Current Traditional Medicine - Current Issue

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) leads to increased contact of the acidic refluxate with the esophageal mucosa. Nearly 10- 20 % of the world's population is affected by GERD. Due to the complications associated with GERD, as well as complications of long-term treatment with current medications, and global demand toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), this study evaluated the efficacy of a poly-herbal formulation known as Mastic pill (Habb-e-Mastaki) from traditional Persian medicine (TPM), previously reformulated and standardized, in a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Method: 34 patients in the drug group received 4 capsules of Mastic pill plus Omeprazole capsule 20 mg daily. 34 patients in the placebo group received the same dosing of Omeprazole and placebo. The medication was given to patients for a total duration of 4 weeks. All patients were requested to fill out the modified GERD-HRQL questionnaire at the beginning and every two weeks for a total duration of six weeks. Result: Reflux, and heartburn severity score as well as disruption of personal life score significantly reduced in both groups, but it was more remarkable in the drug group (P-value = 0.0001). Dysphagia, early satiation, and nausea significantly reduced in the drug group while the placebo group showed no improvement. Our results suggest that constipation, bloating, belching, and odynophagia did not significantly improve in none of the groups. Conclusion: This study showed that Habb-e-Mastaki is effective against GERD. Further detailed in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at discovering the mechanism of action of this formulation and clinical studies involving a larger population will be necessary to explain and confirm the results obtained in the present study.

Aims of the Study: This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants used among Jordanians for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers against H. pylori. Moreover, plants' inhibitory activity against the H. pylori urease enzyme was also evaluated. Materials and Methods: The activity of 11 medicinal plants used by common people and herbalists to treat ulcers was evaluated against H. pylori (NCTC 11916). Ethanol and essential oil extracts from the tested plants were evaluated using a standard agar dilution method and the MICs were determined. Furthermore, the potential inhibitory effect of each preparation was tested against the enzyme urease using a kinetic colorimetric assay. Results: Cinnamomum cassia oil showed the highest efficiency against H. pylori with the lowest MIC (0.0122 mg.mL^-1), followed by Origanum syriacum and Foeniculum vulgare (MICs of 0.39 mg.mL^-1). Furthermore, significant urease inhibition activity was recorded for Carum carvi oil (IC50~0.45 mg.mL^-1). C. cassia oil (IC50 ~2.8 mg.mL^-1), Aloysia citriodora, and Artemisia Judaica (IC50 5.8 mg.mL^-1) reported potential urease inhibition activities. Conclusion: Herbs used in Jordanian traditional medicine were found to have anti-H. pylori and significant urease inhibitory activity. These findings might support the use of medicinal plants as adjuvant or alternative therapy for the treatment of H. pylori.

Background: Medicago sativa Linn. in Hindi, is called lasunghas, and in English, it is called alfalfa. It is a well-known crop of the Fabaceae family. Anyone can eat its sprouts as a salad vegetable. This plant has a wide range of uses as a feed crop and is tolerant to climate change. Objective: In this review, the authors discussed the active chemical constituents and pharmacological uses of Medicago sativa Linn. in various diseases. Methods: To compile this review, information is collected the research papers from different databases like Taylor & Francis, ResearchGate, Elsevier, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and PMC. Results: Alfalfa has been shown to be an important origin of phytochemicals like amino acids, coumarins, alkaloids, carotenes, flavonoids, organic acids, digestive enzymes, phytosterols, saponins, phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds, polyamines, and a few other volatile organic compounds like ketones, terpenes, alcohols and furanoids. This plant is useful in CNS disorders, anxiety, oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, burn wounds, vitiligo, reproductive system, myocardial infraction, bacteria, xanthine oxidase and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: This review may be helpful in knowing of Medicago sativa Linn. with greater therapeutic potential for treatment of various diseases.

Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impacted not only physical health but also psychological health, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep issues. Disrupted sleep has now become a global concern and burden in the post-COVID period of recovery. The Unani system of medicine elaborated on sleeping issues and their management during the pandemic. However, the claims of the Unani system and its medications in improving the various domains of sleep quality during the revival period have not been investigated. Materials and Methods: A search of electronic databases on Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, on sleep disorders, post-COVID-19 and a manual search of Unani classical text related to sleep quality improvement methods was conducted. Results: Recent scientific evidence has found a positive association between COVID-19 and sleep disorders. Unani medicine suggests improvement of sleep issues by maintaining six essential factors, dieto-therapy, pharmacotherapy, and regimens (like Nutool (irrigation), Hamam (Turkish bath), and Dalk (massage). Several pre-clinical and clinical trials done on Unani herbs (single and poly-herbal preparations) have elucidated the scientific rationale for improving sleep quality. Conclusion: Unani therapy has sufficient potential for improving sleep outcomes for COVID-19 patients as they are efficacious, safe and affordable therapeutic options. Additionally, there is still a need for evidence to support the validity of Unani psychotherapy as a multifaceted and holistic approach.

Background: Yoga has its roots in India's Vedic era. Practising it enhances the overall health and well-being of students. Superbrain yoga (SBY) is a brief exercise based on the principle of ear acupuncture and repetitive 14 squats holding earlobes. It is practised by many students in India and across other parts of the world. Objective: This systematic review assesses SBY on students' cognitive abilities, academic performance, as well as mental health benefits and discusses if using SBY in academic settings is viable. Methods: The intervention studies of SBY or mixed with other exercises practiced by the student population published in journals and indexed in Web of Science, SCOPUS, and PubMed, are taken into consideration for this review based on PRISMA guidelines. The primary keywords include Superbrain Yoga, Thoppukaranam, and Super Brain Yoga. Studies published in English peer-reviewed journals between 2005 to 2021 were considered. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found that SBY practise was feasible in academic settings, with advantages to students' cognitive state (memory, attention, concentration), academic performance, and mental health Additionally, SBY and other yogasana were proven to be beneficial in raising cognitive activity and promoting positive behavioural improvements in students with special needs. Conclusion: SBY is found to improve students cognitive abilities, academic performance, and mental health. More rigorous trials on SBY are needed to substantiate the effectiveness.

The ancient science of life known as Ayurveda offers countless potential to uncover many unexplored manuscripts that lead to effective medications. Understanding traditional medicinal plants can open up a wealth of significant bioactive phytoconstituents with numerous significant pharmacological functions. This treasure must be located based on the understanding of old Ayurveda and other traditional references. Sapindaceae family member Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. is a rich source of phytochemicals, including tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sterols. Many of these phytochemicals exhibit antioxidant, anxiolytic, antiinflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, cardioprotective, mainly neuroprotective properties according to Ayurveda. The plants' aerial parts are rich in phenolic acids, glycosidic compounds, tannins, and sterols. Researchers and academicians are examining the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and other pharmacological effects of the traditional medicinal plant known as Karnasphota (Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.), which is cited in Ayurveda as one of the neuroprotective agents. Karnasphota (Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.) is shown to have promising therapeutic potential by the scientific evidence offered by researchers and academics, and it can be further assessed as a novel candidate for drug discovery. The current review aims to examine the potential of the underexplored herb from Ayurveda "Karnasphota" for developing and designing future medications by reviewing the existence of medicinally significant secondary metabolites, potential pharmacological importance, and its role in neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: Tamarind is a multifunctional tree, with nearly every portion having significant nutritional or therapeutic use. The fruit, which produces acidic pulp, is the most valuable and often utilized portion. Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the distribution, habitat, chemical constituents and extraction techniques of tamarind. Methods: This study reviews the chemical constituents, health benefits and extraction techniques of tamarind. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to search articles from 1990 to 2022. The key search terms included tamarind, phytoconstituents extraction and anti-nutritional factor. Research studies also included similar plant parts extracted from similar solvents which were considered in this review. Results: According to our observations, Tamarindus indica is a crucial plant with significant pharmacological properties. It is extensively used as a conventional medicine to treat a variety of disorders; however, its active ingredients require further investigation for future drug development and pharmacological activity. Tamarind contains a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, and minerals, which have been associated with various health-promoting properties. The study examines different extraction methods used to isolate tamarind's bioactive constituents, such as solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Furthermore, the research highlights the potential health benefits of tamarind, including antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, gastrointestinal support, cardiovascular benefits, and antimicrobial properties. Discussion: Tamarind includes citric acid, linoleic acid, volatile oils, vitamin C, potassium, Camp sterol, -amyrin, Tannins, saponins, and glycosides as a result of this. It has several pharmacological properties such as reducing swelling, preventing oxidation, hypolipidemic, weight loss, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, and painkiller properties. These properties will assist to generate interest in Tamarind and develop novel preparations with more medicinal and commercial potential. The findings indicate that tamarind holds significant promise as a natural resource for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals with potential positive impacts on human health.

