Book Volume 1
Exploring the Traditional System of Medicine With Special Emphasis on the Indigenous Practice of Herbal Remedy by the Tribals of North-East India
Page: 1-24 (24)
Author: Suman Kumar, Susankar Kushari, Himangshu Sarma and Damiki Laloo*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010003
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The tribal people of India consider North-East India to be a hotspot. It
contains eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya,
Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, and it borders international boundaries with Bhutan,
Tibet, China, Burma and Bangladesh. The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, which is
home to a broad spectrum of unusual flora, fauna and microorganisms, is located in the
Northeast Region. The region has the evergreen forest of the Brahmaputra River valley,
wide leaf forest, dense bamboo and pine forest and the world's wettest location
(Cherrapunji and Mawsynram), all of which help to maintain the region's unique
biodiversity. North East region is the inhabitant of more than 145 significant tribal
communities with the most dominating primitive societies, including the Abor,
Mishing, Rabha, Khasi, Kuki, Naga, Meitei, Apatani, etc. Most of these communities
are culturally and linguistically diverse. The NER's tribal population is literate
compared to other parts of the country, and it's worth noting that the literacy rates in
Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Manipur are all higher than the national
average. Despite their high literacy rate, India's North-Eastern states continue to have
poor transportation, power and medical services. The healthcare system is in bad shape,
with only a few hospitals and nursing homes. As a result, the people residing in this
area rely exclusively on a traditional system of medicines made by traditional healers
from plants, animals and mineral resources. It was stated that medicinal herbs are
prepared using traditional methods, such as maceration, decoction, and infusion, either
alone or in combination with other plants. The key species of medicinal plants often
employed by the traditional healers of the region are Acorus calamus, Aegle marmelos,
Asparagus racemosus, Averrhoa carambola, Bryophyllum calycinum, Costus
speciosus, Euphorbia neriifolia, Justicia adhatoda, Melia azadarachta, Plumeria
acutifolia, Sida cordifolia, Sida rhombifolia and Swertia chirata. This extensive work
will aid the researcher in locating previously unknown medicinal plants in order to
build a new therapeutic method for isolating new chemical entities that are safe,
pharmacologically active, and cost-effective.
Traditional Herbal Medicines: A Prospective Panacea for SARS-CoV-2
Page: 25-52 (28)
Author: Amul Jain, Apoorva Sharma, Sujata Bais, Simran Kaur, Aastha Verma, Priyank Sinha, Bhanushree Gupta*, Veenu Joshi, Rahul Sharma, Amit Dubey, Amber Vyas and Kallol Kumar Ghosh
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010004
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The pandemic has trembled the world with the massive outbreak, leaving the
scientific fraternity in shambles. The SARS-CoV-2 strain took a heavy toll and led to
the death of millions of people. In late 2020, various mutated strains of the virus surged
the disease across the world. For the same, diverse methods were used around the globe
in search of precise medication against the pandemic. Despite vaccination for viral
disease prevention, the virus has spread without restraint, making the need for strong
antiviral drugs- a need of the hour. Several techniques were used for the fabrication of
a strong antiviral drug in different modes of remedies. Many countries utilized their
conventional therapeutic knowledge against the virus, which comprises the use of
indigenous phytochemicals with varied biological activities. The present review
includes the virology, epidemiology, and different therapeutic procedures practiced
globally to combat the viral disease and highlights different indigenous potent plants
with biological activities, such as antiviral, antipyretic, immunomodulatory and
antimicrobial. These plants are efficacious and can be explored further as prospective
remedies for many other maladies affecting the world.
Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Chemistry and Pharmacology of Clematis Species Used in Australia, China and India
Page: 53-86 (34)
Author: Jai Malik*, G. David Lin, Paul N. Smith, Rachel W. Li and Subhash Chandra Mandal
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010005
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Plants are the biggest bioresources for newer drugs or therapeutical agents.
