Model informed precision medicine of Chinese herbal medicines formulas-A multi-scale mechanistic intelligent model

Recent trends suggest that Chinese herbal medicine formulas(CHM formulas)are promising treatments for complex diseases.To characterize the precise syndromes,precise diseases and precise targets of the precise targets between complex diseases and CHM formulas,we developed an artificial intelligence-based quantitative predictive algorithm(DeepTCM).DeepTCM has gone through multilevel model calibration and validation against a comprehensive set of herb and disease data so that it accurately captures the complex cellular signaling,molecular and theoretical levels of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).As an example,our model simulated the optimal CHM formulas for the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD)with depression,and through model sensitivity analysis,we calculated the balanced scoring of the formulas.Furthermore,we constructed a biological knowledge graph representing interactions by associating herb-target and gene-disease interactions.Finally,we experimentally confirmed the therapeutic effect and pharmacological mechanism of a novel model-predicted intervention in humans and mice.This novel multiscale model opened up a new avenue to combine“disease syndrome”and“macro micro”system modeling to facilitate translational research in CHM formulas.

Introduction of Western Medicines into China and Improvement on Decoctions during Modern China

During the late Qing dynasty(1840 A.D.-1912 A.D.),a large quantity of Western medicines entered China,which continuously impacted the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)market and revealed the shortcomings of Chinese medicines.Some personages in the TCM community followed the trend of learning from the West,and attempted to reform TCM,with the improvement on decoction becoming an important aspect of this effort.Through debates and trials,the improvement on decoction underwent three stages of conceptual evolution:“taking Chinese medicines as the foundation and referring to the dosage forms of Western medicines”,“introducing Western techniques to serve the preparation of decoctions”and“integrating the theories of TCM and Western medicine to improve decoctions”.The study highlights the effective complementarity between modern TCM and Western medicine in the field of pharmacy,and provides valuable experience and support for the reevaluation of the value of TCM in contemporary society.

Study of the Management and Disposal Practices of Unused or Out-of-Date Medicines by Households in the Municipality of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Not all medicines that pass-through consumers’ hands are used, and some often expire in households. These health products can be sources of accidental risks and pollution when they are not properly disposed of. In Burkina Faso, there are as yet no guidelines for the disposal of unused medicines in households. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of household possession of unused or expired medicines, and to describe attitudes and disposal practices. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering households in the Ouagadougou commune conducted from June to August 2021. Two-stage stratified sampling was used: selection of Enumeration Zones (EZs) and selection of households, with each EZ comprising several households. Data collection was based on direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. Results: In total, 417 household residents were surveyed out of the planned 423 households, corresponding to a completion rate of 98.58% compared with the initial sample. Among the respondents, 79.62% had unused and/or expired medicines in their household. A total of 2562 drug packaging units were counted, for a total weight of 121.90 kg. Nearly 75% were aware that improper disposal was a danger to the environment. Some respondents kept their unused medicines at home until they expired (43.41%), and disposed of them mainly by throwing them in the household garbage (75.58%). The majority (79%) were in favor of the government setting up a take-back program for these medicines. Conclusion: The introduction of a take-back program for unused or out-of-date medicines will ensure safer disposal of medicines, and better protection for households and the environment.

Patients’Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Disposal Methods of Expired and Unused Medicines: Implication for Creation of Drug Take-Back Program

Background: Handling of medicines is a day-to-day activity by patients and many health care providers. However, multiple studies have brought to light inappropriate disposal methods for expired and unused medication (EUM). Improper disposal of expired and unused medicines is hazardous both to humans and the environment. Objective: This sought to measure patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on disposal methods of EUM. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 patients at three outpatient pharmacies at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs). The structured questionnaire was used to collect data and STAT version 15.1 was used to analyse the data. Results: 384 respondents participated in this study and, at some point, had EUM. In this study, 356 (92.7%) of the participants reported that they had never heard of a drug take-back system. Most of the participants 285 (74.2%) and 239 (62.2%) kept and donated their unused medicine, respectively. Additionally, 244 (63.5%), 212 (55.2%), and 176 (44.8%) of the participants disposed of expired medicines in the bin or garbage, flushed them in toilets or sinks, or burned them, respectively. Occupation was significantly associated with unsafe disposal of unused medicine [P-value = 0.019]. Conclusion and Relevance: Knowledge of safe disposal methods for EUM was good amongst most participants. However, used unsafe disposal methods. The majority of the participants exhibited positive attitude concerning safe disposal methods. This study highlights the need for drug-take-back program creation in Zambia.