The plant Terminalia chebula has been used traditionally in many regions of the world for its therapeutic properties, especially in India. Its therapeutic and health-promoting potential has been recognized for centuries, and modern research continues to unveil its numerous benefits. One of the most significant applications of this plant is its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The plant contains high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which scavenge harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage. This antioxidant action contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, Terminalia chebula exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi, including those responsible for common infections. It has been used to treat respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin ailments. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects make it a valuable natural remedy for combating microbial pathogens. Moreover, Terminalia chebula shows potential in managing diabetes and promoting cardiovascular health. Studies have indicated its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce lipid abnormalities. These properties make it a promising adjunct therapy for individuals with diabetes or at risk of heart disease. In conclusion, Terminalia chebula possesses remarkable therapeutic and health-promoting potential. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits make it a valuable natural remedy for various ailments. While research on Terminalia chebula is ongoing, its long-standing use in traditional medicine and emerging scientific evidence solidify its status as a potent medicinal plant with diverse applications in promoting overall well-being.

Background: Uncaria gambir is an Indonesian medicinal herb with healing effects. This plant contains flavonoids, which can be used as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to accelerate healing. In Indonesia, Uncaria gambir is widely accessible, simple to grow, and has a long history of use as an alternative medicine. Following this, studies are conducted in the medical industry using Uncaria gambir. Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively review the use of Uncaria gambir extract as an herbal plant for treating experimental animals. Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses guidelines, and the risk of bias was evaluated by modifying the ARRIVE guidelines. Results: A report was presented on review articles from 12 publications sourced from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, EBSCO Host, and other relevant studies. The Uncaria gambir isolates tested were catechin and ethyl acetate, used primarily for lesions, pain, edema, and diabetes in experimental Wistar rats. Conclusion: Uncaria gambir is an herbal plant that contains flavonoids, which can be used as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective agents and can potentially be applied in the medical field as adjuvant therapy.

Hesperidin is a major flavonoid in sweet oranges and lemons. Aglycone form of hesperidin i.e., hesperetin, and their various derivatives possess significant potential as therapeutic agents for a wide range of diseases and disorders. No signs of toxicity have been observed with the normal intake of hesperidin or related compounds. Hesperidin has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, which includes antioxidant, anti-viral, anticancer, antidiabetic, analgesic, organ protective, neuroprotective, antihypertensive, and cardioprotective effects. This needs to be effectively studied at the clinical level so as to firmly establish the usefulness of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of disease in humans. This paper reviews various aspects of hesperidin, including their chemistry, biosynthesis, and bioactivity.

Peptic ulcers are common gastrointestinal disorders characterized by the erosion of the stomach lining, duodenum, or esophagus. Conventional treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori eradication, have been the mainstay of therapy. However, the emergence of drug resistance and potential side effects have led to the exploration of alternative and complementary approaches, including medicinal herbs. This comprehensive review examines the potential use of medicinal herbs in the management of peptic ulcers. Ten herbal remedies, including Liquorice, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Aloe vera, Chamomile, Ginger, Turmeric, Meadowsweet, Fenugreek, and Cabbage, are analyzed for their therapeutic properties and scientific research findings. These herbs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoprotective effects that may support ulcer healing and symptom relief. Herbal formulations, such as teas, capsules, tablets, and extracts, offer convenient delivery methods for patients seeking herbal remedies. However, safety considerations and potential herb-drug interactions must be carefully monitored. Integrating herbal remedies with conventional treatments presents a comprehensive approach to peptic ulcer management. By combining these therapies, patients may experience enhanced therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life. Dietary recommendations also play a crucial role, with the inclusion of soothing and beneficial foods, while avoiding trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms. As the evidence base grows, collaborative efforts between traditional herbal medicine practitioners and mainstream medical professionals are vital to ensure safe and effective integration.

