Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) comorbid with anxiety and depression and to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on treatment outcomes in this population. Methods: A prospective interventional design was employed, including 162 patients with BPPV comorbid with anxiety and depression and 139 healthy controls. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were measured at the initial visit, and anxiety and depression scores (HAM-D and HAM-A) were assessed. Patients in the experimental group received oral vitamin D3 supplementation (2000 IU/day) daily. After 3 months, the frequency of BPPV recurrences and anxiety–depression symptoms (HAM-D, HAM-A scores) were re-evaluated. Results: Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group, and vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression scores. After vitamin D supplementation, the number of BPPV recurrences significantly decreased, and anxiety and depression scores significantly improved in the experimental group. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with lower baseline vitamin D levels exhibited a more significant response to treatment. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with the occurrence of BPPV comorbid with anxiety and depression symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation, as an adjunct to repositioning maneuvers, may improve outcomes in this population.
Anna Peyton-Navarrete, Minh Hien Chau Nguyen, Alireza FakhriRavari
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed medications primarily used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite clear therapeutic benefits in appropriate contexts, widespread overprescribing and extended use without clear indications have prompted significant concerns about associated risks. Accumulating evidence, predominantly from observational studies, suggests that long-term PPI use may lead to complications such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, increased risks of infections, dysbiosis, renal dysfunction, bone fractures, cardiovascular disease, and certain malignancies. This narrative review not only synthesizes the current evidence surrounding PPI-related harms and existing deprescribing guidelines but also offers a novel perspective on how stewardship principles can be applied to promote responsible PPI prescribing. In particular, we propose a stewardship-oriented deprescribing framework rooted in implementation science, focusing on provider behavior, patient engagement, and health system-level integration. Recognizing these potential harms, evidence-based deprescribing strategies such as tapering, intermittent dosing, and transitions to alternative therapies are critical to mitigate unnecessary patient exposure. Effective implementation of deprescribing requires addressing patient, provider, and institutional barriers through educational initiatives, policy support, and structured monitoring. By promoting judicious PPI prescribing and proactive stewardship practices, clinicians can significantly reduce medication-related harm and improve patient safety.
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Other systems of medicine
The Mental Health Gap Action Program Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) is an international evidence-based intervention to enhance the scalability of non-specialized workforce to address mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, including child mental and behavioral disorders (CMBDs). Implementation in China remains limited. This study sought to adapt the CMBDs-related components of the mhGAP-IG to the local context and assess the educational impacts of the adapted CMBDs-mhGAP-IG in non-specialized settings in Guangdong Province, China. Contextual adaptation was conducted through a four-step process guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Ecological Validity Model (EVM). Qualitative data were collected via key informant interviews with six mental health experts and two focus group discussions involving seven kindergarten teachers or doctors and six general practitioners (GPs) from primary care centers. A qualitative analysis utilizing deductive and inductive thematic coding was applied. The educational impacts of a two-day training based on the adapted CMBDs-mhGAP-IG were assessed using a pre-post design among 89 participants, including kindergarten teachers or doctors and GPs. Changes in knowledge and stigma toward CMBDs were analyzed using paired t-tests. Qualitative findings identified barriers and facilitators to implementation across four CFIR domains: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, and characteristic of individuals. Barriers were concentrated in intervention characteristics (e.g., complexity, time and labor costs) and outer setting (e.g., stigma, high treatment cost). Contextual adaptation based on EVM addressed many of these barriers. Quantitative results indicated that the adapted CMBDs-mhGAP-IG training was associated with increased knowledge and reduced stigma toward CMBDs, demonstrating its educational effectiveness. This study identified barriers and facilitators to mhGAP implementation and documented a contextual adaptation process, offering insights into integrating contextual adaptation methods with implementation science. Trainings based on the adapted mhGAP-IG for non-specialists improved knowledge and stigma toward CMBDs, laying the foundation for future effectiveness evaluations.