Genus, Clematis of family Ranunculaceae is one such bioresource whose species have
been used traditionally for the treatment of snake bites, malaria, dysentery, rheumatism,
inflammation, urinary and skin disorders, blisters, wound, ulcers, colds and headaches
in Australia, China, India and other countries. Modern research revealed that Clematis
species possess pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatoid
arthritis, anti-diabetic, anti-apoptosis, anticancer, antioxidation, antimicrobial,
hepatoprotection, diuretic and hypotensive. Genus Clematis has approximately 355
species that are spread across the globe. Chemical constituents isolated from different
species of this genus have been categorized under some of the biologically potent
phytochemical classes, such as alkaloids, triterpenoid saponins, lignans, flavonoids and
phytosterols, which may account for the pharmacological action. The present chapter
will focus on common species used in the Australian, Chinese and Indian traditional
systems of medicine. Their ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, chemical constituents and
pharmacological activities are critically reviewed.
Virility to Fertility: An Evidence-Based Study on Traditional Herbal Aphrodisiacs
Page: 87-121 (35)
Author: Shubhadeep Roychoudhury*, Birupakshya Paul Choudhury, Mahadeb Pal, Qazi Mohammad Sajid Jamal, Niraj Kumar Jha, Adriana Kolesarova, Kavindra Kumar Kesari and Petr Slama
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010006
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
More than 60% of people globally rely on herbal medicines as a source of
healthcare. Traditional herbal preparations can be traced back to ancient literature, folk
knowledge, and ethnic practices. Traditional herbal products are preferred over
synthetic drugs since these are considered more accessible, affordable, culturally
acceptable, non-toxic, and sustainable. Globally 15% of couples are affected with
infertility, 20-30% of which are attributed to the male factor. Fertility-enhancing drugs
and hormonal methods such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increase
testosterone levels in males but may result in other side effects. Assisted reproductive
technology (ART) remains expensive medicare throughout the world despite its
widespread use, and its success rate also varies with the age of the partner, apart from
other complexities. Aphrodisiacs (Greek - Aphrodisiakos: sexual) are agents that
provoke sexual desire and increase performance. Aphrodisiac herbs have been in use
for thousands of years by various civilizations worldwide involving the traditional
healers and have been mentioned in different ancient literatures, including Ayurveda,
Unani, Siddha, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Apart from increasing sexual desire and
performance, these herbs have perceived roles in enhancing fertility. Physiologically,
herbal aphrodisiacs induce virility and reproductive wellbeing of men by modulating gonadal as well as neuro-endocrine systems through the interplay of hormones and
biogenic substances. Unfortunately, sometimes the marketed herbal aphrodisiacs are
adulterated with synthetic compounds, which necessitates further studies and validation
of such preparations for widespread clinical use in the workup algorithm of patients,
particularly in cases of idiopathic male infertility and erectile dysfunction.
Confirmatory laboratory studies, human clinical trials and case studies will be of
paramount use in validating the role of such traditional herbal medicines as
aphrodisiacs in restoring virility and fertility of men who may be in need.
Evidence-Based Potential Leads for Antimalarial Drug Development: An Insight into Classical Ayurveda Treatment
Page: 122-134 (13)
Author: Bidhan Mahajon, Rupashri Nath, Raja Chakraborty, Manajit Bora, Saikat Sen, Biplab Kumar Dey and Manish Kumar Gautam*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010007
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Ayurveda is not merely a branch of medicine; this is a 'knowledge system'
that deals with the unremitting association between the living and its contiguous
environment to maintain the state of equilibrium and health of human beings as well as
the environment. Historical records suggest Malaria has infected humans since the
early commencement of mankind. Human Malaria is caused by single-cell protozoan
parasites present in the Plasmodium genus, which is transmitted through the bite of
female mosquitoes, Anopheles. The World malaria report (WMR) 2019 estimates that
globally, there were estimated 228 million cases of Malaria in 89 countries. According
to the WMR 2019, India represents 3% of the global malaria burden. In Ayurveda,
Malaria is well thought-out under the portrayal of Vishama Jvara (irregular), which
means 'irregular' in every aspect, including- its origin, symptoms, and periodicity. This
is generally involved in the rasa dhatu (nourishment tissues), and irregularly attacks
the body to manifest the symptoms. Hence, even if the fever subsides, the patient feels
fatigued, heavy and exhausted. These signs and symptoms of Vishama Jvara are
classically reverberating with conventional malarial fever, wherein the fever subsides
and reappears at fixed intervals. This feature of the fever is described in Ayurveda as
Muktaanubandhitvam (reappearing at regular intervals). To date, no effective vaccines
are commercially available to prevent this endemic crisis. Research-based traditional
knowledge system has significantly contributed by yielding two potent antimalarial
drugs: alkaloid quinine derived from the bark of Trinayanani (Cinchona tree) and
artemisinin derived from the plant Damanaka (Artemisia annua L.). In the midst of
increasing problems of drug resistance along with difficulties in affording and accessing effective antimalarial drugs in underprivileged areas, therefore traditional
medicines like Ayurveda have become an important and sustainable source of
treatment of Malaria. The present review focused on evidence-based potential leads in
Ayurveda for the treatment as well as drug development for Malaria. The information
from different classical texts along with research papers, including books, journals and
documents of different universities and institutes, has been collected and analyzed for
the evidence-based lead on different single and multidrug plant-based formulations
used for Malaria.
