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The article considers placement of methods of traditional and complementary medicine in the public health system of the Russian Federation, focusing on prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases. The analysis of the evidence base on key methods of traditional and complementary medicine (acupuncture, phytotherapy, homeopathy, manual therapy, osteopathy) was carried out, including differentiated estimate of level of evidence for forms of homeopathy based on the latest systematic review of meta-analyses. The legal framework of its application in Russia are explored. The corresponding collisions and barriers are identified. The following proposals concerning integrative health care model are formulated: differentiated register of methods, clinical guidelines, pilot integration into compulsory health insurance system and enhancement of research. Рассмотрено место методов традиционной и комплементарной медицины в системе общественного здравья Российской Федерации с фокусом на профилактику и управление хроническими неинфекционными заболеваниями. Проведен анализ доказательной базы по ключевым методам традиционной и комплементарной медицины (акупунктура, фитотерапия, гомеопатия, мануальная терапия, остеопатия), включая дифференцированную оценку уровня доказательств для форм гомеопатии на основе новейшего систематического обзора метаанализов. Исследованы правовые рамки применения ее в России, выявлены коллизии и барьеры. На основе анализа сформулированы предложения по интегративной модели здравоохранения: дифференцированный реестр методов, клинические рекомендации, пилотная интеграция в ОМС и усиление исследований.

Approaches to the treatment of cystitis have changed in recent years. Although the benefit of antibiotics in urinary tract infection is evident, excessive and inappropriate use has contributed to increased antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens and a higher rate of adverse events. Compared with placebo, clinical success of antibiotic therapy for cystitis is higher; however, in some cases the use of nutraceuticals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and phytotherapy has made it possible to substantially reduce the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions. To evaluate the efficiency, safety, and tolerability of Superlymph rectal/vaginal suppositories in patients with chronic cystitis during exacerbation as monotherapy. This pilot open-label prospective non-comparative study included 30 female patients aged 20 to 49 years with chronic cystitis during exacerbation. All patients presented for the first time with frequency and painful urination (30/100%), dysuria with burning/pain on urination (22/73,3%), and blood drops from the urethra at the end of urination (7/23%). Disease duration did not exceed one day (mean 18,8+/-2,4 hours). Before seeking medical care, none of the patients had taken any medications. All patients refused antibiotics for different reasons: planned pregnancy in the near future; allergy or intolerance to antibacterial drugs; rapid development of bacterial vaginosis/vulvovaginal candidiasis or intestinal dysbiosis associated with prior antibacterial therapy. This refusal was confirmed by an official written refusal of antibacterial drugs within the study. All patients started therapy with a cytokine and antimicrobial peptide complex (Superlymph) as suppositories, administered rectally according to a two-stage regimen: during the intensive treatment phase lasting 20 days, Superlymph was prescribed at a dose of 25 IU daily; during the continuation phase, patients received 10 IU for 10 days. At baseline, the mean total score on the ACSS scale was 14,9+/-2,3, and all patients had leukocyturia. Urine culture revealed bacterial growth in 24 patients (80,0%). By the end of the intensive phase, the mean total score decreased to 6,2+/-0,9. By the end of the continuation phase, all patients felt well; dysuria was completely resolved, which accordingly improved quality of life. The mean total score at the end of treatment was 1,9+/-0,2. No cystitis recurrences occurred within three months; during six months, recurrence was recorded in 4 patients (13,3%). Superlymph monotherapy for chronic cystitis is highly effective and safe. Additional antibacterial therapy was required in only 13,3% of cases, while in 86,7% recurrence of chronic cystitis was controlled with Superlymph monotherapy. Three months after completion of therapy, none of the patients developed cystitis recurrence; within 6 months after completion of local cytokine therapy, recurrence occurred only in 4 patients (13,3%). No complications or adverse reactions during Superlymph therapy were observed.

Phytotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the management of obesity and related metabolic disorders. In this context, species of the Physalis genus have been widely recognized in traditional medicine for their potential therapeutic effects against these conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Physalis philadelphica husk infusion on obesity and associated metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress markers in diet-induced obese rats. Male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups (n = 8): (1) healthy control, (2) obese control group, and (3) intervention group (husk infusion). Obesity was induced using a high-fructose and high-saturated fat diet (~511.1 kcal/100 g), followed by 16 weeks of husk infusion administration. After euthanasia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results showed that rats receiving the husk infusion exhibited a significant reduction in weight gain (~7.2%), serum glucose levels (22.8%), and free fatty acids (26%) compared to the obese control group, while no significant effects on insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis, or several lipid-related parameters were observed. Regarding oxidative stress markers, serum nitrite levels decreased by 33%, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver (30%) and adipose tissue (38%) were significantly reduced compared to the obese control group. Moreover, treated rats showed a significant increase in catalase (~1.2-fold) and superoxide dismutase (~2.8-fold) activity in the liver. These findings suggest that Physalis philadelphica husk infusion reduces hyperglycemia and improves oxidative stress in obese rats.

There are currently no registered medicines available for the treatment of gambling disorder. To describe the evidence about medication for gambling disorder. We conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of medication for gambling disorder in Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo. Due to methodological differences between the studies no meta-analysis could be performed. We included 24 double-blind, randomized trials with a total of 1,547 patients, analyzing the effect on gambling disorder of opioid antagonists, antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-epileptics, glutamate modulators and phytotherapy. In 21 studies active medication was compared to placebo and in three studies two active medications were compared. Of the seven studies about opioid antagonists, four reported significantly better results than placebo. A positive effect was seen less frequently with the other drugs. Due to the limited evidence, only patients who do not respond to psychotherapeutic interventions might be considered for off-label treatment with an opioid antagonist such as naltrexone or nalmefene. For all other medications investigated, there is currently insufficient evidence of effectiveness in treating gambling disorder.

The review evaluates current clinical and epidemiological evidence regarding the use of plant-derived compounds in pediatric practice. Data from randomized controlled trials indicate symptomatic efficacy of selected agents-particularly in acute respiratory infections-alongside generally favorable safety profiles when standardized preparations are used. Emerging research also explores applications in neurodevelopmental disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and dermatology, and as supportive therapy in pediatric oncology. However, variability in product quality, limited pediatric-specific trials, potential toxicity, and regulatory inconsistencies remain significant challenges. The integration of phytotherapy into pediatric care therefore requires rigorous study design, careful safety monitoring, and clear quality standards to ensure an evidence-based risk-benefit balance.

Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis is strongly associated with oxidative stress, renal tubular injury, and inflammation. Natural products rich in polyphenols may serve as promising complementary preventive strategies. This study investigated the antiurolithiatic and renoprotective effects of Rhus coriaria fruit extract in an ethylene glycol-induced rat model of nephrolithiasis. Forty-two male rats were randomized into seven groups (n = 6): control, ethylene glycol (EG), EG + potassium citrate, R. coriaria 250 mg/kg/day, R. coriaria 500 mg/kg/day, EG + R. coriaria 250 mg/kg/day, and EG + R. coriaria 500 mg/kg/day. Nephrolithiasis was induced with 1% ethylene glycol for 28 days. Serum biochemistry, urinary lithogenic parameters, oxidative stress markers including total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), histopathology, and immunohistochemical expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and osteopontin (OPN) were evaluated. Phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Gallic acid was identified as the predominant phenolic constituent, together with smaller amounts of protocatechuic acid and ellagic acid. Ethylene glycol significantly increased urinary lithogenic parameters, oxidative stress indices, crystal deposition, tubular injury, and OPN expression. Treatment with R. coriaria significantly reduced urinary oxalate and calcium levels, improved TAS, SOD, and CAT levels, lowered TOS and MDA concentrations, and markedly attenuated crystal deposition, inflammation, and tubular dilatation. OPN expression was substantially decreased in treated groups, whereas KIM-1 showed a decreasing trend. Protective effects were more pronounced at the 500 mg/kg/day dose. R. coriaria fruit extract exerted significant antiurolithiatic and renoprotective effects in experimental calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. These findings suggest that R. coriaria may represent a potential adjunctive strategy for calcium oxalate stone disease.

Radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) contributes to oxidative and nitrosative stress in non-irradiated tissues following ionizing radiation (IR). This study investigated the protective effects of propolis and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) against RIBE-mediated renal injury after total cranial irradiation in rats. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to six groups: IR, IR + propolis, IR + CAPE, propolis control, CAPE control, and sham. A single 5 Gy cranial gamma irradiation was administered. Propolis (80 mg/kg/day, orally) and CAPE (10 μmol/kg/day, intraperitoneally) were given for 10 days. Renal antioxidant (SOD, GSH-Px, GST), oxidative (XO, MDA), and nitrosative (NOS, NO) parameters were evaluated. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were performed. IR significantly decreased SOD activity and increased XO, MDA, NOS, and NO levels. Both propolis and CAPE effectively reversed these alterations, with propolis showing a more pronounced effect on oxidative stress markers. GSH-Px and GST activities remained unchanged. The findings suggest that propolis and CAPE attenuated oxidative/nitrosative changes in kidney tissue, consistent with a possible bystander-associated systemic response.

Breast cancer remains a significant clinical challenge, with treatment failure and patient mortality primarily attributable to tumor metastasis. Daucosterol linoleate (DL) was previously isolated from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Using HPLC analysis of ten commercial dried sweet potato products from different regions of China, DL was detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 1.24 mg to 6.05 mg per 100 g, confirming its widespread presence in commercially processed sweet potato products. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that DL exhibited a peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 1452.28 ng/mL, an elimination half-life (t1/2) of 11.14 h, and a mean residence time (MRT) of 9.62 h, supporting its potential for oral administration. DL significantly suppressed proliferation and migration of MCF-7, 4T1, and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and reduced lung metastasis in vivo. Proteomic analysis identified SCD1 as a key molecule mediating the effects of DL. Mechanistically, DL downregulated SCD1 to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by decreased expression of N-Cadherin, MMP2, Vimentin, and Snail, alongside increased E-Cadherin expression. Collectively, DL inhibits breast cancer metastasis by downregulating SCD1 and suppressing EMT, supporting its dual potential as a functional food ingredient and adjuvant therapeutic.

Serissa belongs to Rubiaceae plants, which has the effects of dispelling wind and relieving surface, clearing heat and draining dampness, relaxing the sinews, and quickening the collaterals. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-hepatitis B virus properties, inhibits bacterial growth and tyrosinase activity, and promotes coagulation and other pharmacological effects. It also has a good therapeutic effect on kidney diseases. In this paper, the botany, traditional use, processing specifications, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology, clinical application, and quality control analysis of the genus Serissa were reviewed to provide some reference for the follow-up application of the genus Serissa. Literature and related information were collected from online resources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, and VIP database. A total of 141 compounds were collected, including volatile oil components, flavonoids, lignans, quinones, triterpenoids, and steroids. The most important pharmacological effect of Serissa is its anti-inflammatory action, which is commonly used in the treatment of diseases such as hepatitis and nephritis. In this paper, the botany, traditional use, processing specification, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology, clinical application, quality control analysis, and other aspects of a comprehensive review proved that Serissa has great medicinal value.

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a leading cause of acute liver injury, yet effective protective therapies remain limited. Isoschaftoside (Iso) is a flavonoid phytochemical with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but its role in APAP-induced liver injury remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of Iso in vivo and in vitro. BALB/c mice received APAP (300 mg/kg, i.g.) to induce acute liver injury, followed 1.5 h later by Iso (8 mg/kg, i.p.); samples were collected at 6 h. Liver pathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining; serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were measured using commercial assay kits; and cytokines were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Signaling-related mRNA and protein levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested involvement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling, which was further tested in AML12 hepatocytes. Iso markedly alleviated APAP-induced histological damage and reduced serum liver enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In AML12 cells, Iso suppressed APAP-triggered TLR4/NF-κB activation and apoptosis. These findings indicate that Iso mitigates APAP-induced acute liver injury largely by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory and apoptotic responses, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate.

