Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Nick Pahl
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), UK
Keynote: The development of professional acupuncture in the UK
Time : 09:35-10:10
Biography:
Nick Pahl is a CEO of The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the leading self-regulatory body for the practice of traditional acupuncture in the UK. BAcC is a member-led organisation, governed by an elected governing board and driven by a specialist staff team. The British Acupuncture Council was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, which is accountable to Parliament, in 2013. He is graduated with an MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1998.
Abstract:
The founding of the BAcC 20 years ago was a significant moment for professional acupuncture in the UK. Prior to the genesis of the British Acupuncture Council, there were five separate professional registers. The review looks at the development of acupuncture in the UK, where it is used by the UK public, honours efforts to ensure that the acupuncture profession maintains high standards, and how it was increasingly recognised as a result of PR and marketing activities. Areas to be highlighted: \\r\\n Applications for acupuncture in the UK \\r\\n Education-meeting World Health Organization standards of education and training. Together with the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board we have seen teaching institutions and their graduates become more professional as educators and as practitioners–not just in their knowledge and skill levels, but in their right conduct and processes enacted from the professional values we espouse. \\r\\n PR and marketing-the conference session will highlight activity such as the annual awareness week, animations and videos \\r\\n BAcC conferences-which have continued to enhance the status and credentials of the BAcC \\r\\n
Biography:
Fei Wang is a PhD Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. He is a Member of IPTI and Lecturer at The College of Naturopathic Medicine. He successfully completed a 3 year PhD of Acupuncture in Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1998. He graduated from Henan College of TCM in China in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Master of Acupuncture. As a highly experienced acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine doctor, as well as a qualified doctor in China, he worked at the renowned Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai) and The Institute of Chinese Medicine (London), and was once commissioned by the Saudi Royalty. He has been actively promoting acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine through clinical practice, research and lecture in China and in Europe since 1992. In addition to his specialty of traditional acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, he also does cupping, moxibustion and deep-tissue massage, in combination or separately.
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Wen-Long Hu
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan
Keynote: The advantages of laser acupuncture in obesity therapy
Time : 11:05-11:40
Biography:
Wen-Long Hu is Vice Director, Department of Chinese Medicine at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, an Assistant Professor at Fooyin University, Kaohsiung Medical University, and Chang Gung University. Prior to his current position, he was chief of division of acupuncture at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. He has the experiences of clinical practice in low level laser therapy (LLLT) for 20 years and in acupuncture for 25 years. He is invited speaker for lectures in LLLT at many symposiums held by some medical associations. Recently, he is invited to instruct physicians to practice LLLT in workshops. He also involves researches in LLLT, e.g. obesity, metabolic syndrome, stroke, dementia, Parkinsonism, myofacial pain, arthralgia, radiculopathy, etc.
Abstract:
Introduction: A previous study has shown that laser acupuncture is a useful healing method for the treatment of visceral postmenopausal obesity in combination with a low-calorie diet. However, unrealistic expectations regarding weight loss frequently result in a failure to manage weight. In our previous study, laser acupuncture has been found to exert a therapeutic effect on simple obesity by reducing both body weight and body mass index with a non-restrictive diet protocol. \\\\r\\\\nMethods: Each patient was treated three times per week with a gallium aluminum arsenide Handylaser Trion (maximal power, 150 mW; wavelength, 810 nm; area of probe, 0.03 cm2; power density, 5 W/cm2; pulsed wave at Bahr frequencies) The instrument was used to deliver 0.375 J of energy to each of the following points sequentially: Stomach, Hunger, ST25, ST28, ST40, SP15, and CV9. The laser was applied to each point for 5s. Women were maintained on a normal diet and were recommended to achieve a daily energy intake calculated by the following formula: (height in cm–70) ×0.6×30 kcal. The recommended daily energy intake for men was calculated as follows: (height in cm–80) ×0.7×30 kcal. \\\\r\\\\nResults: The mean percent reductions in body weight and body mass index were both 3.8% after four weeks of treatment. The reduction in waistline was 1 to 3.5 in. \\\\r\\\\nDiscussion & Conclusion: Laser acupuncture integrates the positive effects of acupuncture and low level lasers. In the hands of an experienced physician, laser acupuncture can be useful in controlling obesity. Furthermore, patients demonstrate good compliance with this comfortable and non-restrictive diet protocol. In conclusion, laser acupuncture has the advantage of being noninvasive, aseptic, painless, safe and effective in obesity therapy.\\\\r\\\\n