Background: A relatively untapped origin of drugs is medicinal plants. Traditional medicine employs Urtica dioica L. to treat a variety of ailments. A plant that produces fresh leaves that are dehydrated and used as a powder or in various forms is gaining popularity as a recent source of very nutritious food. Objective: This review attempts to address its nutritional profile, as well as its bioactive chemical ingredients and known food functional activities, as well as its historical usage in food and medicine. To date, several bioactive chemical components from stinging nettle have been identified, including flavonoids, phenolic and amino acids, fatty acids and carotenoids. Method: A comprehensive analysis of the literature search was conducted. Several databases have been searched using the common terms Urtica dioica, stinging nettle, phenolic compounds and phytochemicals using Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed-Medline and Google Scholar as search engines. Conclusion: The therapeutic potential of Urtica dioica and its disease-preventing strategies are updated in this review article. Also, its classification, chemical composition, nutritive value, and pharmacological activities are enlisted in this review with further future perspectives of Urtica dioica.

The nature's signature in Ħ#128;yurveda i.e. Doctrine of Signatures (DOS), which calls for utilizing natural substances that resemble a particular body part or organ, is consistent with the ethnopharmacological practice of choosing therapeutic plants based on their visible physical qualities. In order to promote health and treat ailments, the ancient Indian medical system known as Ħ#128;yurveda employs natural ingredients including plants, minerals, and animal products. The study of conventional medicine and the application of natural products for therapeutic reasons are known as ethno-pharmacology. This review explores various research on ayurvedic herbs, their doctrinal signature, and the status of our understanding of ethno-pharmacology. However, by integrating Ħ#128;yurveda plants' doctrinal signatures with ethnopharmacological methods, it might be better to comprehend the therapeutic potential of plants and create novel treatments for a range of ailments. Combining these two perspectives might assist in understanding how nature may heal and how natural medicines could improve health and wellness. It was believed that a plant containing parts that resembled portions of human bodies, animals, or other items had practical use for those parts, animals, or objects. This philosophy was shown in some of the Indian medicinal plants that are discussed in this article.

Background: In the current study, the Ethnomedicinal data have been collected from tribal people of the Niyamgiri hill region of the Kalahandi district, in Odisha, India. The tribes of this region have been using medicinal plants to treat various diseases since time immemorial. Objective: The main objective is to find out the most used plant parts and their Ethnomedicinal values used to cure different diseases by tribal people of Niyamgiri hill region of Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. Methods: It includes recording the information on medicinal uses of plants by leading healers by taking interviews and recording the comprehensive knowledge about the medicinal properties of different plants with the snowball technique and sampling method. Plants are recognized by the local practitioner, also known as Kabiraja or Vaidya on the forest floor and were classified botanically. Results: The present study records the use of different parts of 50 plant species that belong to 47 genera of 35 families, against 48 human diseases, with special reference to diarrhea, dysentery, cold, cough, piles and fever. The practitioners use these plants to treat ailments like asthma, skin diseases, constipation, diabetes, toothache, wound healing, headache, infertility in women, mouth ulcer, insect bites, ringworms, thirst and eczema. All these medicinal plants are used as healing sources as no modern medical facilities are available nearby. The collected data are analysed through use value (UV). Bacopa monnieri (UV of 1.50), Bryonia laciniosa (UV of 1.33), Andrographis paniculata (UV of 1.0), Bryophyllum pinnatum (UV of 0.83), and Celastrus paniculalus (UV of 0.83) are the most frequently and popularly used medicinal plant species in the study area. Conclusion: 50 plant species were collected from the Niyamgiri hill region. It is found that still a large number of tribal people use their traditional knowledge and culture and have adopted herbal therapy for most diseases because of the strong belief of the local practitioners.

Since childhood, plants and plant products have been used extensively as medicine. The majority of rural residents still rely on natural resources and the old-fashioned medical system for their daily needs. The biological richness of Arunachal Pradesh is renowned, as is its rich cultural diversity. The native population uses a number of aromatic and medicinal plant species to cure a wide range of illnesses. The current review deals with the biological activity of Stemona tuberosa, a possible medicinal plant species of Arunachal Pradesh. Extract from tuberous roots has numerous properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tobacco mosaic virus, antitussive, wound healing, and anti-herpes. The roots' powder is employed as a preservation and insect deterrent. Alkaloids, sugars and glycosides, phenolic compounds, trace amounts of proteins, saponin, flavonoids, and gum mucilage, were all found during the phytochemical analysis, which shows that the species has a significant potential for therapeutic use. As a result, it is possible to think of the examined species as a potential source of beneficial medications.

