Current Traditional Medicine - Volume 9, Issue 1, 2023

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is nephrotoxicity due to contrast media characterized by elevated serum creatinine levels. The formation of oxygen free radicals is one of the causes of CIN. Objective: Given the antioxidant properties of Pimpinella anisum L and Dracocephalum moldavica L, this study aimed to investigate the effects of their hydroalcoholic extracts on kidney tissue histopathology and CIN biochemical factors. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control, 2) contrast agent, 3) P. anisum + contrast agent, and 4) D. moldavica + contrast agent. After the tests, kidney tissue histopathological damages and related biochemical factors were evaluated. Results: Kidney tissue damage, levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), alanine aminotransferase (GPT/ALT) and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine (P<0.001), and malondialdehyde (P<0.01) of kidney tissue were lower in both extract-treated groups than in the contrast agent group, but the decrease in serum MDA was significant only in the group given P. anisum extract (P<0.01). Serum antioxidant capacity was higher in P. anisum + contrast agent group than in the contrast agent group (P<0.01). Kidney tissue antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the groups given P. anisum and D. moldavica than in the contrast agent group (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). In addition, hydroalcoholic extracts of P. anisum and D. moldavica resulted in a decrease in CIN. Conclusion: Given the decrease in CIN by P. anisum and D. moldavica extracts in rats, it seems that these plants are beneficial for people at risk who need to use contrast agents.

Background: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. (Oleaceae) is a traditional therapeutic plant, highly used in Ayurveda for a wide range of activities, such as anthelmintic, antipyretic, laxative, rheumatism, skin ailments, and sedative. Aims of the Review: This review aims to furnish up-to-date details on botanical characterization, geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. with the exploitation of future research on more curative treatments as well. Methods: The available information was reviewed using different e-tools, including PubMed (National Library of Medicine), ScienceDirect, Wiley, Elsevier, and Springer. The scientific name is verified by 'The Plant 'List' (www.theplantlist.org) and 'Kew Royal Botanic 'Gardens' (mpns.kew.org). Results: Crude extracts and isolated compounds of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. have been found pharmacologically active as hepatoprotective, anti-leishmaniasis, antiviral, antifungal, antipyretic, antihistaminic, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; it was widely for intermittent fevers and arthritis treatment. The major classes of biologically active compounds are their iridoid, glucosides, essential oils, hydrocarbons, alkaloids, benzofurans, cyclohexylethanoid, fatty acids, sterols, and terpenoid. Conclusion: Phytochemical studies and Nyctanthes arbour-tristis Linn's pharmacological activities indicated it as a potential medicinal plant for various ailments. However, more research is crucial to investigate the mode of action of the plant's bioactive constituents and its therapeutic potential.

Health systems and their trends are continually evolving with advanced research on new tools and techniques. Since every health system has its limitations, there is a requirement for the integration of different medical systems to better serve mankind. In this direction, a practitioner of modern medicine should take into consideration traditional medicine practices, while the traditional medicine practitioner should also integrate the beneficial strategies of modern medicine. In spite of different approaches, the aim of all these medical systems is the same, which is to serve mankind by treating various health problems. Although traditional medicine has the potential to treat a variety of diseases, its acceptance by the global community is less than that of modern medicine due to inadequate scientific validation of its therapeutic benefits. In recent years, many new diseases have emerged, perhaps due to changes in geography, environment, weather conditions, and soil composition. A complete treatment of such diseases is a challenge for all medical practitioners, whether belonging to modern or traditional medicine. Therefore, an in-depth multidisciplinary research is needed to find an effective therapeutic strategy by connecting modern and traditional medical systems with biomedical sciences. In this direction, biotechnology can play an important role in developing a diagnostic method and treatment protocol. The present review provides an overview of the available Ayurvedic treatment options and future possibilities in which biotechnology may assist as a service provider.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of Tribulus terristeris and Cumminum cyminium in a standardized diabetic animal model for various pathological conditions of male sexual dysfunction (i.e., loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility) and compare these herbs with standard drugs. Background: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is about 40-45% in adult women, and 20-30% of adult men have sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is more common in men with diabetes compared to non-diabetic peers. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Tribulus terrestris (TT) and Cumminum cyminium (CC) against sexual dysfunction in males with diabetes. Methods: In-vivo animal models were utilized to find out Tribulus terristeris and Cumminum cyminium. Libido study: Sexually active male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, i.e., control, fluoxetine treated, fluoxetine with Tribulus terristeris, fluoxetine with Cumminum cyminium and fluoxetine with bupriprion. These rats were treated for 28 days by giving different drugs to different groups. Erection study: Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (six in each group) i.e. control, diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with Tribulus terristeris, diabetic rats treated with Cumminum cyminium and diabetic treated with insulin. The rat penile tissue was taken by scarifying the rats, and in-vitro contraction and relaxation were carried out in a two-chamber student organ bath. Sperm analysis: Sperm were collected from previously scarified rats in an erection study, and collected sperm were washed and counted (using Neubauer haemocytometer), and sperm motility was also studied. Results: Cumminum cyminium showed the significant reversal of loss of desire caused by fluoxetine which was comparable to standard drug bupropion. Insulin and Tribulus terristeris treated diabetic group of rats showed the lowest capability to relax, indicating setting up of erectile dysfunction. Diabetic rats exhibited a significant reduction in sperm density, % sperm motility, and % sperm viability. Insulin and C. cyminium treated diabetic rats showed significant improvement in sperm density, % sperm motility and % sperm viability. Conclusion: Tribulus terristeris at the dose of 100 mg/kg b.w was found to improve erectile function, whereas Cumminum cyminium at the dose of 150 mg/kg b.w was found to improve libido and sperm profile of fluoxetine treated rats.

Background: Over recent years, evidence-based modern medicine has overshadowed the use and efficacy of natural and traditional medicines. However, in the wake of the pandemic, the interest in the quest for therapeutic resources linked to traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine has substantially increased. This has further facilitated the research and development of potential therapeutic crude drugs or their formulations in the management of COVID-19 and the symptoms associated with the latter. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the various traditional medicines used as integrative medicines in alleviating symptoms attributed to the COVID-19 infection. Methods: The literature was thoroughly browsed for recent research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, and review articles on ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords like complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic approach to enlist a few. Subsequently, they were thoroughly screened to include only recent studies and evidence. Additionally, the official guidelines published by the Government and other regulatory bodies were also sought to be included in the article. Study Design: The review article follows the narrative literature review method. However, the primary data was skimm ed for relevance, and only recent shreds of evidence pertinent to the review were included. Results: The review elucidated the pharmacological activity of various treatment regimens in different systems of medicine, with available supportive clinical evidence. Additionally, it also underscored the importance of holistic health interventions, and how these traditional and integrative systems of medicine cater to the same. Conclusion: The recent evidence presents a broad-spectrum effect of these therapeutic interventions, primarily in the fields of mental health, mild to moderate, and even severe forms of the infection, employing various pharmacological pathways. These studies primarily include studies and statistics pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) but may include supporting evidence from other respiratory viruses. This information may prove imperative in guiding new research, and also in designing and supporting an integrative treatment regimen. Conclusively, any suspicion pertaining to the COVID-19 infection should be sought by following the protocols recommended by the concerned health authorities of the respective region/country.