- Symposium 01
Location: Conference Hall 03
Chair
Zhang-Jin Zhang
University of Hong Kong, China
Session Introduction
Zhang-Jin Zhang
University of Hong Kong, China
Title: Herbal medicine and acupuncture for psychiatric disorders: From empiricism to evidence
Time : 11:50-12:15
Biography:
Zhang-Jin Zhang is a Professor and an Associate Director (Clinical Affairs) of the School of Chinese Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKU). He received his Chinese medicine and Western medicine training and earned his PhD in Neuroscience in China. During 1994-2006, he continued his research work in psychopharmacology and clinical psychiatry at Vanderbilt University and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in USA. His long-term research interest focuses on developing effective treatment strategies from herbal medicine and acupuncture for neuropsychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, dementia, and schizophrenia. He has authored over 90 research papers and 7 book chapters and delivered numerous seminars introducing herbal medicine and acupuncture for mental health and wellbeing. He has active clinical practice in Hong Kong with specialty in the use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine for neuropsychiatric problems.
Abstract:
Over the past decade, herbal medicine and acupuncture have been increasingly used to treat psychiatric diseases. Numerous herbal preparations, products and natural compounds have been tested for psychotropic potentials in laboratory and clinical settings. At the same time, acupuncture is well demonstrated to have benefits in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, dementia and schizophrenia. In this symposium, several scientists will present their findings, including novel acupuncture therapy for depression and insomnia, and the use of herbal medicine for depression and sleep disturbance. This symposium also provides a platform with multidisciplinary professionals and research fields to share their respective knowledge and experiences and to develop new ideas in the use of herbal medicine and acupuncture to prevent and manage mental disease.
Pei-Jing Rong
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China
Title: Transcutaneous acupuncture stimulation on ear vagus nerve for major depression
Time : 12:15-12:40
Biography:
Pei-Jing Rong is a Professor of the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. She received her Bachelor’s, Master and PhD degrees from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Hong Kong Baptist University, before she finished two-year Post doctoral visiting study at Faculty of Neurosciences in Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals. She is one of the academic leaders in China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and the secretary general of Academic Committee for China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.
Abstract:
Depression presents a significant burden to both patients and society. The treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is far from satisfactory. One treatment that has emerged is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a FDA approved physical treatment for depressive disorders. However, the application of this intervention has been limited by the involvement of surgery and potential side effects. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of stimulating the superficial branches of the vagus nerve to treat MDD. To investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a solo treatment for depression, the first cohort 91 patients only received taVNS for 12 weeks. In the second cohort 69 patients first received 4 weeks of sham taVNS, followed by 8 weeks of taVNS. All treatments were self-administered by the patients at home after they received training from the hospitals. The primary clinical outcome measurement was the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale measured at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12. After four weeks of treatment, MDD patients in the taVNS group showed greater improvement than that of sham taVNS groups as indicated by both Hamilton score changes as well as rates of good responders. In addition, we also found that the clinical improvements continued until week 12. Our study demonstrated that taVNS is a promising, safe and cost-effective neuromodulation method for MDD treatment.
Wing-Fai Yeung
University of Hong Kong, China
Title: Traditional Chinese medicine intervention for insomnia – A summary of the current evidence
Time : 12:40-13:05
Biography:
Wing-Fai Yeung graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University and received Bachelor of Chinese Medicine & Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Science degrees in 2004. He completed his PhD in the Department of Psychiatry, at the University of Hong Kong in 2010, and he worked as a Post-doctoral Fellow in the same year. He joined the School of Chinese Medicine as a Research Assistant Professor in 2014. His research interest is in the assessment and treatment of sleep disorder and major psychiatric disorders using traditional Chinese medicine approach.
