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PubMed2006

Ethnomycological aspects of the desert truffle among native Bahraini and non-Bahraini peoples of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This research was conducted to assess the general knowledge, attitude, and practice of native Bahraini and non-Bahraini peoples of Bahrain about ethnomycological aspects and traditional folklore of the desert truffle. The findings were obtained through interviews and a specially designed structured questionnaire administered to subjects who were randomly recruited. A total of three species were identified from the southern parts of Bahrain. Tirmania nivea "Zubaidi" was found to be the most preferred expensive and common type of truffle in the region to both groups of respondents due to its good light smell, delicacy, and soft white tissues. This was followed by Terfezia claveryi "Ikhlasi". Non-Bahraini respondents are more likely to believe that rain and soil (34%) or heavy thunder rains (23.4%) are the main factors responsible in truffle development, while Bahrainis perceive that an early heavy rainy season (57.8%) or soil type coupled with heavy rains (26.5%) are the most important reasons in truffle formation. Both respondent groups agree that heavy rains (>200 mm) during mild to warm weather, locally recognized as "Al-Wasm", coupled with heavy evening or early morning dewfalls and thunder and lightning are considered essential requirements for truffle formation. Trufflers in both groups similarly agree that mainly enjoying a good time was their motivations to collect truffles and not medicinal purposes. Truffle collection as a means for financial supplement and to pass this tradition from one generation to the next is no doubt another factors contributing for the collection. An analogous response from both groups indicated their unwillingness to buy truffles at relatively high price (mean 64%) or even off season but never objected to affordable price (mean 80.5%). About 95% of the non-Bahraini and 72% of the Bahraini respondents indicated their readiness to eat truffles for sexual reasons based on a physician's advice. The method used by almost 71% of the Bahraini respondents includes looking for an earth bulge with cracks on smooth surfaced sandy-loam soil whereas non-Bahrainis search randomly in unexploited desert habitats (49%) but not always looking for truffles, but by the presence of its host plant Helianthemum spp. (16.3%). For both groups, boiling the cleaned sliced truffle in salts and spices (mean 31%), or by deep-frying in local lamb ghee and spices (26%) is the most preferred way of eating truffles, while eating raw truffles is very rare. Finally, chilling cleaned truffles (45.6%) is the main method of preservation for short periods used by the Bahraini respondents, otherwise freezing (30.4%) is used for prolonged preservation, compared to non-Bahraini respondents who prefer freezing as the primary method (51.4%). Some Bedouins preserve clean truffles by pickling in 3-6% vinegar and salt. The influence of soil and environmental factors on truffle development and the role of desert truffles on traditional information, socioeconomic, ecology and sociocultural folklore in Bahrain are discussed.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Biologically active compounds from plants with reputed medicinal and sweetening properties.

Examples are presented of plants with folkloric reputations that have recently afforded constituents with great potential for use as drugs or pharmaceutical excipients. Described are the results of laboratory investigations at this institution on the biologically active compounds of four plants with reputed medicinal properties and of six sweet plants used by local populations in various regions of the world. It is concluded that folklore information should be considered seriously in programs designed to yield prototype, biologically active molecules from plant sources.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

Anti-diabetic potential of Barleria lupulina extract in rats.

We have undertaken a study to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effect of a methanol extract of aerial parts of Barleria lupulina Lindl. (Acanthaceae) in streptozotocin-diabetic rats, based on folkloric reports its use as an anti-diabetic agent. The extract exerted significant (p < 0.05) anti-hyperglycemic efficacy at all levels tested from 4 h after its administration, as compared with the control group, and the effect was also prolonged up to 12 h. The extract at doses of 200 mg kg(-1) body wt. and above exhibited a maximum activity (p < 0.001) at 12 h after administration. The most significant activity (15.35% blood glucose reduction) was observed for the group administered 300 mg kg(-1) body wt. at 12 h after administration, while the standard drug glibenclamide (10 mg/kg(-1) body wt.) showed an 18.80% reduction of blood glucose at the same time interval. Based on our current results, it appears that the methanol extract of aerial parts of Barleria lupulina Lindl. shows a pronounced blood-glucose-lowering potential in streptozotocin hyperglycemic rats, and is thus provided with a pharmacological support of the folklore claims of anti-diabetic activity.

