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Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive functions. Key pathological features of AD include the accumulation of Aβ plaques, the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau, and significant neuronal loss. Neuroinflammation is critical to the pathogenesis of AD, closely linked to the development of these pathological hallmarks and the progression of neuronal damage. Hedysarum, a traditional herbal medicine and dietary supplement with a long history of clinical application, is widely recognized for its health‐promoting and disease‐managing properties. Methods In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory potential of Hedysarum alpinum L. polysaccharide extracts (HAP) using two models, in vivo 5xFAD mice and in vitro LPS‐induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The 4‐month‐old 5xFAD and wild‐type (C57BL/6J) mice were orally administered with HAP (20 mg/kg) or saline vehicle daily for six weeks, respectively. Behavioral tests were conducted during the last two‐week treatment to evaluate cognitive functions. Results In the Barnes maze, the TG+HAP group exhibited a significantly shorter latency to locate the escape hole during the training phase compared to the TG+saline group. During the probe phase, the HAP‐treated group also spent considerably more time in the target quadrant, indicating improved spatial learning and memory. Moreover, in the Y‐maze test, 5xFAD mice showed a significantly reduced spontaneous alternation rate compared to wild‐type mice, reflecting impaired short‐term memory. However, HAP administration significantly improved the spontaneous alternation rate in 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, HAP effectively attenuated LPS‐induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in RAW264.7 macrophages by inhibiting the NFκB signaling pathway. HAP significantly reduced LDH release and gene expression levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators, including IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and iNOS. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that HAP significantly reduces inflammation and improves cognitive function in 5xFAD mice. These beneficial effects could be mediated through the modulation of the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis, which will be further elucidate through analyzing of the gut microbiome composition.

Understanding public behavioral responses to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic and the accompanying infodemic is crucial to controlling the epidemic. The aim of this study was to assess real-time public awareness and behavioral responses to the COVID-19 epidemic across 12 selected countries. Internet surveillance was used to collect real-time data from the general public to assess public awareness and rumors (China: Baidu; worldwide: Google Trends) and behavior responses (China: Ali Index; worldwide: Google Shopping). These indices measured the daily number of searches or purchases and were compared with the numbers of daily COVID-19 cases. The trend comparisons across selected countries were observed from December 1, 2019 (prepandemic baseline) to April 11, 2020 (at least one month after the governments of selected countries took actions for the pandemic). We identified missed windows of opportunity for early epidemic control in 12 countries, when public awareness was very low despite the emerging epidemic. China's epidemic and the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern did not prompt a worldwide public reaction to adopt health-protective measures; instead, most countries and regions only responded to the epidemic after their own case counts increased. Rumors and misinformation led to a surge of sales in herbal remedies in China and antimalarial drugs worldwide, and timely clarification of rumors mitigated the rush to purchase unproven remedies. Our comparative study highlights the urgent need for international coordination to promote mutual learning about epidemic characteristics and effective control measures as well as to trigger early and timely responses in individual countries. Early release of official guidelines and timely clarification of rumors led by governments are necessary to guide the public to take rational action.

Objective To update the clinical practice guidelines for the management of oral mucositis (OM) that were developed by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). This part focuses on honey, herbal compounds, saliva stimulants, probiotics, and miscellaneous agents. Methods A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. The body of evidence for each intervention, in each clinical setting, was assigned an evidence level. The findings were added to the database used to develop the 2014 MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines. Based on the evidence level, one of the following guidelines were determined: Recommendation, Suggestion, No Guideline Possible. Results A total of 78 papers were identified within the scope of this section, of which 49 were included in this review and merged with nine publications that were reported in the previous guidelines update. A new Suggestion was made for honey (combined topical and systemic delivery) for the prevention of OM in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. A new Suggestion clarified that chewing gum is not effective for the prevention of OM in pediatric patients with hematological or solid cancer treated with chemotherapy. No guideline was possible for other interventions. Conclusions Numerous natural products and herbal remedies were studied for the management of OM. Of the agents reviewed in this systematic review, a guideline in favor was made for honey (combined topical and systemic), while a guideline against was made for chewing gum. Additional research is warranted to clarify the potential of other interventions.

