Pranskūnienė, Živilė

Ethnopharmacological studies are growing in number in Europe; however, research on medicinal plants in Lithuania focusing on dermatological and cosmetic applications is still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate ethnobotanical heritage related to the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic use in Northern Lithuania and to assess the compliance of traditional medicinal plant use indications with European Union herbal monographs. This study involved 36 participants aged 40 to 89. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. This study documented 76 plant species belonging to 41 botanical families for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes. This knowledge was primarily transmitted through family traditions, with 59.2% of respondents reporting that they acquired this knowledge from parents or grandparents. The medicinal plants most frequently mentioned for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes were Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. and Plantago major L. The most popular preparation method was topical application (32.4%) for treating skin diseases and decoction (38.5%) for cosmetic purposes. Plant-based raw materials were most often used to treat skin wounds (24.5%), as well as skin inflammation (16.3%) and burns (12.1%). For cosmetic purposes, the most frequently mentioned indication was dry skin (23.6% of plants). Of the 76 recorded plant species, 41 (53.9%) were not included in herbal monographs, and only 15 species (42.86%) were used in accordance with approved medical indications for skin diseases. Many plant species are used without European Medicines Agency-approved medical indications, relying solely on traditional and folk knowledge.

Background: Prior to the development of modern healthcare systems, traditional medicine was the principal means of disease management. Ethnopharmaceutical studies indicate that respiratory disorders are among the most common indications for traditional remedy use worldwide [1] and in Lithuania [2]. Despite their prevalence, the safety and regulatory compliance of such practices remain insufficiently evaluated. Aim(s): To assess the safety of ethnopharmaceutical practices for respiratory disorders in the Pasvalys district (Lithuania) by evaluating the compliance of reported medicinal plant uses with European Medicines Agency (EMA) herbal monographs. Methods: The study was conducted from June to September 2025 in the Pasvalys district, Lithuania. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using snowball sampling. The research adhered to the International Society of Ethnobiology Code of Ethics [3]. Reported respiratory indications were systematically compared with EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products monographs. Results: Forty-two respondents (27 women and 15 men; age range 18–82 years) were interviewed. Twenty-five plant species and one animal-derived substance (Axungia Meles L.) were identified for respiratory disorders. Herbal tea was the predominant preparation form (92%), followed by decoctions (23.1%), raw material (15.4%), syrups (11.5%), compresses (11.5%), inhalations (7.7%) and tinctures (3.8%). The most frequently cited species were Mentha × piperita L. (84.6%), Matricaria recutita L. (76.9%), Tilia cordata L. (69.2%), Thymus spp. L. (57.7%) and Rubus idaeus L. (53.8%). Cough accounted for 40% of all reported indications. Ten of the 25 species are not included in EMA monographs, and only 57.7% were used according to EMA-approved respiratory indications. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of ethnopharmaceutical remedies are used without alignment to EMA-approved indications, relying primarily on traditional knowledge. Systematic evaluation of safety, indication compliance and potential risks associated with self-care is essential to ensure rational and evidence-based use of herbal medicines.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether changes in perfusion index (PI) after the first deflation of the blood pressure cuff during remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) are associated with passive leg raising (PLR)-induced changes in stroke volume. In addition, we compared PI changes after cuff deflation during RIC between critically ill patients and healthy controls. Methods: This prospective, single-center study was conducted in a mixed ICU at a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients aged >18 years admitted to the ICU, monitored using calibrated pulse contour analysis, and scheduled for a PLR test as decided by the attending physicians were included. The PI was measured after blood pressure cuff deflations during RIC (3 cycles of brachial cuff inflation to 200 mmHg for 5 min, followed by instantaneous deflation to 0 mmHg for another 5 min) in the supine position after PLR. Preload responsiveness was defined as a ≥10% increase in the stroke volume index (SVI) during PLR. Data were compared with a healthy control group. Results: Thirty-three patients were included (median age 62; 45% in shock; 55% mechanically ventilated). When comparing critically ill patients with healthy volunteers, the maximum PI change (dPImax) and the time to reach it were higher in critically ill patients after the first and second cuff deflations (p < 0.05). However, after the third deflation, the difference was no longer significant. Following the first deflation, dPImax was significantly correlated with SVI changes during PLR (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). After the cuff was first deflated, we detected a PI cutoff with a positive SVI response (≥10%) during PLR, with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 94% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.752; 95% CI, 0.564–0.940; p = 0.008). Conclusions: The maximum change in perfusion index following brachial blood pressure cuff deflation after five minutes of inflation may serve as a promising noninvasive bedside indicator of preload responsiveness in critically ill patients. Additionally, the observed normalization of PI kinetics during RIC suggests possible acute modulation of vascular reactivity, though further research is needed to confirm an association between PI changes and endothelial function.

