Kacip Fatimah also known as Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae), is a traditional herbal medicine with a long history in the Malay community. It has been used by many generations of Malay women to induce and facilitate childbirth as well as a post-partum medicine. We tested the genotoxic potential of Kacip Fatimah in bone marrow cells obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats using micronuclei formation as the toxicological endpoints. Five groups of five male rats each were administered orally for two consecutive days with doses of 100, 700 and 2000 mg/kg body weight of Kacip Fatimah extract dissolved in distilled water. Micronucleus preparation was obtained from bone marrow cells of the animals following standard protocols. No statistically significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) was observed at any dose level and sacrifice/harvest time point (24, 48 and 72h). However, a significant decrease in polychromatic erythrocytes/normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE:NCE) ratio was observed from the highest dose level (2000 mg/kg of body weight) at 48h harvest time point. In this study, we investigated the effect of Kacip Fatimah on mammalian bone marrow cells using micronuclei formation to assess the genotoxicity of the herb.
Micronuclei ; Erythrocytes ; Bone Marrow ; in vivo ; assay

Objectives: This study aimed to assess menopause symptoms, treatment-seeking behaviors, treatments received, and factors associated with seeking consultation from healthcare providers (HCPs). Methods: Using a self-administered Menopause Quick-6 in the Malay language (MQ6[M]) questionnaire, we surveyed 349 women aged 40–60 years attending primary healthcare clinics in four states in Malaysia for their menopause symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors for menopause symptoms were assessed using questions regarding HCPs consulted and treatments prescribed. Binary logistic regression was employed on factors associated with seeking consultation for menopause symptoms. Results: Using MQ6(M), we observed that 125 (31.3%) women reported at least one menopause symptom, with joint pains (42.8%), menstrual changes (39.5%), and hot flashes (29.3%) being the most frequent symptoms. Furthermore, 60% of the women were prescribed vitamins, and only 13% were administered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Medical comorbidities, the presence of at least one gynecological condition, menopause status, and MQ6(M) score were associated with seeking consultation with an HCP. For women with medical conditions, the odds of seeking consultation increased by a factor of 1.34 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.76) for every additional comorbidity. The odds of seeking consultation from an HCP increased by a factor of 1.26 (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04–1.47) with a unit increase in MQ6(M) score. Conclusions Most women had menopause symptoms but favored the use of complementary and alternative medicine over HRT. Screening and awareness of menopause treatments need to be improved at primary healthcare clinics.

Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are a disabling injury as it often results in motor and sensory deficit with cognitive impairment. Flaxseed oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and it is believed to be able to protect the damaged nerve cell for successful nerve recovery. This study aimed to investigate a potential neuro-regeneration properties of flaxseed oil in treating the PNI. Methods: A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: Normal group (n=5), Group 2: Negative group (n=20), Group 3: Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4: Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walking track analysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes. Results: Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil. Conclusion: The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used anti-neoplastic and immunosuppressive agent that is associated with adverse side effects including reproductive toxicity. Aquilaria malaccensis (AM) is a traditional medicinal plant which was reported to exhibit high anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of AM leaves extract on sperm quality following toxic exposure to CP. Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into eight groups of six rats (n = 6): control, CP only (200 mg kg−1), AM only (100 mg kg−1, 300 mg kg−1 and 500 mg kg−1) and CP + AM (100 mg kg−1, 300 mg kg−1 and 500 mg kg−1). Animals were sacrificed after 63 days of treatment and the sperm from the caudal epididymis was taken for sperm analysis. Results: The body and the reproductive organs weight, sperm count and motility did not differ between CP and other groups (P > 0.05). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in percentage of the dead and abnormal sperm were seen in the CP alone treated group compared to the control group. Co-administration of AM to the CP exposed rats significantly reduced the (P < 0.05) percentage of abnormal sperm as compared to the CP only group. Conclusion: Overall, the present results represent the potential of AM to protect against CP induced reproductive toxicity.

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito-borne flu-like illness which massively caused Malaysian morbidity and mortality. The prevalent of cases influenced by high humidity climate and urbanization which enhances the mosquito breeding. Thus, the utilization of household insecticide became a necessity among the urban community especially in the Kuantan city, Pahang. The insecticide is made of type 1 pyrethroids chemicals that are recognized to be safe. However, there were reported insecticide intoxication cases that suggested insufficient studies on insecticide usage and its exposure effects. Hence, the study aimed to assess the community’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) level upon household insecticide and its associated factors among Kuantan’s public. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 199 respondents via a self-administered questionnaire concerning sociodemographic and KAP’s domain data was distributed and collected. Results: Most respondents had adequate KAP scores. Statistical analysis confirmed that marital status group (p = 0.047) affected knowledge singles and married person had higher knowledge score. There were significant association between females with levels of knowledge (p = 0.003) and attitude (p = 0.024). A strong positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = + 0.800, p = 0.010), between knowledge and practice (r = + 0.760, p = 0.010), and a good positive correlation between attitude and practice (r = + 0.740, p = 0.010). Conclusion: The finding of Kuantan public’ KAP data can be used as a reference to formulate effective health promotion intervention to reduce the insecticide exposure risk among wider public community.