Potential of non-Western medicines in chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer

This editorial explores the potential integration of non-Western medicine into radiotherapy for cervical cancer.While radiotherapy remains a radical treatment for cervical cancer,its associated toxicity and decline in quality of life can significantly impact patients’lives.Currently,most treatments are supportive,with no specific treatment options available in Western medicine.Non-Western medicine,often less toxic and easier to administer,has shown promising results when used alongside radiotherapy for cervical cancer.Despite these potential benefits,challenges such as limited evidence and restricted application areas persist.While non-Western medicines may offer potential improvements in chemoradiotherapy outcomes for cervical cancer,further research is necessary to substantiate these benefits.

Mendelian Randomization Study of Causal Relationship between Inflammatory Factors and Vascular Dementia and Chinese Herbal Medicines Screening for Prevention and Treatment

Objective: This study aims to examine the causal relationship between inflammatory factors and the probability of developing vascular dementia (VD) using Mendelian Randomization (MR) and Chinese herbal medicine prediction method, and to screen potential Chinese herbal medicines for the prevention and treatment of VD. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that exhibit a strong association with vascular dementia (VD) were identified as instrumental variables from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The primary analytical method employed was inverse variance weighting (IVW), while auxiliary analyses included the MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model, and weighted model. A two-way Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between inflammatory factors and the risk of VD, thereby identifying the key inflammatory factors involved. The MR-Egger intercept test and Cochran’s Q test were employed to assess the horizontal polymorphism and heterogeneity of instrumental variables. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding one method at a time. Ultimately, based on key inflammatory factors, predictions for the prevention and treatment using traditional Chinese medicine were made, along with the screening of homologous herbal remedies. Results: Based on the results of the forward MR, the probability of developing VD was elevated when the inflammatory factors CXCL10 and CXCL5 were expressed at higher levels, whereas the probability of developing VD decreased as the expression levels of IL-13 and IL-20RA increased. These findings were supported by the assessment of pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and sensitivity. The results of the reverse MR analysis showed that there was no causal relationship between VD, as an exposure dataset, and these four inflammatory factors. According to the key inflammatory factors, 37 Chinese herbal medicines such as Siraitia grosvenorii were selected. Their characteristics including four natures, five flavors, channel tropism and treatment efficiency were cold, warm, neutral, pungent, sweet, bitter, lung meridian, spleen meridian, liver meridian, kidney meridian and clearing heat. Among them, Siraitia grosvenorii, Poria with hostwood, Perilla frutescens, and Radix Platycodi were all medicine and food homologous Chinese herbal medicines. Conclusions: The increase of CXCL10 and CXCL5 expression levels can increase the risk of VD, and the increase of IL-13 and IL-20 RA expression levels can reduce the risk of VD. Siraitia grosvenorii and other Chinese herbal medicines might be potential sources of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of VD. Medicine and food homologous Chinese herbal medicines, such as Siraitia grosvenorii, Poria with hostwood, Perilla frutescens, and Radix Platycodi, may help the elderly population with corresponding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitutions to prevent VD.

Clinical research report on traditional Chinese patent medicines and traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions(2022)

Objective:The paper is to comprehensively summarize and analyze the basic situation and methodological quality of clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of traditional Chinese patent medicines and traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions published in 2022,to provide evidence and reasonable suggestions for the advancement of clinical research and the formulation of policies and guidelines.Methods:The Evidence Database System of clinical evidence-based evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine was searched,and data from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),PubMed,and other databases were supplemented.The search duration was from January 1,2022,to December 31,2022.RCTs of traditional Chinese patent medicines and traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions were included as the source of clinical evidence,and published information,sample size,intervention,control measures,treatment course,methodological quality,and key link report were analyzed and evaluated.Results:A total of 1,464 RCTs of traditional Chinese patent medicines were included,which comprised 667 types of traditional Chinese patent medicines;“traditional Chinese patent medicines+Western medicine vs.Western medicine”was the most widely used intervention and control setting,involving 417 RCTs(28.48%).A total of 245 RCTs of traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions were included,comprising 55 types of traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions.“Decoction+conventional treatment vs.conventional treatment”was the most widely used intervention and control setting,with 87 RCTs(35.51%).Published RCTs on traditional Chinese patent medicines and traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions were limited by the study design and implementation.Most“allocation concealment”and“blinding of patients and personnel”were rated as medium to high risk.There are insufficient reports on key research links such as experimental registration and ethical approval.Conclusions:The number of RCTs on traditional Chinese patent medicines has decreased in 2022,but there has been a slight improvement in the research quality and impact.There are relatively few studies on traditional Chinese classic famous prescriptions.Measures must be taken to improve clinical trial design,implementation,and reporting.Methodological experts should be invited to provide professional technical guidance on the trial design.In the research implementation process,attention should be paid to quality control,particularly the standardization of the randomized execution.