Abstract:
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder. It is very common that subjects with insomnia seek complementary and alternative therapies to improve their sleep. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interventions, including Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, and auricular therapy, have been used for treating insomnia. Over the past decade, a large number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted to examine the efficacy of TCM interventions for treating insomnia. Recently, several systematic reviews have been performed to summarize the evidence on the efficacy of TCM interventions for insomnia; Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, and auricular therapy have been reported to be more effective than placebo control, benzodiazepines, or other therapies in the short-term treatment of insomnia. However, the reviewed randomized controlled trials were generally of low methodological quality. Hence, the apparently promising results should be interpreted with caution. Most of the previous randomized controlled trials were rated as low quality trials due to: (1) improper description of the randomization method; (2) lack of blinding on either the subjects or the assessors; and (3) unclear report on the attrition data. These limitations may contribute biased results. Further clinical studies with rigorous methodology, such as precise diagnostic criteria, placebo-controlled and double-blind design, validated measures, and standardized adverse event monitoring are most warranted to accurately determine the benefits and risks of these TCM interventions for insomnia.
Hideto Shinno
Kagawa University, Japan
Title: Herbal medicine for sleep disturbances in the elderly
Time : 13:05-13:30
Biography:
Hideto Shinno is Graduated from Hiroshima University School of Medicine (MD) and (PhD). He received National License of Medical Doctor. Currently he is working as Professor at Department of Liaison Psychiatry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Previous studies of sleep in the elderly subjects have revealed a decrease in the amount of slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, reduction of nocturnal melatonin secretion, and advancement of the sleep phase. In addition, periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMs) are commonly observed in the elderly and often cause sleep disturbances. PLMs are generally considered to produce sleep fragmentation by provoking arousals. Recent studies have demonstrated the effect of YKS on the sleep architecture in the elderly patients who complained subjective sleep disturbances. After treated with YKS, polysomnography studies revealed increases in total sleep time, sleep efficiency and stage II sleep. Decreases in electroencephalogical arousals and PLMs were also reported. YKS has reported to be effective and well tolerated in the elderly patients who complained of sleep disturbances. Yokukan-San (YKS: Tsumura Co. Ltd. Japan), a traditional herbal prescription, was developed as a remedy for restlessness and agitation. YKS contains several herbal medicines (Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma, Hoelen, Cnidii rhizoma, Angelicae radix, Bupleuri radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, and Uncariae ramulus et uncus). Angelicae radix, an important component of YKS, is known to affect dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin receptors. In aged rats, YKS has been reported to improve the decreased level of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. YKS has been indicated to ameliorate age-related impairments of working memory via the dopaminergic system. Therefore, YKS may be effective for improving the decreased dopaminergic neuronal function that is responsible for the emergence of PLMs and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Animal studies have demonstrated that YKS exhibits an anxiolytic effect mediated by GABA receptors. These pharmacological actions on dopaminergic and GABAergic systems may be beneficial for reducing PLM and treating sleep disturbances including RLS.
- Track 1: Herbal Medicine-Importance and Usage & Track 2: Applications of Traditional Medicine & Chronic illness Treatment
Location: Conference Hall 03
Chair
Paul Keogh
Global Therapeutics Pty Ltd, Australia
Co-Chair
Zhang-Jin Zhang
The University of Hong Kong, China
Session Introduction
Sungwook Chae
Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Republic of Korea
Title: Development of materials for skin aging control using natural products
Time : 14:20-14:45
Biography:
Sungwook Chae has earned his PhD from Natural Products Research Institute at Seoul National University, South Korea and Postdoctoral studies from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. He is Senior Researcher of KM based herbal drug research group. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals regarding antioxidant and skin research field.
