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Varun HS, Pandya K, Muniraju M. Health Drink Poisoning - An Unusual Case of Bottle Gourd Toxicity. J Emerg Trauma Shock 2024; 17:40-42. [PMID: 38681874 PMCID: PMC11045003 DOI: 10.4103/jets.jets_41_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bottle gourd, popularly known as "Lauki" is a commonly used vegetable throughout the world including India. Its juice is considered a "health tonic" for chronic ailments by practitioners of alternate therapy and nutritionist. It is essential for emergency physicians to be aware of this toxicity, especially in tropical countries like India, where alternate therapy practices are prevalent. We present the case of a 35-year-old man who consumed concentrated bottle gourd juice and subsequently experienced multiple episodes of vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and giddiness. The patient was resuscitated and stabilized with crystalloid fluids, proton.pump inhibitors, and antiemetics, and admitted to the critical care unit. The patient was discharged in stable condition after 4 days of hospitalization. Bottle gourd toxicity treatment is symptomatic, and there is no specific antidote for this toxicity. It is important to early diagnose bottle gourd toxicity, especially in countries where it is commonly used as a health tonic.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. S. Varun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kushal Pandya
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - M. Muniraju
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Malik A, Mor VS, Punia H, Duhan DS, Bhuker A, Tokas J, El-Sheikh MA, Shah T. Investigating Mineral Accumulation and Seed Vigor Potential in Bottle Gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria) through Crossbreeding Timing. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3998. [PMID: 38068633 PMCID: PMC10707742 DOI: 10.3390/plants12233998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a well-known cucurbit with an active functional ingredient. A two-year field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Seed Science and Technology, CCS HAU, Hisar, in a randomized block design during the Kharif season (Kharif is one of the two major cropping seasons in India and other South Asian countries, heavily reliant on monsoon rains with the other being Rabi) and the summer season. Five different crossing periods (CP), viz. CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, and CP5, were considered to illustrate the effects of agro-climatic conditions on the quality and biochemical components of two bottle gourd parental lines and one hybrid, HBGH-35. The average mean temperature for the Kharif season in 2017 was 31.7 °C, and for the summer season, it was 40.1 °C. Flowers were tagged weekly from the start of the crossing period until the end and harvested separately at different times. The fruits harvested from different crossing periods under different environmental conditions influenced the bottle gourd's qualitative and biochemical traits and showed significant variations among the five crossing period environments. A positive significance and correlation were observed between weather variables and different biochemical characteristics. Henceforth, the CP4 crossing period at a temperature of 31.7 °C retained high-quality seed development, which may be essential in enhancing agricultural productivity and the national economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Malik
- Department of Seed Science & Technology, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
- Division of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Virender Singh Mor
- Department of Seed Science & Technology, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
| | - Himani Punia
- Department of Sciences, Chandigarh School of Business, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Mohali 140307, Punjab, India
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
| | - D. S. Duhan
- Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
| | - Axay Bhuker
- Department of Seed Science & Technology, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
| | - Jayanti Tokas
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
| | - Mohamed A. El-Sheikh
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Tariq Shah
- Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, Theodor-Leiserstr 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
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Mkhize P, Shimelis H, Mashilo J. Cucurbitacins B, E and I Concentrations and Relationship with Drought Tolerance in Bottle Gourd [ Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3492. [PMID: 37836232 PMCID: PMC10574769 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]) is a relatively drought-tolerant cucurbit due to the high composition of unique biochemical compositions, including cucurbitacin. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of cucurbitacins in bottle gourd and their relationship to drought tolerance. The study assessed 12 bottle gourd accessions grown under two moisture levels (i.e., non-stressed (NS) and drought-stressed (DS)) and three drought stress intensities (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe) using a 12 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment designed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Control studies were undertaken under glasshouse conditions. The content of cucurbitacins B, E, and I were quantified in leaves and roots using high-performance liquid Cchromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The free radical scavenging activities of pure cucurbitacins B, E, and I were quantified using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and a ferrulic acid power assay (FRAP). Results revealed that cucurbitacins B and I were present in accessions BG-48, BG-58, BG-70, BG-78, BG-79, BG-81, BG-52, and GC in leaves and roots under DS condition. The contents of cucurbitacins B and I were enhanced under increased drought intensity for accessions BG-48, BG-81, and GC. In all the leaf and root samples, cucurbitacin E was not detectable. Based on the DPPH test, pure cucurbitacins I, B, and E reduced free radicals at maximum values of 78, 60, and 66%, respectively. Based on the FRAP assay, pure cucurbitacins I, B, and E had maximum ferric-reducing powers of 67, 62, and 48%. Additionally, cucurbitacin I recorded the highest antioxidant activity compared to cucurbitacins B and E. Increased cucurbitacin accumulation and antioxidant properties indicate their role in minimising cell damage caused by oxidative stress under drought-stressed environments. The present study revealed that cucurbitacins B and I serve as novel biochemical markers for screening drought tolerance in bottle gourd or related cucurbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phumzile Mkhize
- African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Hussein Shimelis
- African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Jacob Mashilo
- African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (J.M.)
- Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Towoomba Research Centre, Agriculture Regulatory and Technology Development, Crop Science Directorate, Private Bag X1615, Bela-Bela 0480, South Africa
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Yang S, Yang H, Zhang Y. Yao-Shan of traditional Chinese medicine: an old story for metabolic health. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1194026. [PMID: 37663255 PMCID: PMC10468577 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1194026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), hyperuricemia and gout, and metabolic-related sexual dysfunction are metabolic diseases that affect human health in modern society. Scientists have made great efforts to investigate metabolic diseases using cell models in vitro or animal models in the past. However, the findings from cells or animals are difficult to translate into clinical applications due to factors such as the in vitro and in vivo differences; the differences in anatomy, physiology, and genetics between humans and animals; and the differences in microbiome-host interaction. The Chinese have extensively used the medicated diet of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (also named as Yao-Shan of TCM, Chinese Yao-Shan et al.) to maintain or improve cardiometabolic health for more than 2,200 years. These ancient classic diets of TCM are essential summaries of long-term life and clinical practices. Over the past 5 years, our group has made every effort to collect and sort out the classic Yao-Shan of TCM from the ancient TCM literature since Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period, especially these are involved in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, NAFLD, CCVDs, hyperuricemia and gout, and sexual dysfunction. Here, we summarized and discussed the classic Yao-Shan of TCM for metabolic diseases according to the time recorded in the ancient literature, and revised the Latin names of the raw materials in these Yao-Shan of TCM. Moreover, the modern medicine evidences of some Yao-Shan of TCM on metabolic diseases have also been summarized and emphasized in here. However, the exact composition (in terms of ratios), preparation process, and dosage of many Yao-Shan are not standardized, and their main active ingredients are vague. Uncovering the mystery of Yao-Shan of TCM through modern biological and chemical strategies will help us open a door, which is ancient but now looks new, to modulate metabolic homeostasis and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangling Yang
- School of Health Sciences, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongzhi Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaxing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Research Centre of Basic Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pathogenesis and Therapy Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Hussain S, Saini V, Varshney VK, Bhargava N. Bottle Gourd Juice: Poison or Panacea. Cureus 2023; 15:e40886. [PMID: 37492831 PMCID: PMC10364191 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ingestion of toxic bottle gourd juice, particularly the bitter one, may pose a significant risk to life if not treated in time. Notwithstanding its usefulness, people drink it routinely without concern for fruit quality, extraction hygiene, and mixture with other fruits. We report two cases of bottle gourd juice poisoning with severe abdominal pain and hematemesis. On evaluation, patients were hypotensive with associated esophagitis, pangastritis, and duodenitis. After conservative management, both were discharged after five days of hospitalisation. We conclude that the chances of bottle gourd juice poisoning are higher in water-stressed arid regions; hence, care should be taken on quality and quantity while consuming it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Gastroenterology, Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Vivek Saini
- Gastroenterology, Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Vaibhav K Varshney
