Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 9, Issue 4, 2023

With the global death toll nearing 3.3 million, India being amongst the top 4 countries, the condition is more than fearsome. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends one doctor per 1000 population ratio, but India lags it by one doctor to 1456 people, which sets a lot of pressure on the healthcare system. Traditional remedies are becoming increasingly popular in India as a result of the lack of a proper medical system. Due to the rich diversity of medicinal herbs and drugs, India has been managing health issues with its 5000 years old medication system. Amidst all this, the traditional medicine system has given relief to plenty of diseases and remains the primary defence system against COVID-19. Therefore, COVID-19 is also managed by its different medicinal systems, which are collectively known as the AYUSH regime. It had been a recognized system to tackle diseases in the past. In this mini-review, we performed a deep study of the Indian traditional medicine system in managing the COVID-19 situation.

Skin carcinoma is the most common malignancy, including malignant melanoma and non-malignant melanoma throughout the world, and in the last three decades, its incidences have been increasing drastically. High cost, severe side effects and development of resistance from conventional chemotherapy have decreased its acceptability and increased the urge for the search for alternate options. Therefore, plant derived phytochemicals have come up with cost effectiveness, ease of availability and promising potential for skin related cancers. In spite of the lack of clinical data involving humans to support the positive effects of phytochemicals on different types of skin cancers, topical application of these plant derived anticancer phytochemicals is extremely promising. Many mechanisms and pathways underlie the antitumor activity of plant-derived phytochemicals , such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the release of cytochrome-c, suppression of antiapoptotic proteins and induction of proapoptotic proteins, activation of caspases, Fas, FADD and p53 signaling pathway, inhibition of Akt signaling pathway, phosphorylation of ERK, P13K, Raf, survivin gene, STAT 3 and NF-kB. The use of cell line models in the in vitro study of skin cancer offers the opportunity to identify the mechanisms of action of plant derived phytochemicals against various types of skin cancer. As such, this article aims at providing a comprehensive review of plant extracts and phytochemicals, which have been reported to exhibit promising anti-carcinogenic properties in animal models and against various skin cancer cell lines.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. There is no effective medication for COVID- 19 as of now, so it would be good to take preventive measures that not only boost our immunity but also fight against infections. The use of traditional Chinese medicine in China to treat COVID-19 patients sets the prototype demonstrating that traditional medicines can contribute to prevention and treatment successfully. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) released a self-care advisory during the COVID-19 crisis as a preventive aspect. This review article discusses the therapeutic potential and clinical relevance of some herbs [(Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Tvaka (Cinnamon), Maricha (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Munakka (Dried grapes), Lavang (Syzigiumaromaticum), Pudina (Mentha arvensis), and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)] advised by AUYSH to take during COVID-19 infection. They are effective in COVID-19 management, therefore, authors have discussed their detailed traditional uses as therapeutics and spotted scientific insight and clinical significance of the herbs mentioned above along with their mechanistic viewpoint, adequately, on a single platform. Provided information could be a treasure to open up a new research arena on natural products to manage human health crises effectively, caused not only by COVID-19 but also by other infectious diseases.

Background: Marine ecosystem is one of the main natural sources of numerous biologically active components having rich biodiversity. Marine biomaterials obtained from fungi, algae, bacteria, and fish are considered promising candidates for various biological as well as biomedical application(s). Objectives: The main focus of this manuscript is to highlight the recent trends utilized in several marine-based biomaterials developed for pharmaceutical applications. Methods: The literature contains valuable and collective information on the different bioactivities of marine-based biomaterials. A total of 287 articles are cited in the present review covering a broad spectrum of marine biomaterials, and their pharmaceutical importance. Information on different marine biomaterials, along with their source, chemical nature, and pharmaceutical importance, is exhaustively compiled here in this review. Results: Marine-based biomaterials possess a wide range of physiochemical activities, and modifications in these properties can also enhance their therapeutic and regenerative capacity. Marine biomaterials have proven to be a good source for the development of different areas of the pharmaceutical field, and still, the application of marine biomaterials is going through revitalization in the biomedical field. Conclusion: Due to the amazing diversity of marine life, there would be more significant and remarked discoveries in the field of marine biomaterials in respect of future implementation in the pharmaceutical arena.

