scholarly journals Traditional Herbal Remedies Used for Managing Anxiety and Insomnia in Italy: An Ethnopharmacological Overview

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 523
Author(s):  
Riccardo Motti ◽  
Bruna de Falco
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacological Activity ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Plant Uses ◽  
Insomnia Treatment ◽  
Significant Attention

Anxiety and insomnia are among the most common mental health disorders and are a major cause of disability around the world. Traditional herbal medicines are receiving significant attention in global health debates. Several Italian regions maintain rural traditions and are among the most extensively studied areas of Europe regarding medicinal plant uses. The present overview aims to highlight the use of wild and cultivated plants, specifically as sedatives and for insomnia treatment in Italy, and to collect, analyze, and summarize the available literature about their pharmacological activity as well as clinical and pre-clinical studies concerning the most cited plants. In total, 106 wild taxa are used in Italy for sedative purposes. The plant species belong to 76 genera and 32 families, of which the most cited are Asteraceae (24.2%) and Lamiaceae (21.1%). Leaves (29%) and flowers (27%) are the plant parts mostly used as infusion (70%) and decoction (25%). Out of 106 taxa documented, only the most cited are analyzed in this overview (A. arvensis L., C. nepeta L., C. monogyna Jacq., H. lupulus L., L. nobilis L., L. angustifolia Mill., M. sylvestris L., M. chamomilla L., M. officinalis L., O. basilicum L., P. rhoeas L., P. somniferum L., R. officinalis L., T. platyphyllus Scop., and V. officinalis L.). Among the fifteen species selected, only seven have been studied for their pharmacological activity as hypnotic-sedatives. Future pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to better clarify the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds and confirm the potential of these alternative therapies.

scholarly journals Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 530
Author(s):  
Oliviero Bruni ◽  
Luigi Ferini-Strambi ◽  
Elena Giacomoni ◽  
Paolo Pellegrino
Keyword(s):  
Gaba Receptors ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter ◽  
Alternative Medicines ◽  
Molecular Components ◽  
The Brain

Sleep is an essential component of physical and emotional well-being, and lack, or disruption, of sleep due to insomnia is a highly prevalent problem. The interest in complementary and alternative medicines for treating or preventing insomnia has increased recently. Centuries-old herbal treatments, popular for their safety and effectiveness, include valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, lavender, and Californian poppy. These herbal medicines have been shown to reduce sleep latency and increase subjective and objective measures of sleep quality. Research into their molecular components revealed that their sedative and sleep-promoting properties rely on interactions with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a major role in controlling different vigilance states. GABA receptors are the targets of many pharmacological treatments for insomnia, such as benzodiazepines. Here, we perform a systematic analysis of studies assessing the mechanisms of action of various herbal medicines on different subtypes of GABA receptors in the context of sleep control. Currently available evidence suggests that herbal extracts may exert some of their hypnotic and anxiolytic activity through interacting with GABA receptors and modulating GABAergic signaling in the brain, but their mechanism of action in the treatment of insomnia is not completely understood.

scholarly journals Toxic Animal-Based Medicinal Materials Can Be Effective in Treating Endometriosis: A Scoping Review

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Su-In Hwang ◽  
Young-Jin Yoon ◽  
Soo-Hyun Sung ◽  
Ki-Tae Ha ◽  
Jang-Kyung Park
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Malignant Tumors ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Dependent Growth ◽  
Gynecological Disorder ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Animal toxins and venoms have recently been developed as cancer treatments possessing tumor cell growth-inhibitory, antiangiogenesis, and proapoptotic effects. Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disorder in reproductive-age women, and no definite treatment for this disorder is without severe side effects. As endometriosis and malignant tumors share similar characteristics (progressive, invasive, estrogen-dependent growth, and recurrence), animal toxins and venoms are thought to be effective against endometriosis. The objective of this study was to outline studies using toxic animal-based medicinal materials (TMM) as endometriosis treatment and to explore its clinical applicability. Preclinical and clinical studies using TMM were searched for in four databases from inception to October 2020. A total of 20 studies of TMM on endometriosis were included. In eight clinical studies, herbal medicines containing TMM were effective in relieving symptoms of endometriosis, with no side effects. In twelve experimental studies, the main therapeutic mechanisms of TMM against endometriosis were proapoptotic, antiangiogenesis, estrogen level-reducing, and possible anti-inflammatory effects. TMM are thus considered promising sources for the development of an effective treatment method for endometriosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of TMM against endometriosis and to provide sufficient grounds for clinical application.

