Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 7, Issue 3, 2021

Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) sp., is a common plant in the Mediterranean region. Over the years, S.spinosum has been used as a remedy for many diseases. One of the most known medicinal uses of the S.spinosum is the remedy for type II diabetes. Early studies were more focused on the extraction and characterization of the S.spinosum. Few pentacyclic triterpenoids were identified in S. spinosum such as tormentic acid and ursolic acid. Due to the presence of these triterpenoids, antidiabetic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties of the S.spinosum have been investigated in the literature. And these studies revealed the various health benefits of the S.spinosum extract. While gathering the studies for this review it was seen that the effect of isolated triterpenes is preferred rather than crude extract. For this reason, studies carried out with both crude extract and the isolated molecules were summarized. The objective of this work is to provide a starting point for possible health applications for S.spinosum. This review could provide a summary of these studies on Sarcopoterium spinosum’s health benefits and its possible applications.

Folk medicine system has served mankind as a remedy of several clinical conditions since antiquity. Abundance and diversity of synthetic medicaments eclipsed the implementation of traditional medicines for some time, but the adverse reactions of synthetic medicaments have shifted people to the traditional medicine system again to retrieve its position. Over a duration of time, advancement in research and technology on traditional medicine systems has attracted people to start believing in the safety aspects of natural products. This review illustrates the diverse pharmacological benefits of numerous phytoconstituents of a magical plant, Barleria lupulina Lindl., belonging to the family Acanthaceaec, native to East Africa (Mauritius), Eastern India, Bangladesh; apart from that, it is also cultured in some places like Sri Lanka. It is commonly known as hophead Philippine violet, Lal-tarokh, etc. Traditionally the plant leaves are utilized to medicate in snakebites, dog bites, swelling, boils, sexual disorder, cough, fever, body ache, eczema, itches, bleeding wounds and rheumatism. The other pharmacological properties include antibacterial, anti- inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antimitotic, diuretic, saluretic, kaliuretic, antiarthritic, antiviral, psychopharmacological, anticancer, analgesic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. Till date, diversified phytoconstituents have been isolated and structurally elucidated, in which saponins, glycosides, resins, steroids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids are the predominant ones. With this ample information, the herb can be considered for isolating biomarkers to develop new lead for making of novel drugs. In an attempt to illuminate the importance of B. lupulina, this review has been developed upon contemplating its traditional, morphological, ecological, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies.

Background: With today’s increasing life expectations, the desire to look youthful plays a bigger role than ever. The use of plants for this purpose has a history as old as that of mankind himself. In the Traditional Persian Medicine, many herbal formulations have been reported for hair growth promotion as well as improvement in the quality of hair. Objective: The aim of this study is to introduce effective medicinal plants in Traditional Persian Medicine for gray hair that can be used in new products. Methods: The present study is an overview study and codified by the Library search method in the main sources of Traditional Persian Medicine. Results: After reviewing the selected book, we discovered that three types of formulations recommended for gray hair by traditional healers contain preventive, treatment, and dying compounds. Our research indicated that the parts of the plants used most frequently in the treatment and preventive compounds are leaves, seeds, and fruit that are more often used as a topical oil or oral compound (electuaries). The majority of plant parts used in hair dyes are leaves, fruit, and gum which all are used topically. Conclusion: Synthetic-based formulations may cause several side effects on human health and with the increasing popularity of the herbal drugs in hair care products, it is worthwhile to carry out the systemic investigation on the efficacy of these formulations and their preparations. We hope that this study could show a way of using Traditional Persian Medicine in hair care products in the future.

A staggering 80% of the population in developing countries relies on herbal medicine for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Among them, Achillea millifolium from Asteraceae family is one medicinally important plant called as “yarrow” and reported as being used in folklore medicine for ailments such as skin inflammations, spasmodic and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as hepatobiliary complaints. Therefore, a plethora of scientific studies have been conducted to give substance to its ethnomedicinal claims, and in addition to that, even more, biological functions such as its hypotensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, vasoprotective, antiulcer and antis-permatogenic activities, scientifically established. Our review comprehensively collects recent phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Achillea millifolium and should, therefore, act a suitable reference for future research into the plant’s phytochemical profiling and overall pharmacological evaluation.