Background: Oromucosal films are thin polymeric dosage forms designed to hydrate rapidly in the oral cavity and enable local or systemic drug delivery. Their performance depends on coupled processes including wetting, swelling, polymer relaxation, matrix softening, and structural failure. Because these phenomena depend strongly on the formulation composition and polymer-network organization, a mechanistic framework linking conventional characterization data to film performance is needed. This study aimed to develop a Madelung-type multifractal swelling-disintegration-release-readiness model for chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films and to examine its relevance using a twelve-formulation experimental series. Methods: Twelve films based on chitosan (film-forming polysaccharide), HPMC K-4M (hydrophilic swelling polymer), glycerin (plasticizer), and starch (disintegrant) were prepared via solvent casting. The films were characterized for loss on drying, surface pH, mass and thickness uniformity, wetting time, swelling behavior, structural-disintegration onset, elongation response, rupture resistance, folding endurance, and surface roughness. The proposed model described water uptake, swelling-front motion, matrix integrity, local release-readiness activation, and hydration-induced loading as coupled fields across the film thickness. Results: Formulation markedly influenced hydration behavior, mechanical performance, structural stability, and surface morphology. Films F2 and F7 emerged as the most promising complementary unloaded matrix platforms for future active-compound incorporation and experimental release evaluation. F2 behaved as a high-swelling, mechanically stable starch-free matrix, whereas F7 combined faster wetting, starch-assisted structural destabilization, and favorable flexibility. Conclusions: This framework provides a quantitative link between empirical film characterization and formulation-level mechanistic interpretation. It translates conventional characterization parameters into descriptors related to the apparent water penetration, swelling capacity, matrix-failure tendency, mechanical suitability, and structural heterogeneity. The present results support candidate selection for future Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient-loaded studies but do not constitute validation of drug-release kinetics.

The genus Epimedium L. comprises a group of perennial herbs widely distributed across East Asia, with five representative species that include Epimedium grandiflorum C. Morren, Epimedium brevicornu Maxim., Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim., Epimedium koreanum Nakai. and Epimedium pubescens Maxim. For centuries, these species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their aphrodisiac, anti-osteoporotic and estrogen-like properties in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and menopausal symptoms. The aim of this review is to present an extensive and updated synthesis of the phytochemistry, biological activities and therapeutic properties of these five species by examining the relationship between the phytochemical composition and their pharmacological properties. Phytochemical analyses indicate that Epimedium spp. are defined by their significant content of prenylated flavonol glycosides, including icariin, icaritin, icariside, baohuoside and epimedin A-C. Recent studies have confirmed that these compounds are responsible for the genus' therapeutic potential. They possess a variety of effects, ranging from aphrodisiac and antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, as well as neuroprotective, cardioprotective and anticancer benefits. Although preclinical findings are increasingly compelling, robust clinical evidence is still lacking for all five species. Taken together, the data summarized here position Epimedium spp. as a valuable source of bioactive prenylated flavonoids, while underscoring that standardized methodologies and rigorous clinical trials are essential to translate this potential into validated therapeutic applications.