scholarly journals Survey of ethnobotanical cocktails commonly used in the treatment of malaria in southwestern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Omagha ◽  
Emmanuel Taiwo Idowu ◽  
Chibuisi Gideon Alimba ◽  
Adetoro Olubunmi Otubanjo ◽  
Adeniyi Kazeem Adeneye
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Oral Route ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Traditional Treatment ◽  
South West ◽  
Pharmacological Screening ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Background Combination of different antimalarials has become the popular method of care for malaria morbidity in conventional and traditional treatment approaches due to the need to increase the efficacy and reduce the selection of drug resistance. A worrisome concern is the critical gaps with regards to the information available on antimalarial herbal cocktails. This study presents cocktail herbal remedies in ethnomedicinal approaches to malaria treatment in Oyo and Ogun states, South West Nigeria. Ethnobotanical information on indigenous antimalarials used in combination remedies was collected from herbal practitioners using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results Findings showed majority of respondents treat malaria with combination herbal remedies. They sighted their beliefs and customs, the efficacy, affordability and availability of these herbs as reasons for their adoption of herbal medicines as their preferred mode of treating malaria. Enquiry revealed 26 sets of cocktail antimalarials from a variety of plant species. The plants and ingredients are extracted and used as decoction, infusion or steam baths. Oral route was the most popular mode of administration. Respondents reported they drink one to two medium-sized cups of the recipe on an average of two times daily within a duration of about 10 days. Conclusions Herbal antimalarial remedies continue to be the popular treatments option in our localities. This study provides knowledge of the diverse ways respondents combine medicinal herbs and other local ingredients for malaria treatment. Pharmacological screening is urgently needed to validate their safety and efficacy in order to protect the health of our locals heavily relying on them to combat high burdens of malaria.

Herbal Remedies and Children: Do They Work? Are They Harmful?

PEDIATRICS ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 112 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 240-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan D. Woolf
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Primary Care Clinicians

More parents are considering the use of herbal remedies to maintain their children’s good health and to treat their illnesses. They look to pediatricians and other primary care clinicians for advice concerning the safety and efficacy of herbal products for children. This article reviews principles for the clinician to keep in mind while investigating the literature on herbal medicine and addressing the use of herbal medicines with parents.

A comprehensive review on the medicinal importance; biological and therapeutic efficacy of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) (bottle gourd) Standley fruit

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zahoor ◽  
Muhammad Ikram ◽  
Nausheen Nazir ◽  
Sumaira Naz ◽  
Gaber El-Saber Batiha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
High Water ◽  
Bottle Gourd ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Lagenaria Siceraria ◽  
Synthetic Drugs ◽  
Domestic Plant ◽  
Phytochemical Constituents ◽  
Cucurbitaceae Family ◽  
Water Contents

: Herbal remedies have been employed for the treatment and management of different diseases for ages. Herbal medicines are a promising choice over modern synthetic drugs because of their low side effects and are thus considered safe and effective in treating human diseases. Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standley fruit (Bottle gourd) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family that has been used in a different system of traditional medication to treat various diseases. This is a domestic plant that provides food as well as medication. This vegetable has low caloric values and high water contents. The edible portion of it contains phytochemicals like vitamins, proteins, choline, minerals, terpenoids, flavonoids etc. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from L. siceraria, including triterpenoids, sterols, cucurbitacins, flavones, C-glycosides and β-glycosides. Researchers have evaluated various parts of this plant viz., fruit, root, flowers, and leaves for pharmacological activities like antianxiety, antidepressant, diuretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antihyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-hyperglycemic, antihepatotoxic, anti-urolithiatic, antistress, antiulcer, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant. In this review, an attempt has been made to explore its phytochemical constituents, traditional, medicinal, and pharmacological uses to highlight the therapeutic importance of this well-known plant. This would be helpful in reviving its importance and highlight its several promising aspects to encourage researchers for further research on L. siceraria.

scholarly journals QUANTIFICATION OF MAJOR PHYTOCHEMICALS OF SWERTIA CHIRAYITA, A MEDICINAL PLANT FROM NEPAL

1970 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 59-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Phoboo ◽  
Marcia Da Silva Pinto ◽  
Prasanta C. Bhowmik ◽  
Pramod Kumar Jha ◽  
Kalidas Shetty
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Swertia Chirayita ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Central Nepal ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cultivated Plant ◽  
Array Detection ◽  
Important Medicinal Plant