Įžanga. Etnofarmacija ir liaudies medicina Lietuvoje, ypač miesteliuose bei kaimo vietovėse, išlieka svarbi sveikatos priežiūros dalis. Dalis visuomenės vis dar klaidingai mano, kad vaistiniai augalai, būdami natūralios kilmės, negali sukelti žalingo poveikio. Tačiau moksliniai tyrimai pabrėžia, jog augalinės žaliavos gali turėti toksiškų, chemiškai sudėtingų, užterštų ar net falsifikuotų medžiagų, o tai kelia pavojų vartotojų sveikatai [1]. Be to, dažnai neatsisžvelgiama į galimybę, kad augalai gali sąveikauti su sintetiniais vaistais [2]. Tyrimai rodo, kad net 80 proc. pasaulio gyventojų bent iš dalies remiasi augaliniais preparatais pirminėje sveikatos priežiūroje, o išsivysčiusiose šalyse jų vartojimas svyruoja nuo 10 iki 50 proc. [3]. Pasaulio sveikatos organizacija (PSO) pažymi, kad pastaraisiais dešimtmečiais augalinių preparatų naudojimas kaip papildomos ir alternatyvios medicinos priemonės smarkiai išaugo, o tai kelia būtinybę stiprinti farmakologinę stebėseną ir vartotojų švietimą. Tikslas. Įvertinti Pasvalio rajono apylinkėse išlikusias etnofarmacines žinias apie ligų gydymui ir pr ofilaktikai naudojamas natūralios kilmės medžiagas. Metodai. Tyrimas atliktas 2025 metų vasarą Pasvalio rajone. Etnofarmacinė informacija buvo renkama naudojant pusiau struktūrizuotą interviu metodą. Tikslinė grupė sudaryta naudojant „sniego gniūžtės“ metodiką. Tyrimas atliktas vadovaujantis Tarptautinės etnobiologijos draugijos etikos kodeksu [4]. Susistemintos tyrimo vaistinių augalų indikacijos palygintos su Europos vaistų agentūros monografijomis. Rezultatai. Apklausti 42 respondentai (27 moterys ir 15 vyrų). Tyrime nustatytos 56 vaistinių augalų rūšys, priklausančios 22 augalų šeimoms. Išoriniam naudojimui paminėta ir 1 grybo rūšis - paprastoji musmirė (Amanita muscaria). Dažniausiai minėtos formos vaistinių augalų paruošimui: arbatos/užpilai (50 proc.), nuovirai (20 proc.), kompresai (15 proc.), sirupai/sultys (10 proc.), tinktūros/ekstraktai (5 proc.). Vaistinės augalinės žaliavos vartojamos kvėpavimo takų ligoms (32 proc.), virškinimo sutrikimams (28 proc.), taip pat imuniteto stiprinimui (16 proc.), nervų sistemai (12 proc.), odos ligoms (8 proc.), šlapimo takams (6 proc.). Medicininiais tikslais dažniausiai vartojami vaistiniai augalai: Matricaria recutita L. (28 proc.), Mentha x piperita L. (23 proc.), Calendula officinalis L. (17 proc.), Tilia cordata L. (12,6 proc.), Thymus vulgaris L. (10,5 proc.), Rubus idaeus L. (9,8 proc.). Iš 56 užfiksuotų vaistingųjų augalų indikacijų, tik 28 (50 proc.) atitinka EVA patvirtintas monografijas. Išvados. Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad Pasvalio regione sukauptos etnofarmacinės žinios yra plačiai naudojamos ligų gydymui ir profilaktikai, tačiau iš 56 augalų rūšių, įtrauktų į Europos vaistų agentūros monografijas, tik 28 (50 proc.) atitinka respondentų nurodytas indikacijas. Šie rezultatai pabrėžia poreikį išsamiau įvertinti etnofarmacinių žinių saugumą ir veiksmingumą, ypač turint tikslų jas integruoti į šiuolaikinę mediciną.

