Interprofessional Journal of Health Sciences

From Tradition to Therapy: Plectranthus amboinicus as a Remedy for Respiratory Inflammation

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The respiratory tract is the anatomical pathway through which air travels during respiration and plays a critical role in gas exchange. While inflammation is a necessary immune response for combating infections in this system, severe inflammation can be detrimental and even fatal. Pathogenic microorganisms frequently expose the respiratory tract, necessitating a prompt and robust immune response, particularly through inflammation, to swiftly eliminate these threats. To reduce the intensity and duration of pulmonary inflammation, extensive research has been conducted to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies associated with lung inflammation. Among these strategies, natural products have garnered significant attention for their chemical composition and pharmacologic properties, particularly their potential therapeutic applications in treating respiratory inflammation. Traditional herbal remedies widely use Plectranthus amboinicus because of its effectiveness in reducing respiratory inflammation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of this plant for treating pulmonary disorders because of its phytochemical and pharmacognostic properties, specifically the activity of its essential compounds against airway inflammation. This review focuses on the phytochemistry, extraction techniques, phytocompound analyses, pharmacological activities in respiratory disorders, and clinical efficacy of P. amboinicus as a conventional herbal treatment for lung inflammation.

An Updated Bibliometric Analysis of Tuberculosis Research in ASEAN Countries: 2000–2024

Rojjares Netthong, Jeerisuda Khumsikiew, Sisira Donsamak, Bancha Yingngam — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health challenge in ASEAN countries, particularly in settings with limited diagnostic and treatment facilities. This study presented a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of TB research published from January 1, 2000, to April 1, 2024, employing a search of the Scopus database. Our analysis of 3,666 documents revealed a growth rate of 9.98% in TB research within the region, with Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam as the leading contributors. Indonesia’s and Thailand’s publications accounted for 910 documents (24.82%) and 855 documents (23.32%), respectively. Malaysia constituted 12.06%, and Vietnam 11.29%. Key findings included an upward trend in publications on multidrug-resistant TB and TB-human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, indicating an evolving focus of regional research efforts. We also identified a marked increase in intercountry collaboration, highlighting the growing importance of cooperative approaches to TB management. This study not only mapped the scientific landscape of TB research in the ASEAN countries but also highlighted important areas for future investigations and policy development aimed at mitigating the impact of TB. The findings suggest that enhancing regional collaboration and focusing on emerging TB challenges could be pivotal for advancing TB control strategies in these countries.