Fernandoa adenophylla (Heterophragma adenophyllum), commonly known as Dhopa- phali, Ziron, Mostan-phul, Lotum-poh and Karen wood of family Bignoniaceae, has been used traditionally for snakebite (Morigaon district of Assam, India), hemorrhoids and constipation (Chakma tribe, Bangladesh) and skin disorder (Thai traditional medicine). This review covers pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and pharmacological as well as the traditional aspects of the plant and enlightens possible pharmacological activities Received: that can be assessed in the future. Fernandoa adenophylla has been reported to constitute potent phytochemicals like novel napthaquinones, their derivatives (dilapachone, adenophyllone, peshwaraquinone, lapachol, and indadone) and triterpenoids (β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid) which have potential pharmacological activities that have been assessed and reported. The Crude extract of Fernandoa adenophylla has already been tested for pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-TB, and antihypertensive and leishmanicidal activities. Since not many researches have been carried out on Fernandoa adenophylla, it paves way for researchers to explore its potential in the field of medicinal plants.

Ayurveda captured almost all herbs in its indications for therapeutics from the period of Vedas. More than 700 plants are discussed elaborately in various classics of Ayurveda of different periods. Berberis aristata DC (Berberidaceae), an Indian medicinal plant, is an Ayurvedic herb used since ancient times. It is commonly known as Daruharidra and Daruhaldi. The plant is useful as an antipyretic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihepatotoxic, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic agent. Our main objective was to collect information about the active constituents and major pharmacological actions of B. aristata. The review of the literature included PubMed and Science Direct searches with ‘Berberis aristata’ and ‘Daruharidra’ as initial keywords. This review aims to highlight the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological uses of B. aristata, which will give insights into developing potentially new bioactives from the plant scaffolds. This review also highlights the phytochemicals isolated from different parts of B. aristata. Daruharidra is a rich source of chemically novel compounds, such as berberine, and needs elaborate screening strategies to dwell into the pharmacological effects at the molecular level.

In the medical schools of old civilizations, the use of clinical findings has been one of the most important diagnostic methods. The features of tongue and pulse have widely been used as important diagnostic factors in Persian medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. These features are like a mirror reflecting the internal states of the body. This study aimed to evaluate the views of Persian and Chinese medical schools on diagnostic indices of the tongue and compare their common points. This review article compiles, categorizes, and analyses the diagnostics indices of the tongue based on Persian medicine and Chinese medicine sources. To benefit from the experiences of other researchers in this field and to search the desired contents, we used online databases, such as Google Scholar, Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Baidu, and Web of Science. Five relevant indices were assessed: colour, size, shape, movement, coating and taste. In the first four indices, there is a high degree of commonality between the two schools regarding the properties of indices and even how they reason about the inner state of the body and organs, especially coldness-warmness and wetness indices of Mizaj [temperament]. Overall, considering the commonalities between Persian medicine and Chinese medicine in the use of diagnostic indices of the tongue including colour, shape, taste, and move, it is suggested that these commonalities can be used to make a more accurate diagnosis of diseases. It shows that these commonalities have a theoretical basis and have been practiced for a long time; they are worth spreading in the world.

Background: Aristolochia indica L. of the family Aristolochiaceae is a twining perennial herb with an ancient history of medicinal use. In the Indian Ayurvedic system, it is used for the treatment of snake venom, scorpion venom, pimple, fever and worm infections. Objective: This studay aimed to make accessible the current information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Aristolochia indica. Additionally, the purpose was to emphasize the potential uses of this plant to treat various diseases and to bring a foundation for further research. Methods: The present review is carried out by compiling literature from 1935 to 2020, concerning the morphology, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicological aspects of Aristolochia indica. Results: Diverse chemical compounds including aristolochic acids, aristolactam, Phenanthrenes, alkaloids, lignans, steroids and terpenes have been isolated from this plant. Mostly in-vivo models indicated several pieces of evidence on the use of this plant particularly to regulate fertility. Few in-- vivo studies also proved the usefulness of this plant in inflammation and diabetes. In some in-vitro studies, the anti-snake venom, larvicidal, and anti-oxidant properties have been proved. Conclusion: Preclinical studies have demonstrated remarkable activity that supports the conventional use of the plant as an antivenum, antifertility, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Although few phytochemicals isolated (aristolic acid, (12S)-7,12-secoishwaran-12-ol, aristololactam- I N-β-D-glucoside, aristolochic acids, β-sitosterol, (-)hinokinin and aristolactam-I) from the plant exhibited remarkable biological activity, it was only confined to preclinical studies. Even though the isolated aristolochic acids showed significant anti-snake venom activity, but it was found to be nephrotoxic and mutagenic. More detailed safety data pertaining to the dose of crude extracts or pure compounds needs to be generated.

