Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics
Development of Anthocyanin Fortified Black Rice Based Sandesh: A Comparative Study with White Rice Sandesh on Physical Characteristics, Sensory Attributes, Nutritional Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity
Black rice (Oryza sativa L. indica) is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids offering the potential to fortify Sandesh a traditional dairy sweet as a functional food. This study aims to develop anthocyanin-fortified black rice Sandesh and compare its proximate composition physical properties sensory attributes nutritional quality antioxidant capacity and shelf-life with white rice Sandesh.
Black rice Sandesh was prepared by incorporating black rice flour at 10% (BRFS-1) 15% (BRFS-2) and 20% (BRFS-3) into channa while the control used 10% white rice. Both experimental and control Sandesh were analysed for sensory colour and textural properties along with their proximate composition nutritional and functional properties. The microbiological analysis during storage of the Sandesh samples was also assessed.
BRFS-2 had the highest sensory score while increasing black rice raised hardness gumminess and chewiness but lowered cohesiveness. Higher black rice levels reduced moisture increased carbohydrates and decreased protein and fat. BRFS-3 had the highest mineral (Ca P Fe) and anthocyanin content absent in the control. Polyphenols flavonoids DPPH activity and FRAP values were also highest in BRFS-3. Microbiological analysis showed reduced coliform counts at 15% and 20% black rice by day 8 of storage.
The present study indicates that Sandesh can be successfully prepared with up to 15% black rice offering heightened taste and sensory qualities nutritional value and higher antioxidant capacity with higher anthocyanin levels compared to the control Sandesh. Further investigations can be conducted to assess the storage stability of black rice Sandesh.
Banana's Treasure Trove: Unlocking the Nutritional and Medicinal Power of Musa Varieties”
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the Musa genus focusing on its significance diversity cultivation practices commercial applications and impact on health and well-being. The introduction highlights the economic importance of the Musa genus particularly bananas and plantains as globally consumed fruit crops. It emphasizes their role in food security poverty alleviation and rural development. The classification and diversity of Musa species are discussed with a focus on recent advancements in understanding their genetic diversity and evolutionary history. The geographical distribution and cultivation practices of Musa varieties are explored including major production regions in India and worldwide. The article also delves into the various bioactive compounds found in Musa varieties their potential therapeutic uses and their significance in wound healing anti-cancer activity and diabetes management. The commercial applications of Musa varieties in the food pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries are highlighted. Furthermore the safety and adverse effects of Musa varieties are addressed drawing from toxicological studies. The importance of Musa varieties in promoting health and well-being is emphasized considering their medicinal properties nutritional composition cultural significance and potential for commercial applications. The article concludes by highlighting the need for further research and utilization of Musa varieties to maximize their benefits and contribute to human health and well-being.
Effect of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract on the Toxicity Induced by Ethyl Methanesulphonate (EMS) in the Third Instar Larvae of Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg9
Neem known for its medicinal benefits such as anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anti-cancer properties can serve as a complementary or alternative treatment. Research has also indicated that neem extracts lessen the harmful effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin on healthy cells while still preserving its ability to target cancer cells effectively. Different parts of the Neem tree such as leaves bark fruit flowers oil and gum have been traditionally used in herbal medicine for treating various health conditions including cancer hypertension heart disease and diabetes.
The effect of neem extract was studied on the Ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) (an anti-cancerous drug)-induced toxicity in the third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg9.
The third instar larvae were exposed to 25 µM of EMS alone and along with 4×10-3g/ml 8×10-3g/ml 12×10-3g/ml and 16×10-3g/ml of neem extract (NE) mixed in diet for 24 hrs.
A significant increase in toxicity was observed in the larvae exposed to 25 µM of EMS. A dose-dependent significant decrease in the toxic effects was observed in the larvae exposed to various doses of neem extract. The GCMS analysis of the neem extract showed the presence of Phytol and α-tocopherol as major compounds.
The reduction in the toxicity induced by EMS is mainly attributed to phytol and α-tocopherol.
