Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 9, Issue 3, 2023

Background: Flavonoids are phenolic compounds or plant constituents containing phenol ring and is also known as a polyphenolic compound. Flavonoids have remarkable antioxidant potential, but along with this, they also exhibit a variety of activities through various mechanisms. Flavonoids are classified into six different groups based on their chemical structures and these activities are owed to six different basic structures. In this manuscript, the focus has been paid to two subclasses i.e, Flavonoids and flavanols. Objective: The aim of this review is to highlight the potential of flavonoids in the treatment of various ailments and prospects associated with the delivery of flavonoids. Methods: We reviewed the literature from journal publication websites and electronic databases, such as Bentham, Springer, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, etc. Results: The abundant availability of sources of flavonoids makes a point in favour of exhaustive exploration of this group. Herbals having a high content of flavonoids have been used in the treatment of a number of ailments from ancient times by human beings and these are reported to be having anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant potential. Conclusion: There are a number of health benefits of flavonoids that makes this group of bioactive compounds the most promising and attractive group for researchers. The need of the hour is to explore more efficient extraction processes and advanced delivery systems for such an active and widely distributed class of natural compounds.

Shwasananda vati (SV) is a South Indian traditional herbo-mineral formulation widely used in different parts of southern India, particularly in Kerala state. The formulation is documented in an ancient Kerala traditional treatise and is widely used as a treatment for respiratory ailments in both children and adults. The formulation is cited in an ancient Kerala traditional treatises and significantly used as a remedy for respiratory ailments in children as well as adults. The composition comprises herbs and mineral which is categorized under poisonous drugs (schedule E (1) drugs) as per Ayurvedic Indian traditional system of medicine. However, in Ayurveda, herbo-mineral drugs are purified or detoxified before being used for therapeutic purposes. Ayurveda doctrines consider these herbo-mineral medications to have unique attributes such as instant effectiveness, the requirement of a very small dosage, and a wide range of therapeutic utility. The compliance data on the safety and efficacy of this formulation or its ingredients is scarce. To place traditional medicine on a scientific footing, a thorough knowledge of SV, its therapeutic potential, safety, and toxicity profile, supported by scientific evidence, is necessary. The present report analyses the role of this traditional preparation, highlighting traditional therapeutic claims, possible bioactivities, safety profile, and therapeutic potential as per current assumptions of science.

The mass casualties caused by the delta variant and the wave of the newer “Omicron” variant of SARS-COV-2 in India have brought about great concern among healthcare officials. The government and healthcare agencies are seeking effective strategies to counter the pandemic. The application of nanotechnology and repurposing of drugs are reported as promising approaches in the management of COVID-19 disease. It has also immensely boomed the search for productive, reliable, cost-effective, and bio-assimilable alternative solutions. Since ancient times, the traditionally employed Ayurvedic bhasmas have been used for diverse infectious diseases, which are now employed as nanomedicine that could be applied for managing COVID-19-related health anomalies. Like currently engineered metal nanoparticles (NPs), the bhasma nanoparticles (BNPs) are also packed with unique physicochemical properties, including multi-elemental nanocrystalline composition, size, shape, dissolution, surface charge, hydrophobicity, and multi-pathway regulatory as well as modulatory effects. Because of these conformational and configurational-based physicochemical advantages, Bhasma NPs may have promising potential to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the incidence of pneumonia-like common lung infections in children as well as age-related inflammatory diseases via immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and adjuvant- related properties.

Background: Obesity has been increasing very rapidly over the past few decades in various developed countries affecting human health and producing various chronic disorders like diabetes (type 2), fat deposition in the liver, coronary heart disease, and atherosclerosis. Objective: Apart from the genetic and side effects of the drugs, nearly 80-90% of people become obese due to various behavioural factors, high caloric intake, and some physiological factors. Currently, 15- 20% of male adults are overweight and 20-25% of females come under the category of obese. Methods: Obesity is calculated by the body mass index and can be determined by the percentage of body fat and total body fat. Orlistat and sibutramine are two anti-obesogenic drugs which are available on the market and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, these drugs possess various side effects and are high in cost. Therefore, more attention goes towards the medicinal plants and their isolated compounds, which are low in cost and with few or no side effects. Results: In this review, we give information about the anti-obesogenic effect of various medicinal plant compounds isolated from them, the extract dose, and the mechanism of action of in vivo and In vitro activity. During our literature work, we also found some of the plants with effective In vitro and in vivo activity against obesity. Conclusion: Therefore, the government and scientific community and other pharmaceutical companies help to find and work on various medicinal plants not to determine their bioactive compounds but also to develop effective anti-obesity drugs.

Background: Infectious diseases have posed a major threat to human survival for centuries and can devastate entire populations. Recently, the global outbreak of COVID-19 has increased exponentially, affecting more than 200 countries and millions of lives since the fall of 2019, largely due to the ineffectiveness of existing antiviral therapies. WHO announced it a public health emergency of international concern. A significant waiting period in antiviral therapy hindered by the rapid evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 aggravated the situation ensuing imposition of strict laws (e.g., communal dissociation, international travel restrictions, and maintenance of hygiene) that would help in inhibiting further outspread of COVID-19. Ayurveda system of medicine offers a holistic approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This review aims to highlight the potential of medicinal herbs and Ayurvedic drugs as the remedial approach for viral diseases, such as COVID- 19. Methods: We reviewed the literature from journal publication websites and electronic databases, such as Bentham, Science Direct, Pub Med, Scopus, USFDA, etc. Results: The drugs used in the traditional system of medicine have the potential to prevent and cure the infected patient. Ayurvedic therapies are known for regulating immunity and rejuvenation properties that behold much promise in the management of COVID-19 disease. Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH recommends some precautionary fitness measures and an increase in immunity with special reference to respiratory health. Conclusion: While there is no medication for COVID-19 as of now, taking preventive measures and boosting body immunity is highly recommended. A number of medicinal plants that play an important role in revitalizing the immune system are easily accessible in home remedies.

Background: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L., family: Pedaleaceae) is also known as Til, sesamum, beniseed, and sim-sim. Sesame is an herbaceous, tropical, erect, annually grown, and oldest oilseed plant. Sesame crop has been mainly cultivated in Asia, Africa, and different parts of the world for centuries. Objective: The aim of this systematic review on Sesamum indicum L is to bridge traditional information and pharmacological indications for future translational research. Methods: The current study of Sesamum indicum (S. indicum) on its phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and customary uses depends on a few well-known databases, for example, ACS, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Wiley online library, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Pubmed, and other distributed materials, for example, course books and papers. The literature was looked at using the catchphrases ‘Sesamum indicum’ Sesamin, Sesamol, and Sesamolin, etc. Results: Based on data found during reviews, sesame possesses numerous traditional uses and activities. It also showed that different parts of the plant contain different phytoconstituents. Conclusion: Conclusively, it is found that S. indicum has been confirmed as an essential therapeutic origin from its conventional use.