Acanthaceae↗
PubMed2005

Buddhism, the status of women and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Thailand.

The common-sense construction of Buddhism is that of a general power for good; the less positive aspects of Buddhism's power, especially when reinforced by folklore and ancient superstition, is infrequently recognised. In this article we make explicit Buddhism's less positive power, particularly as it relates to the status of women and, by implication, its role in the human immunodeficiency (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Thailand. The Buddhist, folklore, and superstitious bases of Thai misogyny are explored, together with its expression in the differential gender roles of women and men. In addition, the attitudes of both women and men to commercial sex workers (CSWs) and condom use is discussed. The implications of these attitudinal analyses to the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Thailand is outlined. We argue that the current spread of HIV/AIDS in Thailand is primarily a function of the inferior status of women, which, in turn, is a function of Buddhism and Thai cultural beliefs. In light of this, some realistic strategies to address the problem also are discussed.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1986

My family made me do it: the influence of family therapists' families of origin on their occupational choice.

This study is an empirical test and exploration of the folklore about family life correlates of family therapists' occupational choice. The folklore is translated into systems concepts, including role complementarity and the mutually determining effect of process and roles. Fifty-nine family therapists, 49 siblings of the therapists, and 51 undifferentiated, non-helping professionals were compared on FACES (29), The Complementary Role Questionnaire, and on demographic data. Inconsistencies in the results led to a critique of the clinical faithfulness of current systems measures. Family therapists did not differ on FACES, but did differ in aspects of roles from their siblings and from the control professionals.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1985

Dangers of the vagina.

Beliefs, myths, and literary expressions of men's fear of female genitals are reviewed. Both clinical evidence and folklore provide evidence that men imagine female genitals not only as a source of pleasure and attraction, but also as a source of danger in a very physical sense. The vagina dentata myth has many versions, including some modern ones, and its message is always the same: an awesome danger emanating from a woman's body. The prevalence of such feelings in folklore and in literature is noted.

Fantasy↗
PubMed2007

Cardiovascular effects of an n-butanol extract from fresh fruits of Randia siamensis.

Randia siamensis is used in Thai folklore medicine for inducing abortion and controlling blood pressure. The present study investigated the cardiovascular effects of an R. siamensis fruit extract, and mechanisms involved in anesthetized normal and reserpinized rats. R. siamensis (0.4-12 mg/kg) i.v. increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate. Both effects were significantly inhibited by phentolamine (2 mg/kg, i.v.) or propranolol (0.6 mg/kg, i.v.). The combination of phentolamine and propranolol, or reserpine pretreatment, inhibited the positive chronotropic effect with a slight decrease in the MAP. In vitro, R. siamensis (0.001-0.3 mg/ml) increased the rate of beating of the right atrium and the strength of the electrical field-stimulated contraction of the left atrium, both effects were inhibited by propranolol, or with reserpine pretreated rats. R. siamensis (0.01-3 mg/ml) produced a contraction of isolated thoracic aorta, which was potentiated by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (LNA), or by removal of the vascular endothelium, but inhibited by phentolamine, or reserpine. R. siamensis (0.3-3 mg/ml) caused a relaxation of phenylephrine-preconstricted aortic rings, which was potentiated with reserpine pretreatment, and abolished after removal of the vascular endothelium, or in the presence of LNA. These results suggest that R. siamensis extract exerts both hypertensive and positive chronotropic effects via the alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors of blood vessels and the heart, due to release of endogenous catecholamines, likely from nerve ending and adrenal medulla. The hypotensive activity results from the release of nitric oxide causing dilatation of the blood vessels. The present data support the folklore therapeutic uses of this plant.

1-Butanol↗
PubMed2005

Hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects of Psidium guajava Linn. (Myrtaceae) leaf aqueous extract.