žIntroduction. Modern ethnopharmaceutical research remains relatively scarce in Europe, including Lithuania. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ethnopharmaceutical heritage related to the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic use in Šiauliai District, Lithuania, and to assess the compliance of traditional medicinal plant use indications with European Union herbal monographs. Methods The study was conducted from June–September 2024 to June-September 2025 in Šiauliai District, Lithuania. Ethno data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected using the snowball sampling technique. Documented indications for medicinal plant use were compared with European Union herbal monographs. Results. A total of 36 respondents aged 40–87 years were interviewed. The study documented 81 plant species belonging to 46 botanical families and 13 species of animal origin used for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes. Ethnopharmaceutical knowledge was primarily transmitted through family traditions, with 59.2% of respondents reporting that they acquired this knowledge from parents or grandparents. The most commonly cited medicinal plants were Plantago major L. (97.2%), Aloe vera Mill. (97.2%), and Matricaria recutita L. (94.6%). Of the 81 recorded plant species, 41 (53.9%) were not included in herbal monographs, and only 15 species (19.7%) were used in accordance with approved medical indications for skin diseases. Conclusions. Ethnopharmaceutical heritage related to skin diseases treatment and cosmetic practices remains an important part of everyday self-care in the Šiauliai region. Many plant species are used without European Medicines Agency– approved medical indications, relying solely on traditional and folk knowledge.

Introduction. The increasing number of synthetic additives in cosmetics and other skincare products leads to more frequent allergic and heightened sensitivity reactions, prompting both consumers and the market to seek healthier and more effective natural alternatives. Although the plant-based cosmetic industry in Europe is starting to grow, providing various treatments for different skin conditions, individuals continue to produce traditional homemade preparations to manage skin ailments and for cosmetic purposes [1,2]. The aim of the study. To collect and evaluate the ethnopharmaceutical knowledge regarding the skin diseases and for cosmetic purposes in Šiauliai District, Lithuania. Methods of research. The study was conducted from June 2024 to September 2025 in Šiauliai District in the territory of the Samogitia ethnographic region. Ethnobotanical information was collected using semi-structured interviews. The snowball sampling methods was used to select the respondents, where one respondent recommends another responded who has the necessary information. The study was conducted in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the International Society of Ethnobiology. Main results. 36 respondents were interviewed (2 men and 34 women). The study recorded 81 plant species used for skin diseases and cosmetics that belong to 46 plant families. The most popular forms of herbal preparations were infusions, topical applications, hydrolates and poultices. Medicinal plants were the most frequently used to treat wounds, skin inflammations, bruises and various burns and as cosmetics for skin hydration and for reducing hair loss, dandruff and pimples. The most used plants in this study were Aloe vera L., Plantago major L., Chelidonium majus L., Matricaria recutita L., Calendula of icinalis L., Urtica Dioica L., Allium cepa L. Conclusions. In the Samogitia region, the use of plants in daily routines is still a common practice. The growing demand for eco-friendly and naturally sourced products increases the importance of discovering new indications and identifying potential applications of traditional plants. This information can be a source of ideas for creating recipes for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products acceptable to the modern consumer

