Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 9, Issue 6, 2023

Background: Plants, with their rich phytochemical treasury, are one of the main sources of drug development. However, a randomized search on plant sources for the discovery of phytochemicals with specified pharmacological activity is expensive and tedious. Therefore, it is logical to constrain the sources to increase success. In the recent four decades, the importance of traditional information has been recognized by the scientific community. Consequently, interest in field surveys for the documentation of traditional worldwide medicines has significantly increased. Methods: Infectious diseases induced by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, or viruses have been one of the most common health problems for the public, for which traditional remedies have been practiced. Since laypeople could not distinguish the microbial origin of the infection, the remedies used for treatment could not be delineated. The aim of this study was first to search the plants used in Turkish folk medicine for such infectious diseases. The second step was to find scientific evidence in the online databases for the frequently quoted plants whether they may have potential activity against virus replication. Results: A reference survey on the most frequently quoted plants revealed that 16 out of 17 were shown to possess virucide or inhibitory effects on the replication of various viruses. Conclusion: Since each virus type may have a different viral replication pattern, further detailed investigations should be carried out to reveal their exact antiviral potentials.

COVID-19, or SARS-CoV-2, is an extremely deadly virus that is responsible for over half a million deaths of people in the world. This virus originated in China in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide in 2-3 months, and affected every part of the world. Its life-threatening nature forced governments in all countries to take emergency steps of lockdown that affected the entire world's education, health, social and economic aspects. Due to the implementation of these emergencies, the population is facing psychological, social and financial problems. Additionally, this pandemic has significantly influenced the health care systems as all the resources from governments of all countries were directed to invest funds to discover new diagnostic tests and manage COVID-19 infection. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and social life of the population is described in this article. Additionally, the diagnosis, management, and phytoremediation to control the spread of COVID-19 and traditional medicinal plants' role in managing its mild symptoms have been discussed.

The aim of this article is to review the antiviral activity of plants traditionally used in indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka, their therapeutic potential, chemistry, and botany. Viral infections represent an increasing threat to humans worldwide. Conventional antiviral drugs are available against respiratory viruses. Naturally occurring antiviral activity of medicinal plants was used for centuries in the country’s rich traditional medicine system consisting of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Deshiya Chikitsa. Traditional physicians cure diseases, including those that originate from viruses, through herbal medicine. To complement this, about 1430 species representing 838 genera, equivalent to 45% of the entire flowering plant community, are considered medicinal. The present article attempts to review the essence of decades of discoveries on antiviral and related properties of 21 medicinal plants, Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Ardisia elliptica Thunb., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Coriandrum sativum L., Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr., Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., Justicia adhatoda L., Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Phyllanthus embilica L., Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd., Piper longum L., Piper nigrum L., Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad & Wendl., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Miers., Vitex negundo L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Among the medicinal plants commonly used in Sri Lankan traditional medicine, Justicia adhatoda showed stronger anti-influenza virus activity, inhibiting virus attachment and replication, while Terminalia chebula consisting of chebulagic and chebulinic acids, demonstrated direct antiviral activity against sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2).

Background: The rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic urged scientists to search for effective and safe anti-coronavirus drugs from natural resources. Through centuries, traditional medicinal plants have been providing cure for diseases and general health care worldwide. Objective: The main aim of this review was to explore and summarize the research works on the different plants used traditionally in Sudan to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases, characterizing their antiviral activities and exploring the different phytochemicals present in these plants. Methods: The current review was carried out in line with the recommendations of the PRISMA 2020 statement. Information on plants traditionally used in Sudan to treat the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases was obtained from traditional medicine books and published articles, as well as the daily practice by ordinary people. Results: This article illustrated the use of 27 plant species belonging to 15 families in Sudanese traditional medicine to treat signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and respiratory diseases. Leguminosae/ Fabaceae was found to be the most represented family (7 species), followed by Combretaceae (3 species) and Capparidaceae and Malvaceae (2 species each). From these plants, about 11 plant species were studied for their antiviral activity against at least one virus, and 5 plants, namely Adansonia digitata, Boscia senegalensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, and Mangifera indica, were tested for their antiviral activity against influenza viruses. The phytoconstituents of the listed plants were summarized, and the antiviral activity of their isolated bioactive compounds was highlighted. Conclusion: The review could provide an in-depth theoretical basis and valuable data for designing future studies.