Insights of Nutravigilance in Ayurveda Classics
Page: 135-145 (11)
Author: Anagha Ranade, Samata Tomar, Rabinarayan Acharya* and Sharad D. Pawar*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010008
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Ahara, i.e., diet, possesses a very significant place in Ayurveda which is
evident from its inclusion among Trayoupastambha (three main pillars of life).
According to classical literature, Ayurveda places significant importance on food and
categorizes it in various ways based on factors such as an individual's constitution,
properties of the food, therapeutic benefits, and more. Food has been considered as
medicine, and according to pathya Kalpana, dietary restrictions along with diseasespecific recipes have been vividly mentioned. Apt, optimal and dexterous use of them
facilitates the human body to sustain its integrity, being enriched with bala (strength),
varna (complexion), and upachaya (growth of nourishment) till longevity. Considering
the essentiality of food, the treatise has also focussed on the need for vigilance in the
case of diet. Thus, this chapter is an effort to discuss the insights into nutra-vigilance
from Ayurveda Classics.
Ethnobotanical use of Ayurveda to Treat COVID-19-Induced Respiratory Disorders
Page: 146-156 (11)
Author: Manish Pathak, Rupesh Kumar Pandey, Sokindra Kumar, Lubhan Singh, Ganesh Prasad Mishra, Amit Kumar, Swati Dubey, Shiv Shankar Shukla and Ravindra Kumar Pandey*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010009
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections are a major health problem in the entire world,
especially due to corona epidemic in late 2019. Coronavirus spread-out throughout the
world, and it causes the death of millions of people due to the precipitation of severity
in respiratory disorders like respiratory neuromuscular, pulmonary vascular, and lung
parenchymal disorders. All are the characteristic features of COVID-19 infection. The
aim of the present review work was to summarize all existing ethnobotanical data on
ayurvedic medicinal plants used in the treatment or management of respiratory
disorders. Many known plant species are traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders
& some plant species have been investigated for their therapeutic efficacy with positive
results. This present study explored various offline & online databases for the literature
on ayurvedic medicinal plants used worldwide to treat & manage respiratory disorders.
A total number of 205 ayurvedic plant species used to treat & manage respiratory
disorders worldwide has been documented. Most of the plants belong to Solanaceae,
Asteraceae, Amaryllidaceae, Lamiaceae & Malvaceae.
Folk Knowledge and Ethnobotanical Practices in Tripura, India: A Special Focus on Plants used in the Management of Pain, Inflammation and Wound
Page: 157-174 (18)
Author: Saikat Sen* and Raja Chakraborty
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010010
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Plants are an important source of modern medicine. Ethnic
communities/rural people largely depend on the folk medicinal system that is not
documented systemically but could play a key role in drug discovery. Ethnobotanical
surveys are an important tool to extract such knowledge from people transmitted
mostly verbally from generation to generation. Tripura is a small state in India but is
considered a storehouse of important medicinal plants. Different tribes and local people
of Tripura use numerous plants in their daily life to meet medicinal needs. Several
ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Tripura and documented the medicinal use
of plants. Pain, inflammation and wound are a few common problems associated with
our daily life. This chapter focused on the traditional medicinal plants used in the
treatment of pain, inflammation and wound by the people of Tripura.