Background: In the past decade, a rising trend has been seen in the use of plant-based medicines because of fewer/no side effects. Plants are always the major source of traditional medicines in every culture. The main objective of this review is to shed light on the phytochemical composition and pharmacological research of Valeriana wallichii. Methods: Electronic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, etc., were searched for traditional uses, extraction of phytoconstituents, therapeutical uses and pharmacology of V. wallichii. Results: V. wallichii has been used as a sleep remedy since ancient times in the Indian traditional system of medicines. It is also used as a diuretic, spasmolytic and pain-relieving agent. It is used for the treatment of epilepsy, dyspeptic symptoms, failing reflexes, habitual constipation, insanity, nervous debility, obesity, spastic disorders, and in snake poisoning, and also reported to have cytotoxic potential. The pharmacological activity of the plant is due to the presence of different types of secondary metabolites, including valerianic acid, valerosidatum glycoside, valepotriates, dihydrovaltrate, 6-methylapigenin, hesperidin, sesquiterpenoids, bornylisovalerianate, isovalerenic acid, 1-camphene, 1-pinene, terpineol, valerianine, bornylisovalerianate, valerianine and so on. This review focuses on the detailed phytochemistry of the plant and its therapeutic indication. The main emphasis is given to the anticancer potential of V. wallichii, with in vitro cytotoxic as well as in vivo antitumor description. Conclusion: The review reveals that further research, as well as clinical trials, are needed to know this plant as an effective drug for the treatment of cancer in the future with exact molecular mechanisms.

Onosma bracteata Wall., a perennial herb explicitly found in North-Western Himalayas at altitudes of 3500-4500 m, is considered the official species of Gojihva in Ayurveda and is one of the species considered as Unani Gaozaban. The current review highlights the correlation of traditional uses with pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, formulations, and patents associated with the plant. The review is prepared from information retrieved through electronic and library searches. Additionally, traditional medicines and ethnopharmacology books and journals were referred to get customary records of the plant. The plant is used traditionally for heart problems, respiratory problems, urinary problems, fever, toxicity, and other related diseases. Preliminary pharmacological studies revealed anti-asthmatic, anticancer, anxiolytic, smooth muscle relaxant, antiageing activities, and heavy metal absorbent characteristics. The plant is rich in various macro and micro-elements, having mucilaginous content with a high swelling index. Forty-five compounds have been reported so far, including six new compounds. Though used in various traditional and marketed polyherbal formulations, no formulations and patents exist mentioning plant or plantderived extract or compounds as sole ingredients. The detailed data analysis revealed some correlations between traditional knowledge and current scientific investigations. However, detailed pharmacological studies are required to thoroughly evaluate traditional uses scientifically and discover their mechanisms of action. The review article stipulates a vast commercial and intellectual potential to explore the plant through scientific investigations.

Background and Aims: Cancer is the cause of many deaths and is the second most prevalent cause of death worldwide. Besides its high mortality, cancer can cause emotional and economic burdens on patients and society. Hypericum is known as herbal medicine that has many species. Its anticancer effects have been proven in various articles. It has many active compounds, including flavonoids, phloroglucinols, and phenylpropanoids. The current review aimed to collect data on the anticancer potential of Hypericum on different types of cancer cell lines and their chief mechanisms. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to find relevant studies on the anti-cancer potential of Hypericum perforatum and its underlying mechanisms of action in different cancers. The relevant English language articles published up to March 2022 were collected, screened, and reviewed. Results: The anti-cancer effects of Hypericum perforatum were shown against glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, leukemia, and liver, breast, prostate, lung, bladder, colon, skin, and pancreatic cancers. It can induce apoptosis by activating caspase enzymes and inhibit cell growth in different cancer cell lines. Also, the cytotoxic effects of Hypericum perforatum extract on cancer cell lines were shown in in vitro studies. Conclusion: Hypericum perforatum can be proposed as a strong herbal remedy for the treatment of cancer since it is an available and cheap treatment for cancer compared to other treatments, but further clinical trial studies should be performed to confirm these properties.

The gut microbiota has been linked to the pathogenesis of stress-related illnesses in a growing number of research. Chronic stress may alter behaviour, cognition, biochemistry, and gut flora. Gut bacteria may impact the brain and body by communicating with the host through the microbiota- gut-brain axis (mostly immunological, neuroendocrine, and neurological pathways). It is thought that taking probiotics might help with persistent stress-induced depression. Lactobacillus helveticus is a commonly used industrial thermophilic starter in manufacturing a variety of cheeses by fermenting milk. An increasing amount of scientific data suggests that strains of L. helveticus exhibit health-promoting qualities and their technical significance. In this review, we summarize the findings of several main literature publications on the capacity of L. helveticus strains to affect human health favourably.

Thunbergia erecta (Benth) T. Anderson (Meyenia erecta Benth) is an important therapeutic and medicinal plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. Commonly called bush clock vine, king's mantel, potato bush, Nil Kantha, which is native to western Africa but commonly cultivated in India and other Asian countries. The species is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its bright flowers and is cultivated widely in the tropics. It is a decent source of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, iridoids, and glucosides. Traditionally, it is used for treating bile disorders, insomnia, and depression, as a medicine given to children against worms and as an ingredient of headache poultice. The studies encompassed in this review have been designated using numerous databases, including Google Scholar, Pubmed, Wiley, Online Library, and Science Direct and covered the period from 1863 onwards. Several studies demonstrated the exploration of the pharmacological potential of various parts of plants for anthelminthic, anxiolytic, sedative, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticholinesterases and antiaging agents. The Thunbergia erecta plants possess potential pharmacological activity. The objective of the current review article is to put forward all relevant published information regarding ethnobotanical studies, traditional uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic potential, and other adequate background information on T. erecta that will contribute to establishing the validity of the plant for its commercial usage.

