Background: Peperomia pellucida, locally known in the Philippines as pansit-pansitan, is an annual herb with many ethnomedicinal properties. Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic property of P. pellucida methanolic extract (PPME) through measurement of its effects on total blood cholesterol level and liver histology of hypercholesterolemic rats. Methodology: Thirty experimental male rats were divided into six groups: Group I was fed with standard diet; Group II was fed with High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) only; Groups III, IV and V were fed with HCD and treated with PPME at 200, 400 and 800 mg kg-1 bwt respectively; Group VI was fed with HCD and treated with atorvastatin; and, Group 7 was fed with 400mg/kg PPME. Total Blood Cholesterol (TBC) levels were monitored, liver histology was analysed, and results were compared with the control and atorvastatin-treated group. Results: Administration of different doses of PPME in hypercholesterolemic rats significantly reduced total blood cholesterol similar to Atorvastatin, a known anticholesterolemic drug. Furthermore, PPME particularly at a concentration of 400mg kg-1 bwt was effective in ameliorating liver damages induced by high cholesterol diet as shown by qualitative and quantitative histological assessment. Conclusion This investigation suggests that PPME at a concentration of 400 mg/kg bwt is a potential antihypercholesterolemic agent. Further studies have to be taken to better the understanding on the mechanisms of actions of PPME on how it modulates liver damage in hypercholesterolemic conditions.
Liver ; Histology

BACKGROUND: Many of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Philippines are controllable with nature-based products, either as agents of intervention, or prevention, as nutritional supplements or for the control of side-effects of medications. The different R&D programs on nature-based products in the Philippines are usually conducted in isolation, or through silos. These often lead to products that are shortsighted, duplicate products, or products with minimal innovation, not readily applicable to population and environmental sustainability.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to draft an internationally benchmarked and integrated blueprint for a population health and environmental health-led nature-based product development and conservation for the Philippines.

METHODS: The methodology consisted of a review of literature; regional educational visits; and a series of consultative meetings with stakeholders.

RESULTS: The study resulted in a stakeholder-validated blueprint that assigns the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) to lead the way for Filipinos to produce more nature-based products that are of international quality and attuned with local health needs. The blueprint has identified "9 Optimizations" in the realization of this aspiration, including an expanded role for PITAHC, a national database, an ethical researchers list, and to produce at least five commercial products and 20 intellectual property rights within 5 years with an estimated total investment of approximately PhP 816 M.

Patents

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Stigma remains a profound barrier to public health, particularly in managing diseases such as Hepatitis B, which is highly prevalent in hyperendemic regions like the Philippines. The social stigma associated with such health conditions can severely limit access to care and hinder adherence to treatment, exacerbating the overall disease burden. Despite the critical impact of stigma on health outcomes, there is a notable gap in the systematic evaluation of the tools used to measure stigma related to health conditions like Hepatitis B. This study aims to fill this gap by reviewing existing instruments for their methodologies, reliability, and validity to inform the development of a refined tool tailored to the Philippine context.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across six databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Open Grey, DissOnline, Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR), and Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN), following PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy focused on identifying quantitative and mixed-methods studies using questionnaires to measure HBV-related stigma and discrimination. Studies published between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2023, were considered. The selection process involved screening for duplicates, reviewing titles and abstracts, and performing a full-text review based on predetermined eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 1,198 articles, with 24 duplicates removed. After title and abstract screening, 28 articles were considered for full-text review, resulting in 17 relevant articles in the final analysis with 15 unique instrumentations. The majority of studies employed cross-sectional designs (n=8), with a significant concentration in Asian countries (n=11), indicating a regional focus in HBV stigma research. The review identified a range of questionnaire methodologies, but most studies lacked specificity regarding the type of stigma measured. The Likert Scale was the most commonly used measurement tool, yet few studies provided cut-off values for stigma levels. Validity and reliability testing was reported in 12 articles, including pilot studies, Cronbach’s alpha, and factor analysis.

CONCLUSION

The lack of a universal methodology and specificity in existing instruments underscores the importance of developing a refined tool that can accurately capture the nuances of stigma and discrimination associated with HBV. The urgent need for standardized, reliable, and culturally sensitive questionnaires is evident, underscoring their importance in developing effective public health strategies and improving treatment outcomes for individuals living with HBV, especially in the Philippines.

Human ; Social Stigma ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; State-of-the-art Review ; Review Literature As Topic