- Surgical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
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Bruno P, Arce CCM, Machado RAR, Besomi G, Spescha A, Glauser G, Jaccard C, Benrey B, Turlings TCJ. Sequestration of cucurbitacins from cucumber plants by Diabrotica balteata larvae provides little protection against biological control agents. JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE 2022; 96:1061-1075. [PMID: 37181825 PMCID: PMC10169900 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-022-01568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitaceae plants produce cucurbitacins, bitter triterpenoids, to protect themselves against various insects and pathogens. Adult banded cucumber beetles (Diabrotica balteata), a common pest of maize and cucurbits, sequester cucurbitacins, presumably as a defensive mechanism against their natural enemies, which might reduce the efficacy of biological control agents. Whether the larvae also sequester and are protected by cucurbitacins is unclear. We profiled cucurbitacin levels in four varieties of cucumber, Cucumis sativus, and in larvae fed on these varieties. Then, we evaluated larval growth and resistance against common biocontrol organisms including insect predators, entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi and bacteria. We found considerable qualitative and quantitative differences in the cucurbitacin levels of the four cucumber varieties. While two varieties were fully impaired in their production, the other two accumulated high levels of cucurbitacins. We also observed that D. balteata larvae sequester and metabolize cucurbitacins, and although the larvae fed extensively on both belowground and aboveground tissues, the sequestered cucurbitacins were mainly derived from belowground tissues. Cucurbitacins had no detrimental effects on larval performance and, surprisingly, did not provide protection against any of the natural enemies evaluated. Our results show that D. balteata larvae can indeed sequester and transform cucurbitacins, but sequestered cucurbitacins do not impact the biocontrol potential of common natural enemies used in biocontrol. Hence, this plant trait should be conserved in plant breeding programs, as it has been demonstrated in previous studies that it can provide protection against plant pathogens and generalist insects. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10340-022-01568-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Bruno
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Carla C. M. Arce
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Ricardo A. R. Machado
- Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Besomi
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Spescha
- Plant Pathology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gaétan Glauser
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Charlyne Jaccard
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Entomology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Betty Benrey
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Entomology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Ted C. J. Turlings
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Saeed M, Khan MS, Amir K, Bi JB, Asif M, Madni A, Kamboh AA, Manzoor Z, Younas U, Chao S. Lagenaria siceraria fruit: A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and promising traditional uses. Front Nutr 2022; 9:927361. [PMID: 36185670 PMCID: PMC9523573 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.927361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, the Cucurbitaceae family is used as a therapeutic option in human medicine. This family has around 130 genera and 800 species. Researchers have studied the various plants of this family including Lagenaria siceraria due to their medicinal potential. Various properties are beneficial for human health, that have been attributed to L. siceraria like antioxidant, hypolipidemic, diuretic, laxative, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, central nervous system stimulant, anthelmintic, free radical scavenging, immunosuppressive, and adaptogenic. The fruit of this plant is commonly used as a vegetable that has a low-calorie value. The species possess a diverse set of biological compounds like flavonoids, sterols, saponins, and terpenoids. Vitamins, choline, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, terpenoids, and other phytochemicals are also found in the edible parts of this plant. Besides 17 different amino acids, many minerals are reported to be present in the seeds of L. siceraria. According to the USDA nutritional database per 100 g of L. siceraria contains 14 Kcal energy, 3.39 g carbohydrates, 0.62 g protein, 0.2 g fat, and 0.5 g fiber. L. siceraria performs a wide range of pharmacological and physiological actions. The literature reviewed from various sources including PubMed, Science Direct, Google scholar, etc. shows the remarkable potential to treat various human and animal illnesses due to its' potent bioactive chemicals. The key objective of this thorough analysis is to present a summary of the data about the beneficial and harmful effects of L. siceraria intake on human health, as well as in veterinary fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saeed
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
- Muhammad Saeed
| | - Muhammad Sajjad Khan
- The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Jannat Bi Bi
- Department of Physical Education, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Asif
- District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital, Vehari, Pakistan
