Updated review on venomous snakebites, therapeutic uses and future prospects of Indian traditional medicine

Herbal medicines can make therapeutic drugs and are an essential part of the worldwide healthcare system. Plants have always been an essential part of many indigenous peoples' life. Snakebite is a typical tropical condition that goes unnoticed. Snakebite is still a significant public health issue in many parts of the world, particularly in India, where the disease is particularly prevalent. Morbidity and mortality rates among rural and indigenous populations in the country are among the highest in the world. The problem is made worse by people delaying or refusing to seek medical care because they believe in traditional healers. People worldwide use plants to treat poisonous snakebites as folk medicine. Five hundred twenty-three plant species belonging to the 122 families are recognized as a source of drugs/compounds recognized as a possible cure for snakebite. However, this assessment is limited to a small number of essential plants used in snakebite poisoning in India. The most important groups from which various plants are employed include Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fab Lamiaceae and Moraceae. In this investigation, phytocompounds with anti-venom action were discovered in 29 plants belonging to 22 families used as a traditional medicine to treat poisonous snakebites.

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Traditional knowledge of invertebrates used for medicine and magical–religious purposes by traditional healers and indigenous populations in the Plateau Department, Republic of Benin

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine ◽

10.1186/s13002-019-0344-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Laura Estelle Yêyinou Loko ◽

Sédami Medegan Fagla ◽

Azize Orobiyi ◽

Bienvenu Glinma ◽

Joelle Toffa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traditional Medicine ◽

Ethnic Groups ◽

Traditional Knowledge ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Principal Component ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Indigenous Populations ◽

Invertebrate Species ◽

Republic Of Benin

Abstract Background Since ancient times, invertebrates have played an important role in the traditional medicine in many parts of the world. In south-eastern Benin, more specifically in the Plateau Department, invertebrates are widely used in folk medicine. However, studies on their therapeutic use has been neglected and their magical–religious purposes are poorly understood. The present study aims to document traditional knowledge related to the use of invertebrates for medicinal and magical–religious purposes by traditional healers and indigenous people of Plateau Department. Methods An ethno-sociological survey was conducted with 145 informants (80 traditional healers, 12 merchants of medicinal animals and 53 households) belonging to six ethnic groups, in 20 villages located in Plateau of Benin. Data were collected through the participatory rural appraisal method involving individual interviews and direct observations with semi-structured questionnaires. The collected data regarding various medicinal and magical–religious uses of invertebrates were analysed through informant consensus factor (ICF), use value (UV) and, fidelity level (FL). Results A total of 20 families and 38 species of invertebrates, distributed among 6 taxonomic categories, were found to be used to treat 50 different ailments. Insects occupied 64.7% of the total invertebrates listed. The African earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae K. and African giant snail Achatina achatina L. had the highest use values. The highest ICF value (1.0) was cited for diseases of the blood or blood-forming organs. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the influence of ethnic groups in the diseases treated with invertebrates. The highest FL (100%) was recorded for 12 invertebrate species treating various ailments. Most of invertebrate-based remedies were associated with plant species. The mode of administration was mainly oral and topical. Most of the invertebrate drugs were traditionally collected in nature or imported, mainly from Nigeria. In addition, 7 magical–religious practices are documented. Conclusions Our results reveal that several invertebrate species play an important role in healing practices and magical–religious rituals in the Plateau Department. We suggest further studies to confirm the presence of any bioactive compounds on invertebrate species use in traditional medicine. In addition, this study highlights the need for ecological investigations of these species, in order to develop strategies for their conservation and sustainable use.