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: End-of-life (EOL) HIV cure research, which studies HIV persistence through pre- and post-mortem tissue collection, has focused primarily on people living with HIV (PLWH) with a prognosis of six months or less. However, the perspectives of long-term survivors (LTS) diagnosed before the advent of effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) remain underexplored. Understanding their motivations and concerns about EOL cure research is essential for creating inclusive and ethical research frameworks. <b>Methods</b>: Between 2023 and 2024, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 PLWH aged 60 and older from diverse backgrounds across the United States, recruited through community-based organizations and HIV networks. We used inductive thematic analysis to explore LTS’ perspectives on EOL HIV research. <b>Results</b>: Participants included cisgender men (56.25%) and women (43.75%) with diverse racial identities. While participants supported EOL HIV cure research, their willingness to participate varied, influenced by awareness, logistics, and ethical concerns. Altruism-motivated participation, but misconceptions about procedures and concerns over bodily integrity represented potential barriers. Some viewed blood draws and leukaphereses as routine, while others expressed hesitancy with biopsies and post-mortem tissue retrieval. HIV stigma, historical mistrust, and cultural beliefs also played a role in willingness to participate. LTS emphasized the need for decentralized research sites, travel support, and financial safeguards. <b>Conclusions</b>: To include LTS in EOL HIV cure research, a community-driven approach is needed, focusing on clear communication, ethical considerations, logistical support, and linkages to EOL care. Addressing misconceptions and building trust, particularly within groups traditionally underrepresented in research, is essential to expanding participation.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to introduce the development of forensic pathology for social-oriented forensic-identification institutions, using the Academy of Forensic Science as an example.
Methods:
Cases were collected from the Forensic Pathology Section of the Academy of Forensic Science and classified and organized according to gender, source, type, manner of death, and virtual autopsies of the cases over the years. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and Excel tables so as to summarize forensic pathology for social-oriented services.
Results:
A total of 12,161 cases were collected from the forensic pathology department; the most cases were from the People’s Public Security sources, and the fewest cases were from the Department of Health; the most cases were commissioned for the examination of cadaver surface in forensic medicine (8323 cases), and the fewest were for injury examination (72 cases) and diatom examination (78 cases); there were a total of 322 cases of virtual autopsy examination during the 11-year period, of which 33 cases were performed for target-organ arteriography; the highest number of cases for accidental death examinations (8122 cases).
Conclusion:
The Academy of Forensic Science and other social-service-oriented identification organizations undertake identification work on cases commissioned to them by the local and local people’s public security, people’s procuratorates, and people’s court systems. Virtual autopsy technology and other new technologies, new methods, and new standards to make up for the shortcomings of the traditional autopsy, to provide identification and research support, and subsequent prospective research to provide a database.
Abdulbari Bener, Abdulbari Bener, Ahmet Emin Öztürk
et al.
AimThis study aimed to investigate the causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Turkish population, focusing on various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.MethodsA hospital-based case-control design was employed to compare individuals with CRC (cases) to individuals without CRC (controls). Male and female participants were recruited from the surgery, internal medicine, and out-patient departments. The study encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, radiological diagnoses, and biochemical measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine associated risk factors of CRC.ResultsThe study included 704 individuals with CRC and 704 controls. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed between the groups, with over 30% of the cases having lower levels of education and income compared to the controls. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, higher rates of smoking (cigarettes and hookah) and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among cases than controls. Further significant associations were identified with intestinal inflammation, obesity, processed food consumption, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea/vomiting, anemia, stress, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Diet analysis revealed that individuals with CRC consumed more red meat, processed and fast foods along with less pulses and vegetables. Genetic predispositions and exposure to chemicals also correlated strongly with increased CRC risk. Multivariable regression analysis identified, nausea/vomiting, constipation, intestinal disease, genetics factor, hookah-nargileh use, history of any cancer, family history of bowel cancer, constipation, cigarette smoking, stress, milk-yogurt consumption, obesity and red meat consumption as significant determinants for CRC.ConclusionCRC risk is influenced by dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Awareness of hereditary risk and participation in screening are crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, hookah, and alcohol use, and adopting a healthy diet, are essential for prevention.
Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Liqingtong (LQT) granules in patients with dampness-heat hyperuricemia. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted at the 983rd Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the People's Liberation Army from March 15, 2023, to August 10, 2023. In total, 119 participants were enrolled in this trial, and participants were given either LQT granules or placebo for 60 days based on a health education. The primary outcome was serum uric acid (SUA) level, and the secondary outcome was the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, measured on days 0, 30, and 60. Safety indicators, including liver function, kidney function, blood routine, glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, and heart rate were tested on days 0 and 60 of the trial. The data were analyzed using Prism 9 software, and the significance level was set at P < .05. Results: Among 119 participants, six in the LQT granule group and seven in the placebo group dropped out, and 106 participants completed clinical observation. Baseline information, including SUA levels, TCM symptom scores, and other clinical characteristics, did not differ between the groups. At the end of the trial, compared with baseline values, the SUA levels in the LQT granule group decreased (P < .001), and no significant change was observed in the placebo group (P = .422); compared with the placebo group, the SUA levels decreased in the LQT granule group (P = .001). Compared with baseline values, the total TCM symptom scores in the LQT granule group decreased (P < .001), with no change in the placebo group (P = .136). Safety indicators did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: The pilot trial demonstrated the potential of LQT granules to lower SUA levels and improve symptoms of dampness and heat.
Luiza Ribeiro da Silva, Carla Regina Silva Soares, Gabriela Pereira Vasters
et al.
Introdução: Coletivos juvenis de periferias urbanas têm se constituído em torno de linguagens artísticas diversas e adquirido importância central na mediação das juventudes com a sociedade. Alguns se reúnem em torno dos Sound Systems de música reggae, que com a ocupação sonora de espaços públicos com caixas de som empilhadas e discos de vinil criam eventos culturais de rua. Objetivos: Conhecer os Sound Systems como atividade cultural, bem como suas repercussões no cotidiano de jovens que participam de coletivos que os promovem. Metodologia: Observações em eventos de Sound System e entrevistas com seletores de coletivos, interpretadas por análise temática. Resultados e discussão: Os coletivos se organizam na conjunção entre sonoridade, celebração e difusão de valores ligados à cultura negra. Para os seletores, o Sound System deve oferecer oportunidades de aprendizagem sobre a opressão histórica dos povos negros, bem como de fortalecimento da identidade e cultura negra. O pertencimento social, a elevação da autoestima e as oportunidades de aprendizagem pessoal foram mudanças associadas por eles à participação na cultura Sound System. Considerações finais: Os coletivos buscam ativamente produzir pontes entre o universo reggae jamaicano e as realidades dos jovens negros das periferias pobres da cidade de São Paulo, investindo no resgate da história e dos poderes agregadores da memória, da sonoridade, e de símbolos e mensagens da cultura reggae.
Eliott Arroyo, Ashley D. Troutman, Ranjani N. Moorthi
et al.
Sarcopenia and impaired cardiorespiratory fitness are commonly observed in older individuals and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Declines in skeletal muscle function and aerobic capacity can progress into impaired physical function and inability to perform activities of daily living. Physical function is highly associated with important clinical outcomes such as hospitalization, functional independence, quality of life, and mortality. While lifestyle modifications such as exercise and dietary interventions have been shown to prevent and reverse declines in physical function, the utility of these treatment strategies is limited by poor widespread adoption and adherence due to a wide variety of both perceived and actual barriers to exercise. Therefore, identifying novel treatment targets to manage physical function decline is critically important. Klotho, a remarkable protein with powerful anti-aging properties has recently been investigated for its role in musculoskeletal health and physical function. Klotho is involved in several key processes that regulate skeletal muscle function, such as muscle regeneration, mitochondrial biogenesis, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This is particularly important for older adults and patients with CKD, which are known states of Klotho deficiency. Emerging data support the existence of Klotho-related benefits to exercise and for potential Klotho-based therapeutic interventions for the treatment of sarcopenia and its progression to physical disability. However, significant gaps in our understanding of Klotho must first be overcome before we can consider its potential ergogenic benefits. These advances will be critical to establish the optimal approach to future Klotho-based interventional trials and to determine if Klotho can regulate physical dysfunction.
