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Open Access Full Text Article  Review Article

Pistacia vera: Bridging Unani Wisdom and Modern Nutraceutical Science: A Comprehensive Review

Nawaz Ahmed ¹, Shaik Adeena Parveen ¹*, Sayeed Azami ², Abdul Azeez ³

PG Scholar ¹, Department of Regimenal Therapies, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

PG Scholar ², Department of Ilmul Saidla, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Associate Professor ³, Department of Regimenal Therapies, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

 

 

Introduction

The genus Pistacia belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, which also includes economically important plants such as cashew, mango, and sumac. Among the various species, Pistacia vera L. is the only one that produces commercially edible nuts.¹ The word pistachio is derived from the ancient Persian term “pistak,” reflecting its strong geographical and cultural origins. Dioscorides explained the origin of the term as being derived from the Greek words pissa (resin) and aklomai (to heal), indicating a plant endowed with health-promoting resinous properties.²

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature review on Pistacia vera (Pista) was conducted using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, with relevant keywords such as Pistacia vera, pistachio, pista, Unani medicine, nutritional composition, and pharmacological activities. Classical Unani texts—Khazāʾin al-Advia, Muḥīt-i-Aʿẓam, Makhzan al-Mufradāt, Qārābādīn Najm al-Ghani, Bustān al-Mufradāt, Qārābādīn-i-Aʿẓam, and Kitāb al-Fatḥ fī al-Tadāwī—were thoroughly reviewed, along with standard botanical and pharmacognostical references such as Flora Medica, Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, Indian Materia Medica, Indian Medicinal Plants, Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, and the Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants. Data from classical literature and contemporary scientific research were critically analysed and systematically compiled to develop an integrated overview of the nutraceutical and pharmacological profile of Pista.

History

The primary centre of origin of pistachio extends across Turkey, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, the Caucasus region of southern Russia, and Afghanistan. The species is believed to have evolved in arid inland desert regions, as it requires prolonged hot summers for proper fruit ripening, exhibits strong tolerance to drought and salinity, and possesses a high winter chilling requirement.^3,6,7

Archaeological evidence suggests that pistachio consumption dates back as early as 300,000 years ago, based on the discovery of burnt pistachio shells in the Mousterian layers of Kebara Cave in Israel.⁴ Further excavations at Jarmo, near northeastern Iraq, indicate that pistachio nuts were a common dietary component as early as 6750 BC. Historically, pistachios have been regarded as symbols of royalty, endurance, and prestige. Exceptionally fine pistachios were reportedly a favoured delicacy of the Queen of Sheba, who is said to have reserved all Assyrian supplies exclusively for her royal court (24). During the 8th century BC, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar is believed to have introduced pistachio trees into his legendary Hanging Gardens.³

By the 2nd century BC, Nicander documented the presence of pistachios in Susa, a region in southwestern Iran near the Iraqi border. In the 1st century BC, Poseidonius recorded the cultivation of pistachios in Syria, from where it was introduced to Italy in the 1st century AD and subsequently spread throughout the Mediterranean region. The crop later expanded eastward and was reported in China around the 10th century AD. Pistachios were introduced into the United States in 1854; however, organised commercial cultivation began only after 1970. In recent decades, pistachio cultivation has further extended to Australia.

At present, pistachios are widely cultivated in Iran, the Middle East, Mediterranean regions, and the United States. In 2009, Iran accounted for nearly 40% of global pistachio production, while the United States contributed approximately 27% of the total world output.³

Description of the Plant According to Unani Literature

According to Unani literature, the Pista (Pistacia vera) tree closely resembles the Batam tree, known as Saqar in Persian. The tree is small in size, dusty, thornless, and long-lived. Fruiting begins at the onset of the rainy season, and ripening occurs by early winter.

Pista is classified into two varieties: Bustānī (garden variety) and Pahāṛī (hilly variety). The Bustānī variety produces larger fruits and is commonly referred to as commercial Pista. The best quality Pista is characterised by large size, soft texture, and a white shell. The outer thin layer is bluish-green, while the kernel is green, glossy, and tasty.

Grafting (Qalamdārī) of Pista onto Batam is traditionally practised to enhance yield. The seed coat (Pista kā Juft) refers to the thin covering of the kernel inside the hard shell. The tree shows alternate bearing, producing kernel-bearing fruits in one year and non-kernel fruits (Bazghaj) in the following year.

Pista kernels stored within the shell remain stable for longer durations compared to de-shelled kernels. Traditional practice also suggests that lemon water helps prevent kernel deterioration. ^5,11,12

 

 

Figure 1: Pistachio

 

 

Scientific Classification 

Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta 

Division: Magnoliophyta 

Class: Magnoliopsida 

Order: Sapindales

Family: Anacardiaceae 

Genus: Pistacia

Species: Pistacia vera L.

