Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 7, Issue 2, 2021

The family Iridaceae contains 92 genera and more than 1800 species, mostly perennial herbs with underground storage organs called rhizomes (bulbs). Some genera are important in traditional medicines, especially Iris and Gladiolus. The genus Iris belongs to this family and comprises about hundreds of species among them, 12 species are found in Iraq. It has been widely used in various medicines worldwide especially Iris persica is used in folk medicine in the Kurdistan region of Iraq as an effective treatment of tumours, inflammation, and as antibacterial and antifungal agent. Earlier findings confirmed that Iris persica and its constituents play a role in the scavenging of free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. Each part of the Iris persica herb has some medicinal property. This review focuses mainly on the biological activities of the Iris persica and some of their compounds isolated, pharmacological actions of the Iris persica extracts and products, and plausible medicinal and therapeutically applications.

Objective: The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism is increasing in adults (PHTA), and the reduction in the threshold for treatment and also the requirement to increase drug usage are major problems in approaching this disorder. Persian Medicine (PM) has a different view on the etiology of diseases. Therefore, the etiologies of PHTA according to an important book of PM i.e., “Zakhire Kharazmshahi” are presented. Method: At first, the common symptoms and signs of PHTA were identified by investigating the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases and their Persian equivalents were extracted from PM sources. These synonyms were searched as keywords in the book and the primary causes that were mentioned in association with the signs and symptoms were extracted. Then, the total etiologies that were discussed for the occurrence of the causes, with respect to the principles of health care in PM were explained. Results: "Cold distemperament", an increase in "Phlegmatic Humor", an increase in "Melancholic Humor" and "Emtela" (repletion) were recognized as four main causes of PHTA. According to the book, the most important etiologies of these conditions are insufficient exercise, overeating, food intake before total stomach emptying and excessive amounts of cold temperament substances (foods, herbs, seeds, spices, etc.) in daily diet. Conclusion: From the viewpoint of PM, lifestyle spatially eating habits and physical activity play important causative roles in occurring and prognosis of PHTA. Hence, it is recommended to assess these results by more observations and clinical studies.

Introduction: Capsella bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic is a traditional herb of the genus Capsella with long-standing Pakistan, India, Iraq, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran, Azarbayjan, Europe, Saudi Arabia, China and many other regions of Asian countries ethnomedical records. Preliminary studies from the animal model have provided valuable scientific evidence for its use, also the novel bioactive compounds. Aim: This review aims to summarize the ethnopharmacology, selected scientific evidence on the pharmacological properties and phytochemistry of C. bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic over the past 38 years while identifying potential areas of further development of this herb as an economical adjunct. Methods: The review covers literature pertaining to the evidence-based on ethnopharmacology, therapeutic potential, and phytochemistry of C. bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic spanning from 1980 to 2018 available on Non-English journals and English/Non-English- MS worldwide accepted scientific databases via electronic search (Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Springer, Web of Science, Wiley online library) and Ph.D. thesis databases (e.g., CKNI-China, JAIRO-Japan, Shodhganga-India, Myto-Malaysia, etc.). Results: Evidence suggests that the extracts and some compounds from. bursa-pastoris(L.) Medic possessantimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle contraction, infertility, antioxidant, cardiovascular, sedative, hepatoprotective and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor properties. C. bursa-pastoris, besides having pharmacological profile has an acceptable nutritional value also due to its novel bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, phenolics, flavonoids, fatty acids, organic acids, peptides and amino acids. Conclusion: Scientific evidence suggests that there is a strong pharmacological potential in developing C. bursa-pastoris (L.) According to the Medic, it is a drug which is used in the treatment of various disorders from antimicrobial to anticancer therapy. C. bursa-pastoris can be a rich source for the advancement of novel drugs to treat many human diseases due to the wide range of chemical constituents present in the plant. Various ethnomedical uses and phytochemicals responsible for these uses have not been evaluated yet to their fullest.