Unani Medicine System is one of the oldest systems, with its potent and effective drugs from animal, plant, and mineral sources. Over 2400 years ago, Hippocrates, the founder of medicine, practiced it; however, his medicine includes many ancient Egyptian medications and important components of ancient Mesopotamian customs and traditions. Neurological problems are a significant cause of death, comprising 12% of all deaths globally. Sar' is used for epilepsy in USM, which means falling. Convulsions occur after the patient has fallen due to partial occlusion in the passage of Rūh NafsĦ#129;nī (psychic pneuma). A vast number of single and multi-ingredient medicines were referenced for epilepsy treatment. Majoon Zabeeb (MZ) is possibly the most presumed polyherbal preparation used in epilepsy. This polyherbal compound has eight components used as a strong anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, antioxidant, deobstruent, memory enhancer, neuroprotective, nervine tonic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Hoslundia opposita is an aromatic plant of the family Lamiaceae and the only member of the Hoslundia genus. It is used traditionally for treating HIV/AIDs related diseases, Breast cancer, gonorrhea, syphilis, appendicitis, epilepsy and convulsion, malaria, etc. A review of relevant literature on biology, folkloric uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology were done. The electronic databases searched included Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley and Springer. Sixteen bioactive compounds have been isolated from the plants, namely; 3-O-benzoylhosloppone, 3-Ocinnamoylhosloppone, 3-O-benzoylhinokiol, 3-O-benzoylhosloquine, Euscaphic acid, 5,7- dimethoxy6-methylflavone, Hoslunddiol, Oppositin, 5-O-methylhoslundin, Tectochrysin, Hoslundin, Hoslunfuranine, 5-O-methylhoslunfuranine, Hosloppin, Hoslundal and Ursolic acid. The plant, with its phytochemicals, has shown various pharmacological effects such as antimalarial, antidiabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. This review presented scientific findings on the therapeutic potential of Hoslundia opposita against several infectious and non-infectious diseases. There is a need for further investigation of the mechanism underlying the therapeutic potential of this plant against various diseases. There is also a need for clinical trials which will validate its efficacy and safety.

Nature always has enough spirit and resilience to transform our limited vision. Herbal medicines include products prepared from natural herbs which are employed to treat several diseases. In India, about 80% of drugs are of herbal origin. Nowadays, people are much more aware of the various side effects of synthetic drugs, which have molded their interest in herbal products and herbal remedies. In history, various infectious diseases or pandemic conditions have been treated or controlled with herbal medicines. Many herbal plants like Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae), Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), Swertia chirata (Gentianaceae), Asparagus racemosus (Liliaceae), and Vinca rosea/Catharanthus roseus (Apocynaceae) have been reported to be of high medicinal values and preferred in the development of many newer drugs. The active component from plant extract is isolated, standardized, and undergoes safety trials for validation. Novel drug development from herbs is the amalgamation of practices of native systems of medicine and quite a lot of therapeutic experience of earlier generations. It is also believed that most herbal contents are safe, cheap, and easily available. Herbal drugs are useful in various diseased and pathogenic conditions like tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes, AIDS, jaundice, skin diseases, etc. Many countries with ancient cultures like India, Egypt, and America still use various herbal-based medications. Research for future herbal product development is increasing worldwide. Therefore, taking into consideration future perceptions of herbal remedies, this review deals with the present status and future exploration in the development of herbal drugs as modern beneficial agents for treating various infectious diseases and related pharmacological problems.

Since ancient times humans have been associating themselves with animals to derive various benefits which include the therapeutic values of animals. Zootherapy is in practice among the indigenous people of various parts of the world. The indigenous people living in the North Eastern (NE) region of India also know the medicinal values of animals and they have been using many animals in the treatment of various health ailments. This region is bestowed with many nature’s gifts, among which the vast water bodies are considered the best. The diverse terrain of the region has made varieties of aquatic animals exist. Hence, it has become favourable for the indigenous people to use the easily available resources - aquatic animals for the treatment of health ailments. This precious indigenous knowledge is restricted locally and is handed down from one generation to the other through verbal communication. Consequently, this knowledge has started perishing. Making proper documentation of the traditional uses of aquatic animals of this region in the treatment of health ailments is intended in the present study. Attempts have also been made to reveal the presence of bioactive components in the aquatic animals of the region. The present study will be helpful while analyzing the therapeutic potentials of aquatic animals and then preparing drugs for clinical purposes.