Harnessing Nature's Arsenal: Phytoconstituents Targeting Mediators Involved in Pathogenesis of Asthma
Asthma is a persistent respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation and constriction of the air passages resulting in recurrent symptoms including difficulty breathing wheezing coughing and a sensation of tightness in the chest. It requires ongoing management through medications and lifestyle adjustments. The use of natural bioactive compounds in asthma management is on the rise. Researchers are increasingly exploring the potential of compounds derived from plants and herbs such as quercetin resveratrol and Boswellia extracts for their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties. Compounds like quercetin and resveratrol are known to reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzymes like PDE4 and LOX-5 which play key roles in asthma-related inflammation. They can additionally regulate immune reactions by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like “IL-6 IL-5 and IL-4”. Additionally some compounds like those found in Boswellia extracts inhibit NF-κB activation which further reduces the production of inflammatory mediators. These natural remedies offer a promising avenue for complementing traditional asthma treatments potentially providing relief from symptoms and reducing the reliance on synthetic drugs. The aim of this review is to offer an outline of well-researched plant-derived phytoconstituents that influence cellular activity to control inflammatory mediators associated with asthma. Nevertheless additional high-quality research is essential to validate the clinical effectiveness of plant-based treatments for asthma.
Development and Validation of a High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Method for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Wogonin in S. barbata D. Don Herb
Scutellaria barbata D. Don a perennial herb with a rich history in traditional medicine is known for its bioactive compounds including wogonin. It possesses anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anticancer properties. Together with other bioactive compounds wogonin contributes to the pharmacological activities associated with S. barbata D. Don making it a subject of interest in both traditional and modern medicinal research. This study aimed to develop and validate a High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method for the precise and accurate quantification of wogonin in the hydroethanolic extract of S. barbata D. Don.
The process was developed and underwent rigorous validation following the ICH guidelines. Parameters such as linearity specificity instrument precision precision accuracy limit of detection (LOD) limit of quantification (LOQ) and robustness were systematically evaluated to ensure the method's reliability.
The HPTLC separation was conducted on TLC aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 and optimal separation was achieved using Ethyl acetate: toluene: formic acid (5: 4.9: 0.1 (v/v/v/v)) as the mobile phase. Densitometric scanning at 254 nm in reflection/absorbance mode revealed compact spots at Rf 0.87 corresponding to wogonin. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a robust linear relationship between peak area and the amount of wogonin in the range of 10-40 (µg/mg). The quantification of wogonin in crude extracts obtained was 3.274 µg/mg of extract.
In summary the developed HPTLC method emerges as a straightforward precise and accurate tool for the rapid screening of active constituents specifically wogonin within the petroleum ether extracts of S. barbata D. Don. This method holds promise for routine quality control and analysis of herbal materials and formulations containing S. barbata D. Don contributing to the ongoing exploration of its therapeutic potential.
The Potential Role of Herbal Plants in the Management of Depression: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence
Depression a debilitating mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide continues to challenge the medical community. While several pharmacological interventions exist their efficacy and side effects often warrant the exploration of alternative treatments. Natural products derived from plants have gained attention for their potential antidepressant properties in preclinical studies. This comprehensive review examines the antidepressant activity of various plant-based extracts through preclinical investigations and explores the underlying mechanisms of action. Our review systematically analyzes the literature encompassing a wide range of plants. We present evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies highlighting the behavioural and neurochemical changes induced by these plant-derived compounds. Furthermore we delve into the potential mechanisms of action encompassing modulation of neurotransmitters anti-inflammatory effects neurogenesis promotion and antioxidant properties. The reviewed studies suggest that numerous plants possess promising antidepressant properties potentially offering novel therapeutic avenues. However the variability in methodologies and the need for further clinical validation underscore the complexity of translating preclinical findings into effective treatments. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians alike shedding light on the current state of knowledge regarding plants with antidepressant potential and their underlying mechanisms of action paving the way for future investigations and therapeutic developments in the field of depression management.