Background Dementia research accounts for only 0.1% of all research in Africa, making it the lowest among all low‐ and middle‐income country (LMIC) regions. The development and adaptation of biological and psychosocial measures in ethnically and culturally diverse populations remain limited but are essential for culturally informed research. This is particularly critical for examining sex‐ and gender‐based vulnerabilities to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), including factors such as reproductive health and fertility. Method We conducted a thorough review of our clinical and health questionnaires for cultural relevance and sensitivity through a series (n = 3) of focus groups discussions. These focus groups included a diverse range of participants, such as expert clinical and academic stakeholders, local community members, health promoters, community leaders, and representatives, ensuring a well‐rounded and inclusive approach. Result Certain questions about sexual behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, biological and adopted children, and fertility were deemed culturally inappropriate and required rephrasing for sensitivity. To build rapport, these questions were strategically placed after less sensitive topics. Additionally, gaps were identified, including missing questions on traditional fertility practices (e.g., herbal remedies), male puberty characteristics, and partner support during and after childbirth. Addressing these gaps by incorporating local beliefs and traditions will enable a more holistic understanding of reproductive health behaviors. Furthermore, translations overlooked subtle linguistic nuances, highlighting the need for more detailed explanations or alternative concepts in Swahili to ensure clarity and accuracy. Conclusion The Fember‐Africa study aims to bridge a critical gap in understanding sex‐ and gender‐specific differences in Africa, shedding light on the disproportionately higher prevalence of dementia among women of African ancestry. Through the culturally sensitive adaptation of reproductive health assessment tool, the study seeks to generate valuable insights that can inform the prevention and management of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in this underrepresented population.

For Tanzanians, modern bodies bear complicated toxic loads not only because of the dumping of capitalism’s harmful by-products but also because of the social-material effects of efforts designed to address insecurity, poverty, and disease. Dawa lishe (nutritious medicine) is forged in this double bind. Producers of dawa lishe problematize toxicity as the condition under which life is attenuated, diminished, depleted, exhausted, or drained away. Therapies attend not only to individual bodies but also to relations among people, plants, and the soil. The efficacy of herbal remedies and of gardens full of therapeutic foods and nutritious herbs rests in the cultivation of the forms of strength that make places, times, and bodies livable again (and again). This essay examines how Tanzanians are laboring over, and reflecting on, the toxic and its relationship to remedy and memory through dawa lishe. In the process, it argues, they are redefining healing through a politics of habitability.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) poses a major public health concern in Ethiopia, with lesions and scars commonly affecting exposed body parts, resulting in physical, social, and psychological consequences. This study aims to assess the psychosocial impacts of CL, shedding light on the experiences and perceptions of affected individuals, thus contributing to the knowledge on Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia and informing public health interventions to address its psychosocial effects. Using a descriptive phenomenological design, the study explored the lived experiences of individuals with Cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and scars. Participants were purposively selected, and data was collected through open-ended in-depth interviews. The analysis combined inductive and deductive approaches through an iterative process, developing a coding framework with seven themes (lesion & CL scar each) and subthemes, resulting in giving important insights in the psychosocial impacts of CL. NVivo 12v supported the analysis process. The study unveiled negative views and misconceptions surrounding CL and its impact. Application of traditional herbal medicine for CL lesions often leads to pus formation and a foul odour, triggering negative attitudes from others, resulting in embarrassment, pain, and anxiety, leading to discomfort and isolation. The negative psychosocial attitudes associated with CL scars deeply impacted affected individuals, influencing their behaviour. This included isolation and absenteeism from school. CL scars served as unique identifiers, shaping the affected individuals' identity and self-perception. The unreceptive environment affected the participant's self-esteem and coping mechanisms. The negative impact of CL scars extended to role performance, marriage prospects, and overall happiness, particularly for females facing additional societal pressure and stigma. The study highlights the need for improved education and awareness about CL to reduce misconceptions and negative attitudes towards affected individuals. Additionally, more effective treatment options and integrated preventive ways should be explored to minimize the physical and psychological impact of CL on affected individuals.