Comparative efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anemia(IDA)is a prevalent nutritional disorder during pregnancy.Clinical studies indicate that incorporating Chinese patent medicines(CPMs)with oral iron(OI)in treating IDA in pregnancy can reduce adverse effects and improve clinical outcomes.Nonetheless,the comparative efficacy of different CPMs remains unclear.AIM To assess the safety and effectiveness of different CPMs for treating IDA during pregnancy using network meta-analysis.METHODS We conducted a search for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that combined CPM and OI for IDA treatment in pregnancy,spanning from 2013 to the present.Data analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 and Stata 14.0 on literature that satisfied the quality criteria.RESULTS The analysis included 45 RCTs,encompassing 4422 pregnant patients with IDA.Six CPMs were examined,including Shengxuebao Mixture,Shengxuening Tablets(SXN),Yiqi Weixue CPMs(YQWX),Jianpi Shengxue CPMs(JPSX),Yiqi Buxue Tablets,and Compound Hongyi Buxue Oral Liquid(FFHY).Findings indicated that FFHY+OI significantly improved the clinical effective rate.SXN+OI was most effective in boosting red blood cells counts and hemoglobin levels.YQWX+OI showed superior results in improving serum ferritin,and SXN+OI was most effective in increasing serum iron levels.JPSX+OI was optimal in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes,while YQBX+OI effectively minimized adverse events.A cluster analysis suggested that SXN+OI could be the potentially optimal therapeutic regimen for IDA in pregnancy.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the combination of OI with CPMs offers better outcomes than OI alone.Based on clinical efficacy and other measured outcomes,SXN+OI emerges as the most effective treatment modality for improving the health of pregnant patients with IDA.

The potential of Chinese herbal medicines in treating anxiety disorders

In recent years,there has not been much progress in developing anxiolytic drugs.Amongst the barriers are the lack of clarity on the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders,low product conversion rates for developing drugs targeting the receptors,and species variability.Some scientists have focused on natural medicines,especially herbal medicines in traditional Chinese medicine.New drugs with excellent anxiolytic activity are hoped to be found in herbal medicines with anxiolytic effects.This mini-review summarised three Chinese herbal medicines with anxiolytic effects and anxiolytic herbal formulas used in the traditional Chinese medicine clinic.Several key issues that block the development of new anxiolytic drugs are also discussed.We hope to provide some ideas for researching and developing new anxiolytic drugs and studying anxiolytic components in traditional Chinese medicine.

Application of Classical Prescriptions of Rhizome Chinese Herbal Medicines for Medicine and Food Homology and Development Status of Its Modern Food

The efficacy,application and compatibility of five kinds of Chinese Herbal Medicines medicine(including yam,licorice,Platyc-odonisi Radix,Polygonati Rhizoma,and Pueraria Lobata)for medicine and food homology in the past five years were systematically searched and summarized,and the current situation of their food development was reviewed to provide theoretical basis for the research and development of this kind of CHMs for health care.