Abstract Background Qingwei San (QWS), one of classic Chinese Medicine prescripts, has been widely used to treat stomach heat syndrome which manifests oral ulcer (OU), periodontitis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding for seven hundred years. However, the therapeutic effects of QWS on diabetic OU subjected to stomach heat syndrome are still ambiguous. In the study, we investigated the pharmacological mechanisms. Methods The main components of QWS aqueous extract were analyzed by LC–MS, and potential pathways of QWS targeting OU were predicted by network pharmacology. The db/db mice were administered with the decoction of dried Zingiber officinale Rosc. rhizome combined with NaOH cauterization to establish the model of diabetic OU subjected to stomach heat syndrome. Subsequently, the model mice were treated with QWS, and OU wound healing status were recorded. The pathological changes of gastric tissue and oral mucosa were evaluated using hematoxylin–eosin staining, and the morphology of collagen fibers in oral mucosa was assessed by Masson staining. The levels of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-Keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β-endorphin (β-EP) and 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were determined by ELISA assay. The protein expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκΒα), p-IκΒα and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 were measured by Western Blotting. Results A total of 183 compounds in QWS were identified by LC–MS, and identified 79 bioactive compounds corresponded to 269 targets and 59 pathways. QWS high-dose treatment significantly reduced the level of TXB2 and the ratio of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α. Meanwhile, it improved mucosal pathological morphology, and reduced the area of OU and local edema. Simultaneously, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2 and 5-HT, and the expressions of TLR4, TRAF6, MyD88, p-IκΒα and NF-κB p65 were decreased. Conclusion QWS treatment facilitates the healing of OU, ameliorates pathological morphologies of gastric and oral mucosa and decreases the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in db/db mice subjected to stomach heat syndrome, whose mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effects.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that is identified by the deterioration of micro-architecture of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone brittleness and a consequential increase in fracture threat. There are many treatments available for osteoporosis such as bisphosphonate therapy, hormonal replacement therapy, herbal therapy etc. For decades, there are several herbs that are attributed to have anti-osteoporotic effects however the candidate genes involved in it remained unknown. In line with this, the present study is focused to elucidate the anti-osteoporotic property of Litsea glutinosa (LG). To understand the proliferative effect and identify involved players, gene expression was studied on the Saos-2 osteocytes in-vitro. The expression profile of candidate genes involved in different signaling pathways such as Egr-2, RUNX2, MAPK3, NFATc1, CREB, ERβ, along with proliferation and apoptotic markers in osteoporosis were selected for the study. The gene expression profile demonstrated a significant up-regulation of Egr-2, RUNX2, MAPK3, CREB, EBβ in the range of 1.5–2.2 folds, whereas NFATc1 was found to be down-regulated up to 0.4 times compared to control when treated with 250 μg/mL of LG. Besides this, anti-apoptosis effect of LG was also supported by flow cytometry results which also proved that LG induces proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, suggesting the proliferative role of LG. In conclusion, the present study gathers the potency of LG extract for its proliferative and anti-apoptotic effect on Saos-2 osteocytes and opens a new avenue for detailing the mechanistic actions of it on mitigating the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
Elaheh Zibaee, Mohammad Sadegh Amiri, Zahra Boghrati
et al.