Botanical Name: Pistacia vera ⁶

 

Vernacular Names

Arabic	فستق (fustuq / fustāq ḥalbī)
Bengali	পিস্তা (pistā / pēstā)
Chinese	开心果 (kāixīn guǒ)
Dutch	Pistache
English	Pistachio
French	Pistache
German	Pistazie
Greek	φυστίκι (fistíki)
Gujarati	પિસ્તા (pistā)
Hindi	पिस्ता (pistā)
Japanese	ピスタチオ (pisutachio)
Kannada	ಪಿಸ್ತಾ (pistā)
Kashmiri	پسته (pista)
Latin	Pistacia vera
Malayalam	പിസ്ത (pista)
Marathi	पिस्ता (pistā)
Nepali	पिस्ता (pistā)
Persian	پسته (pesteh)
Punjabi	ਪਿਸ਼ਤਾ (pistā)
Russian	фисташка (fistashka)
Sanskrit	पिष्टा (piṣṭā)
Spanish	Pistacho
Tamil	பிஸ்தா (pistā)
Telugu	పిస్తాపప్పు (pistā pappu)
Unani	Pistā / پِسْتَا
Urdu	پستا / پستہ (pistā / pesteh)

 

Parts Used - Fruit, Flower, and Shell

Mizāj (Temperament)

According to Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna), the kernel of Pista possesses a Garm wa Tār (hot and moist) temperament in the second degree.

Tamīmī has reported the temperament of Pista as hot and dry in the first degree.^5,8,12

Miqdār-e-Khūrāk (Dose)

Pistachio Kernel (Maghz-e-Pistah): 6 masha to 1 tola (approximately 6–12 g) daily. ⁸

Muẓir (Adverse Effects)

Maghz-e-Pistah, particularly the peeled kernel, may harm the stomach, impair digestion, and disturb food assimilation. Pistachio oil can produce similar gastric discomfort. Some classical sources indicate that pistachios may be harmful to the lower organs if consumed in excess. ^8,11

Musleh (Corrective Measures)

To mitigate adverse effects, pistachio is traditionally combined with Zard Aalu (Apricot), Aalu Bukhara (Dried Plum/Prune) or Sikanjabeen (Oxymel) ¹¹

Badal (Substitutes)

Maghz-e-Bādām (Almond kernel), Maghz-e-Akhrot (Walnut kernel) ¹¹

Compound Unani Formulations

Kernal (Maghz-e-Pistah)

• Ma‘jūn Supari Pak
• Labūb Kabeer

Outer Shell (Post-e-Bairun-e-Pistah)

• Jawārish Amla
• Jawārish Anarain

Flower (Gul-e-Pistah)

Nutrient and Bioactive Composition

The kernel of pistachio contains approximately 55.2–60.5% oil, 15.0–21.2% protein, and 14.9–17.7% carbohydrates. Pistachios are among the richest dietary sources of fiber (10.3 g/100 g) and provide about 600 kcal per 100 g, indicating a high energy value.

Like most nuts, pistachios are rich in fats, predominantly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with smaller proportions of saturated fatty acids. Oleic acid and linoleic acid together constitute more than 50% of the total lipid content. Pistachios also supply a substantial amount of high-quality protein (~21% of total weight). The Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of roasted pistachios is 81, which decreases to 73 in raw pistachios. The Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) is 86 for raw and 83 for roasted pistachios. Compared to many other edible nuts, pistachios possess a higher proportion of essential amino acids, including a notable concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Pistachios are also fibre-dense, containing approximately 10% insoluble fibre and 0.3% soluble fibre by weight. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pistachios provide at least 15 essential micronutrients in significant amounts, each contributing more than 10% of the Daily Reference Value (DRV) per ounce (28.5 g) serving.

Pistachios are particularly rich in copper, manganese, vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium, phosphorus, chromium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins E and K (phylloquinone), riboflavin, and folate, along with smaller quantities of other micronutrients. In addition, pistachios contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (xanthophyll carotenoids) and a wide spectrum of bioactive phenolic compounds, contributing to their antioxidant and health-promoting properties. ^9,10

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS (Af‘Āl)

Fruit (Thamar-e-Pista)

The fruit of Pista is highly valued in Unani medicine for its tonic, nutritive, and organ-strengthening actions, particularly on the brain, heart, and reproductive system.

