Biodiversity and healing activities of medicinal plants in the area of Kamchia Nature Complex

Introduction:Kamchia Nature Complex is part of the wetlands of importance in Bulgaria and has a global significance for preserving Europe's unique freshwater swamp forests also known as flooded (floodplain) forests (Bulgarian, Turkish: longoz).Aim:The study aims to bring up to date the list of medicinal plants in the area of Kamchia Nature Complex and to create a present-day database of their ecological and biological characteristics, floral elements, conservation significance and status. In addition, this study is designed to collect data available on the healing properties, usable parts, and the groups of diseases these medicinal plants are applicable for.Materials and Methods:Field surveys were conducted during the 2013–2015 vegetation seasons applying enroute survey methods.Floristic analysis was performed by the Tolmachev's method (1974).Species were determined by “Flora of the Republic of Bulgaria” and “Identification. Guide to Higher Plants in Bulgaria”.Results and Discussion:We have identified 183 species of medicinal plants out of 435 species of higher plants. The established medicinal plants refer to 60 families and 150 genera. The prevailing biology type is the herbaceous perennial plants—102 species (56%). The mesophyte plants occupy dominant position in terms of moisture and humidity as a factor—91 species (50%).Floristic analysis reveals Eurasian geo-elements as being predominant—34 (19%), with 60 (33%) species of different types of Mediterranean distribution.Species of conservation significance represent 20% of medicinal plants.The established medicinal plants have more than 30 species of healing activities, one third of which is used primarily for treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Species in which the above ground portion of the plant is collected for its plant substance constitute half of the established medicinal plants.Conclusion:Survey results reveal a considerable variety of medicinal plants in Kamchia Natural Complex area. Тhey feature a variety of healing properties and are applicable for a wide range of diseases

Biodiversity of Medicinal Plants from the Northern Black Sea Coastal Wetlands Part 2 - Durankulak Lake Protected Area

The present study aims to supplement the available research data on medicinal plants of the Durankulak Lake area. Survey results established a significant variety of medicinal plants: 112 species of higher plants referring to 34 families and 87 genera. The prevailing biological type is the herbaceous perennial type (67 species or 60 percent). Considering moisture and humidity as a factor, the mesophyte plants (presented by 48 species or 43%) occupy dominant position among the medicinal plants. Eurasian geo-elements (20 species or 18%) are predominant, followed by the Euro-Mediterranean (18 species or 16%), sub-Mediterranean (17 species or 15%). Among the medicinal plants there is only one Balkan endemic species. Medicinal plants of conservation significance represent 11.4% or 13 species. The established medicinal plants have more than 30 types of healing action, one fifth of which is used primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The species in which the above ground part (herba) is collected for plant substance constitute half of the established medicinal plants

Characteristics of autologous platelet rich plasma concentrates obtained by the buffy coat technique using different protocols

IntroductionIn the last decade, platelet-rich concentrates, including the so-called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have been gaining extreme popularity and are widely used in variety of clinical fields of medicine—dermatology, orthopedics, traumatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and others.AimThe aim of the article was to analyze the quantitative characteristics of the blood components in autologous platelet-rich plasma concentrates obtained by the buffy coat technique using different protocols.Materials and MethodsThirty participants (avg. age 42.8) were included in the present study. Venous blood (35 mL) was drawn from each participant—3 mL were separated for control group to determine average blood cell level. Four protocols for PRP obtaining (4 x 8 mL) were performed by using vacutainer tube with separating gel and monovette (S-Monovette) without a separating gel. The concentration factor (%) for each protocol was calculated relative to the average baseline blood values of the control group.ResultsProtocol I showed increase in platelet concentrations by 91.55% and the leukocyte level was 107% higher compared to the control group. The second protocol (separating gel) demonstrated increase in platelet count by 337.06% and in leukocytes by 82.37%. The third protocol, based on double centrifugation, showed 352.08% increase in platelets and 40.54% decrease in white blood cell compared to controls. The fourth protocol demonstrated 389.84% increase in platelet level and 74.36% decrease in leukocyte number.ConclusionThe use of separating gels into various techniques for obtaining PRP facilitates blood cell aspiration and makes the procedure faster and safer in ambulatory practice

Ethnobotanical study of the impact of certain demographic indicators on the attitudes towards the use of medicinal plants among local population of the north Black Sea coast

