed favorable effects tuina therapy on total effective rate (TER) of NC (RR: 1.20 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.37], p = 0.007), chiropractic therapy on crying time change of IC (SMD: –0.83 [95% CI –1.61 to –0.06], p = 0.04) and massage on total crying time of IC (SMD: –0.86 [95% CI –1.09 to –0.63], p < 0.00001). This systematic review compares different manual therapies for the treatment of NC and IC. While tuina, chiropractic, and massage show results in alleviating symptoms, the overall evidence remains limited due to the low quality and heterogeneity of the included studies. Conclusion: Therefore, further high-quality research with unified control groups is needed to establish manual therapy as a recommended treatment option for NC and IC. Protocol registration number is CRD42022348143 01/08/2022.