Swertia chirayita is an important medicinal plant from Nepal with anti-diabetic, anti-pyretic, anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory potential and used in therapeutic herbal preparations in parts of South Asia. The main phytochemicals in crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of different plant parts of Swertia chirayita collected from nine different districts of Nepal representing West, East and Central Nepal were quantified using HPLC/DAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection). The quantities of these phytochemicals were also compared between wild and cultivated plant parts of Swertia chirayita. Amarogentin, mangiferin, swertiamarin were the main phytochemicals in all extracts. The highest quantity of all the three phytochemicals was found in IL (inflorescence and leaf mixture) of all the collected plants samples. There was no significant difference in the amounts of these three phytochemicals between extracts from wild and cultivated plants. The result from this study substantiates the validity of cultivated Swertia chirayita for medicinal purposes and trade.Key words:  Swertia chirayita; HPLC/DAD; Wild; Cultivated; Phytochemicals; Quantification; Mangiferin; Swertiamarin; AmarogentinDOI: 10.3126/eco.v17i0.4118EcoprintAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 17, 2010Page: 59-68Uploaded date: 3 January, 2011

scholarly journals Ethno Botanical Studies of District Dera Ghazi Khan, Province Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahira Aziz Mughal ◽  
Hamna Yasin ◽  
Zubaida Yousaf ◽  
Ismat Naeem Naeem
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Natural Drugs

Abstract Background The chief aim of this study was to enlist the Ethnobotanical uses of plants in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. Due to unique geographical and climatic conditions, Pakistan has a great floral diversity. Plants have been used by the indigenous people for treatment of different ailments since long. They are still dependent on the plants for their domestic purposes. Moreover, plants are used as first aid to treat diverse ailments such as hepatic disorders, cardiac diseases, neurological diseases, anticancer, respiratory diseases, ENT problems, gynecological problems etc. The traditional uses of medicinal plants lead to the discovery of natural drugs. This is first quantitative ethno medicinal documentation of medicinal plants in Dera Ghazi Khan. Punjab, Pakistan. Methods This ethno botanical information was collected from about 200 informants including male and female. Sample size was determined by statistical formula. The informative data was based on semi-structured interviews, group discussions, Questionnaire and field visits. Then the data was analyzed by applying different quantitative indices such as Informant Consent Factor (ICF), Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and the Fidelity level (FL). Results Almost 185 plants belonging to 52 families were reported. Most-frequently cited families were Astreaceae (20 species) and Solanaceae (10 species). The most dominant life form was herbs (51%). The most-used plant parts were leaves (68%), followed by whole plant (65%), Most common mode of administration is extraction (50%). Generally herbal medicines were acquired from fresh plant material. Many species were reported with their different medicinal uses as has been reported in literature. Conclusions This ethno botanical documentation revealed that the plants are still used by natives of rural areas in their day-to-day lives. This study provides basis for the conservation of local flora. Plants with high ICF, UV and FL can be further used for phytochemical and pharmacological studies. This documentation could provide baseline information which can be used to develop new plant-based commercial drugs.

scholarly journals Survey and Documentation of Ethnobotanicals used in the Traditional Medicines System of Tribal Communities of Chirang District of Assam Against Helminthiasis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (04) ◽  
pp. 1923-1935
Author(s):  
Ananta Swargiary ◽  
Mritunjoy Kumar Roy ◽  
Manita Daimari
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Ananas Comosus ◽  
Asparagus Racemosus ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Tribal Communities ◽  
Ancient Times

Ethnobotanical knowledge has been the backbone of rural healthcare since ancient times. Many diseases including helminthiasis are cured by traditional medicine in many parts of the world. The present study aims at exploring the ethnobotanicals used as anthelmintic medicines by the tribal communities of Chirang district of Assam. The present study was conducted in different villages under Chirang district of Assam, India. A face-to-face interview was carried out during survey work along with readymade questionnaire. In our survey work, 20 neighbouring villages were taken as a single cluster and one sample informant was collected. Information regarding the plant and plant parts used, methodology of use as well as informant demography such as age, sex, education was also collected. A total of 20 villages were surveyed and information was gathered from 27 informants, 23 kaviraja and 4 elderly people, 15 male and 12 female. The information collected revealed 43 medicinal plants belonging to 27 families. Lamiaceae was found to be most common family followed by Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Zutaceae and Zingiberaceae. The most highly cited plants were Ananas comosus, Andrographis paniculata, Asparagus racemosus, Alstonia scholaris and Leucas aspera. Leaves, fruits and tubers were found to be the most commonly used plant parts. Except few, most of the herbal medicines were prepared as raw materials and are consumed orally. Documentation of important ethnomedicinal information from the remote areas of Assam will help scientific investigators to look into its scientific aspect leading to the development of new medicines against helminthiasis and many other diseases.

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