This study aims to explore the attitude of the local population of the North Black Sea coast area towards the use of medicinal plants and to evaluate the impact of demographic indicators such as gender, age, education and residence. The survey was conducted in the period April - June 2015 in various towns and villages, using face-to-face interview technique with random demographic selection of respondents. Pearson`s coefficient (r) was used for assessment of the impact of demographic indicators on respondents` answers.Survey results show that 96.85% have a positive attitude, and only 4.32% exhibit indifference. From the de­mographic characteristics, only gender and age have a moderate impact. Cross-link analysis reveals that with the increase of the age of males their positive attitude towards the use of medicinal plants also increas­es, while female ratio is not significantly changed. The share of indifferent respondents and those who are positive but do not use medicinal plants, for both genders, is greatest among respondents aged between 20 and 30 years.The local population of the North Black Sea coast area demonstrates a steady positive attitude towards the use of medicinal plants without outlining regional and local differences. A tendency of decreasing interest in medicinal plants among the younger generation is observed, which on its behalf is weakening the tradi­tional knowledge on medicinal plants and its continuity

Medicinal plants with hepatoprotective action used by residents in the Varna region (Bulgaria)

Introduction: The use of medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of liver disease is traditionally used around the world. Herbal therapeutic agents with hepatoprotective action have been used in Bulgaria for a long time. Despite the popularity of some medicinal plants, in our country there are still no targeted ethnobotanical studies on the knowledge of local residents about the use of medicinal plants with hepatoprotective action.Aim: The aim of the present study is to establish the knowledge about the use of medicinal plants as hepatoprotectors by the locals of Varna city and the region.Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted through a face-to-face survey. A total of 171 locals from 10 settlements were interviewed. The obtained results are analyzed by a quantitative index for processing ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological information.Results: Twenty-eightspecies of medicinal plants belonging to 27 genera of 19 families have been reported for use as hepatoprotectors. The most popular medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of liver disease among the local population are Cichorium intybus L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. and Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg.Conclusion: We report preserved ethnobotanical knowledge of the locals about the use of medicinal plants with hepatoprotective action. The choice of medicinal plants is most often consulted with a doctor. The data from this study can serve as a basis for research on Bulgarian species of medicinal plants in order to develop food supplements and pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of liver disease

Ethnobotanical study of the attitudes towards herbal remedies and conventional medicines among local population of the north Black Sea coast

The interest in phytotherapy in Bulgaria has a longstanding tradition.This ethnobotanical study aims to investigate the attitude of the local population of the North Black Sea coast area towards the use of plant-based products compared to conventional medications and to report the impact of various demographic indicators on it.The survey was conducted in the period April - June 2015 in various urban and rural areas, using face-to-face interviews technique with random demographic selection of respondents, men and women of different social status and age. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used for assessment of the impact of demo­graphics on respondents` answers.Maximum positive attitude has been declared by the highest percentage of respondents - 33.51 percent. Neg­ative responses score a minimum of 0.54 percent. Demographics analysis presents moderate impact of age only. The percentage of respondents with a score of 10 is significantly higher for those aged over 41, com­pared to the ones under the age of 40.Results vary in terms of ‘0` evaluation. Highest values were observed in the age groups of 41-50 and over 70.The majority of interviewees - 75.68 percent, prefer combination therapy; 29.19 percent rely only on herbal remedies, and 12.97% indicate both answers.The population of the North Black Sea coast area demonstrates a positive attitude towards the use of medic­inal plants and herbal remedy treatment. A clear case position has been defined: 100 percent use of medici­nal plants for prophylactic purposes, treatment - use of herbal remedies in combination with medications

Poisoning with Amanita phalloides (Vaill. ex Fr.) Link - 25-years retrospective analysis in Varna region, Bulgaria

Fungal intoxications are important in the ethology of acute exogenous intoxications and A. phalloides mushrooms intoxications are the most important for clinical toxicology. Poisonings with A. phalloides mushrooms are infrequent, but they have high lethality due to their high toxicity. A retrospective analysis of poisonings with A. phalloides mushrooms in Varna region for a period of 25 years (1991-2015) was conducted and 147 patients have been registered. The frequency relative to all hospitalised patients with acute poisoning is 0.8%. Such intoxications are more common in males and the ratio of men to women is 1.62:1. The largest number of intoxications was registered in the age group of 45 to 60 years - 62 (42.2%). All intoxications occured following oral ingestion of A. phalloides mushrooms by mistake instead of edible mushrooms such as field mushroom - Agaricus campestris L. A lethal outcome was registered in 25 patients (17%). A. phalloides mushrooms account for 11.4% of the lethality in acute poisonings

Which are the most popular medicinal plants in the area of the north Black Sea coast?