Abstract:
Due to development of health science and medicine, life expectancy has increased. Therefore, more people have been showing dermatological concerns in recent years. Chronic exposure of human skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes photoaging which accelerates the visible ageing of skin together with intrinsic aging. Many studies showed that naturally occurring compounds are known to have anti-photo aging effects via oral administration. The market for cosmetics that are natural is converging with the growth of foods and nutritional products catering to “beauty from within” to create great opportunities for anti-wrinkle treatment. And topical treatment like cosmetics is also important because of their pharmaceutical benefits. Our study started from this concept; these two types of topical cosmetics and nutricosmetic need to be combined to work in a complementary and alternative way, which replenish the body’s own collagen by providing essential sources and enhancing epidermal function. Our lead material (KIOM-HB10) used in this study showed anti-wrinkle properties in terms of skin thickness, and changes in collagen fibers in HR-1 hairless mice. In the in vivo results, UVB-induced mean length and mean depth of skin wrinkle, epidermal thickening, and damage to collagen fiber were restored by oral administration of KIOM-HB10. In vitro results showed that KIOM-HB10 inhibited UVB-induced damage in HaCaT human keratinocyte by lowering the level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs).
Prem P Rai
University of Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea
Title: Research and development in Papua New Guinea traditional medicine
Time : 14:45-15:10
Biography:
Prem P Rai (PhD) teaches at the University of Papua New Guinea, School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He specializes in Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine. He also heads the traditional medicine program of the National Department of Health in Papua New Guinea. He has published more than 80 papers in reputed journals and authored number of technical books including one on medicinal plants in Papua New Guinea, published by the World Health Organization. He serves as an Advisor and Member on Editorial Board of number of local and international scientific journals.
Abstract:
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. It is estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 individual species of vascular plants may be found in PNG; most of these are endemic. A rich tradition of medicinal plants use exists in PNG with well over 50% of the population relying exclusively on traditional herbal medicine for health care. The government policy aims to incorporate traditional medicine in the primary health care system. Consequently, scientific investigation of commonly used medicinal plants has been undertaken through various national and international research initiatives. Traditional medical knowledge has been largely oral, and one of the early tasks was to undertake a systematic and comprehensive documentation of medicinal plants use, practiced in communities across the nation. This work has lead to establishment of traditional medicine database with detailed account of over 4000 traditional preparations from approximately 450 plant species. Phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants, determination of antibacterial activities of herbs used in respiratory and related conditions, standardization and validation of traditional herbal medicines employing both chemical and pharmacological approaches and a broad drug discovery program from PNG natural materials are the major thrust of these researches. PNG experiences HIV epidemic, and in our recent works the question that is being addressed is whether commonly used medicinal plants in PNG interact with HIV to either suppress the infection or to exacerbate it. The findings indicate that plants that inhibit HIV in the laboratory have the potential to contribute to successful management of infection and may be useful to people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have irregular access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Conversely, plants that activate latent HIV in the laboratory have the potential to shorten the period of disease latency in asymptomatic PLHIV and therefore pose a potential hazard. This presentation will attempt to highlight researches over the last two decades on PNG traditional medicine and provide direction for its inclusion in PNG national health system.
Y L Gong
Nanjing Medical University, China
Title: Therapeutic value of Chinese herbal decoction in radiation pneumonia of oesophageal carcinoma
Time : 15:10-15:35
Biography:
Gong has completed his PhD in Gastroenterology from 2nd Military Medical University of Shanghai in the year 1997. Currently he is working as specialist in the Department of Oncology, Nanjing 1st Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China. He has published more than 40 scientific papers in various national and international journals and a reviewer for reputed journals. Apart from medical oncology, his area of interest is Chinese traditional medicine therapy of hepatic cell carcinoma carcinoma.
