A.H. Subratty, A. Gurib‐Fakim and F. Mahomoodally
This article focuses on some of the reported medicinal values of bitter melon, an exotic vegetable forming part of the cuisine of various countries.
Abstract
Purpose
This article focuses on some of the reported medicinal values of bitter melon, an exotic vegetable forming part of the cuisine of various countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Available data in the literature strongly support the anti‐hypoglycaemic properties of Bitter melon. A literature view was carried out and the data were used to validate our findings regarding the effects of extracts of Momordica charantia on uptake of sugar.
Findings
Our work adds on to the growing evidence of the anti‐diabetic properties of bitter melon.
Practical implications
In view of evidence reported in the literature regarding the medicinal properties of vegetables, the importance of vegetables in a well balanced diet should therefore be strongly advocated.
Originality/value
This paper adds on to the evidence of the use of Momordica charantia as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine in the control of blood sugar level.
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Kyla L. Tennin and Shelli Brunswick
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) (2019) explicated there are four dimensions of poverty, and they include (1) resources, (2) opportunities and…
Abstract
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) (2019) explicated there are four dimensions of poverty, and they include (1) resources, (2) opportunities and choice, (3) power and voice and (4) human security (e.g. violence issues and concerns). Contrastingly, Ellis (1984) postulated dimensions of poverty are social, economic, legal and political poverty. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2015) stated poverty is not always about income, indicating ‘income poverty’. Deprivation factors can be broad, but reported poor health, inadequate living standards and lack of education are dimensions of poverty (OECD, 2015). Also, according to the World Bank, the world's extremely poor are people who live on less than $1.90 USD per day (Beck et al., 2020). The $1.90 amount is at 2011 purchasing power parity levels. Additionally, the $1.90USD amount has decreased significantly over the last decades (Beck et al., 2020). Nevertheless, entrepreneurship, UN SDGs and technology can be strategies for sustainable alleviation of poverty and pandemic global economic recovery, in the 21st century.
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Adaora I. Onaga and Joy Odimegwu
Traditional African Health Systems (TAHS) is one of the earliest systems of health care known to humankind. It remains a sustainable practice in many indigenous cultures and in…
Abstract
Traditional African Health Systems (TAHS) is one of the earliest systems of health care known to humankind. It remains a sustainable practice in many indigenous cultures and in Africa accounts for the great majority of cures for illnesses despite the advent of Western Medicine. This chapter explores the concept of TAHS and the specialisations that constitute it. It looks at relational and contextual factors in the practitioners of TAHS within the continent that explain its viability. There are resources and knowledge passed on from generation to generation which make African Traditional Medicines a force to be reckoned with.
The authors look at the specific system of health education contained in the health-related adages which foster wisdom with respect to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ailments. Situating education in its cultural context is one of the factors that has promoted TAHS. The authors compare some of these factors with Western Medicine and outline the benefits of encouraging mutuality rather than the dominance of one over the other. TAHS will definitely be a practice in the future and prospects have to include continued research in the areas of pharmacognosy, medical ethics, responsible health care, and education.
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Emmanuel Ogbu, Isaiah Adisa and Chiebuka Uzoebe Prince
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed movement restrictions and limited access to modern medical services, prompting the search for alternative solutions, such as indigenous herbal…
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed movement restrictions and limited access to modern medical services, prompting the search for alternative solutions, such as indigenous herbal medicines. In Southwest Nigeria, female herbal producers, often with limited economic resources, play a significant role in herbal medicine production. Despite facing multiple challenges, these producers have demonstrated remarkable creativity in navigating the barriers. However, without deliberate efforts to preserve their creative values, indigenous herbal businesses face the threat of extinction. This chapter investigates the resourcefulness of female herbal producers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Nigeria and proposes strategies for sustaining their trade. Qualitative data were collected to identify the treatment patterns and trade dynamics among female herbal producers in the region. The findings indicate that movement restrictions during the pandemic disrupted herbal producers' access to treatment materials, yet they managed to meet their communities' health needs. These women often serve as first responders and primary healthcare providers in many local communities in Southwest Nigeria, and collaboration with the government will further enhance their effectiveness. The sustainability of indigenous herbal medicine production and trade by women can become a pathway to promote women's economic empowerment in Nigeria if given the necessary support. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations for sustaining the ingenuity of female herbal producers in Nigeria.
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Vincent Tawiah and Noha Alessa
From generation to generation, the poor and less developed have always borne the negative consequences of the extravagant lifestyles of the rich. The climate seems to perpetuate…
Abstract
Purpose
From generation to generation, the poor and less developed have always borne the negative consequences of the extravagant lifestyles of the rich. The climate seems to perpetuate this injustice by punishing the good people with the consequences of the irresponsible acts of the wealthy. Therefore, this paper aims to establish the relationship between climate risk and carbon emissions. Then, this paper investigates the economic consequences of climate risk in both developed and developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses robust econometrics, including fixed effect and the two-step system generalised method of moments, on a large sample of 175 countries from 2008 to 2019.
Findings
Unsurprisingly, this paper found that climate risks are negatively associated with carbon emissions, indicating that countries with lower emissions are more exposed to frequent and severe climate-related disasters than those with higher emissions. Additionally, this paper discovered that climate risk has a negative impact on economic development, which is more pronounced in developing countries. The results are robust to alternative measurement and econometric modelling, including the system-generalized method of moments.
Originality/value
These findings suggest that developing countries, the least contributors to climate change, unfairly suffer from the environmentally irresponsible actions of high-emitting developed countries.
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Maryam Fatima, Ayesha Sohail, Youming Lei, Sadiq M. Sait and R. Ellahi
Enzymes play a pivotal role in orchestrating essential biochemical processes and influencing various cellular activities in tissue. This paper aims to provide the process of…
Abstract
Purpose
Enzymes play a pivotal role in orchestrating essential biochemical processes and influencing various cellular activities in tissue. This paper aims to provide the process of enzyme diffusion within the tissue matrix and enhance the nano system performance by means of the effectiveness of enzymatic functions. The diffusion phenomena are also documented, providing chemical insights into the complex processes governing enzyme movement.
Design/methodology/approach
A computational analysis is used to develop and simulate an optimal control model using numerical algorithms, systematically regulating enzyme concentrations within the tissue scaffold.
Findings
The accompanying videographic footages offer detailed insights into the dynamic complexity of the system, enriching the reader’s understanding. This comprehensive exploration not only contributes valuable knowledge to the field but also advances computational analysis in tissue engineering and biomimetic systems. The work is linked to biomolecular structures and dynamics, offering a detailed understanding of how these elements influence enzymatic functions, ultimately bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical implications.
Originality/value
A computational predictive model for nanozyme that describes the reaction diffusion dynamics process with enzyme catalysts is yet not available in existing literature.
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Jugnauth's government has been engulfed by several corruption scandals, including the resignation of the country's first female president in March 2018. Meanwhile, a forthcoming…