The leaf of Psidium guajava Linn. (family, Myrtaceae) is used traditionally in African folk medicine to manage, control, and/or treat a plethora of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In order to scientifically appraise some of the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of P. guajava Linn., the present study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects of P. guajava leaf aqueous extract (PGE, 50-800 mg/kg) in rat experimental paradigms. The hypoglycemic effect of the plant's extract was examined in normal and diabetic rats, using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus model. Hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive rats were used to investigate the hypotensive (antihypertensive) effect of the plant's extract. Chlorpropamide (CPP; 250 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the reference hypoglycemic agent for comparison. Acute oral administrations of the plant's extract (PGE; 50-800 mg/kg, p.o.) caused dose-related, significant (p < 0.05-0.001) hypoglycemia in normal (normoglycemic) and STZ-treated, diabetic rats. Moreover, acute intravenous administrations of the plant's extract (PGE, 50-800 mg/kg i.v.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in systemic arterial blood pressures and heart rates of hypertensive, Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Although the exact mechanisms of action of the plant's extract still remain speculative at present, it is unlikely that the extract causes hypotension in the mammalian experimental animal model used via cholinergic mechanisms, since its cardiodepressant effects are resistant to atropine pretreatment. The numerous tannins, polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, guiajaverin, quercetin, and other chemical compounds present in the plant are speculated to account for the observed hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects of the plant's leaf extract. However, the results of this experimental animal study indicate that the leaf aqueous extract of P. guajava possesses hypoglycemic and hypotensive properties, and thus lend pharmacological credence to the suggested folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant in the management or control of adult-onset, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in some rural African communities.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of cultural themes in promoting health among Southeast Asian refugees.

PURPOSE: Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Hmong refugee populations in the United States face serious physical and psychosocial health issues. Literature on these populations is largely descriptive of illnesses and of cultural beliefs or behavior patterns related to illness. There is minimal literature linking beliefs and behaviors to the underlying cultural themes. The purpose of this paper was to search the literature for cultural themes from which culturally relevant health promotion strategies could be designed. SEARCH METHODS: Literature was reviewed from the fields of health, social, and political science, history, and Southeast Asian folklore. Search methods included review of 147 writings from library and MEDLINE search and 123 interviews with refugees and key professionals in the field. This manuscript includes 106 selections as well as content from 93 interviews. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: From the literature emerged two cultural themes common to these population, kinship solidarity and the search for equilibrium. The use of these cultural themes as carriers of health messages is suggested. Examples of ways to link the message with the cultural theme are presented, including the use of folklore, recognition of cultural illnesses, and use of cultural knowledge in addressing new situations such as inner city urban survival. Cultural themes are a means of conveying health messages addressing such issues as transition in family structure, depression, and substance abuse.

Asian↗
PubMed2002

Bioactivity evaluation of Bergenia ciliata.

Bergenia ciliata was subjected to bioactivity analysis. The records of these investigations are described in this communication. A study made on the bioactivity analysis of medicinal herb Bergenia ciliata, which in folkloric medicine is used to cure hypoglycemic activity. A battery of assays was performed on different extracts of Bergenia ciliata which include hypoglycemic activities, toxic evaluations such as acute systemic and intracutaneous toxicity as well hemolysis test. Bergenia ciliata has been employed in folklore medicine to treat symptoms of diabetes mellitus. All the extracts except chloroform extract of root and leaves of Bergenia ciliata were found to possess hypoglycemic activity in Streptozotocin (STZ) treated rats. Therefore the plant can be classified as hypoglycemic, hypoglycemic activity in experimental diabetes ranging from 40-70% of its onset to reduce blood glucose level. The toxicological investigations of Bergenia ciliata with particular reference to acute systematic toxicity and intracutaneous toxicity in experimental animals displayed that it elicit severe toxicity. The symptoms of toxicity in intracutaneous test showed erythema and edema whereas assessment of acute systemic toxicity frequently observed breathing problem and initiations of diarrhea with blood in stool of experimental model and caused gastero-intestinal syndrome. Bergenia ciliata can produce toxicity suggesting a role in certain diseases. It is therefore, premature to speculate about mechanism of effect until toxin(s) is unequivocally identified. The hemolysis test on the extract of Bergenia ciliata was almost devoid of activity.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects of Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh ex CF Krauss (Anacardiaceae) stem-bark aqueous extract in rats.