An Outlook on Pathological Pathways of Diabetes and Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-diabetic Phytobioactives
Diabetes is a disease that has affected many people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization approximately 80% of humans still rely on conventional or folk medicament in developed countries. The effectiveness of herbal medicines was credited to the phytochemical components.
This review aims to highlight the pathological pathways of diabetes and the antidiabetic mechanism of phytochemicals.
This organized search was compiled from the databases such as PubMed Scopus Embase Science Direct Web of Science and Google Scholar till February 2023.
Inflammatory and oxidative stress are mainly two examples of pathological pathways of diabetes that are explored. The reported antidiabetic phytochemicals work by increasing insulin secretion lowering hepatic glucose output controlling specific enzymes and utilizing other mechanisms. For instance studies on α-glucosidase inhibitors modulation peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α hypolipidaemic activity antioxidants inhibition of glycolytic enzymes like phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase improvement of glycosylated haemoglobin and increased expression of glucose transporters have been conducted.
Many natural secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) have significant potential for the manufacture of marketable new and efficient anti-diabetic medicines which can be used for clinical purposes.
Effects of Pesticides Carried by Foods on Human Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiota is part of a delicate ecosystem that also involves the individual in which it is hosted and the environment. Humans and their gut microbiota depend on each other to maintain good health but many external factors can contribute to the disruption of this balance and lead to diseases. Pesticides are a good example of environmental pollutants to which humans are exposed on a daily basis mainly through diet. As a result the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota can be compromised as the gastrointestinal tract is the first physical and biological barrier with which they interact. Finally through multiple and complex mechanisms all this has repercussions on the health status of the host and the adverse effects of this gut microbiota–pesticide interaction can manifest themselves in various ways such as alteration of the diversity and abundance of the different bacteria both beneficial and pathogenic that colonize the gastrointestinal tract metabolic and endocrine disorders inflammation dysregulation of the immune system and neurological disorders among many others. Therefore this work aims to summarize the latest scientific evidence on the effects of pesticides on the gut microbiota and the possible implications for human health as well as animal models and in vitro cultures on which the different tests are carried out.
Pulses as Sustainable Protein Sources: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Gaps
Pulses have redeemed the interest in terms of a sustainable and healthy diet due to their high protein content. Furthermore the vitamins minerals and phytochemicals they contain also make them more valuable nutritionally. A sustainable diet should improve public health and food security and has a low environmental footprint. Pulses have been considered one of the emerging plant food proteins. Although they have beneficial components such as vitamins minerals phytochemicals and antioxidants many drawbacks limit their use to consumers and the food industry. One of the drawbacks is their incomplete proteins due to the lack of sulfur-containing amino acids in their protein profile. Furthermore the protein digestibility of pulses is low due to the antinutritional compounds they contain. The other drawback of pulses is their beany flavor and bitter taste that limits the acceptability of consumers. From the consumer's point of view the other disadvantage is the laborious and time-consuming preparation period.
This article provides a concise overview of the current state of knowledge on pulses as sustainable protein sources underlining the gaps that limit their extensive application in the food industry. Based on the available scientific facts on pulses finding an efficient method for removing beany flavor and overall sensorial acceptability and antinutritional factors thus increasing protein digestibility is crucial. The most promising option to increase pulse protein digestibility seems to combine conventional and novel technologies that can modulate digestibility by different mechanisms such as the removal of antinutritional factors protein denaturation and the design of the food matrix.
Effect of Prebiotic Supplementation on Probiotic Viability and Physicochemical Characteristics of Fermented Coconut Water with Bifidobacterium longum
Probiotics and prebiotics are functional ingredients that provide health benefits to consumers but they are mainly incorporated in dairy products. Designing a non-dairy product in which probiotics and prebiotics would be incorporated would allow more consumers to benefit from their advantages.
This study investigated the effect of supplementation of two different prebiotics fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and inulin on the viability of Bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999 in coconut water.
