International Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IJBB)

Comparative Efficacy of Homeopathy and Integrated Yoga Therapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Anita Lobo, Jolly D’Mello, Prema D’Cunha — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted entity that affects the reproductive system, metabolic functions and psychological health throughout a female’s life. The causes are varied and quite complex, which can include a range of factors such as genetic susceptibility, hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and obesity-related mechanisms. The objectives of the study were to assess whether the menstrual cycle could be regularised and hyperandrogenism reduced by interventions in females suffering from PCOS. The findings of the study indicate that both the homeopathy-only and the combined homeopathy-yoga intervention groups demonstrated comparable efficacy in regularizing the menstrual cycle among women with PCOS. Regular menstruation was achieved in 64.52% of participants receiving the integrated homoeopathy and yoga therapy, compared to 61.29% in the homoeopathy-only group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (χ² = 0.793). This study ensures safe treatment without any adverse effects on the health of patients suffering from PCOS, thus enhancing their quality of life. It is recommended to conduct this study exclusively in infertile patients suffering from PCOS.

Effectiveness of Family Planning Implementation in Reducing Pregnancy and Birth Rates in Couples of Fertile Age: A Review

Novi Maya Sari, Idris Adewale Ahmed — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Family planning is a movement to form a healthy and prosperous family by limiting births. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of family planning in reducing pregnancy and birth rates in fertile couples. The method used was searching for several relevant articles through PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar, especially the clinical trial studies which published in English and Indonesian and analyzed birth control with the keyword searched using family planning, fertile couples, knowledge, and education from 2019 to 2024. There were 6 articles that revealed that the level of knowledge in family planning among fertile couples is relatively low. Family Planning via counselling has demonstrated a significant effect on increasing the knowledge of fertile couples. The successful implementation of family planning policies cannot be achieved if all contributing factors do not function optimally. Moreover, education and knowledge significantly influence the effective utilization of family planning programs.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Risk Factors in Kota Bharu, Eastern Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate diabetes mellitus, a major public health concern in Malaysia that contributes substantially to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Although lifestyle factors such as high carbohydrate intake, physical inactivity, and obesity are well-established contributors, localized evidence from Kota Bharu remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and identify its key risk factors among residents of Kota Bharu. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 568 participants recruited from Billion Mall, Kota Bharu. The mean age of participants was 41.6 years. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits were collected using questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence and examine associations between potential risk factors and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the study population was 17.6%, indicating a relatively high burden within this community. Significant risk factors included older age, comorbid conditions such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, a positive family history of diabetes mellitus, a sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical exercise. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age was a significant predictor of diabetes risk perception (AOR = 16.96; 95% CI: 1.86–154.35), indicating that older individuals were markedly more likely to perceive themselves at risk compared to those aged 18–28 years. Similarly, respondents engaging in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week demonstrated higher odds of risk perception (AOR = 4.54; 95% CI: 1.81–11.37). These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted preventive measures and community-based interventions to mitigate the growing burden of diabetes mellitus in this population.

Online Advertising and Consumer Perceptions of Herbal Cosmeceuticals: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Malaysian E-Commerce Platforms

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The global trend toward online shopping has accelerated markedly in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 lockdown. Consumers now prefer purchasing herbal cosmeceutical products through online platforms rather than in physical stores. This study aimed to examine the advertising practices of herbal cosmeceutical products on selected online platforms and to explore consumer purchasing behavior. A total of 50 products were randomly selected from two anonymized online shopping sites and evaluated based on their ingredient composition, adherence to advertising guidelines, and approval status by the Ministry of Health (MOH). In parallel, a survey involving 125 participants was conducted to gather demographic data and assess consumer knowledge and attitudes toward these products. Results revealed that 72% of the analyzed products were unregistered with the MOH, and many consumers held the misconception that all herbal products are inherently safe. Additionally, the majority of consumers believe that online shopping is convenient, time-saving, and safe.

Medicinal Plants in Cosmeceuticals: Bridging Ethnopharmacology and Modern Dermatology

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Medicinal plants have historically played an integral role in traditional beauty and dermatologic care systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani, and Indigenous healing practices. Contemporary research confirms that their therapeutic effects arise from diverse bioactive phytochemicals—polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins—offering multifunctional benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties. This review explores the ethnopharmacological heritage, phytochemical basis, and modern cosmeceutical applications of selected medicinal plants such as Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Butyrospermum parkii, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Advances in formulation technologies—particularly nanoemulsions, liposomes, phytosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles—have enhanced the stability, delivery, and skin bioavailability of botanical actives. Despite their potential, challenges remain regarding standardization, variability in phytochemical content, and safety concerns related to allergenicity or contamination. Regulatory frameworks, including the U.S. MoCRA, EU Regulation No. 1223/2009, and ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, emphasize safety, labeling, and post-market surveillance for botanical cosmeceuticals. Overall, integrating traditional botanical knowledge with modern extraction and nanotechnology-based delivery systems offers a sustainable and scientifically grounded approach to future skincare innovation.