The application of antique medical instructions, practices, skills and knowledge has been considered as the most affordable treatment in many developing countries. The use of these preparations and prescriptions over generations has made a useful and valuable guide for drug discovery in modern medicine. Medical herbs have been of a high importance for this purpose. The genus Dorema, of Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae) has a wide use in ethnobotany and traditional medicine around the world. It has been used as a treatment for CNS disease, convulsion, upper respiratory tract problems, gastrointestinal disorder and high blood sugar. Furthermore, phytochemical investigations have reported Dorema species to contain a wide range of constituents including terpenes, coumarins and phenolic compounds. The current review summarizes comprehensive information regarding botany, phytochemistry andpharmacological aspects of Dorema spp.
Jetsada Ruangsuriya, Suporn Charumanee, Supat Jiranusornkul
et al.
Abstract Background Cissus quadrangularis Linn. (CQ) has been used in Indian and Thai traditional medicine for healing bone fractures because of numerous active ingredients in CQ. It is still unclear which compounds are the active ingredients for bone formation. Methods The molecular docking technique, the ethanolic extraction along with hexane fractionation, and an in vitro experiment with a human osteoblast cell line (MG-63) were used to narrow down the active compounds, to prepare the CQ extract, and to test biological activities, respectively. Results The molecular docking technique revealed that quercetin and β-sitosterol had highest and lowest potential to bind to estrogen receptors, respectively. Compared to the crude ethanol extract (P1), the ethanolic fraction (P2) was enriched with rutin and quercetin at 65.36 ± 0.75 and 1.06 ± 0.12 mg/g, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly enhanced in osteoblasts exposed to the P2 in both tested concentrations. The amount of hydroxyproline was slightly increased in the P1 treatment, while osteocalcin was inhibited. Moreover, the P2 significantly activated osteoprotegerin (OPG) and inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor κ ligand (RANKL) expression. Conclusions Taken together, the enriched rutin and quercetin fraction of CQ triggered the molecules involved in bone formation and the molecules inhibiting bone resorption.
Abstract Background To determine the effect of Shuganyin decoction (SGD) on the intestinal barrier function in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rat model induced by water-avoidance stress. Methods Forty male Wistar rats were divided into control, water-avoidance stress (WAS) group, WAS plus Shuganyin decoction (SGD) group and WAS plus dicetel (Dicetel) group. IBS was induced in rats by subjecting them to water-avoidance stress for 7 days. On day 4 of the WAS protocol, the rats were treated for 7 consecutive days (days 4–11) with SGD, dicetel or a negative control (saline). The number of feces granules, histopathological changes of the intestine and mast cell (MC) morphometry were determined. Intestinal permeability was approximated by measuring the absorption of FITC-dextran 4400 (FD-4) from the lumen into the bloodstream in vivo and in vitro experiments. Also, the expression of protease active receptor-2 (PAR-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was estimated using immunohistochemical staining and ELISA, respectively. Tight junction (TJ) protein abundance was measured following a quantitative immunofluorescent analysis of intestinal sections and western blotting. Results In vivo, WAS elicited a significantly increase in the transfer of FD-4 from the intestine to blood about threefold in 30 min compared with control group. After treated with SGD, the intestinal permeability to FD-4 of WAS-induced rats was significantly attenuated (P < 0.05). In vitro, the permeability coefficient (Papp) values were measured for FD-4 absorption across the excised intestine. WAS was shown to increase the intestinal permeability to (4.695 ± 0.3629) × 10−7 cm/s in 120 min, which was 2.6-fold higher than the control group. Rats treated with SGD showed a significant decrease in Papp values of FD-4 as compared to WAS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, by immunofluorescent detection we found that WAS elicited the irregular distribution of TJ proteins. Using the quantitative analysis software of the medical image, the average optical density and protein abundance of TJ proteins was shown to be lower in the WAS group as compared to control group, (P < 0.05). SGD could attenuate this response and improve TJ distribution (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed that TJ protein abundance was significantly decreased in WAS group and that they could be returned to control levels following an SGD treatment. WAS also induced an increase in number of MCs, their area and diameter as compared to controls. These observations were attenuated with an SGD or dicetel treatment. Similarly, the expression of PAR-2 and TNF-α exceeded control values in the WAS group and were shown to be successfully attenuated with an SGD treatment. Conclusion WAS-induced IBS rat model exhibited intestinal barrier dysfunction, which was manifested as tight junction damage and structural rearrangements that increased the intestinal permeability. Under these conditions, MCs were activated and degranulated in the intestinal mucosa leading to the activation of PAR-2. Our data showed that SGD could inhibit the activation of MCs and down-regulate the expression of both PAR-2 and TNF-α. In turn, this was shown to improve the expression and structural arrangement of TJ proteins in the intestinal mucosa, thereby regulating the intestinal permeability. It was concluded that Shuganyin could protect the intestinal barrier.