Herbal drugs and their derived products play an important role in human life due to their defensive nature against various diseases. The demand of herbal based products is continuously increasing in society due to their less toxicity and more value for health. Pure phytochemicals of plants have been placed in modern medicine due to their healthpromoting aspects as we know that some of the important modern medicines contain pure active chemicals obtained from plants, minerals and organic matter. A large number of drugs prescribed in modern medicine are derived from plants. Phytochemicals are present in various herbs, fruits, vegetables, oils, and seeds. Sophora japonica is a tree native to China and Korea also called a Japanese pagoda tree or Chinese scholar tree. Sophoricoside is an isoflavone glycoside present in the Sophora japonica plant. Sophoricoside has been known for its estrogenic activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and immunomodulatory activity. In the present review paper, we have collected all the information of sophoricoside and summarized its pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, analytical techniques and biotransformation method in a very concise manner. This article aims at providing an overview of the pharmacological effects of sophoricoside and its mechanisms of actions in various diseases. Databases namely Medline, PubMed, Google and Science direct were searched to collect the data for this review. The present review will be helpful to the scientists of the Botanical, Medicinal and Pharmaceutical field for the discovery and development of new novel medicines from sophoricoside.

Background: Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. (Kareel) is a multifunctional perennial woody plant that belongs to the family Capparaceae, widely distributed in the hot arid regions of different parts of the world, especially in the Indian subcontinent, Africa and Saudi Arabia. Objective: The review aims at presenting updated information with respect to ethnopharmacological relevance and recent findings on phytochemical and biological activities of Capparis decidua. Methods: The literature survey was carried out with the help of various sources such as Scifinder, Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Results: Phytochemical review of the plant revealed the presence of mainly glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, volatile oils, fatty acids and steroids that possess immense pharmacological activities. The plant has been used traditionally as an expectorant, carminative, digestive, stimulant, antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, anodyne, anthelmintic and is also useful in ailments like cough, dropsy, dyspepsia, intermittent fever, asthma, intestinal worms, constipation, lumbago, odontalgia, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and cardiac disorders. Several pharmacological and biological activities using various parts of the plant have been reported like antidiabetic, antiparasitic, analgesic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-gout, in-vitro cytotoxicity activity, antihyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, antinephrolithiasis, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Nutritionally, the fruits of the plant are used for preparing pickles and has also been used in food preparations since ancient times. Conclusion: Even though the plant has numerous pharmacological properties, there are many secluded pharmacological activities of the plant which still need to be explored. Considering the importance of the plant in the pharmaceutical and nutritional area, the present review is an attempt to focus on up-to-date studies performed on the plant C. decidua, mainly concerning the phytochemical and pharmacological significance, which will benefit researchers having an interest in the relevant field.

The genus Phyllanthus belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae with large global distribution, with about 833 species, including Phyllanthus amarus and P. niruri. These species are widely used in traditional medicine because of their pharmacological potential. The objective of this work is to measure the potential of genus Phyllanthus after a technological and scientific monitoring to quantify and evaluate publications and patents related to Phyllanthus spp. with emphasis on P. amarus and P. niruri. The scientific monitoring summarizes morphotaxonomic, pharmacological, chemical, ethnomedicinal and biological aspects. The research was carried out based on papers found in journals deposited in the Web of Science and NCBI (PUBMED) databases and on patents found in the European Patent Office (ESPACENET), Google Patents and the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The results show strong interest in the areas of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry. Patents fall within the Human Necessities section by International Patent Classification as preparations for Medical, Dental or Hygienic Purposes. The summary of monitoring analysis demonstrates the potential pharmacological potential of P. amarus and P. niruri as agents to treat different types of diseases and a range of possibilities for clinical trials in several areas of health.