Background/Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes and remains associated with limited therapeutic options and high systemic toxicity from conventional chemotherapy. Ipomoea pes-caprae is a coastal medicinal plant traditionally consumed in Mexico for inflammatory and renal disorders and contains bioactive metabolites with reported antioxidant and pharmacological properties. However, its antitumoral activity and systemic safety profile remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, antitumoral activity, and toxicity of a traditionally prepared aqueous infusion of I. pes-caprae leaves (IPCAE). Methods: IPCAE was characterized using phytochemical screening and complementary instrumental analyses. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. A randomized preclinical study was performed in mice bearing MDA-MB-231 xenografts treated with IPCAE, cisplatin, or saline control. Results: The infusion showed measurable antioxidant activity (72.25 &#xb1; 1.25% DPPH inhibition at 1 mg/mL) and a total polyphenol content of 7.29 &#xb5;g/mg gallic acid equivalents. Phytochemical screening revealed abundant flavonoids and reducing sugars, with moderate saponin content. In vivo, IPCAE produced only a transient and non-significant trend toward slower tumor progression compared with control (p = 0.214) and cisplatin (p = 0.377). However, marked systemic toxicity was observed, including severe thoracic dermal lesions in 40% of animals and 70% mortality by day 15. Survival was significantly reduced compared with control and cisplatin groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although IPCAE exhibited antioxidant activity, no statistically significant antitumoral effect was observed under the evaluated conditions. Furthermore, repeated oral administration resulted in marked systemic toxicity, characterized by visible dermal lesions, clinical deterioration, and increased mortality. Therefore, the present findings do not support the use of the evaluated crude preparation as an anticancer intervention. Future studies should focus on detailed toxicological characterization, bioassay-guided fractionation, dose optimization, and identification of the individual metabolites responsible for the observed biological effects. The antioxidant activity demonstrated in this study should be interpreted independently from antitumoral activity, as no causal relationship between these findings was established.

Diabetic wounds are characterized by persistent inflammation, prolonged healing time, and an increased risk of amputation. The use of natural compounds combined with established therapies can increase the effectiveness of treatments for these lesions. In this context, natural products have stood out as therapeutic adjuvants due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties. Terminalia fagifolia Mart., a medicinal species native to the Brazilian Cerrado, has a rich phytochemical composition; however, its clinical potential in wound healing has not yet been investigated. This is the first clinical trial to investigate the potential synergistic effects of Terminalia fagifolia Mart. extract, alone or in combination with photobiomodulation, on the healing of non-infected diabetic foot ulcers. A total of 102 participants with type 2 diabetes and lower limb ulcers will be randomly allocated into three groups: G1 (Terminalia fagifolia Mart. + wound occlusion), G2 (GaAs 904, 10 J/cm&#xb2; + Terminalia fagifolia Mart. + wound occlusion), and a control group using Endophoton KLD (GaAs 904) at a dose of 10 J/cm&#xb2; + conventional dressing. One hundred and two volunteers will be recruited and treated on two non-consecutive days per week for 10 weeks, totaling 20 sessions. The primary outcome variable will be the rate of ulcer size reduction over the 10-week period. This study is expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the safety, feasibility, and potential efficacy of the synergistic use of T. fagifolia Mart. extract combined with photobiomodulation in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.Clinical trial registration This study was registered at Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) on December 27, 2023 (RBR-25ng5pt || https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-25ng5pt ).

This study aims to achieve a cross-cultural consolidation of the local and traditional knowledge in order to contribute to an understanding of these knowledge systems and to guide bioprospecting on Panax spp. Documentation-based taxonomic revision was performed to define the current accepted species in Panax. Historic uses of Panax spp. used in China was compiled using historical herbal literature. A cross-cultural ethnobotanical assembly was performed to compile the traditional uses of Panax spp. globally. With a network-based integration, the scattered local and traditional knowledge was consolidated and evaluated. Currently, the genus Panax comprises 14 accepted species, mainly distributed in East Asia and eastern North America, all of which are used locally as traditional food and/or medicine. Four species are recorded in Chinese historical herbals. Eight species and one variety are used by 25 of the Chinese ethnic minorities. Beyond China, there are ten species and two varieties used traditionally in 12 countries. General health promotion functions are frequently mentioned. In different biocultural backgrounds, the used species and usages varied greatly, and even the same species can be used differently. For the first time, this study archives a comprehensive understanding on the health benefits of global Panax spp. and provides solid evidence for their versatility in maintaining human health from the perspective of ethnobotany.