Ferula asafoetida is an endemic species in Iran and is rich in oleo-gum resin with high economic value in the world. One important application of F. assafoetida is its traditional use for the management of respiratory ailments. The aim of this review was to collect papers dealing with F. asafoetida oleo-gum resin in respiratory tract128;™s diseases in modern medicine. For preparing the manuscript the scientific databases (Google scholar, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Magiran), books, thesis, etc. were searched using the keywords of "Ferula asafoetida", "Ferula scorodesma", "Scorodesma foetida", Ferula asafoetida is an endemic species in Iran and is rich in oleo-gum resin with high economic value in the world. One important application of F. assafoetida is its traditional use for the management of respiratory ailments. The aim of this review was to collect papers dealing with F. asafoetida oleo-gum resin in respiratory tract128;™s diseases in modern medicine. For preparing the manuscript the scientific databases (Google scholar, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Magiran), books, thesis, etc. were searched using the keywords of "Ferula asafoetida", 128;œFerula scorodesma128;, "Scorodesma foetida", "Northex asafoetida" plus 128;œrespiratory tract128;, "respiratory disorder" 128;œinfection128;, "cough", 128;œtrachea128;, "traditional medicine" up to Feb 2022 and the collected data were summarized, analyzed, and discussed. The results of the investigation confirmed the traditional belief on the efficacy of Ferula asafoetida in the treatment of respiratory viral infection (Coronavirus, influenza), cigarette smoking, asthma, cough and cancer, but most studies were limited to in vitro. There was only one registered randomized, blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial for 300 mg F. asafoetida aqueous extract capsules (three times a day for 14 days) on 40 patients with COVID-19 without any published results. Although, the studies implied the efficacy of F. asafoetida in the treatment of respiratory treatments, but design large clinical studies for evaluating its efficacy and safety is essential in future investigations.Northex asafoetida" plus 128;œrespiratory tract128;, "respiratory disorder" 128;œinfection128;, "cough", "trachea", "traditional medicine" up to Feb 2022 and the collected data were summarized, analyzed, and discussed. The results of the investigation confirmed the traditional belief on the efficacy of Ferula asafoetida in the treatment of respiratory viral infection (Coronavirus, influenza), cigarette smoking, asthma, cough and cancer, but most studies were limited to in vitro. There was only one registered randomized, blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial for 300 mg F. asafoetida aqueous extract capsules (three times a day for 14 days) on 40 patients with COVID-19 without any published results. Although, the studies implied the efficacy of F. asafoetida in the treatment of respiratory treatments, but design large clinical studies for evaluating its efficacy and safety is essential in future investigations.

Background: Various varieties of rice (Oryza sativa) have been exploited for a variety of purposes since ancient times, with the integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. A huge diversity is seen in the cultivated rice variety based on regions, area, and climatic conditions responsible for variation in chemical composition leading to enriched supplements beneficial for health conditions. Among the varieties available, red rice extract is now increasingly recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic activity, and bone formation. Objective: There is a need to validate the nutritional and supplement values through appropriate analytical and pharmacological studies and create awareness for the end users regarding the value of red rice. Results: In the present article attempt is done to reviewthe variety of red rice based on geographical origin, and the impact on nutritional and medicinal value. Further elaborating the extraction techniques which can help optimize the extraction efficiency of polyphenols known for their antioxidant properties. Polyphenolic phytoconstituents belonging to phenolic acids, and flavonoids include, flavonols, flavones, flavanols, flavanones, and isoflavones, to name a few. Anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins make the pigment part of the outer layer and bran of the rice and contain the monomers of catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, and epigallocatechin units. The quantification of the phytoconstituents using chromatographical methods can help in evaluation of the red rice for its quality and design formulation with desired efficacy. Conclusion: With the vast varieties of red rice available, quantification of important bio-actives can help in maintaining quality of final product. Various targeted pharmacological actions reported include anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anticancer and antioxidant produced by the rice, mainly by virtue of the polyphenolic content, contribute in achieving a value to rice as nourishment and a safe therapeutic product which can be consumed as a nutraceutical or pharmaceutical ingredient.

Introduction: In India, the plant Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. is commonly known as "Jackfruit" and has been generally used as food and in many traditional medicines. Objective: The present manuscript aimed to collect description information on phytochemistry, ethnomedical uses, pharmacological activities, and patent of A. heterophyllus Lam. that may help in making a bridge between the research gaps as well as the upcoming future findings. Materials and Methods: The literature survey was based on a PRISMA systematic study that gathered information from various sources, including journals, e-books, and digital databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Science Direct from 1991 to 2021. Results: Several bioactive constituents are characterized, including flavonoids, chalcones, flavanols, terpenoids, stilbenoids, and xanthones in the fruit. It also contains tannins, quercetin, gallic acid, saponins, artocarpanone and artocarpin. Many pharmacological studies stated the therapeutic potential of Jackfruit, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Conclusion: The present manuscript summarizes the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of A. heterophyllus Lam. And it is also providing information in-vitro and in-vivo concerning experimental studies with patent data which, in turn, makes the herbal drug a promising source in the nutrition and therapeutic aspects.

Background: A novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak causing infectious respiratory disorders. COVID-19 disease has no specific treatment. In traditional medicinal system, different formulations are available for infectious diseases. Objective: This review discusses the significance and utilization of Siddha and Ayurvedic herbal formulations for COVID-19 treatment and provides scientific information regarding the phytochemistry and pharmacological profiles of Indian medicinal plants used in the formulation. Methods: The information on medicine and medicinal plants was collected from research papers, review papers, and books available in several electronic databases, including Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and PubMed was explored as information sources. Results: Traditional medicinal plants are potentially used in formulations due to their inevitable therapeutic properties. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of medicinal plants used in the formulations served as scientific proof for traditional medicine. Conclusion: The present study explored the great importance of Siddha and Ayurvedic formulations for COVID-19 treatment. Further scientific investigations are required to explore these formulations as widely acceptable.