Aims: In the present study we aimed to investigate neuroprotective effects of Nardostachys jatamansi against BSO induced anxiety in mice. Background: Oxidative stress is implicated in nervous system impairment and development of anxiety-like disorders. There is an immediate surge for identification of herbal supplements to treat oxidative stress mediated anxiety and neurodegener-ation. Objective: In present study, we analyzed the metabolites present in 70 % ethanolic extract of Nardostachys jatamansi (NJE) by LC-ESI-MS/MS and RP-HPLC. Oxidative stress was induced using BSO (300 mg/kg) for 7 days after pretreatment with Nardostachys jatamansi extract (250 mg/kg) followed by assessing anxiety levels in mice using behavioural indices and biochemical parameters as well as western blot of two important biomarkers linking oxidative stress with anxiety viz gly-oxalase 1 and glutathione reductase. Methods: LC–ESI-MS/MS analysis aided in identification of the major metabolites present in NJE. RP-HPLC analysis for neurotransmitter content, behavioural tests for anxiety analysis, oxidative stress markers by biochemical analysis, and west-ern blot analysis for oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Results: LC–ESI-MS/MS analysis aided in identification of the major metabolites present in NJE. A total of 15 metabolites were identified. RP-HPLC analysis for serotonin and melatonin content revealed an enriched melatonin content 72.19 ± 1.6 μg/g, however, serotonin could not be detected. The anxiolytic tests employed showed that BSO-induced oxidative stress for 7 days caused a significant decrement in time spent in open arm of EPM, in exploratory behavior in OFT and light compartment of LDB and also in a number of licks and shocks accepted in VCT. NJE further decreased oxidative stress mediated markers in serum viz cortisol, lipid peroxides and protein carbonyls in brain and improved the antioxidant status of brain (GPx, GR, GST, SOD, CAT, and ABTS). NJE also mitigated levels of choline and glutamate in brain. Moreover, NJE in-creased brain GABA and monoamine levels thereby effectively overcoming the anxiety-like effects of BSO. Conclusion: These results clearly suggest that OS mediates anxiety and NJE could be an effective remedy in treating oxi-dative stress mediated anxiety and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Background: Ankaferd Blood Stopper® is a commercially available herbal extract with potent blood-stopping property and is clinically used to treat immediate dental, dermal, external and internal bleeding. Its possible anti-neoplastic effect or whether it ingenerates drug resistance in cells has not been previously scrutinized. Objective: In the present study, HEPG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line was exposed to clinically used dose (8 μL/mL) of the blood stopper for 24 h and the behavioral changes were investigated on both proteomic and genomic levels. Methods: Cell culture experiments were performed by using Ankaferd® application in HEPG2 cell line. Cytotoxic activity experiments with MTT, oncoproteomic studies with 2-D gel electrophoresis, genomic studies were performed with RT-PCR. Results: It was seen that the agent did not significantly inhibit cell viability subsequent to 24 h of the treatment meanwhile, it clearly deducted cell viability after 72 h. Although reduction of HEPG2 cell proliferation was not witnessed as a response to 24 h of treatment with Ankaferd®, genomic and oncoproteomic analysis demonstrated diversification. Conclusion: It was established that protein processing networks in endoplasmic reticulum which regulate protein folding, relocation and degradation were effected. Additionally, it was proved that along with the elongation of the exposure period, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway may be activated due to hnRNP F-p53 interaction. Given to the fact that the agent did not cause P-glycoprotein-dependent drug resistance unlike many clinically used chemotherapeutic agents, it can also be considered for combination treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that Ankaferd® offers a novel promising approach against hepatocellular carcinoma which needs further investigation.

Background: Nigeria as a multi-ethnic and multi-regional nation is blessed with a great diversity of traditional approaches to common diseases of mankind. Thus, ethnomedicinal surveys are key in reconciling long existing therapeutic approaches as bedrocks for drug discovery to ailing diseases of man today. Objective of Study: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States of South-western region of Nigeria where mostly the Yoruba people live; to identify and document medicinal plants used in the management of cancer. Methods: Herbalists, traditional healers, herb sellers, old men and women who have information regarding the use of herbs either by inheritance or by trainings were questioned with the help of a well-structured questionnaire. A sample size of 200 respondents was randomly chosen with the help of their (community) leaders. Data on the local names, methods of preparation and the plant parts used were collected and analyzed to determine their frequency of citation, species use value and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: A total of 126 plant species (belonging to 112 genera and119 families) used in the treatment of 20 types of cancer were identified. Members of the family Fabaceae (10 species) were the most widely used. It was observed that Bryophyllum pinnatum and Tetrapleura tetraptera were the most frequently cited species for the treatment of cancer. Analysis revealed 14 plant parts used in the treatment of cancer by the practitioners. Result also showed that bone and kidney cancers had highest degree of consensus from informants (0.5each). Conclusion: Bioassay guided fractionation is required on the most frequently cited plant species such that adequate information based on ethnomedicinal practice for the treatment of cancer in South-Western Nigeria can be kept for successive generation. New anti-cancer herbal medicines may also be discovered to alleviate the suffering of mankind.