• Muqawwī-i-Dimāgh (Brain Tonic): Strengthens cerebral functions and is beneficial in weakness of the nervous system.¹
• Muqawwī-i-Qalb (Cardiac Tonic): Supports cardiac strength and improves vitality.²
• Muqawwī-i-Ḥāfiẓa (Memory Enhancer): Enhances memory and cognitive performance.¹
• Musammin-e-Badan (Weight Gainer): Promotes healthy weight gain due to its high nutritive value.³
• Munaffis-e-Balgham (Expectorant): Helps in expelling phlegmatic humours from the respiratory tract.²
• Muqawwī-i-Bāh (Aphrodisiac): Strengthens sexual power and improves semen quality.¹
• Muḥallil (Resolvent): Aids in the resolution of swellings and inflammatory conditions.⁴
• Jālī (Detergent): Cleanses tissues and improves clarity of skin and internal organs.³
• Munqī (Expulsive): Eliminates morbid matter from the body and vital organs.⁴
• Mufattiḥ (Deobstruent): Opens obstructions in channels, especially vascular and visceral blockages.²

Shell (Post-e-Pista)

The shell of Pista is primarily valued for its astringent and strengthening properties

• Qābiẓ (Astringent): Causes tissue contraction and reduces excessive secretions.²
• Muqawwī-i-Āam (General Tonic): Provides an overall strengthening effect to the body.³
• Muqawwī-i-Qalb (Cardiac Tonic): Supports cardiac tone and functional efficiency.^5,8,13,14

THERAPEUTIC USES (Ist‘Emālāt)

Fruit (Thamar-e-Pista)

Respiratory System: Pistachio is particularly beneficial for chest and lung disorders. It helps in cough and facilitates the expulsion of Balgham (phlegm). The flowers of pistachio are traditionally used to relieve cough, and Habb-e-Gul-e-Pistah is a well-known compound formulation for respiratory ailments.¹²

Nervous System Disorders: Due to its aromatic and tonic properties, pistachio is considered Muqawwī-i-Aam (general tonic). Classical Unani physicians recommend it for brain (Dimāgh) weakness, improving cognition, memory (Nisyān), and mental vigour.

Headaches and Migraines: Traditional Unani texts describe nasal administration (Sa‘ut) of Ravghan-e-Pistah (pistachio oil) after exposure to steam (Ḥammām) as effective in relieving Shaqeeqah (migraine) by displacing morbid humors toward the shoulders.^12,13

Cardiovascular Health: Pistachio acts as a Muqawwī-i-Qalb (cardiac tonic) and is beneficial in Khafaqān (palpitations) and general cardiac weakness.²

Digestive System: The fruit is Muqawwī-i-Mi‘da (gastric tonic) and Musammin-i-Badan (body-nourishing/ fattening). It strengthens the cardiac end of the stomach (Fam al-Mi‘da) and prevents Ghathayān (nausea) and Inqilāb al-Mi‘da (vomiting/gastric upsets).²³

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Pistachio is beneficial in conditions of cold-temperament liver (Burudat-e-Jigar) and mild Yarqān (jaundice).²

Reproductive System: The fruit is considered a Muqawwī-i-Bāh (aphrodisiac) and enhancer of semen production.^5,8,12

Shell (Post-e-Pistah)

Astringent Uses: The hard white shell is Qābiẓ (astringent) and helps prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.²

Anal and Genital Health: Boiling the shell in water and using it as an Ābzān (sitz bath) is effective for Khurooj-e-Maq‘ad (anal fissures). The decoction (Joshanda) of bark and leaves, applied topically (Natool), is traditionally used in Nazla (catarrh), Dard-e-Maq‘ad (rectal pain), Dard -i-Raḥim (uterine pain), skin greasiness (Jarab wa Ḥikka), and lice infestation.²

Hair and Mental Health: Regular washing of hair with the decoction is believed to reduce Waswasah (obsessive thoughts/delusions) and balance Saudawi Mawad (melancholic humors)^5,12

Pharmacological Activities

Pistacia vera (pistachio) exhibits a wide array of pharmacological activities, which are attributed to its rich composition of unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, minerals, and other bioactive compounds.

