MEDICA (International Medical Scientific Journal)

Preliminary Toxicity Assessment of Black Forest Honey and Garlic Extract for Postpartum Perineal Wound Healing

2026-06-12T00:21:06+00:00

Postpartum perineal wound infection remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity. Interest in natural therapies has encouraged the investigation of black forest honey and garlic as potential wound-healing agents. This study evaluated the preliminary toxicity of black forest honey from Ujung Kulon, Banten, combined with garlic (Allium sativum) extract for potential postpartum perineal wound management. A laboratory experimental study employed the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) to assess toxicity and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to evaluate antioxidant activity. Artemia salina larvae were exposed to different extract concentrations, and Probit analysis was used to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50). The combination exhibited biological activity, with an LC50 of 230.4 ppm (95% CI: 19.5–388.9 ppm), indicating moderate toxicity according to established classifications. The Probit model demonstrated an adequate fit (Pearson Chi-square = 10.128; p = 0.429), supporting the toxicity estimate. Potential bioactive constituents include phenolic compounds, flavonoids, hydrogen peroxide, and allicin, which may contribute to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The combination demonstrated biological activity and moderate toxicity, suggesting potential for further investigation in postpartum perineal wound management. However, these findings do not establish clinical safety or efficacy. Further antimicrobial testing, in vivo studies, and clinical trials are necessary to determine its safety, therapeutic potential, and suitability for preventing postpartum perineal wound infections.

Effectiveness of Teacher Empowerment for Bullying Detection and Adolescent Mental Health Promotion: A Mixed-Methods Study

2026-07-22T08:48:49+00:00

Bullying is a major school-related problem that adversely affects adolescents' mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, social isolation, reduced academic performance, and self-harm. This study examined the effectiveness of a Teacher Empowerment Program in strengthening teachers' capacity for early bullying detection and adolescent mental health promotion in junior high schools in Padang City, Indonesia. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group study with qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews. Sixty teachers were assigned to intervention and control groups, while data from 70 students supported bullying and mental health indicators. The intervention included training on bullying identification, psychosocial indicators, supportive communication, and mental health promotion strategies. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, whereas qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The intervention significantly improved teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and skills (all p < 0.001). Mean knowledge scores increased from 61.4 to 84.7, attitudes from 65.3 to 86.1, and skills from 59.7 to 83.6. Qualitative findings revealed that teachers considered the program practical and relevant, although limited time, administrative workload, and the absence of school-wide bullying standard operating procedures remained key challenges. The Teacher Empowerment Program effectively strengthened teachers' capacity to prevent bullying and promote adolescent mental health in schools.