Настоящето изследване е част от по-широко етноботанично проучване проведено в района на Северното Черноморие през периода април - юни 2015 година, чрез техниката интервю лице в лице. Анкетирани бяха 185 души избрани на случаен принцип.Целта на настоящото проучване бе да разберем кои билки са най-популярните и да съберем данни за местните имена, използваема част и етноботанична употреба, като определим кои са „Билките на Баба` - най-популярните билки, за които информацията се предава основно словесно.От споменатите в анкетата 103 растителни вида принадлежащи към 54 семейства, 83 вида са български и 20 вида са чужди растения, като за 79 вида български растения са попълнени данните посочени в анкетата.На база посочените данни е установено наличие на стабилно познание за билките и тяхната етноботанична употреба сред местното население на Северното Черноморие. Най-популярни се оказаха 26 български растения и те съответно бяха определени като „Билките на Баба`.This study is part of a broader ethnobotanical research conducted in the area of the North Black Sea Coast in the period April - June 2015, using face-toface interviews technique. The respondents were 185 randomly selected local people.The aim of this study was to determine the most popular herbs, along with data collection of their respective common names, useful plant parts and ethnobotanical uses. In addition to the above, we aimed to ascertain the so called Grandma`s herbs - the most popular herbs the knowledge for which is based on the oral tradition of verbal transmission, i.e. by word of mouth through successive generations.Out of 103 plant species belonging to 54 families included in the survey, 83 species were native to Bulgaria, and 20 species - foreign plants. The survey data was completed for 79 plant species endemic to Bulgaria.Sound knowledge of herbs and their ethnobotanical use among local population of the North Black Sea Coast was determined based on the research data. Top 26 most popular Bulgarian medicinal plants were respectively defined as Grandma`s herbs

Morphological features of oocytes in patients with low ovarian reserve: study of 72 ivf/ icsi treatment cycles

РезюмеНастоящото проучване представя резултатите от ретроспективно и проспективно проследяване на морфологичните особености на яйцеклетките в зависимост от възрастта и хормоналния статус при пациентки с намален яйчников резерв. Материали и методи: Изследването включва 3038 яйцеклетки, произхождащи от 419 пациентки, участвали в програма за лечение на безплодието чрез оплождане ин витро от м. февруари, 2011г. до м. февруари, 2014г., 72 от които с намален овариален резерв и 347 - с нормален. Резултати: Пациентките с намален и нормален овариален резерв показаха статистически значима разлика по отношение на морфологията на яйцеклетките. При пациентките с незадоволителен овариален отговор се наблюдава умерена статистически значима отрицателна линейна зависимост между възрастта и морфологията на яйцеклетките. Резултатите ни показват тенденция към намаляване на процента яйцеклетки с нормална морфология и увеличаване на процентите яйцеклетки с дефекти с понижаване на стойностите на антимюлеровия хормон (АМН) и повишаване на базалните стойности на фоликулостимулиращия хормон (FSH). Заключение: Морфологичните характеристики на яйцеклетките при пациентките с намален яйчников резерв се влошават видимо при възраст над 35 години и стойности на AMH 0,2 ng/ml и FSH > 15 mIU/ml.The current study presents the results of a retrospective and prospective observation of the morphological features of the oocytes according to the age and the hormonal status in patients with low ovarian reserve.Materials and methods: The study includes 3038 oocytes, derived from 419 patients involved in an infertility treatment program through in vitro fertilization from February 2011 to February 2014, 72 of them with low ovarian reserve and 347 - with normal.Results: The patients with low and normal ovarian reserve showed statistically significant difference regarding oocytes morphology. In low responders a moderate statistically significant negative linear dependence between age and oocytes morphology is observed. Our results show a tendency to decrease the percentage of oocytes with normal morphology and increase the percentages of oocytes with abnormalities with decreasing of the anti mullerian hormone (AMH) values and increasing of the basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) values.Conclusion: The morphological features of oocytes in patients with low ovarian reserve get worse obviously after age 35 and values of AMH ≤ 0,2 ng/ ml and FSH > 15 mIU/ml

Intravenous lipid infusion in toxicological practice

The use of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) is a relatively new method of treatment in toxicology. Initially, it was applied to control the resistant to other therapeutic methods systemic toxicity of local anesthetics. In the last decade this therapeutic method has been approved and recommended. Thereafter, attempts have been made to clarify the effect of ILEs in cases of acute intoxications with lipophilic xenobiotics, other than the local anesthetics