Two concentrations of prebiotics used were 1% and 2%. The physicochemical characteristics of fermented coconut water with B. longum for 9 h at 37°C and during refrigerated storage at 4°C for 2 weeks were analyzed. The viability of B. longum in fermented coconut water was maintained above the recommended therapeutic level (7 log CFU/mL) with or without supplementation with prebiotics.
Most distinct changes in colour (∆E > 3) occurred in fermented coconut water compared to unfermented coconut water. An increase in the total soluble solids was also observed in fermented coconut water with the increase in the concentration of prebiotics. There were no significant changes in the clarity pH and concentrations of shikimic and malic acids in the fermented coconut water with or without supplementation with prebiotics over the 2 weeks of storage. Acetic acid production was observed in the fermented coconut water with the highest acetic acid production in the fermented coconut water supplemented with 1% FOS after 2 weeks of storage.
This study demonstrated the potential use of coconut water as a medium to produce a probiotic drink.
Fruits of Emblica officinalis Linn. and its Phytochemicals in the Prevention of Ethanol-induced Hepatotoxicity: A Mini-Review
Excessive alcohol consumption over time is one of the primary causes of liver disease and death globally. Because there is no effective treatment the situation has become more complicated and the emphasis has shifted to the use of alternative and complementary medicine to treat liver problems. Herbs with dietary use have played an important part in the treatment of liver diseases since antiquity. Amla or Indian gooseberry scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinalis is a fruiting plant of the Phyllanthaceae family that is used in a variety of traditional and folk medical systems. The fruits have both dietary and medicinal value and are used to prevent chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and reduce experimentally induced hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome in laboratory animals. They also have hepatoprotective effects against a variety of hepatotoxins such as heavy metals iron overload ochratoxins hexachlorocyclohexane carbon tetrachloride therapeutic drugs such as paracetamol and antitubercular. Amla fruits and phytochemicals such as quercetin gallic acid ellagic acid and kaempferol are known to reduce ethanol-induced liver damage and mechanistic studies have shown that the beneficial effects of these phytochemicals are mediated in part by free radical scavenging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This review examines the positive effects of amla fruit and its phytochemicals for the first time as well as the mechanisms underlying the protective effects.
From Scraps to Solutions: Harnessing the Potential of Vegetable and Fruit Waste in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Food waste is a major worldwide problem due to the increasing population and imbalances in supply chains. Waste from fruits and vegetables are a substantial proportion of the overall food waste generated accounting for approximately 42% of the waste produced. Methane a strong greenhouse gas with a significant potential for global warming is produced when these waste products are typically dumped in landfills.
The study's goal is to present a thorough overview of the most recent findings and developments in the use of vegetable and fruit waste for creating therapeutic formulations. Recognizing the opportunities and challenges in this developing area of study as well as the promise that vegetable and fruit waste contains for the creation of environmentally friendly and economically advantageous pharmaceutical formulations.
A comprehensive review of existing literature on the utilization of vegetable and fruit waste in pharmaceutical formulations was conducted. The review included studies on the chemical composition and bioactive compounds present in various types of vegetable and fruit waste their extraction methods and their potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally current waste management practices and challenges associated with waste disposal were also analyzed.
The review highlights the significant potential of vegetable and fruit waste in the development of pharmaceutical formulations. Fruit and vegetable waste offer a wide range of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants antimicrobials and antiinflammatory agents which could be utilized in drug formulation. Moreover this approach can promote environmental sustainability by reducing waste generation and enhancing waste utilization. Further research and development efforts should focus on optimizing extraction methods evaluating the efficacy and safety of waste-derived compounds and addressing regulatory requirements for integrating vegetable and fruit waste into pharmaceutical products. Harnessing the potential of vegetable and fruit waste in pharmaceutical formulations can lead to sustainable advancements in the pharmaceutical industry while addressing environmental concerns.
