In recent years, global warming has led to regionally high temperatures, causing lasting and extreme impacts in some areas of China. Cases of heat stroke and even fatalities have been seen in many parts of the country. Traditional Chinese medicine considers heat stroke to be a type of summerheat stroke, which belongs to the extreme heat of the Yang. Bloodletting therapy is a classical treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. Bloodletting involves puncturing certain acupoints or small epidermal veins to release a small amount of blood to dredge the channel and clear heat-fire, thus lowering a patient’s body temperature. Therefore, studying bloodletting therapy as a treatment for heat stroke has significance. Here, we analyzed the core acupoint prescriptions and the application characteristics of bloodletting therapy for the treatment of heat stroke. Our review provides a basis for the selection of acupoints and treatment methods for the clinical use of bloodletting therapy for heat stroke.

Gelsemium elegans Benth (G. elegans) is a traditional medicinal plant; however, it is highly toxic, and toxicity varies significantly between species. The cause of this difference has not been clarified. Humantenirine is an important toxic alkaloid in G. elegans, and its metabolism has been poorly studied. This study aimed to compare the different metabolites formed by human liver microsomes, pig liver microsomes, and goat liver microsomes.

High-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to study the metabolism of humantenirine in human liver microsomes, pig liver microsomes, and goat liver microsomes.

A total of eight metabolites (M1-M8) were identified, and three major metabolic pathways were found: demethylation (M1), dehydrogenation (M2, M3, M7), and oxidation (M4, M5, M6, M8).

Based on these results, it is hypothesized that demethylation is the major detoxification pathway for humantenirine, providing important information to better understand the metabolism and toxicity differences between species of G. elegans.

A mental disorder, also referred to as a psychiatric disorder or mental illness, is characterized by significant disturbances in an individual’s thinking, emotions, or behavior. In Ayurveda, herbal plants are used as alternative therapies for various ailments, including mental disorders. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of herbal medicines used in treating mental disorders in Sri Lanka. It relies on foundational books as primary sources to systematically identify and analyze the therapeutic potential of 24 traditional medicinal plants for treating mental disorders. Each plant was evaluated based on its scientific name, plant parts used, distribution in Sri Lanka, mechanisms of action, and identified phytochemicals. Furthermore, additional research was conducted using keywords such as mental disorders, herbal plants, plant distribution, phytochemicals, side effects, and mechanism of action through scientific databases. The phytochemicals present in these herbal plants possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, contributing to their potential antipsychotic activities. Trigonelline (from Abrus precatorius), bacosides (from Bacopa monnieri), asiaticoside and asiatic acid (from Centella asiatica), quercetin (from Ginkgo biloba), alliin and allicin (from Allium sativum), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (from Eclipta alba), and shogaol (from Zingiber officinale) demonstrate significant potential in modulating neurotransmitter levels, reducing oxidative stress, and alleviating symptoms associated with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. The suggested therapeutic value of these identified herbal plants and their bioactive phytochemicals indicates the need for preserving and extensively investigating these remedies to establish their clinical effectiveness.

Acupuncture has been a staple of Eastern medicine for thousands of years. Recent evidence has shown that the benefits for spinal stenosis are strong. In this comprehensive review, the history and available literature will be reviewed. In addition, how the techniques have evolved, and their clinical utility will be discussed. The process and progression of spinal stenosis are addressed. The mechanism of action for acupuncture and the relevant treatment implications will be discussed. This is important in alleviating pain and providing a good quality of life. The findings in the pre-operative, peri-operative, and postoperative periods are highlighted. Finally, the preclinical data provide compelling evidence for novel pathways to be targeted. This resource could serve as a user-friendly guide for the clinician and scientist on this important topic. It might be the catalyst of ongoing investigation from clinical and preclinical sides.

This review explores the convergence of traditional wisdom and modern science in the realm of herbal medicines, focusing on the safety, efficacy, and bioactivity of these natural remedies in contemporary healthcare. The rich history of herbal medicines, deeply embedded in cultural traditions, is witnessing a resurgence as the quest for holistic and personalized healthcare gains momentum. Herbal medicine, a time-honored practice passed down through generations, is experiencing renewed interest amid the growing acknowledgment of its potential benefits. This review delves into the safety profiles of herbal remedies, subjecting them to rigorous scientific scrutiny. Additionally, it investigates the efficacy of herbal interventions, aiming to bridge the gap between historical anecdotes and empirical research. The complex bioactivity of herbal compounds, often containing numerous active ingredients, is a focal point, unraveling the mechanisms through which these natural substances interact with the human body. In a world where the synthesis of traditional wisdom and modern science holds promise for advancing healthcare, this review contributes to the ongoing dialogue. By critically examining the safety, efficacy, and bioactivity of herbal remedies, it aims to illuminate the evolving landscape of herbal medicine. The goal is to integrate the best of both worlds to enhance global well-being, acknowledging the potential of herbal medicine as a valuable complement to modern healthcare practices.

Intravenous infusions of magnesium-containing solutions were routinely applied in Russia as treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other alcohol-related conditions. However, this indiscriminate approach is unfounded and may cause more harm than benefit. Magnesium deficiency is associated with certain circulatory, neuropsychiatric and metabolic conditions. The frequency of hypomagnesemia is enhanced in cases of chronic alcoholism. However, moderate deficiency does not necessarily require parenteral magnesium supplementation. Iatrogenic hypermagnesemia is associated with adverse effects. Endovascular manipulations in conditions of suboptimal procedural quality assurance can cause transmission of viral hepatitis. To decide if an intravenous magnesium supplementation is indicated, it should first be determined whether there is a deficiency and, if so, whether it can be compensated by diet or by oral intake of magnesium-containing drugs.