Drugs play an important role in improving health of the population. Medicinal plants help in addressing the health issues of a large section of the population – especially the low and middle-income people. However, there are some concerns about the supply, efficacy and safety in using them. This study reviews India's major initiative toward medicinal plants namely, the National Mission on Medicinal Plants to meet medicinal plants challenges. The study analyzed the mission's probable shortcomings due to its design and operational details. This study used “content analysis” approach for analysis of mission's publicly available documents, viz. “Operational guidelines” and its two amendments. The study identified prevalent 28 shortcomings in the original document related to clarity of the document; accountability, transparency and stakeholders' representation. These challenges were partially addressed in two amendments, which indicate persistence of shortcomings in design and operational details. The mission can help in improving and strengthening the Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy program by addressing those shortcomings.
Yoga practice has been effectively prescribed in conjunction with other medical and yogic procedures in the management of severe psychosomatic diseases, including cancer, bronchial asthma, colitis, peptic and ulcer. It improves strength and flexibility, and may help control physiological variables such as blood pressure, lipids, respiration, heart rate, and metabolic rate to improve overall exercise capacity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Yogic Practice on anxiety/depression associated with obesity. Patients were recruited from the Department of Physiology, C.S.M. Medical University (erstwhile KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 272 subjects were divided into two groups: 1) group of 205 subjects (with yogic practice) and 2) a control group of 67 subjects (with aerobic exercise). Assessment of anxiety and depression were done by Hamilton Rating Scale.
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nepal Himalayas have been known as a rich source for valuable medicinal plants since Vedic periods. Present work is the documentation of indigenous knowledge on plant utilization as natural remedy by the inhabitants of terai forest in Western Nepal.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Study was conducted during 2010–2011 following standard ethnobotanical methods. Data about medicinal uses of plants were collected by questionnaire, personal interview and group discussion with pre identified informants. Voucher specimens were collected with the help of informants, processed into herbarium following standard methods, identified with the help of pertinent floras and taxonomic experts, and submitted in Department of Botany, Butwal Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal for future references.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>During the present study 66 medicinal plant species belonging to 37 families and 60 genera has been documented. These plants were used to treat various diseases and ailments grouped under 11 disease categories, with the highest number of species (41) being used for gastro-intestinal disorders, followed by dermatological disorders (34). In the study area the informants’ consensus about usages of medicinal plants ranges from 0.93 to 0.97 with an average value of 0.94. Herbs (53%) were the primary source of medicine, followed by trees (23%). <it>Curcuma longa</it> (84%) and <it>Azadirachta indica</it> (76%) are the most frequently and popularly used medicinal plant species in the study area. <it>Acacia catechu, Bacopa monnieri, Bombax ceiba, Drymaria diandra, Rauvolfia serpentina</it>, and <it>Tribulus terrestris</it> are threatened species which needs to be conserved for future use.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The high degree of consensus among the informants suggests that current use and knowledge are still strong, and thus the preservation of today's knowledge shows good foresight in acting before much has been lost. The connections between plant use and conservation are also important ones, especially as the authors note that neither the local inhabitants nor the government is addressing the potential loss of valuable species in this region.</p>