The stem bark of Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh ex CF Krauss (family: Anacardiaceae) is used traditionally in African folk medicine to manage, control and/or treat an array of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In order to scientifically appraise some of the anecdotal, folkloric and ethnomedical uses of Harpephyllum caffrum, this study was undertaken to examine the hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects of Harpephyllum caffrum stem bark aqueous extract (HCE) in rat experimental paradigms. The hypoglycaemic effect of the plant extract (HCE) was examined in normal and diabetic rats, using a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus model. Hypertensive, Dahl salt-sensitive rats were used to investigate the hypotensive (antihypertensive) effect of the plant extract. Chlorpropamide (250 mg/kg po) was used as the reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. Acute oral administrations of the plant extract (HCE, 50-800 mg/kg po) caused dose-related, significant (p < 0.05- 0.001) hypoglycaemia in normal (normoglycaemic) and STZ-treated diabetic rats. Furthermore, acute intravenous administrations of the plant extract (HCE, 25-400 mg/kg iv) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) in systemic arterial blood pressures and heart rates of the hypertensive, Dahl salt-sensitive rats used. Although the exact mechanisms of action of the plant extract still remain obscure at the moment, it is unlikely that the plant causes hypotension in the mammalian experimental animal model used, via the cholinergic mechanism, since its hypotensive effect was resistant to atropine pretreatment. The numerous polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids present in the plant are speculated to account for the observed hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects of the extract. However, the findings of this experimental animal study indicate that the stem-bark aqueous extract of H caffrum possesses hypoglycaemic and hypotensive properties, and thus lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric, anecdotal and ethnomedical uses of the plant in the management and/or control of adult-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in some rural communities of southern African.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects of Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae) whole-plant aqueous extract in rats.

Various morphological parts (roots, stems, leaves and fruits) of Momordica charantia Linn (family: Cucurbitaceae) are used traditionally in African folk medicine to manage, control and/or treat a plethora of human ailments, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In order to scientifically appraise some of the folkloric, anecdotal and ethnomedical uses of M charantia, the present study was undertaken to investigate the hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects of M charantia whole-plant aqueous extract (MCE) in rat experimental paradigms. The hypoglycaemic effect of the plant extract was examined in normal and diabetic rats, using streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetes mellitus models. Normotensive (normal), and hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive rats were used to probe the hypotensive (antihypertensive) effect of the plant extract. Chlorpropamide was used as reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. Acute oral administrations of the plant extract caused dose-related, significant hypoglycaemia in normal (normoglycaemic) and STZ-treated, diabetic rats. Furthermore, acute intravenous administrations of MCE produced dose-dependent, significant reductions in systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rates of normal, and hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Although the exact hypoglycaemic and hypotensive mechanisms of action of the plant extract remain speculative at the moment, it is unlikely that the herb causes hypotension in the mammalian experimental animal model used via cholinergic mechanisms, since its cardiovascular effects are resistant to atropine pretreatment. However, the findings of this experimental animal study indicate that the plant extract possesses hypoglycaemic and hypotensive properties, and therefore, lend pharmacological credence to folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant in the management and/or control of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in some rural African communities.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

[Alcoholism as an adaptation-disadaptation factor in the district of La Matanza].

This paper is concerned with the use of alcohol and folkloric medicine in migratory populations. Some field-research was undertaken as a systemic approach to reality in the district of La Matanza (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Considering a previous contribution presented by the author in reference to alcoholic families (Prize 1981, Journal of Family Therapy) findings highlight that alcoholism and folkloric medicine persist and increase insomuch as the possibilities for adjustment to a new culture decrease. Thus, social segregation of migratory populations increases. Finally, an interdisciplinary psychotherapeutic model is outlined.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1982

[Psychosocial aspects of dance and music of the Brazilian carnival].

In this paper the author analyses the rites of Carnival, a sociocultural phenomenon that has aroused the interest of sociologists and anthropologists through out the world. He emphasizes the importance of Carnival as a psychic stabilizing mechanism, responsible for the reduction of psychiatric cases observed during this period. He studies the origins of Brazilian culture, the peculiarities the meeting of the African folklore and mysticism with the European folklore has created, and also the results of such interaction. In tracing the origins of Carnival rites, the author points out the significant role played by the dynamic and contagious rhythm of the music, that generates an unrestrained atmosphere in which enthusiastic singing and dancing act as elements of catharsis, liberation, compensation and social integration.