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Theoretical Medicine vs. Practical Medicine

Women, Food, and Diet in the Middle Ages ◽

10.5117/9789462989382_ch04 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Theresa A. Vaughan

Keyword(s):

Traditional Medicine ◽

Middle Ages ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Traditional Healing ◽

Practical Medicine ◽

Theoretical Medicine ◽

Mainstream Medicine ◽

Medical Traditions ◽

The Middle Ages

This chapter examines the differences between theoretical medicine, empirical medicine (or medicine as practiced), and folk medicine. A particular focus on midwives and traditional healers will be enhanced by examining folklore, herbals, and other diverse examples where we can find evidence of traditional medicine. Examples of contemporary debates between traditional healing and mainstream medicine may help us sort out the different medical traditions of the Middle Ages.

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European Medicinal Leeches—New Roles in Modern Medicine

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines8050099 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 99

Author(s):

Sarah Lemke ◽

Andreas Vilcinskas

Keyword(s):

Natural Resources ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

High Throughput Screening ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Modern Medicine ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Indigenous Populations ◽

Herbal Remedies ◽

Blood Sucking ◽

Medicinal Leeches

Before the advent of modern medicine, natural resources were widely used by indigenous populations for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The associated knowledge, collectively described as folk medicine or traditional medicine, was largely based on trial-and-error testing of plant extracts (herbal remedies) and the use of invertebrates, particularly medicinal maggots of the blowfly Lucilia sericata and blood-sucking leeches. The widespread use of traditional medicine in the West declined as scientific advances allowed reproducible testing under controlled conditions and gave rise to the modern fields of biomedical research and pharmacology. However, many drugs are still derived from natural resources, and interest in traditional medicine has been renewed by the ability of researchers to investigate the medical potential of diverse species by high-throughput screening. Likewise, researchers are starting to look again at the benefits of maggot and leech therapy, based on the hypothesis that the use of such animals in traditional medicine is likely to reflect the presence of specific bioactive molecules that can be developed as drug leads. In this review, we consider the modern medical benefits of European medicinal leeches based on the systematic screening of their salivary proteins.

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Importance of time in traditional medicine: a case of three plants use of Togolese pharmacopoeia

Nutrition & Santé ◽

10.30952/ns.9.2.5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 09 (02) ◽

pp. 96-105

Author(s):

Eli E. FRANCK ◽

◽

Wouyo ATAKPAMA ◽

Tchadjobo TCHACONDO ◽

Komlan BATAWILA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traditional Medicine ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Liver Weight ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Alcoholic Extract ◽

Toxicological Assessment ◽

Plant Parts ◽

Consensus Values ◽

Liver And Kidney ◽

The Impact

Introduction. The effectiveness of folk medicine has been demonstrated by several studies. However, the chrono-toxicological aspect is barely addressed. Objective. The present study, conducted in the region of Kara in Togo, assessed the importance of the factor "time" in the use of 3 plants commonly used in traditional pharmacopoeia: Sarcocephalus latifolius, Jatropha multifida, and Blighia sapida. Material and methods. The methodology was based on ethnobotanical surveys, semi-structured individual interviews of 36 traditional healers using the three plants. Analysis of these data was based on consensus values (CV), and use values (UV). A chrono-toxicological assessment of their hydro-alcoholic extracts permitted to determine the impact of administration time on liver and kidney of Swiss albinos mice male. Results. The most used organs by traditional healers were roots (UV=0.62) for S. latifolius, bark (UV=0.53) for B. sapida, and leaves (0.66) for J. multifida. Malaria was the most treated disease with S. latifolius (CV=0.44), and J. multifida (CV=0.5). Haemorrhoid was cured with B. sapida (CV=0.28). Plant parts were harvested mainly in the morning (VC≥ 0.55). The most recommended dosing period was morning - evening for S. latifolius (VC=0.70), and B. sapida (VC=0.70), and only in the morning for J. multifida (VC=0.50). The hydro-alcoholic extracts administration of S. latifolius at 12H increased significantly mice liver weight. There was also a significant increase in liver weight in mice treated morning and evening by a hydro-alcoholic extract of J. multifida. Conclusion. Checking account of harvest time, and/or administration of phytomedicines will contribute to improve significantly the effectiveness of traditional medicine.