Įžanga Vaistinis šalavijas (Salvia officinalis L.) – daugiametis žolinis augalas iš notrelinių (Lamiaceae) šeimos, nuo seno žinomas kaip vertinga vaistinė žaliava. Liaudies medicinoje jis plačiai naudotas siekiant palengvinti virškinamojo trakto veiklos sutrikimus, gydyti kvėpavimo takų ir odos ligas, mažinti gausų prakaitavimą bei mažinti depresijos simptomus. Šiuolaikiniai moksliniai tyrimai atskleidė įvairiapusį vaistinio šalavijo farmakologinį poveikį. Nustatyta, kad šalavijo lapai pasižymi reikšmingomis biologinėmis savybėmis – priešvėžiniu, priešuždegiminiu, antioksidaciniu, antimikrobiniu bei antimutageniniu aktyvumu [1, 2]. Pagrindinės fitocheminės grupės, lemiančios jo terapinį poveikį, yra eteriniai aliejai, fenoliniai junginiai (ypač fenolinės rūgštys ir polifenoliai – flavonoidai), diterpenai bei taninai. Šiuolaikinėje medicinos praktikoje vaistinio šalavijo ekstraktai taikomi kaip pagalbinė priemonė lengvo pobūdžio dispepsijos simptomams mažinti, uždegiminėms odos, burnos ertmės ir ryklės būklėms palengvinti, taip pat esant hiperhidrozei [3]. Skystųjų ekstraktų gamyba reikalauja didelio kiekio žaliavos ir tirpiklių, dėl šios priežasties vis dažniau tradiciniai ekstrahavimo metodai (maceracija, perkoliacija) keičiami modernesniais, efektyvesniais būdais, kuriems reikia mažiau išteklių ir laiko [4]. Vienas tokių – ultragarsinė maceracija, kuri pagreitina veikliųjų medžiagų išsiskyrimą į tirpiklį [5]. Visgi, dėl kai kurių junginių selektyvumo stokos žaliava ne visada išnaudojama maksimaliai, tačiau pagalbinės medžiagos gali padidinti biologiškai aktyvių komponentų ekstrahavimą. [...].

The remote ischemic conditioning (RIC)-induced changes in systemic hemodynamics or circulatory reactivity are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a single bout of RIC on the passive leg raising (PLR)-induced cardiovascular response. This prospective study included 36 healthy volunteers (median age: 24 years). Systemic hemodynamic indices were assessed through the following sequential steps: with the participant in a supine position, during the first PLR maneuver, before RIC, after RIC, during the second PLR maneuver, and with the participant in a supine position. The perfusion index (PI) was measured during PLR before and after RIC. We found no significant differences before and after RIC in the proportion of responders during PLR (participants with stroke volume (SV) change ≥ 10%, 61% vs. 47%, p = 0.180). There was a strong correlation between SV changes during the two PLR tests (rs = 0.80, p < 0.001). PLR significantly increased the PI before and after RIC. However, there was no significant difference before and after RIC in the PLR-induced PI changes (p = 0.944). Our findings suggest that a single bout of RIC has no effect on PLR-induced cardiovascular responses in terms of changes in systemic hemodynamic and peripheral perfusion indices.