Inulin-type fructans are widely recognized as functional polysaccharides with prebiotic properties, while plant polyphenols represent one of the most important classes of natural antioxidants. Increasing evidence demonstrates that interactions between dietary fibers such as inulin and phenolic compounds significantly influence antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and physiological activity. The present review integrates recent advances regarding the chemical structure of inulin, extraction sources, molecular interactions with polyphenols, and implications for antioxidant activity in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Experimental studies indicate correlations between inulin concentration and antioxidant parameters such as DPPH, FRAP, SOD and CAT activities. Furthermore, physicochemical interactions between cell wall polysaccharides and polyphenols influence the stability, release kinetics and bioefficacy of antioxidant compounds. These findings support the potential development of optimized functional formulations combining inulin-rich plant extracts with polyphenol sources for improved health benefits. The literature was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases (2000-2026).

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) colonization drives persistent infection and inflammation in bronchiectasis, a condition lacking targeted biotherapies. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a key regulator of immune homeostasis, and its plant-derived activator, Ginkgolic acid C17:1 (GAC 17:1), has emerged as a potential biotechnological therapeutic agent due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of GAC 17:1, a natural compound, in alleviating PA-induced airway injury by targeting the PTEN/mtDNA/TLR9 axis, thereby evaluating its role as a novel biotechnological intervention for immune modulation in bronchiectasis. A rat model of chronic PA-induced bronchial injury was established and divided into four groups: Control, PA-infected, PA-infected + GAC 17:1 (PTEN activator, 2 mg.kg-1), and PA-infected + SF1670 (PTEN inhibitor, 1.5 mg.kg-1). Lung pathology, function (FEV0.3, FVC, PEF), PTEN/TLR9/NF-&#x3ba;B expression (RT-qPCR, Western blot), mtDNA content, cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-17, TGF-&#x3b2;; ELISA), and Th17/Treg cell proportions (flow cytometry) were assessed. PA infection downregulated PTEN, elevated mtDNA/TLR9/NF-&#x3ba;B, increased IL-6/IL-17 and Th17 cells, reduced TGF-&#x3b2; and Tregs, and impaired lung function. Treatment with GAC 17:1, the plant-derived PTEN activator, effectively restored PTEN expression, suppressed mtDNA release and TLR9/NF-&#x3ba;B signaling, rebalanced Th17/Treg immunity, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and significantly improved pulmonary function. Conversely, PTEN inhibition worsened all parameters. This study demonstrates that GAC 17:1, a natural bioactive compound, exerts potent significant effects in PA-related bronchiectasis by activating PTEN and inhibiting the mtDNA/TLR9/NF-&#x3ba;B pathway. Our findings highlight GAC 17:1 as a promising biotechnological candidate for developing plant-derived immunomodulatory therapies against chronic airway infections.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in many low-and middle-income countries. In most of these countries, including Tanzania, medicinal plants (MPs) are primarily used to manage various ailments, though the majority are not yet documented. Therefore, this study is aimed at documenting MPs used by traditional healers (THs) in managing respiratory infections (RTIs) in the Kagera region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Bukoba, Misenyi and Karagwe districts of the Kagera region using interviews, a semistructured questionnaire and field excursions. Ethnobotanical information on MPs' local names, plant parts used, preparation methods, route of administration, and threats were documented. Twenty-eight plant species from 21 families were recorded, whereby Lamiaceae (14.3%) was the dominant family. Out of 28 MPs documented Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) had the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC) (0.56), followed by Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) and Citrus limon Osbeck (Rutaceae) (0.33 each). Informant consensus factor (ICF) for RTIs was 0.70. Trees (50%) and leaves (57.1%) were the most prevalent growth form and plant part used, respectively. Decoction (64%) was the most common method used to prepare remedies, and most remedies were administered orally (68%). Urbanisation (29%) and agricultural expansion (24%) reported to threaten MPs existence in the study areas. The findings from this study revealed that the local people from Kagera region are using MPs for management of RTIs, and THs have high level of agreements regarding the specific plant species to manage RTIs, which indicated by extensive knowledge of using them. Most of species reported have been proven to possess different bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities. Therefore, plants reported in this study are important candidate for further studies on their safety and toxicology. Moreover, following MP threats reported in this study, education on conservation initiatives is recommended to ensure their survival and sustainable utilisation.