Brazil↗
PubMed1980

The moon and madness: a comprehensive perspective.

Previous research that related lunar phase to abnormal behavior has led to apparently conflicting findings because of different methodology. The present study, based upon both new data and that already in the literature, combined studies that used the same segments of the synodic cycle. Such analysis indicated a disproportionate frequency of abnormal behavior at the time of the new moon, at the time of the full moon, and in the last half of the lunar phase. These findings were regarded as generally congruent with folklore.

Astronomical Phenomena↗
PubMed2001

Intellectual disability and the myth of the changeling myth.

This article investigates the historical sources for the idea of the "changeling" or substitute child as an explanation for congenital intellectual disability. Pre-modern sources for this idea are elite and theological as much as popular and folkloric, nor do they refer to intellectual disability in any sense recognizable to us. Rather, both the concept of intellectual disability and the notion of a transhistorical changeling myth emerge from the historical core of modern psychology.

Child↗
PubMed1988

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and changing attitudes toward dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea, which may be primary or secondary, is the occurrence of painful uterine cramps during menstruation. Until a decade ago, medical and social attitudes toward dysmenorrhea were shrouded with folklore, psychoanalytical profiles, or psychosomatic bases. In secondary dysmenorrhea, there is a visible pelvic lesion to account for the pain, whereas only a biochemical abnormality is responsible for primary dysmenorrhea. Recent advances in the biochemistry of prostaglandins and their role in the pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea and intrauterine device (IUD)-induced dysmenorrhea have now firmly established a rational basis for the disorder. In primary dysmenorrhea, menstrual prostaglandin release is significantly increased but can be readily suppressed to normal levels when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) capable of inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase are given during menstruation. Many clinical trials (controlled and uncontrolled) have demonstrated the efficacy of NSAIDs such as the fenamates, indole-acetic acid derivatives, and arylpropionic acid derivatives in relieving primary dysmenorrhea as well as IUD-induced dysmenorrhea that is also due to elevated prostaglandin levels. With a few of these NSAIDs, it has been shown that the relief of pain is associated with a significant decrease in menstrual fluid prostaglandin levels. Cumulative data of clinical trials indicate that with the effective NSAIDs, 80 percent of patients with significant primary dysmenorrhea can be adequately relieved. Ongoing studies suggest that in some women, endometrial leukotriene, but not PGF2a production, is increased. With the official approval and availability of several effective NSAIDs for the specific treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in the United States, women who have primary dysmenorrhea have been greatly relieved and their productivity increased. Primary dysmenorrhea affects 50 percent of postpubescent women and absenteeism among the severe dysmenorrheics has been estimated to cause about 600 million lost working hours or 2 billion dollars annually. Thus, an effective, simple, and safe treatment of primary dysmenorrhea for two to three days during menstruation will not only have a positive economic impact but will also enhance the quality of life. The availability of effective dysmenorrhea therapy with NSAIDs has induced greater expectations of relief by the patient, as well as greater willingness to seek medical help, a more rational approach to patient management by physicians, changes in attitude toward women with primary dysmenorrhea, and the debunking of myths about dysmenorrhea that often have been perpetuated as fact.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2006

Sexual assault practice: myths and mistakes.

Stories about sexual activity abound and are often the source of considerable interest and speculation. These anecdotal accounts are rarely subjected to any serious scrutiny and yet may develop folklore proportions. It is concerning that many forensic practitioners are prepared to perpetuate similar myths behind a veneer of scientific practice. Practices such as impotence or virginity testing and the interpretation of penile measurements are lucrative endeavors that remain alive and well. Similarly, court evidence on topics such as the circumstances by which genital injuries were sustained, the relationship between pubertal staging and age or the interpretation of anal findings are often less than objective. These practices are unprofessional. Further, they have the potential to cause significant harm to many individuals and to undermine the standing of the criminal justice system.

Folklore↗