• Antiemetic Effect
• Anti-epileptic Effect
• Sedative and Hypnotic Activity
• Muscle Relaxation
• Effect on Memory
• Neuroprotective Effect
• Nephroprotective Effect
• Hepatoprotective Effect
• Anti-Melanogenic Effect
• Anti-inflammatory Activity
• Antidiabetic Effect
• Antiulcer Effect
• Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition
• Effective for Metabolic Syndrome and CHD
• Anti-obesity Effect ¹³

Evidence-Based Pharmacological Studies

Anti-epileptic Effect

Hydroalcoholic extracts of Pistacia vera and petroleum ether extracts of Pistacia integerrima significantly reduced PTZ- and MES-induced seizures in animal models, confirming their antiepileptic potential.¹⁵

Sedative and Hypnotic Activity

Hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera gum exhibited significant sedative and hypnotic effects by increasing sleep duration and reducing sleep latency in phenobarbital-induced sleep models.¹⁶

Muscle Relaxation

The hydroalcoholic extract of Pistacia vera gum demonstrated muscle relaxant effects in traction and rotarod tests, with significant activity observed at the high dose of 1 g/kg.¹⁷

Effect on Memory

Pistacia lentiscus essential oil improved memory in LPS-induced memory-deficient rats by reducing oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase activity.³⁶⁰ Additionally, Pistacia vera fruit extract was effective in regulating chemically induced memory impairment. ^17,18

Neuroprotective Effect

The Pistacia genus is recognized for strong neuro-protective properties. Pistacia vera gum has shown notable protection in ischemia-induced animal models, while P. terebinthus exhibits neuroprotection mainly through significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Leaf extracts and key phenolic compounds of P. lentiscus reversed aluminium-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Similarly, P. atlantica mitigated mercury-induced brain damage, further supporting its neuroprotective potential. ¹⁹

Anxiolytic effect

The global prevalence of anxiety and depression is high, and long-term use of conventional anxiolytics can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Plant-based alternatives may help reduce these adverse effects. Studies show that the fruit extract of Pistacia atlantica produces significant anxiolytic activity in both intact and gonadectomized rats. Similarly, Pistacia vera gum extract demonstrated anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus maze model, particularly at higher doses (1 g/kg). ¹⁶

Nephroprotective Effect

Hydroalcoholic extracts of Pistacia vera reduced gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by improving kidney function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. ²¹

Hypoglycemic effect

Pistacia species show strong antidiabetic potential. P. atlantica extracts improved STZ-induced hyperglycemia, enhanced β-cell function, and inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase. P. lentiscus leaf, fruit, and crude extracts normalized alloxan- and STZ-induced diabetes, while P. terebinthus also reversed STZ-induced hyperglycemia. Mild activity was noted in P. vera stem metabolites. Additional mechanisms include 11β-HSD1 inhibition by P. lentiscus oleoresin and α-glucosidase inhibition by pistagremic acid from P. integerrima. Because many Pistacia species also aid diabetic neuropathy and wound healing, they may simultaneously address multiple diabetes-related complications, reducing polypharmacy. Further clinical studies are needed. ^21,22

Effect on GLUT

The glucose transporter (GLUT) system plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels. Among these, GLUT-II is bidirectional, while others function unidirectionally. P. atlantica extract has been shown to enhance GLUT-IV expression, suggesting improved insulin responsiveness. Further evaluation of other Pistacia species on GLUT modulation is warranted. ²³

Anticancer effect

Pistacia species exhibit notable anticancer potential. P. lenticus leaf and fruit extracts inhibited melanoma (B16F10) and BHK21 cell growth, while its essential oils showed stronger effects on RD and L20B cell lines. Protective effects against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and oxidative stress were also reported. P. atlantica demonstrated antiproliferative activity against COLO205, gastric, and cervical carcinoma, attributed to its antioxidant phenolics. P. palaestina essential oil inhibited colorectal cancer, and P. vera ethyl acetate extract suppressed MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Additionally, the natural antiemetic properties of these plants complement their anticancer activity, offering a dual therapeutic advantage in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea. ^24,25,26

Bronchodilator effect

P. integerrima exhibits bronchodilator activity, with its methanolic extract fully relaxing tracheal contractions, and its essential oil showing anti-asthmatic effects.²⁷

Hepatoprotective Effect

Hydroalcoholic extracts of Pistacia vera protect the liver from CCl₄-induced damage, mainly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.³⁹⁶ Extracts from Pistacia lentiscus leaves and fruits reduced paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice, lowering liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and tissue necrosis.²⁸

 

Anti-gout effect

P. integerrima leaves reduce uric acid levels in fructose-induced hyperuricemia, with compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, and their derivatives inhibiting xanthine oxidase, highlighting its potential as an effective anti-gout agent. ²⁹

Anti-Melanogenic Effect

Methanol extract of Pistacia vera seeds (MPH) exhibited strong anti-melanogenic activity in SKMEL-3 human melanoma cells, reducing melanin content (~57%) and showing cytotoxicity (~63%) after 72 hours.³⁰