Nutraceuticals Health Benefits in Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with multiple pathological components. Genetic abnormalities infection or inflammation poor diet radiation exposure work stress and/or ingestion of toxic substances have all been associated with cancer development and progression. Early detection and treatment of cancer have been shown to increase the chances of survival and recovery and reduce the side effects of anticancer drugs. Anticancer drugs continue to cause negative side effects that negate treatment benefits in terms of hospitalization and survival. Many naturally occurring bioactive compounds are shown to have anticancer properties. That is they can eliminate altered and cancer cells without harming their healthy counterparts. In particular the following activities have been reported to support nutrition during cancer treatment: cell growth inhibition antioxidant activity anti-inflammatory activity and minimized negative effects due to natural antioxidants. Keeping the side effects minimum helps patients adhere to anticancer therapy. Among currently available anticancer agents dietary supplementation can be considered in conjunction with current chemotherapy to improve response and compliance in cancer patients. However it should be noted that before discussing data from studies on bioactive plant supplements it is important to ensure that the tests were performed according to protocol.
Investigation of Anti-Diabetic Properties of Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Extracts by In-Vitro α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition, Molecular Modeling, and Postprandial Blood Glucose Regulation for Potential Nutraceuticals
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can appear due to the absence of insulin (DM1-type 1) or poor response of cells to insulin (DM2-type 2). Even though DM1 cannot be controlled using general treatments DM2 can be easily controlled or prevented using pharmaceuticals nutraceuticals or dietary practices. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is one such natural remedy that has been consumed against elevated blood glucose levels in the past. Cinnamon and different types of cinnamon extracts have been scientifically tested for their activities on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes that are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and are effective in blood glucose regulation. However the combined effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of cinnamon bark on blood glucose regulation is still lacking. In this study Water Extract of Cinnamon (CWE) Ethanol Extracts of Cinnamon (hot ethanol extract of cinnamon-CHEE cold ethanol extract of cinnamon-CEE and 50% ethanol extract of cinnamon- CEE-50) were studied for their sugar-controlling properties.
This study was performed to identify the efficacy of different cinnamon extracts on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes followed by animal studies to confirm the use of the extracts in nutraceutical formulations.
Water and ethanol-based extraction method was used to prepare cinnamon extracts. These extracts have been scientifically tested for their activities on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Molecular docking studies were used to identify the binding of the active molecules to the substrate binding sites of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In vivo time dependence postprandial blood glucose regulation studies have been performed with healthy Wistar male rats.
Yields of the CHEE CEE and CWE were 14±2% 12±2% and 8±1% respectively. According to the LCMS data the major component in the CEE was cinnamaldehyde. Both CWE and CEE were subjected to the Total Polyphenol assay (TPC) and Total Flavonoids (TFC) assays. The TPC of CWE and CEE were 117±1 mg (Gal)/g and 170±10 mg (Gal)/g while the TFC of CWE and CEE were 359±1 mg (Qc)/g and 254±4 mg (Qc)/g respectively. In the α-amylase inhibition assay Acarbose; a known α-amylase inhibitor and CEE showed IC50 values of 65.4 ppm and 2.6 ppm while CWE failed to show inhibition against α-amylase. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay Acarbose; a known α-amylase inhibitor CEE and CWE showed IC50 values of 312 ppm 4.5 ppm and 1.3 ppm respectively. In vivo time dependence postprandial blood glucose regulation studies that have been performed with healthy Wistar male rats showed a lowering of blood glucose concentrations by 22% 11% and 10% of glucose at 30 min 60 min and 90 min compared to the control group.
The CEE contains polyphenols and flavonoids and is effective in inhibiting both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The CWE also contains polyphenols and a comparatively higher level of flavonoids and is effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase while not affecting α-amylase inhibition. Overall the IC50 data TPC data and TFC data proposed that the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes by polyphenols may depend on the polarity of particular polyphenols. Based on the rat trials it can be concluded that the 1:1 combination of CWE and CEE may be useful in formulating postprandial blood glucose level-regulating nutraceuticals.