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Traditional Medicine and Western Medicine, Coexisting Systems and Practices. A Perspective on the way forward

Pacific Health Dialog ◽

10.26635/phd.2019.609 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 166-168

Author(s):

Frances Brebner ◽

Faafetai Sopoaga

Keyword(s):

Traditional Medicine ◽

Western Medicine ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

World Health ◽

Medicine Use ◽

Universal Healthcare ◽

The Pacific ◽

Universal Healthcare Coverage

This article looks at Western Medicine and Traditional Medicine and explores the implications of these coexisting but very diverse systems of healthcare. We have sourced information from the World Health Organisations, Strategy and Guidelines in Traditional Medicine Use and, Guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines with reference to contaminates and residues and a Study on Traditional Medicine use in Dunedin by final year Otago University Medical students. We offer a perspective on the roles of academic institutions and Traditional Medicine/Traditional Healers in the provision of universal healthcare coverage in the Pacific.

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A Review of the Pharmacological Effects of the Dried Root ofPolygonum cuspidatum(Hu Zhang) and Its Constituents

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2013/208349 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Huan Zhang ◽

Chang Li ◽

Sin-Tung Kwok ◽

Qing-Wen Zhang ◽

Shun-Wan Chan

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Pharmacological Effects ◽

Polygonum Cuspidatum ◽

Republic Of China ◽

Therapeutic Uses ◽

Snake Bites ◽

The World

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in China for thousands of years to treat and prevent diseases. TCM has been proven safe and effective, and it is being considered as one of the important types of complementary and alternative medicine and receives increasing attention worldwide. The dried root ofPolygonum cuspidatumSieb. et Zucc. (also known as “Hu Zhang” in Chinese) is one of the medicinal herbs listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Hu Zhang is widely distributed in the world. It can be found in Asia and North America and is used as folk medicine in countries such as Japan and Korea. In China, Hu Zhang is usually used in combination with other TCM herbs. The therapeutic uses of those Hu Zhang-containing TCM prescriptions or formulations are for treating cough, hepatitis, jaundice, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, arthralgia, burns and snake bites. Recent pharmacological and clinical studies have indicated that Hu Zhang has antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective functions. This review gives a summary of the reported therapeutic effects of the active compounds and the different extracts of Hu Zhang.

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Epidemiological Impact of Myocarditis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10040603 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 603

Author(s):

Ainoosh Golpour ◽

Dimitri Patriki ◽

Paul J. Hanson ◽

Bruce McManus ◽

Bettina Heidecker

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

True Prevalence ◽

Wide Range ◽

Common Causes ◽

The World ◽

Significant Public Health ◽

Therapeutic Procedures ◽

Diagnostic Approaches ◽

Epidemiological Impact

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle with a wide range of potential etiological factors and consequently varying clinical patterns across the world. In this review, we address the epidemiology of myocarditis. Myocarditis was considered a rare disease until intensified research efforts in recent decades revealed its true epidemiological importance. While it remains a challenge to determine the true prevalence of myocarditis, studies are underway to obtain better approximations of the proportions of this disease. Nowadays, the prevalence of myocarditis has been reported from 10.2 to 105.6 per 100,000 worldwide, and its annual occurrence is estimated at about 1.8 million cases. This wide range of reported cases reflects the uncertainty surrounding the true prevalence and a potential underdiagnosis of this disease. Since myocarditis continues to be a significant public health issue, particularly in young adults in whom myocarditis is among the most common causes of sudden cardiac death, improved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are necessary. This manuscript aims to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology of myocarditis, new diagnostic approaches and the current epidemiological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Future perspectives of Therapeutic Claims of an Ethnopharmacological Drug Ipomoea carnea Jacq. - A Critical Review

International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine ◽

10.47552/ijam.v12i3.1884 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 177-184

Author(s):

Nilima Wadnerwar ◽

Meena Deogade

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Human Beings ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Future Perspectives ◽