Background: Anaemia is the most common disease that affects mostly females and children and is most prevalent in developing countries. Among various causes sickle cell anaemia is one of them, which is a cause of concern. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) causes problems like blockage of blood flow, causing pain, and fatigue and also leads to death. Objective: With the advancement in science, diseases that were once considered unable to cure can be stopped or prevented and, in some cases, also be cured. As current therapies for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia are limited, like blood transfusions, bone marrow transfusions, etc., a non-surgical method where plant extracts or compounds were found effective in stopping, preventing, and in some cases reversal of SCD. In this review, we tried to gather information about those plants and compounds. Methods: Numerous surveys in the literature were performed to determine the plants which have shown their potential against SCD. Relevant peer-reviewed publications were searched through various databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. Results: A total of more than 50 medicinal plants such as Acacia catechu, Alchornea cordifolia, Anchomanes difformis, Khayase negalensis, Terminalia catappa, etc., have been identified based on their potential against SCD, and 15 compounds such as Butylurea, Glyceraldehyde, Potassium cyanate, urea, etc., have also been identified which could work against SCD. These plants acting on sickle cell anemia on various pathways are also discussed. Conclusion: In this review, an approach was made to study those plants which have an effect against SCD, with proper mechanisms and compounds that show potency against this disease. So that better treatment options could be available for future generations.

Herbal plant extracts or purified phytocomponents have been extensively used to treat several diseases since ancient times. The Indian Ayurvedic system and Chinese traditional medicines have documented the medicinal properties of important herbs. In Ayurveda, the polyherbal formulation is known to exhibit better therapeutic efficacy compared to a single herb. This review focuses on six key ayurvedic herbal plants namely, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra/Licorice, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinalis and Ocimum sanctum. These plants possess specific phytocomponents that aid them in fighting infections and keeping body healthy and stress-free. Plants were selected due to their reported antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effects in several diseases and effectiveness in controlling viral pathogenesis. An advanced literature search was carried out using Pubmed and google scholar. Result: These medicinal plants are known to exhibit several protective features against various diseases or infections. Here we have particularly emphasized on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties which are common in these six plants. Recent literature analysis has revealed Ashwagandha to be protective for Covid-19 too. The formulation from such herbs can exhibit synergism and hence better effectiveness against infection and related diseases. The importance of these medicinal herbs becomes highly prominent as it maintains the harmonious balance by way of boosting the immunity in a human body. Further, greater mechanistic analyses are required to prove their efficacy in fighting infectious diseases like Covid-19. It opens the arena for in-depth research of identifying and isolating the active components from these herbs and evaluating their potency to inhibit viral infections as polyherbal formulations.

Background: Curcumin has been used in various diseases due to its potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This systematic review aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of curcumin on bone loss and osteoporosis. Methods: Those human cell line and clinical trial studies indexed in three databases, including PubMed, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), and Scopus, were included in the review. Records with non-English language articles, full texts not retrieved, and studies that were not relevant to the purpose of our study were excluded. Finally, after evaluating all available records, 11 articles were included. Results: Curcumin induces antiosteoporotic properties by inhibiting the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radical scavenging activity. Curcumin, through blocking nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ΚB) transmission to the nucleus, can suppress the production pathways of inflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, the biological mechanism of curcumin is a complex process associated with the modulation of transcription factors, protein kinases, and antiapoptotic proteins. Conclusion: The results of most clinical trials and human cell-based studies support the desirable impact of curcumin on bone loss and osteoporosis. Further clinical studies are needed to derive more reliable results about the prophylactic and therapeutic properties of curcumin on osteoporosis.

Background: Solanum capsicoides has medicinal importance due to having numerous therapeutically active ingredients. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and interpret the cytotoxic and neuropharmacological activity of the methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves. Methods: The lethality bioassay test on brine shrimp was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity effect of the methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves. To evaluate the neuropharmacological activities of this plant extract, hole board test, hole cross test, open field test and elevated plus-maze test were used in mice model. All assessments were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s t-test. All of the data were analysed with the help of the SPSS software. Results: The test for brine shrimp lethality demonstrated that the LC50 of methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves was 55.883 μg/ml, containing potent cytotoxic components. The statistically significant (*P<0.05, **P<0.05 vs. control) result in hole board test, hole cross test, open field test, and elevated plus-maze test reveals the CNS depressant and anxiolytic properties in methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves. Conclusion: Results from our study support that the methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides might possess significant cytotoxic characteristics, CNS depressant and anxiolytic effect. However, additional research is required to pinpoint the precise bioactive chemicals that are responsible for these activities.