Medicinal plants are traditionally familiar to treat various physical abnormalities, diseases and illnesses throughout the world A very large number of plant wealth has been offered by the nature for all living organisms, which preserves medicinal excellence. Traditionally in the rural areas, folk medicinal practitioners perform a more ordinary manner of medicine, where medicinal plants constitute the foremost and most often only components of formulations. Geographical and cultural factors of Bangladesh create an abundant source for herbal remedies. Nowadays, several medicinal herbs having their hypnotic and sedative effects are thoroughly used in the treatment of various psychiatric related disorders that include anxiety and insomnia. Sedatives are those types of drugs which diminish the action, inducing a calming and relaxing outcome. Sedatives, in general, produce sleep at higher doses. In recent years, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders which include anxiety and insomnia is rising and therefore different researches are exploring to reveal better medicine to treat these disorders. In this present review, we have performed a comprehensive literature search to find out the five most frequently used medicinal plants with sedative effects for the treatment of various disorders like anxiety and insomnia and their pharmacological activities in scientific researches. The featured plants of this review articles are, Kaempferia galanga, Cleome Rutidosperma, Kalanchoe pinnata, Calotropis gigantea, Scoparia dulcis L. In herbal and traditional medicines, numerous plants are used without their scientific validation and we intend to carry out a literature review in order to find out the effective scientific value of the featured plants. This study will help to affirm the uses of these plants as traditional medicine and the researchers to detect efficient therapeutic drugs according to their pharmacological studies.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevailing age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases and the most common cause of dementia. The pharmacological therapies available for the disease provide only symptomatic relief. Plants are being extensively investigated for Alzheimer’s as they are relatively safer and cheaper. This review summarizes recent findings suggesting anti- Alzheimer potential of the plants along with compounds or mechanisms responsible for their efficacy and their therapeutic targets. The findings of recent studies have revealed that the plants or the compounds isolated from them exhibit mitigative potential in Alzheimer’s disease by targeting amyloid beta, tau protein, cholinergic pathways via various enzymes like beta secretase, gamma secretase, acetylcholinesterase or receptors involved in these pathways. A number of putative compounds revealed from these studies can be investigated further for the mitigation of Alzheimer’s disease.