Abstract:
Objective is to observe the curative effect of Chinese herbal decoction of Runfei combined with hormone and antibiotic in treating radiation pneumonia (RP) of oesophageal carcinoma. A 56-year-old male underwent surgery for cancer of the upper easophagus (T3N2M0) in Sep. 2014; following post-surgery adjuvant radiotherapy of three dimensional conformal radiotherapies were administered. Two months later, severe pneumonia had been found by chest X-ray and CT imaging, he received the treatment of hormone and antibiotic. In the meantime, we administered Chinese herbal medicine (Fei Decoction, mixed a variety of effective herbal components) to help him to recover from the poor condition. After taking the Chinese herbs for 2 weeks, the diffuse patchy shadows and ground glass appearance on chest X-ray dramatically decreased, with the result to the normal range, and the patient felt free from the complaint of pulmanory and cardiac discomfort. The quality of life has been greatly improved; we managed to have prolonged the PFS (Progression-Free-Survival) and TTP (Time-to-Progression) from the onset to date. In the course of this combined treatment, we showed that Chinese herbal medicine played an important role in the therapy of oeasophageal carcinoma. Chinese herbs might be an additional choice with its better benefits and tolerability in the treatment of radiation pneumonia (RP) of oesophageal carcinoma.
Susilorini
Islamic Sultan Agung University, Indonesia
Title: Effect of multiflora honey’s (Mel Depuratum) on VEGF expression and glomerular tuft area of kidney Experimental study on male Sprague dawley rats induced by Streptozotocin
Time : 15:35-16:00
Biography:
Susilorini has completed her Master of Medical Science from Magister of Biomedic of Diponegoro University and Pathology Anatomy Residency from Medical faculty of Diponegoro University. She is a pathologist and staff of Departement Pathology Anatomy of Medical faculty of Sultan Agung Islamic University and Sultan Agung Islamic hospital. Her research foccused in the prophetic medicine.
Abstract:
Multiflora honey contains poliphenol especially quercetin that was shown to have antioxidant, anti inflammation and anti proliferating effect, which potentially decreased damage of renal tissue caused by diabetic nephropathy. We investigate the effect of multiflora honey on VEGF expression and glomerular tuft area in renal tissue of STZ-induced Sprague- dawley rats. It was a randomized post test only control group, animal experimental study. 20 rats were divided into 4 groups, hyperglycemic control (K) group; and treatment group (P1= honey 0.33 g/kgBW/day, P2= honey 1 g/kgBW/day and P3= honey 10 g/kgBW/day). Postpandrial Blood glucose were measured after 2 days post injection. All rats were terminated at 15th days. The VEGF expression and glomerular-tuft area of renal tissue were measured by Allred score and Software OLIVIA. VEGF expression was analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test and Spearman correlation test. Glomerular-tuft area was analyzed by One-way ANOVA, post-hoc LSD test and Pearson correlation test. The expression levels of VEGF in renal tissue of P1and P2, groups are significantly different than that of K group (p= 0.0001), no significant dose - effect relationship of VEGF expression. The glomerular tuft areas in renal tissue are significantly different between groups. There was a significant dose-effect relationship of glomerular tuft area (r= - 0.291). All doses of multiflora honey decreased glomerular tuft area. Only dose 0.33 and 1 g/kgBw/day could decrease VEGF expression.
Yu-Chiang Hung
Chang Gung University, Taiwan
Title: Effects of childhood asthma with integrated traditional Chinese medicine: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Time : 16:30-16:55
Biography:
Yu-Chiang Hung is currently working in Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the most commonly used alternative therapy in children with asthma, especially in the Chinese community. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the government sponsored Outpatient’s Healthcare Quality Improvement (OHQI) project with integrated TCM treatment on childhood asthma. Methods: This study used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, which is a part of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Children with diagnosed asthma and aged under 15 years from 2006–2010 were enrolled. They were collated into 3 groups: (1) subjects treated with non-TCM; (2) subjects treated with single TCM; and (3) subjects treated with integrative OHQI TCM. The medical visits and the cost of treatment paid by the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) to the outpatient, emergency room, and inpatient departments were evaluated for the study subjects within 1 year of the first asthma diagnosis during the study period. Results: Fifteen multi-hospitals, including 7 medical centers, and 35 TCM physicians participated in OHQI during the study period. A total of 12850 children from the NHIRD database were enrolled in this study, and divided as follows: 12435 children in non-TCM group, 406 children in single TCM group, and 9 children in integrative OHQI TCM group. Although the total medical cost paid by the BNHI per patient in the integrative OHQI TCM group was greater than that in the non-OHQI groups, the patients in the integrative OHQI TCM group exhibited greater therapeutic effects, and did not require ER visits or hospitalization. In addition, ER visits and hospitalization among patients who received a combination of conventional therapy with integrated TCM were lower than those among patients who underwent conventional therapy alone or single TCM treatment. Conclusions: Asthmatic children at partly controlled level under conventional therapy may benefit from adjuvant treatment with integrated TCM.