Introduction: While passive leg raising (PLR) is a widely used test to assess fuid responsiveness, it requires specifc conditions and equipment. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), involving repeated cycles of brachial cuf infation and defation, not only demonstrates therapeutic benefts but also ofers a practical alternative by inducing hemodynamic changes via neural pathways. We hypothesized that infating a blood pressure cuf during the RIC procedure would result in an increase in stroke volume index (SVI) and that these changes would correlate with hemodynamic responses observed during PLR in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: This prospective, single-center study was conducted in a general ICU at university hospital. A total of 48 adult ICU patients (aged>18 years) monitored with PiCCO2 and scheduled for PLR tests were included. SVI was measured at several time points: before and during PLR, as well as in the supine position both before and during RIC (3 cycles of brachial cuf infation to 200 mmHg for 5 min followed by 5 min of defation). Preload responsiveness was defned as SVI increase≥10% during PLR. Results: 32 (67%) patients were in septic shock. Preload responders comprised 46% (22 out of 48). Infation of the brachial cuf during RIC resulted in a signifcant increase in SVI (p<0.001), with a strong correlation between PLR- and cuf frst infation- induced SVI changes (r=0.79, p<0.001). SVI increase>5% during the cuf frst infation predicted PLR responsiveness (≥10% SVI increase) with 95% sensitivity and 84% specifcity. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the cuf frst infation assessed by SVI to detect preload responsiveness was 0.95 (0.89–0.99). Conclusions: Brachial cuf infation-induced changes in SVI during RIC demonstrated a novel and promising non-invasive approach for assessing preload responsiveness in ICU patients.

Įžanga. Enofarmaciniai tyrimai atskleidžia istorinius, kultūrinius žmonių ryšius su gamta, ypatingą dėmesį skiriant tradicinių gydymo būdų bei natūralių išteklių naudojimui žmogaus sveikatai palaikyti. Tai mokslinė sritis, kurioje susipina etnologija, botanika, farmakologija ir kultūrinės antropologijos elementai, leidžiantys pažvelgti į tai, kaip tam tikri regionai per amžius kaupė ir perdavė žinias apie gydomąsias augalų savybes [1]. Didžioji dalis etnofarmacinių tyrimų Lietuvoje atlikta Žemaitijos regione [2,3], trūksta duomenų apie Suvalkijos regioną. Tikslas. Įvertinti Zanavykų apylinkėse išlikusias etnofarmacines žinias ir palyginti vaistinių augalų vartojimo indikacijas su Europos vaistų agentūros rekomendacijomis. Metodika. Tyrimo imtis sudaroma remiantis „sniego gniūžtės“ metodu, kai vienas respondentas rekomenduoja kitą tikslinės grupės narį. Apklausa vykdoma pusiau struktūrizuoto interviu metodu. Rezultatai. Tyrimas buvo atliktas 2024 metų liepos - rugpjūčio mėnesiais, apklausta 15 respondentų nuo 42 iki 73 metų Zanavykų krašte. Etnofarmacinio tyrimo metu nustatytos 132 augalinės kilmės, 5 gyvūninės kilmės ir 3 kitos kilmės medžiagos. Populiariausi augalai buvo vaistinė ramunė (Matricaria recutita L.), plačialapis gyslotis (Plantago major L.) bei vaistinė medetka (Calendula officinalis L.), dažniausias paruošimo būdas – arbata (65,90 proc.), o dažniausiai vartojama augalinė žaliava buvo lapai (34,09 proc.). Tyrimo metu dažniausiai paminėtos ligų grupės: virškinimo sistemos ligos (21,13 proc.), imuniteto susilpnėjimas (15,96 proc.), nervų sistemos ligos (11,74 proc.), kvėpavimo sistemos ligos (11,74 proc.). Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad iš 132 Suvalkijos regione naudojamų augalinių žaliavų, 55 (41,67 proc.) yra aprašytos EVA vaistinių žaliavų monografijose, ir 36 (65,45 proc.) iš jų sutampa su EVA monografijomis. Likusios 77 (58,33 proc.) žaliavos yra vartojamos be mokslu pagrįstų indikacijų, o remiantis tik savo žiniomis ir liaudies medicinos patirtimi. Išvados. Etnofarmacinio tyrimo Zanavykų krašte metu nustatyta, kad 58,33 proc. vaistinių augalinių žaliavų vartojama be patvirtintų saugumo ir veiksmingumo tyrimų. Gauti duomenys gali būti ne tik reikšmingi ieškant naujų receptūrų etno pagrindu, bet ir įrodo, kad būtina įtraukti savigydos saugumo klausimus vykdant tolesnius etnofarmacinius tyrimus.