Use of Topical Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in Diabetic Septic Foot Disease in Makkah Region, Western of Saudi Arabia, an Exploratory Study

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is significantly impacted daily by environment. At least one in five Saudis, suffer from diabetes. “Diabetes is a pandemic of unprecedented magnitude spiraling out of control” (Boulton). Saudi Arabia ranks the second highest in the Middle East, and is the seventh in the world for the prevalence of diabetes (WHO). Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been found to be related to high mortality, morbidity accompanied by poor general health and lower quality of life. Current Saudi diabetes patients’ behaviors, practices, and beliefs regarding foot health problems such as ulcers, are not well investigated. Diabetic patients frequently utilize natural remedies and Herbs for self-medication as a part of complementary and alternative Medicine. Aim of study: To explore the widespread use of the alternative remedies in the local communities of the Western Saudi Arabia, the drives behind using and to focus on the potential adverse effects following their usage. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 386 diabetic patients with feet problems in Makkah Region, West of Saudi Arabia during the period April - June 2023. Results: Out of the 531 participants, only 386 participants reported diabetic foot disorder (DFD). Most of the participant were above 65 years of age group (24.61 %). Male (52.08%) more than female (47.92%) in the research group. All of the participants had diabetic foot disorders at least once. The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use among them was 67.88%, as solitary or in combination with hospital medicines. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Acquaintances advice (59.54%) was the most reason for using the alternative medicine. 60.30% of Diabetic foot patient complained of adverse effects during CAM remedies use. Conclusion: Consumption of CAM remedies among diabetic patients for Diabetic Foot Disorder (DFD) is common. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Additional wide-scale research is required to establish their actual efficacy, safety and potential adverse out-comes and to generalize the outcomes.

Advances in Research Methods of Pharmacodynamic Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Application in the Teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine Analysi

With the continuous progress of science and technology,the research methods of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine are developing,and the application of these methods in teaching is becoming more and more extensive.By introducing these research methods into the classroom,teachers can help students to deeply understand the nature and mechanism of action of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,and improve their interest in and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine.This paper introduces the definition of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,research methods,and their application in the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine analysis.

Improving the Selection Model of Essential Medicines in China by Evidence-based Thinking

Objective To sort out the problems in the selection model of essential medicines in China,and to put forward some suggestions to optimize the selection model to ensure the rationality of the medicines in the essential medicines list.Methods The domestic and foreign literature on the selection of essential medicines was reviewed.Then,the opinions on the selection methods and results of essential medicines from foreign literature were investigated to make a comparison with the selection of essential medicines in China.Finally,the general and special laws of the selection process of the essential medicines were explored.Results and Conclusion It is recommended that the selection model of essential medicines in China should be further optimized,and the evidence-based thinking and methods should be utilized to enhance the scientific nature of the selection process.

Current scenario of traditional medicines in management of diabetic foot ulcers:A review

Diabetic foot infections and diabetic foot ulcers(DFU)cause significant suffering and are often recurring.DFU have three important pathogenic factors,namely,microangiopathy causing local tissue anoxia,neuropathy making the foot prone to injuries from trivial trauma,and local tissue hyperglycaemia favouring infection and delaying the wound healing.DFU have been the leading cause for non-traumatic amputations of part or whole of the limb.Western medicines focus mainly on euglycaemia,antimicrobials,debridement and wound cover with grafts,and off-loading techniques.Advances in euglycaemic control,foot care and footwear,systemic antimicrobial therapy,and overall health care access and delivery,have resulted in an overall decrease in amputations.However,the process of wound care after adequate debridement remains a major cost burden globally,especially in developing nations.This process revolves around two basic concerns regarding control/eradication of local infection and promotion of faster healing in a chronic DFU without recurrence.Wound modulation with various dressings and techniques are often a costly affair.Some aspects of the topical therapy with modern/Western medicines are frequently not addressed.Cost of and compliance to these therapies are important as both the wounds and their treatment are“chronic.”Naturally occurring agents/medications from traditional medicine systems have been used frequently in different cultures and nations,though without adequate clinical base/relevance.Traditional Chinese medicine involves restoring yin-yang balance,regulating the‘chi’,and promoting local blood circulation.Traditional medicines from India have been emphasizing on‘naturally’available products to control wound infection and promote all the aspects of wound healing.There is one more group of chemicals which are not pharmaceutical agents but can create acidic milieu in the wound to satisfy the above-mentioned basic concerns.Various natural and plant derived products(e.g.,honey,aloe vera,oils,and calendula)and maggots are also used for wound healing purposes.We believe that patients with a chronic wound are so tired physically,emotionally,and financially that they usually accept native traditional medicine which has the same cultural base,belief,and faith.Many of these products have never been tested in accordance to“evidence-based medicine.”There are usually case reports and experience-based reports about these products.Recently,there have been some trials(in vitro and in vivo)to verify the claims of usage of traditional medicines in management of DFU.Such studies show that these natural products enhance the healing process by controlling infection,stimulating granulation tissue,antimicrobial action,promoting fibroblastic activity and collagen deposition,etc.In this review,we attempt to study and analyse the available literature on results of topical traditional medicines,which are usually advocated in the management of DFU.An integrated and‘holistic’approach of both modern and traditional medicine may be more acceptable to the patient,cost effective,and easy to administer and monitor.This may also nevertheless lead to further improvement in quality of life and decrease in the rates of amputations for DFU.