Mohammad A Randhawa
Northern Border University, KSA
Title: A review of the dermatological effects and applications of Nigella sativa (Black Seed)
Time : 16:55-17:20
Biography:
Mohammad A Randhawa graduated from King Edward Medical College, Lahore, in 1973 and completed his Masters from University of Punjab in 1977. Then after, he was deputed for Postgraduate training in Clinical Pharmacology to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, UK. On his return to Pakistan, he obtained PhD degree from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Currently, he is Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed scientific journals and has reviewed numerous research projects and manuscripts, mostly related to membrane transport of drugs and N. sativa (Black seed).
Abstract:
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed is commonly known as ‘Black Seed’ has been an important natural remedy for many ailments for centuries in traditional systems of medicine. N. sativa contains many active components, including: thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, nigellimine, nigellicine, nigellidine and alphahederin. In addition, N. sativa seed is reported to possess numerous pharmacological effects: immune stimulation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antiasthmatic, antimicrobial and antiparasitic, etc. Some authors have reviewed pharmacotherapeutic activities of N. sativa in general, but their dermatological applications are not sufficiently described in these reviews. Skin is immediately exposed to numerous noxious stimuli: Microbial infections, trauma, chronic irritation and extremes of temperature and performs many physiological functions, to mention is its involvement in immune mechanisms. Literature search revealed a lot of published articles regarding effects and applications of N. sativa related to skin, e.g. ether extract of N. sativa was reported to possess inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aerogenosa), including their multidrug resistant strains. Ether extract of N. sativa and its active principles (thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol) were demonstrated to have antifungal activity against clinical isolates of important genera of dermatophytes: Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum. Similarly, N. sativa extract/thymoquinone was found to be beneficial in acne, eczema, psoriasis and squamous cell carcinoma. The present work is intended to review the scientific knowledge about this important natural herb pertaining to skin problems. It is hoped that our effort would be of interest to skin specialists, general physicians, scientists and the public.
Isa Adamu Imam
Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Title: Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, total phenolic/flavonoids and cytotoxic activities of Cordia africana
Time : 17:20-17:45
Biography:
Isa Adamu Imam is currently working as Faculty of Medicine, Department of human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Cordia africana (Boraginaceae) is a tree used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory related conditions and infectious diseases. This study was undertaken with the objectives of establishing the scavenging effect of extracts and fractions of Cordia Africana on the mediator of inflammation Lipoxygenases (LOX), and some non-biological free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the [2, 2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS) radicals and the Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antimicrobial activities, total phenolics/flavonoids and cytotoxicity of extracts of Cordia Africana were also evaluated. Extracts were obtained by maceration. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using a LOX-inhibitor screening assay kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A broth serial micro dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antioxidant activity was determined using free-radical-scavenging assays, and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay was used for cytotoxicity. All the extracts of C. africana inhibited LOX enzyme. The most active being the hexane extract of the leaves with IC50 value of 190±0.9 μg/ml. With the exception of the Methanol extract of bark of C. africana, all extracts had excellent to weak antimicrobial activity (MICs ranging from 16 to 1024 μg/ml) bacteria. All the extracts had free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 ranging from 5.20 to 314.30 μg/ml). There was a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity and the total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of Cordia africana. The cytotoxicity on Vero cells was reasonable to low with LC50 values ranging between 56.23 and 800 μg/ml. Our results support the use of C. africana leaves in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory related conditions and infectious diseases.