Background: One of the most popular beekeeping products is propolis. The word "propolis," which alludes to a beehive, has Greek sources and implies "defense for the community." Propolis is a resinous material that honey worker bees (Apis mellifera L.) and other bee species make for a variety of uses. Since 300 BC, propolis has been used as a traditional remedy. Various pharmacological effects of distinct propolis extracts as well as those of its ingredients, including antioxidant, antiulcer, anticancer, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal characteristics, have recently been identified. Objective: In this review article, we focus on the origin, recent advances in the chemical constituents, and new therapeutic potential of propolis. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive analysis of the literature search was conducted. The standard keywords "propolis," "origin," "chemical constituents," "pharmacological activity," "recent advances," and "traditional uses" have been used to search a variety of the standard databases, such as Scopus and Elsevier, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Science Web, for research and review articles published between 1998 and 2023. Results: This review article included over 150 articles (research and reviews) that were appraised and researched. Conclusion: Since 2012, more than 300 substances have been shown to have pharmacological action against a variety of illnesses, including cancer, inflammation, ulcers, wound healing, diabetes, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, hepatic disorders, dental problems, brain diseases, etc. Overall, propolis may be considered a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical development. Future studies should consider plant types, regional conditions, bee subspecies, and variations.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is known as the fifth reason for cancer-related deaths and involves a considerable population of men globally. In PCa, pluriform neoplasm with different cancer patterns is formed. Metastases have a substantial role in disease mortality, and lung, liver, and bone are among the common organs for metastasis. In spite of multiple attempts by researchers, it has not been recommended a safe and suitable approach against PCa so far. Results: Fortunately, herbal remedies have opened a novel window in order to treat several cancers, such as PCa; however, there are some barriers regarding this curative method, like low bioavailability and absorption and low water solubility. On the contrary, some nano-based formulations have revealed a potential ability to overcome these limitations, and it seems that the co-use of herbal products and nanoformulations provides a good opportunity for treating PCa. Conclusion: In this study, we argued about the therapeutic aspects of some nanoformulations of popular herbal products, such as curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol, against PCa.

Hemorrhoid disease is a common condition that can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life due to its associated symptoms. A wide range of management options are available for the treatment of hemorrhoid disease, including various yogic kriyas, herbal remedies, flavonoids, tocotrienols, topical treatments, hydrotherapy, dietary approaches, and surgical procedures. This review aims to focus specifically on the use of botanicals for the treatment of hemorrhoid disease, covering various aspects of its treatment.

Background: Moroccan medicinal plants with a historical usage to treat diabetes have undergone analysis to explore their potential anti-glycation and antioxidant through in vitro experiments. These investigations were complemented by molecular socking. Methods: The present study examined the in-vitro antioxidant and antiglycation properties of six aqueous extracts from six medicinal plants (Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Thymelaea hirsuta, Arbutus unedo, Urtica dioica, Ptychotis verticilata and Caralluma europaea), andtwo seeds oils from Argania spinosa and Opuntia dillenii. The antioxidant activity was performed by using DPPH Radical scavenging activity test and β-Carotene/Linoleic Acid β-Bleaching Assay. In addition, the antiglycation activity was detected by using hemoglobin protein model. Results: All studied plants extractshave shown potent antioxidant and antiglycation activity Furthermore, to confirm the in silico antiglycation activity of the selected medicinal plants, molecular docking techniques were used assuming that binding energy decreases as compound affinity increases, the best molecules responsible for the remarkable antiglycation activity were highlighted. Conclusion: Antidiabetic herbal medicines are responsible for inhibition of oxidative activity and glycation. The molecular docking analysis, which showed the following molecules, Catechein, Kaempferol-O-acetylhexoside, Luteolin, Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, Quercetin, and Zeaxanthin were found to have a high affinity to AGEs receptor and a potent inhibitory activity.