The liver is one of the most essential and largest organ for numerous biochemical reactions and metabolism in the human body. The major function of the liver is detoxification of toxic substances and the production of some important biomolecules. Liver injury or damage may result from chronic alcohol intake or Hepatitis, a genetic-induced metabolic disease. Many reasons are associated with liver damage, such as necrosis, fibrosis, increase in the lipid peroxidation of tissue and decrease in the glutathione level. Naturally occurring antioxidants are present in several components and are classified as secondary plant metabolites, e.g. polyphenols such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, and terpenoids such as carotenoids. Consumption of food products containing these compounds seems to play an important role in prophylaxis against various diseases. Available evidence indicates that the bioactive components derived from herbs have potential hepatoprotective agents. Herbal medicines have become more acceptable compared to synthetic drugs since 65% of patients in European countries depend on herbal remedies for the treatment and prevention of liver diseases. However, standardisation and pharmaco-vigilance concerning herbal products still lack evidence to substantiate their effective usage in liver disorders. This brief review has been framed systematically to collect maximum information of herbs, claiming the treatment of liver diseases, including their botanical names, traditional uses, and some of their detailed scientific evidence in various journals. The current literature study may be helpful in the formulation of novel herbal medicines to treat hepatic disorders.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of fresh onion juice on female infertility. Background: Onion contains several antioxidants and has been used for the subfertile woman to achieve pregnancy by herbalists. Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of fresh onion juice on ovarian folliculogenesis and implantation in rats. Methods: Female albino rats were divided into two groups: 5-day (one estrus cycle) and 10-day treatment (two estrus cycles) groups. The animals in the two groups were then divided into subgroups of the control group, 1 cc onion juice and 2 cc onion juice, each containing seven rats. At the end of the 5th and 10th days, ovarian volume and weight were measured, and the primordial, antral, and atretic follicles, and corpus lutea were counted. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were evaluated both in the ovaries and in the endometrium immunohistochemically. Results: In the 5-day treatment group, ovarian weight and the antral follicle count were significantly higher in the 2 cc onion juice subgroup than the control group (p<0.05). In the 10-day treatment group, the antral follicle count was significantly higher both in 1cc and 2cc onion juice subgroups than the control group (p<0.05). There was also increased ovarian stromal VEGF in the 10-day 1cc onion juice subgroup (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study showed that fresh onion juice could increase the number of antral follicles, which is an indicator of enhanced folliculogenesis.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of “XGTQ” in the treatment of cirrhosis induced by Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in combination with alcohol and a high-fat diet on Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Cirrhosis on white rats was induced by subcutaneously injecting CC14 at an initial dose of 5,0ml/kg, followed by 1,2ml/kg once a week in 10 weeks. Then, fed with synthetic food, added 20% fat, and 0.05% cholesterol and iron oxalate. Rats were administered every day with plain water and 1 day with water mixed with 30% ethanol. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and given distilled water (group 1 and 2 or control group), silymarin (group 3 or reference group) or the “XGTQ” drug extract (group 4, 5) for 4 weeks. Collected blood for biochemical test and liver were dissected to evaluate weight, morphology, and quantified 4-hydroxyproline to evaluate fibrosis and collagen accumulation. Results: In cirrhotic Wistar rats, “XGTQ” drug at 19.6 g/kg/24h and 58.8 g/kg/24h showed the ability toreduce the activity of enzymes AST, ALT in the blood (p<0.01), increasing plasma albumin and decreasing prothrombin time (p<0.05); improving physical condition, macroscopic and microscopic images of H liver; decreasing the concentration of hydroxyproline in the liver and reducing the level of cirrhosis on the Masson-stained templates. The effects of “XGTQ” increased with the dose and was equivalent to silymarin at the dose of 70 mg/kg/24h. Conclusion: The extract of “XGTQ” drug is effective in treating cirrhosis in Wistar rats.

Introduction: A lot of unsubstantiated claims have been made regarding the ability of Cassia abbreviata Oliv. to promote male reproductive function. The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of aqueous and 50% (v/v) methanol stem bark extracts of Cassia abbreviata Oliv. on hormonal levels, sperm parameters, testicular histo-architecture, mean body and right testis weights of the male Wistar rat. Methodology: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A, control rats received pure tap water; group B received aqueous extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight; group C received aqueous extracts at 400 mg/kg body weight; group D received 50% (v/v) methanol extracts at 200 mg/kg body weight and group E received 50% (v/v) methanol extract at 400 mg/kg body weight. After 8 weeks, reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histological structure of the right testis were evaluated. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased (p<0.05), whereas prolactin levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the treated groups compared to the control. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile cells increased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Conclusion: Cassia abbreviata Oliv. increased sperm parameters, reproductive hormones and mean bodyweight of the male Wistar rat. This study supports the folklore claims that Cassia. abbreviata Oliv. modulates male reproductive function.

Aim: The present study was aimed at screening phytochemicals of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts and evaluating its effects on male rat reproductive system. Background: Since ancient times, man has found a lot of health benefits from medicinal plants. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine, which is 90% plant-based, for their health needs. In respect of this, men in Africa use herbal medicines in the management of erectile dysfunction and infertility. Amongst thousands of herbs, folklore has implicated Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils in the treatment of piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, cancer and infertility. Despite such great health benefits from D. bulbifera, in vitro studies and clinical data in support of its efficacy as an aphrodisiac are scanty. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts on Wistar rat sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histology of the testis. Methods: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and were given different treatments of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts by oral gavage at 200 and 400 mg kg-1 body weight. After 8 weeks, body and reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, hormonal levels and histological structure of the testis were evaluated. A calorimetric method was used to assess the quantity of phytochemical constituents. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced whereas prolactin levels were significantly (p<0.05) down-regulated in the treated groups. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile cells increased compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in body weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Conclusion: Dioscorea bulbifera has secondary metabolites that seem to stimulate androgenic and anabolic effects. These secondary metabolites appear to be responsible for the positive changes in testicular architecture, serum hormonal levels, caudal sperm concentration and motility parameters. This study supports the ethno-aphrodisiac claims that have been made against it.