Analysis of Anti-Cancer Effects in Grapefruit-based Drug Development: A Narrative Review
Cancer remains a significant global health concern and natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables have shown potential anti-cancer effects. Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) has gained attention due to its rich phytochemical composition and biological activities including anti-cancer properties. This narrative review analyzes the literature on grapefruit-based drug development and its potential as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Grapefruit-derived compounds have been extensively studied for their anti-cancer effects with preclinical studies showing promising outcomes in inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation. Compounds made from grapefruit also have anti-cancer effects. They do this in a number of ways such as by affecting the cell cycle apoptosis angiogenesis metastasis and key signalling pathways. Petrified grapefruit compounds have potential synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapy drugs enhancing cytotoxic effects while reducing adverse side effects. They have shown promising results in overcoming drug resistance a major obstacle in cancer treatment. However challenges such as bioavailability drug interactions and variability in compound composition remain. Overall grapefruit-derived compounds possess significant anti-cancer properties and warrant further investigation for clinical application.
Regulatory Pathways for Ayurvedic Formulations in India
Ayurveda a traditional system of medicine originating in India focuses on teaching people how to live a healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda describes health as harmony between body mind emotions and spirituality. It interprets illness as a symptom and result of disharmony. It is a system that is increasingly becoming an object of interest for people around the world. It is a way for healthy people looking for methods of prevention and patients looking for natural ways to heal. The regulatory requirements for its formulations have been a major challenge. Some regulations for Ayurveda are clubbed together with those of other systems of medicine for example Siddha Unani and Homeopathy due to their similarity but the official books relevant to the Ayurvedic systems of medicine are separately compiled and conserved. Ayurveda does not prohibit anything it does not act invasively or aggressively and in the treatment of ailments it uses all naturally occurring bioactive substances which for example in Western countries are associated with “functional food” or “dietary supplements”. In order to increase the quality and reliability of Ayurvedic formulations various councils and departments under these ministries have been laying the foundation of standards and protocols as per the demands of regulatory authorities. The direct or indirect connection among the different Ministries of India governing the regulations for the production standardization and development of Ayurvedic formulations has also been viewed. Improvement in quality parameters has a higher level of acceptance of ayurvedic formulations. It has amplified the market size of the ayurvedic pharmaceutical industry. The synchronisation of various regulations in India could emerge as a powerful tool in establishing a novel platform for the whole world in the manufacturing and development of ayurvedic formulations for the benefit of mankind.
Abutilon indicum: Bioactive Compounds and Diverse Therapeutic Applications
A large variety of secondary metabolites are found in medicinal plants and the majority are significant in medicine. One of the well-known plant species used to cure a wide range of human illnesses is Abutilon indicum. The plant Abutilon indicum has a wide range of therapeutic uses and its varied parts have been employed to cure a wide range of ailments. Numerous bioactive substances such as polyphenols flavonoids alkaloids saponins tannins and glycosides are present in the plant. Potent antioxidant anti-inflammatory antibacterial hepatoprotective hypoglycaemic analgesic sedative and diuretic activities have been demonstrated in these compounds. Additionally the plant has been shown to have cytoprotective properties and to guard against DNA damage brought on by oxidative stress. Future research is required to pinpoint the specific bioactive chemicals responsible for the pharmacological effects of Abutilon indicum and the molecular mechanisms underlying the plant's therapeutic uses. Overall Abutilon indicum has demonstrated great therapeutic potential and deserves further study as a possible source of homeopathic treatments for various illnesses. The present study covers a summary of the phytochemical and ethnomedicinal applications of Abutilon Indicum that would further help in exploring the research in natural medicine.
From Ayurveda to Global Practices: A Review on Polyherbal Formulations for Depression Management in Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies
This review summarizes various polyherbal formulations investigated for antidepressant activity in preclinical and clinical studies. Ayurveda an alternative medical system from India employs both single herbs and polyherbal formulations to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Evidence suggests that whole herb extracts can be more potent than isolated compounds. Polyherbal formulations combining multiple herbs with various active compounds aim to maximize therapeutic effects and safety. This review compiles data from published research to provide insights for future studies and potential development of effective marketable antidepressant formulations derived from natural sources.