| | - Asadullah Madni
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Asghar Ali Kamboh
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Manzoor
- The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Umair Younas
- The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Sun Chao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- *Correspondence: Sun Chao
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Development of a Fermented Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)–Grape Beverage Using Optimized Conditions. FERMENTATION-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8090439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bitter gourd beverages are well acclaimed for their health benefits, which have propelled their consumption. The beverages are prepared through a fermentation process, which is one of the oldest means of preserving and enhancing the flavour of many foods. Optimized conditions for the fermentation of a bitter gourd–grape beverage were investigated in our previous study. In the present study, a statistical comparison (one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test and an independent t-test)) of grape juice, bitter gourd juice and the fermented bitter gourd–grape beverage (with and without enzymes) was carried out to find significant differences among the products. Alcohol was found to be consistent for the four products with p > 0.05, whereas significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the pH, antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant assay (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)), total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were observed. The fermented bitter gourd–grape beverage (FBGGB) with enzymes had the highest antidiabetic potential content (27.07). The data obtained demonstrate that fermentation indeed enhances the biochemical function of vegetables (in this case, bitter gourd) and could thus be considered for the commercial processing of bitter gourd.
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Lee WT, Ng GG, Phua DH. Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) Toxicity Diagnosed in the Emergency Department. J Emerg Med 2022; 63:e49-e52. [PMID: 35871990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is sometimes used in complementary medicine practice for the treatment of chronic ailments. However, there have been reports of toxicity due to consumption of bottle gourd juice, leading to severe abdominal upset and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 41-year-old gentleman who presented to the Emergency Department with multiple episodes of vomiting, hematemesis, and diarrhea after consuming bottle gourd juice. The patient was resuscitated and stabilized with fluids, proton pump inhibitors, and antiemetics. He was subsequently admitted to the General Medicine ward for further management. He continued to receive symptomatic treatment in the ward and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy during his hospitalization stay. His symptoms improved and he was discharged stable 5 days later. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Early recognition of this rare presentation of bottle gourd toxicity is important in our local context, especially where traditional medicine is widely prevalent nowadays. Treatment is supportive. Public awareness of dangerous effects from the consumption of bitter bottle gourd juice and complementary medicine without proper consultation with a practitioner plays a crucial role to prevent further cases. Physicians need to advise patients on the use of traditional medicine and their potential side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wey Ting Lee
- Emergency Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group, Singapore.
| | - Guoyi Geoffrey Ng
- Emergency Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group, Singapore
| | - Dong Haur Phua
- Emergency Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group, Singapore
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Plants Producing Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins in Traditional Medicine. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21111560. [PMID: 27869738 PMCID: PMC6273415 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are enzymes that deadenylate nucleic acids and are broadly distributed in the plant kingdom. Many plants that contain RIPs are listed in the pharmacopoeias of folk medicine all over the world, mostly because of their toxicity. This review analyses the position occupied in traditional medicine by plants from which RIPs have been isolated. The overview starts from the antique age of the Mediterranean area with ancient Egypt, followed by the Greek and Roman classic period. Then, the ancient oriental civilizations of China and India are evaluated. More recently, Unani medicine and European folk medicine are examined. Finally, the African and American folk medicines are taken into consideration. In conclusion, a list of RIP-expressing plants, which have been used in folk medicine, is provided with the geographical distribution and the prescriptions that are recommended by traditional healers. Some final considerations are provided on the present utilization of such herbal treatments, both in developing and developed countries, often in the absence of scientific validation. The most promising prospect for the medicinal use of RIP-expressing plants is the conjugation of purified RIPs to antibodies that recognise tumour antigens for cancer therapy.
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