Multiple Sclerosis and Nutritional Support

Pistachios are a good source of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and antioxidants, which may support myelin health and immune modulation in multiple sclerosis. Evidence from animal studies suggests dietary lipids, especially n-6 PUFAs, influence myelin formation, though human data remain limited. Sauder KA, McCrea CE, Ulbrecht JS, Kris-Etherton PM, West SG. Pistachio nut consumption modifies serum oxidized LDL in adults with controlled type 2 diabetes: a randomized crossover trial. J Nutr. 2014;144(4):475-480. ³¹

Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Health

Regular pistachio consumption has been shown to:

• Lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity
• Support endothelial function and cardiovascular health
• Reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers
• Improve lipid profiles and vascular function in type 2 diabetes
• Reduce aminotransferase levels associated with insulin resistance
• Provide a low glycemic index, reducing postprandial glucose when consumed with carbohydrates

Frequent intake (e.g., 4 times/week) may reduce dyslipidemia and support heart health, while also enhancing antioxidant status and reducing oxidized LDL. ³²

Anti-inflammatory Activity

Crude leaf extract of Pistacia vera has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects in both acute and chronic inflammation models. Similarly, Pistacia atlantica exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity in animal studies. Additional in vivo and in vitro experiments further confirmed the strong anti-inflammatory properties of P. vera.^24,29,33

Anti-obesity Effect 

Bioactive compounds in Pistacia atlantica root, particularly protocatechuic acid (452 μg/g dry weight) and quinic acid (960 μg/g dry weight), demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic lipase, suggesting potential anti-obesity effects. No further studies on this effect have been reported.³⁴

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition

Pistacia atlantica exhibits notable acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Similarly, both the crude extract and various fractions, including metabolites from the fruit stems of Pistacia vera, demonstrated significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.³⁵

Antihypertensive effect

Research on the antihypertensive potential of the Pistacia genus is limited, yet P. atlantica leaf extract has shown strong ACE-I inhibition, suggesting promising antihypertensive activity. Since hypertension commonly coexists with diabetes, clinical trials in patients with both conditions may yield particularly valuable insights.²³

Anthelmintic effect

Extracts and essential oils of Pistacia khinjuk show strong anthelmintic activity, particularly against Echinococcus granulosus, the cause of hydatid cysts. P. lentiscus also demonstrates potent deworming properties, with its polyphenols disrupting the exsheathment of gastrointestinal nematode larvae. Additionally, formulations containing P. lentiscus effectively eliminated nematodes in naturally infected sheep.³⁶

Diabetic wound healing effect

Diabetic wound management remains a major global challenge with no definitive treatment, making medicinal plants valuable candidates for therapy. Pistacia atlantica resin oil has shown notable wound-healing potential in STZ-induced diabetic rats, although further studies on this activity are still lacking.³⁷

Discussion

Pistacia vera exemplifies a convergence of traditional Unani medicine and modern pharmacology. Classical texts describe its use as a tonic for the brain, heart, and reproductive system, highlighting its organ-strengthening and nutritive properties. Modern evidence supports these traditional claims, demonstrating neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory activities. The presence of bioactive compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and tocopherols underpins these effects, corroborating the holistic benefits described in Unani literature.

Pharmacological studies reveal multitargeted mechanisms of action. Pistacia vera not only modulates glucose transporters (GLUT), lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress but also inhibits acetylcholinesterase and inflammatory pathways, supporting cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. Its anti-cancer, antiemetic, and wound-healing potentials further illustrate its broad-spectrum therapeutic applicability. 

While preclinical studies provide strong evidence, clinical validation remains limited, emphasizing the need for standardized extracts, dosage optimization, and long-term safety assessment. Integrating traditional insights with modern trials could unlock Pistacia vera’s full therapeutic potential, positioning it as a functional food for preventive and adjunctive therapy.

Conclusion

Pistacia vera bridges Unani wisdom and contemporary science, confirming its status as a nutrient-dense functional food with extensive therapeutic benefits. Traditional knowledge identifies it as a brain, cardiac, and reproductive tonic, while modern research validates its neuroprotective, cardiometabolic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its bioactive compounds enable multitarget pharma-cological actions, including antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory effects.

Future research should focus on clinical trials, standardisation of extracts, and mechanistic studies to translate preclinical evidence into human applications. Such investigations will establish Pistacia vera as a scientifically validated integrative therapy, harmonizing traditional Unani practices with modern nutraceutical and pharmacological advancements.

Declaration of competing interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgement: I am thankful to my coauthors for their support. I acknowledged those whose papers, articles, and books are cited in this paper.

Source of Funding: None 

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