Rapid metabolic fingerprinting with the aid of chemometric models to identify authenticity of natural medicines: Turmeric, Ocimum, and Withania somnifera study

Herbal medicines are popular natural medicines that have been used for decades.The use of alternative medicines continues to expand rapidly across the world.The World Health Organization suggests that quality assessment of natural medicines is essential for any therapeutic or health care applications,as their therapeutic potential varies between different geographic origins,plant species,and varieties.Classification of herbal medicines based on a limited number of secondary metabolites is not an ideal approach.Their quality should be considered based on a complete metabolic profile,as their pharmacological activity is not due to a few specific secondary metabolites but rather a larger group of bioactive compounds.A holistic and integrative approach using rapid and nondestructive analytical strategies for the screening of herbal medicines is required for robust characterization.In this study,a rapid and effective quality assessment system for geographical traceability,species,and variety-specific authenticity of the widely used natural medicines turmeric,Ocimum,and Withania somnifera was investigated using Fourier transform near-infrared(FT-NIR)spectroscopy-based metabolic fingerprinting.Four different geographical origins of turmeric,five different Ocimum species,and three different varieties of roots and leaves of Withania somnifera were studied with the aid of machine learning approaches.Extremely good discrimination(R^(2)>0.98,Q^(2)>0.97,and accuracy=1.0)with sensitivity and specificity of 100%was achieved using this metabolic fingerprinting strategy.Our study demonstrated that FT-NIR-based rapid metabolic fingerprinting can be used as a robust analytical method to authenticate several important medicinal herbs.

Food and Medicine:Qualities and Efficacies in Chinese Ethnic Medicines

Drawing on our research in China’s southern mountains about ethnic medicines,and intrigued by the proverbial Chinese view that Yao Shi Tong Yuan(food and medicine have the same source),this article traces the eventfulness and powers at play in healing and eating when they are seen as closely related forms of life.Ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine understandings of flavor are here shown to be a common basis for the healing and harming powers of both food and medicine.The term Wu Wei,or five flavors is explored as both experiences of eating and cooking,and some patterns of qi movement that animate and invigorate the body.Following Vivienne Lo’s term“potent flavors,”practices of harmonizing(He,Tiao He)flavors in Chinese medicine,as in cooking,express a world of natural powers and expert embodiment that goes far beyond mere taste.

“Three medicines and three formulas”in COVID-19:from bench to bedside

Chinese guideline has proven effective in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)during the global spread of the epidemic.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is widely recognized for its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms,inhibiting disease progress,reducing mortality,and improving the cure rate of patients with COVID-19.During the pandemic,“three medicines and three formulas”(TMTFs)stood out from hundreds of others in registered clinical studies,which became highly recommended as TCM for COVID-19 treatment.The TMTFs not only effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of fever,cough,fatigue,and phlegm,but also substantially shorten the time of nucleic acid negative conversion,improve lung computed tomography imaging features and inflammation,ameliorate clinical biochemical indicators,and reduce sequelae.Their potential pharmacological mechanisms are mainly related to the crosstalk between viral toxicity,endothelial damage,cytokine storm,immune response,and microthrombus.In brief,the clinical effects and the potential mechanisms of TMTFs on COVID-19 were systematically analyzed and summarized covering the entirety of disease development,including virus invasion and replication,immune response and cytokine storm,and acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.This review provides a theoretical basis and reference for the in-depth understanding of the positive role of TMTFs in COVID-19 treatment.

