October 6, 2025
The people on the island of Ternate were free from epidemics until the 16th century, when Dutch conquerors destroyed the clove trees that flourished on the islands. Many of the islanders died from the epidemics that followed. Cloves were reputed to be part of the “Marseilles Vinegar” or “Four Thieves Vinegar” that bandits who robbed the dead and dying used to protect themselves during the 15th century plague.
October 5, 2025
Wounds are disruptions in the integrity of the skin or underlying tissues caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors. Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, oxidative stress, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. Effective wound management prevents complications such as infections and promotes faster recovery.
Frankincense essential oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been historically used for its medicinal properties, including wound healing. The oil contains bioactive compounds such as boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These attributes make it a valuable agent in promoting wound repair. Frankincense essential oil helps reduce inflammation in the wound area, creating an optimal environment for healing. Its antimicrobial effects help prevent infections, while its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, which can delay healing.
October 3, 2025
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease stands as the prevailing chronic liver disease on a global scale, encompassing a broad spectrum of liver conditions . Among these, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a distinct entity characterized by hepatic steatosis of at least 5%, accompanied by inflammation and ballooned hepatocytes, with or without concurrent hepatic fibrosis. If left untreated, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis can advance to liver cirrhosis and, ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma. The concept of the multiple-hit hypothesis recognizes that environmental factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and gut microbiota, can intricately interact with genetic and epigenetic factors, collectively contributing to the development of liver injury.
September 30, 2025
Dental caries counts among the most widespread chronic diseases, characterized by localized destruction of dental hard tissues. Dental plaque is a microbial biofilm that forms on the tooth surface and contains a complex structure of microorganisms. The metabolic activity of the bacteria in this biofilm is directly linked with the dental caries process.
Tea tree essential oil is an essential oil extracted from steaming the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. It is generally accepted that essential oils possess bioactive properties, including antimicrobial properties. Therapeutic properties of the Tea tree oil, including antimicrobial activity, were reported in the early 20th century. Several studies indicated that Tea tree oil is very effective in vitro against a broad range of bacteria, including oral bacteria.
September 27, 2025
Aromatherapy is one of the traditional remedies that uses essential oils extracted from plants based on their scent effects and is currently used in many fields. Aromatherapy is based on the theory that inhaling or absorbing essential oils causes changes within the limbic system, the part of the brain associated with memory and emotion, Aromatherapy stimulates physiological responses in the nervous, endocrine, or immune systems and can affect heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, brain wave activity, and the release of various hormones throughout the body.
August 6, 2025
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by headache, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and vomiting. Pharmacological treatment of migraine has advanced in the past years but is still considered unsatisfactory for a significant number of patients. In this sense, there is increasing evidence that essential oils from several plants may provide benefit for migraine patients. Peppermint essential oil is one of the most used essential oils in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. It is typically obtained through the steam distillation of aerial parts of the flowering plant. Menthol is a major component of peppermint essential oil and has been used as a non-opioid pain reliever since ancient times. In addition to menthol, it has menthone as another main component and a mixture of volatile metabolites that contribute to innumerous biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. In migraine patients, two clinical trials showed that intranasal application of peppermint essential oil (1.5%) or application of a solution containing 10% menthol to the forehead and temporal area reduced the severity and duration of the migraine crisis similarly to lidocaine, and also reduced nausea and/or vomiting, and phonophobia and/or photophobia.
August 26, 2025
Basil is a versatile and aromatic herb with significant health benefits. Its bioactive compounds provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties, and has been used to treat many conditions over the centuries in tradimedicines.
Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, is a fragrant herb that grows as a small bush, typically reaching heights of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches). It has glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are usually green but can also be purple, depending on the variety. The plant produces small white or pink flowers arranged in clusters. Basil has a rich history in traditional medicine systems around the world and is supported by modern scientific research. Its potential benefits for digestive health, cardiovascular health, and skin health make it a valuable addition to both culinary and medicinal applications.
August 10, 2025
July 26, 2025
Saffron is derived from dark red stigmata of a bulbous and perennial herbal plant known as Crocus sativus L. It belongs to the Iridaceae family that is considered the most expensive carotenoid-rich spice and is widely available in Iran, India, and some European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and France. Four main bioactive secondary metabolites which contribute to the overall appearance, taste, and potential biological activities of saffron are picrocrocin (bitter taste), crocetin (yellow-orange color), crocin (yellow-orange color), and safranal (hay-like fragrance). Besides, saffron is constituted by other metabolites such as carotenoids, terpenes, isophorones, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Saffron has been used to treat a variety of diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, cancer, cardiovascular, and sexual disorders. Various investigations suggested that saffron may possess a plethora of pharmacologic effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-genotoxic, anti-nociceptive, anti-atherosclerotic, insulinotropic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic effects.
While there are a variety of claimed medicinal properties of saffron, it is essential to assess the effects of saffron on liver function. Liver is an important organ responsible for many functions such as metabolism of xenobiotics, regulation of blood coagulation, storage of nutrients, synthesis of bile and proteins, and elimination of microorganisms in the body.
July11, 2025
Tea tree oil has a number of medicinal benefits, especially in the form of fighting various infections of the skin.
What is Tea Tree?
The Tea Tree herb is scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to seven meters tall. It has narrow, needle-like leaves that are soft and aromatic. The tree produces white or pale-yellow flowers arranged in spikes.
Tea tree is native to the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. It grows in swampy, waterlogged soils and is commonly found in wet, low-lying areas.
Tea tree oil is typically made through steam distillation of the Melaleuca’s potent leaves.
Primary Compounds in Tea Tree
Terpinenes: These make up the main active components responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Limonene: Another compound contributing to its antimicrobial effects.
Terpineol: Known for its antiseptic properties.
Eucalyptol: Contributes to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpinolene: Adds to the antimicrobial activity.
P-cymene: An aromatic compound with antiseptic properties.
Other notable compounds include pinene, linalool, piperitol, cineole, and humulene.
Health Benefits
1. Antimicrobial Properties
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
3. Antifungal Activity
4. Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Abrasions
5. Skin Health.