Sleep problems are widely prevalent and associated with various comorbidities including anxiety. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a popular herbal medicine used as a sleep aid, however the outcomes of previous clinical studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to update and re-evaluate the available data in order to understand the reason behind the inconsistent outcomes and to provide a broader view of the use of valerian for associated disorders. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve publications relevant to the effectiveness of valerian as a treatment of sleep problems and associated disorders. A total of 60 studies (n=6,894) were included in this review, and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness to improve subjective sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and to reduce anxiety (8 studies, n=535). Results suggested that inconsistent outcomes were possibly due to the variable quality of herbal extracts and that more reliable effects could be expected from the whole root/rhizome. In addition, therapeutic benefits could be optimized when it was combined with appropriate herbal partners. There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years. In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women, resulting in substantial burden related to metabolic, reproductive, and psychological complications. While attempts have been made to understand the themes and sentiments of the public regarding PCOS at the local and regional levels, no study has explored worldwide views, mainly due to financial and logistical limitations. YouTube is one of the largest sources of health-related information, where many visitors share their views as questions or comments. These can be used as a surrogate to understand the public’s perceptions. We analyzed the comments of all videos related to PCOS published on YouTube from May 2011 to April 2023 and identified trends over time in the comments, their context, associated themes, gender-based differences, and underlying sentiments. After extracting all the comments using the YouTube application programming interface, we contextually studied the keywords and analyzed gender differences using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. We applied a multidimensional approach to analyzing the content via association mining using Mozdeh. We performed network analysis to study associated themes using the Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm and then manually screened the comments for content analysis. The sentiments associated with YouTube comments were analyzed using SentiStrength. A total of 85,872 comments from 940 PCOS videos on YouTube were extracted. We identified a specific gender for 13,106 comments. Of these, 1506 were matched to male users (11.5%), and 11,601 comments to female users (88.5%). Keywords including diagnosing PCOS, symptoms of PCOS, pills for PCOS (medication), and pregnancy were significantly associated with female users. Keywords such as herbal treatment, natural treatment, curing PCOS, and online searches were significantly associated with male users. The key themes associated with female users were symptoms of PCOS, positive personal experiences (themes such as helpful and love), negative personal experiences (fatigue and pain), motherhood (infertility and trying to conceive), self-diagnosis, and use of professional terminology detailing their journey. The key themes associated with male users were misinformation regarding the “cure” for PCOS, using natural and herbal remedies to cure PCOS, fake testimonies from spammers selling their courses and consultations, finding treatment for PCOS, and sharing perspectives of female family members. The overall average positive sentiment was 1.6651 (95% CI 1.6593-1.6709), and the average negative sentiment was 1.4742 (95% CI 1.4683-1.4802) with a net positive difference of 0.1909. There may be a disparity in views on PCOS between women and men, with the latter associated with non–evidence-based approaches and misinformation. The improving sentiment noticed with YouTube comments may reflect better health care services. Prioritizing and promoting evidence-based care and disseminating pragmatic online coverage is warranted to improve public sentiment and limit misinformation spread.

Plants play an important role in the medicinal and healthcare regime of the people living in the remote areas of the Himalayan region, which can be attributed to their greater faith in the efficacy of herbal remedies and also the unavailability of modern healthcare facilities. The current study aimed to report the indigenous medicinal knowledge of plants among the indigenous people comprising of local traditional healers, tribal, and non-tribal people of the Churah subdivision of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Despite the gradual sociocultural transformation, these local people still possess substantial knowledge of plants and their uses. Extensive field surveys were conducted to remote villages and interviews were conducted through well-structured questionnaires, interviews, and group meetings. The data generated were examined using various quantitative tools, and an extensive literature review was done to analyze the pharmacological activity and chemical constituents of the targeted plant species. A total of 78 plants were reported to cure 13 ailments with maximum species (42) to cure dermatological problems followed by respiratory problems (20 species) and digestive problems (19 species). New or lesser known therapeutic uses of 21 plant species were reported which emphasizes for its further pharmacological validation.

Dr. Ethan Russo, MD, is a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, and Medical Director of PHYTECS, a biotechnology company researching and developing innovative approaches targeting the human endocannabinoid system. Previously, from 2003 to 2014, he served as Senior Medical Advisor and study physician to GW Pharmaceuticals for three Phase III clinical trials of Sativex® for alleviation of cancer pain unresponsive to optimized opioid treatment and studies of Epidiolex® for intractable epilepsy. He has held faculty appointments in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Montana, in Medicine at the University of Washington, and as visiting Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is a past President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society and former Chairman of the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines. He serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the American Botanical Council. He is the author of numerous books, book chapters, and articles on Cannabis, ethnobotany, and herbal medicine. His research interests have included correlations of historical uses of Cannabis with modern pharmacological mechanisms, phytopharmaceutical treatment of migraine and chronic pain, and phytocannabinoid/terpenoid/serotonergic/vanilloid interactions.