Chinese and Uighur medicine diagnostic criteria of the evaluation of the Modern drug treatment side-effects in bronchial asthma patients

We studied Chinese and Uighur medicines and create an automated computer diagnostics system according to principals of Uighur medicine for evaluation of bronchial asthma patient′s state.498 patients with bronchial asthma were enrolled the automated computer diagnostic program.304 patients were evaluated in the process of drug and non-drug treatment.Savda asthma type of Uighur medicine do not corresponds with any of the defined clinico-pathogenetic variants of the disease.Thus,prevailing of atopic bronchial asthma with probability of 0.7 is defined with Savda categories with such as 'Lungs energy deficiency','Spleen energy deficiency' and 'Kidneys Yin deficiency'(P<0.01) variants in Chinese Medicine.The combination of infectious-dependent variant of bronchial asthma Abnormal Savda syndrome with atopy with a probability of 0.8 is accompanied by the categories of 'Hot and Full' asthma with such variants as 'Lungs energy deficiency' 'Spleen energy deficiency','Kidneys Yin deficiency'(P<0.01).Patients with an easier case of Abnormal Savda syndrome bronchial asthma in 71% of cases have prevailing diagnostic categories of 'External,Full and Cold' asthma.Patients with a harder case of Abnormal Savda in 74% of cases belongs to the categories of 'Internal,Empty and Hot' asthma.So,hormone dependency of the disease in 69% of cases is accompanied by the 'Kidneys Yin deficiency' variant and,if there is an aspirin component in the pathogenesis of mixed asthma,in 83% of cases 'Kidneys Yin deficiency' and 'Kidneys Yang deficiency' variants are defined.

Why pharmacovigilance of traditional medicines used as analgesics is important?

Traditional remedies have gained recognition for their effectiveness in treating various conditions such as diabetes,arthritic pain,liver disease,cough and cold,memory enhancement,and immunological stimulation.Their perceived safety has led to the increasing use of herbs by people without prescriptions.These therapies remain significant in areas with limited access to modern drugs or cultural preferences for traditional treatments.With a long history of use,traditional medicines have been the primary method of pain management.This review article explores natural and herb-based analgesics,their origins,and potential benefits,along with the growing scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.Studies have examined their efficacy in treating musculoskeletal pain,neuropathic pain,and migraines.Rather than being seen as separate therapies,traditional medicines should be considered supplementary or alternative options that can be integrated into comprehensive pain management regimens.However,some studies have reported adverse drug reactions associated with herbal formulations and plants.Therefore,there is a need for pharmacovigilance in traditional medicine to ensure patient safety and promote evidence-based practices.Although pharmacovigilance in this field is still developing,it faces challenges due to the wide availability of herbal medicines without on-site medical supervision.This paper discusses the complex challenges of herbal pharmacovigilance,provides insights on recent advancements,and offers recommendations for improving the safety monitoring of traditional medications in the future.

Use of Non-Formulary Medicines at a Kenyan Private Hospital

Background: Hospital formularies are used to encourage the use of safe, ef-fective and most affordable medications. Institutions need to make provi-sions for non-formulary medicines (NFM) due to the dynamic nature of dis-eases and their management. The aim of this study was to describe the pat-terns of non-formulary medicine prescriptions at the Nairobi Hospital, the reasons for their purchase as well as the duration taken to avail them. Methods: A descriptive review of all the non-formulary medicine prescrip-tions from January 2021 to June 2022. The medicines were listed and catego-rized according to the WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classi-fication system. Correspondence between pharmacy and procurement was reviewed to understand the reason for the requests and the duration it took to avail the medicines. Results: A total of 183 NFM were purchased, with a general increase in the number from January 2021 to June 2022. Vitamins, Mineral supplements and General nutrients accounted for 41 (22.4%) of the NFM. Dermatologicals 27 (14.6%), Genito-urinary system drugs and sex hormones 20 (10.9%), Ophthalmologicals 14 (7.6%) and Antineoplastic and Immuno-modulating agents 12 (6.6%) were also frequently purchased out of formulary. The main reasons for NFM purchases were: having no therapeutic equivalents in the hospital formulary 72 (39.3%) and prescriber or patient preference 69 (37.7%). It took a median (IQR) of 4 (2 - 7) days for the phar-macy to avail these drugs;with 18.6% being availed in 1 day and 55.2% tak-ing more than 3 days. For the NFM where no alternative was available in the hospital formulary, sales amounted to USD 63,362 which was 79.1% of the value of all the NFM sales. Conclusion: There’s a need to regularly update the hospital formulary and to emphasize to the prescribers the importance of adhering to it, as much as possible.