An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by the Ethnic Group of People of the District of North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Page: 175-187 (13)
Author: Raja Chakraborty*, Saptarshi Sanyal, Srabona Dutta, Usuf Raja Shaikh, Preet Kumar Dubey, Pritam Das, Rahul Sadhu, Koustav Dutta, Prantik Dey and Sajal Kumar Jha
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010011
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The knowledge of medicinal plants, historically, was occupied by a few
specialized herbal healers in rural communities; thus, much of their use was observed
as being primarily of local interest. For the past couple of decades, medicinal plants
have been increasingly recognized for their role in health care and improving economic
status. India is one of Asia's largest countries, with the richest arrays of well-known
medicinal plants and alternative medical systems, including Ayurveda. The medicinal
plants are used as traditional medicine by the indigenous people of North 24 Parganas,
Howrah and Kolkata. The study aimed to identify the plant species used as traditional
medicines by natives in North 24 Parganas, Howrah and Kolkata, and also to describe
the method of preparation and uses of some medicinal plants. This research was
conducted in three districts of west Bengal. The information recorded includes methods
of treatment of disease, Tribal names of plants they used for treating various diseases,
parts of the plant used, preparation and mode of application, and whether the plant is
used alone or in combination with other plants. Results indicate that the indigenous
people in those districts have been using at least 33 plants as a source of medicine.
Most of these medicinal plants are commonly gathered from local areas. Common
diseases like fever, cough and cold, constipation, hypertension, tuberculosis, wounds,
etc., can be treated using medicinal plants from those three districts. Research also
found that all parts of plants are used, but leaf extracts are the most common parts of
the plant used for treating medical conditions.
A Comprehensive Review on Anticancer and Antitumor Potentials of Indigenous Plants Found in North East India
Page: 188-198 (11)
Author: Arundhati Medhi*, Rupshikha Malakar, Birina Bhuyan, Sawrajyoti Deka and Kalyani Adhikary
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010012
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Cancer is a malign disease that accounts for about 9.6 million deaths around
the world and is the second largest leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease.
Chemotherapeutic drugs administered to treat cancer show great potency but falter,
causing many severe side effects. Hence, the paradigm of cancer drug research has
shifted towards plant and plant-derived natural compounds as they are reported to
deliver maximal effectiveness with lesser side effects. Indigenous plants and their
derivatives have been an integral part of ethnomedicine in India. The traditional
knowledge of utilizing medicinal plants has been used to treat numerous metabolic
disorders and diseases since immemorial. Indigenous plants have also been shown to
possess high potency in the treatment of cancer as well. The natural landscape of
northeast India has some of the most diverse and unique plant species, which have been
traditionally used in ethnomedicine and have been studied for their anticancer and
antitumor potentials. The aim of the present review is to highlight some of the natural
and indigenous plant species of Northeast India that have been reported to have anticancer and anti-tumor effects identified either in-vivo or in-vitro.
Subject Index
Page: 199-203 (5)
Author: Raja Chakraborty and Saikat Sen
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080414123010013
Introduction
Practice and Re-emergence of Herbal Medicine focuses on current research in Indian traditional medicine. Chapters cover many facets of herbal medicine, including quality control and experimental validation, intellectual property issues, pharmacovigilance and the therapeutic use of herbal medicine. The book informs readers about the effectiveness of traditional medicine systems, like Ayurveda and Siddha, in the region with reference to specific communities. The book also highlights herbal medications for diseases such as COVID-19, cancer and erectile dysfunction. The book is a timely reference for researchers interested in ethnobotany, alternative medicine and the practice of herbal medicine in indigenous communities. Series Introduction: Natural Medicine is a series of edited volumes that aims to be a repository of knowledge on herbal and traditional medicine with the goal of attracting a global audience. Contributions to the series will present evidence of the efficacy of plant-based medicine against disease. The series will also highlight issues in herbal medicine practice and research.