Background: Manipur is a small state of India, well known for its folk medicine. Folk medicine practitioners of the state use a number of plants to manage diabetes mellitus. Objective: This is an ethnomedicinal survey to find folk antidiabetic plants of the Thoubal district of Manipur, India. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of the chosen medicinal plant. Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in Thoubal district, Manipur to find out antidiabetic plants regularly used by tribal/folk medicinal practitioners. Based on the information, Maesa indica leaves extracts (ethanol extract, MIE; ethyl acetate extract, MIEA; petroleum ether extract, MIPE) were further investigated for in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Acute hypoglycemic activity (streptozotocin-induced diabetes model) was evaluated and NGOGTT tests were conducted to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of Maesa indica leaves. Results: Ethnomedicinal survey revealed that folk medicinal practitioners regularly used 15 antidiabetic plants. Maesa indica is a plant of choice of folk medicinal practitioners. MIE was found to possess strong oxidative haemolysis inhibition, nitric oxide radical and DPPH radical scavenging effect with IC50 values of 54.5, 34.1 and 19.2 μg/mL, respectively. MIE inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase with IC50 values of 18.2 and 31.2 μg/mL, respectively. MIE and MIEA produced considerable hypoglycemic activity when tested through the NG-OGTT model. MIE (500 mg/kg, b.w.) asserted significant acute hypoglycemic activity by reducing blood glucose level after 1h, 2h, 3h, 5h, and 12h of drug administration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Conclusion: The present study showed that the ethanol extract of Maesa indica leaves possesses better activity compared to ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extract. This study also confirmed the ethnobotanical claim about traditional use of plant and antidiabetic potential of M. indica leaves.

Background: Curcuma longa Linn. and Cratoxylum formosum have been consumed as the Thai traditional medicine for curing liver diseases. However, biological effects from a combination of C. longa and C. formosum have not been investigated. Objective: This study focused to investigate the effects of combined extracts on anti-liver cancer activity, anti-Hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and alteration of miRNA expression, including their effects on p53 and NF-ΚB protein expressions. Methods: The cytotoxicity effects of hot water extract on liver cancer cells were examined by using the MTT assay. Annexin V assay and Western blot analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of plant extracts on the apoptosis pathway and cellular protein expressions. Finally, the expression of HBV genes and miRNA expressions were evaluated by using a quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The cell viability assay indicated that 400 μg/mL of combined C. longa and C. formosum extracts significantly inhibited different liver cancer cell lines without affecting a normal cell (Vero). The combined extracts could induce liver cancer cell death via the apoptosis pathway by up-regulating p53 expression while down-regulating NF-ΚB expression. Moreover, 150 μg/mL of the combined extract specifically suppressed HBx gene expression in liver cancer cells that stably express HBV proteins. However, 150 μg/mL of the combined extract had no effect on miR-34a and miR-199a/b expressions. Conclusion: This study firstly reported anti-liver cancer and anti-HBV activities of the combined C. longa and C. formosum extracts.

Background: Cistus munbyi Pomel is a well-known medicinal plant in Western Algeria for its several applications in medicine and food. This endemic species from North Africa is poorly studied among the genus of Cistus, which gives the opportunity to carry out original pharmacological studies to value this medicinal plant. Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and the antimicrobial activities of Cistus munbyi, an endemic medicinal plant from Algeria. Methods: The antioxidant properties of C. munbyi crudes extracts were evaluated using the DPPH radical-scavenging activity tests. While their antimicrobial activity was studied by the agar diffusion method and MICs determination against eighteen bacterial and fungal strains, some of which were clinical. Results: The obtained results showed that aqueous and ethanol extracts possess a strong scavenging activity against DPPH radicals with EC50 values estimated at 1.12 and 8.31 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, extracts from C. munbyi revealed homogeneous and good antimicrobial activity, in which the inhibition zone diameters observed were ranging from 08 to 19 mm, and the MICs values were included from 0.312 to 5.000 mg/mL. The aqueous extract was less active except against Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that C. munbyipossesses a strong antioxidant activity and an interesting antimicrobial potential, which allows justifying its uses by the local population in several applications. Therefore, C. munbyi could be a good source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.