Ipomoea Carnea ◽

Therapeutic Uses ◽

Pharmacological Studies ◽

Toxic Potential

Ipomoea carnea Jacq is an ethnopharmacological drug used for various indications by healers. As the herbal medicines are becoming endangered, ethanopharmacological drug can be used efficiently as they are available abundantly. The aim of this article is to highlight the therapeutic uses of Ipomoea carnea and to stress the use of ethanopharmacological drug vividly in the treatment. Materials and Methods: The data was located from books including ethnopharmacological drugs, Indian flora, traditional medicine and articles in various journals out of which only the data related to Identification of the species, pharmacological researches, therapeutic and other uses of Ipomoea carnea Jacq was selected. The data was segregated, edited, consolidated and reviewed critically to explore the therapeutic potential of the drug. Result: Phytochemical, invivo and invitro pharmacological studies indicate the therapeutic potential of Ipomoea carnea but there is scarcity of clinical evidences to prove their efficacy and safety in human beings. Discussion and Conclusion: Ipomoea carnea has significant pharmacological and therapeutical value. Though it is used as folk medicine, no clinical study has been conducted to evaluate the efficacy or to evaluate the toxic potential of Ipomoea carnea leaves, seeds or any other part.

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Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Used in the Northeastern Part of Morocco

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/6002949 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Mohammed Reda Kachmar ◽

Hanae Naceiri Mrabti ◽

Meryem Bellahmar ◽

Abdelilah Ouahbi ◽

Zoubida Haloui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Mentha Pulegium ◽

Ethnobotanical Survey ◽

Origanum Compactum ◽

Pharmacological Screening ◽

Rosmarinus Officinalis L

The knowledge of the plants that are used may provide insight on their properties for further exploration. This study aimed to identify and collect data about medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by the population of the provincial region of Taza, Morocco. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among 200 informants, competent villagers, herbalists, and traditional healers from the provincial region of Taza city through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. The survey reported 55 plant species belonging to 28 families used in the folk medicine. Informants’ results showed that the most frequently used plants were Origanum compactum, Mentha pulegium, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Aloysia citrodora, Calamintha officinalis Moench, and Artemisia herba-alba Asso., with a relative frequency of citation of 76%, 72%, 60%, 42%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. Moreover, in this study, the Lamiaceae family was the most commonly reported plant family, and the leaves were the most frequently used parts of the plants; otherwise, decoction and infusion were the most used modes in the preparation of remedies from medicinal plants in the traditional medicine. The sociodemographic characteristics showed that women use medicinal plants slightly more than men, the illiterate people use the medicinal plant the most, and old people have more information about the medicinal plants than the new generations. The region of Taza of Morocco has an important floristic biodiversity of medicinal plants which are used in traditional medicine practice. This result provides a good database for pharmacological screening in the search for new plants that can contain new bioactive molecules that can be used as a bioactive ingredient of medicament or as a biological alternative in pharmacology.

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Herbal Mixtures: Aspects Related to the Quality of Chinese Medicine Formulas and Perspectives for Products Registration in Brazil

European Journal of Medicinal Plants ◽

10.9734/ejmp/2021/v32i1130428 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 28-45

Author(s):

Ferdinando Lucas Góis ◽

Ademir Evangelista Do Vale ◽

Gislane Oliveira Ribeiro ◽

Erika Maria de Oliveira Ribeiro

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Medicine ◽

Pharmaceutical Care ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

World Health ◽

Individual Species ◽

Correct Identification ◽

Chemical Complexity ◽

The World ◽

Herbal Mixtures

Traditional medicine products are easily found in different regions of the world. Given this scenario, the World Health Organization (WHO) is very interested in the rational insertion of these resources, especially in primary pharmaceutical care in emerging countries. One of the main concerns of the WHO is with the population's access to traditional medicine products without quality guaranteed by regulatory and health control agencies in the country of origin. In ancient Chinese Pharmacology and Medicine, products based on associated drugs, used by boiling in water (decoction), successfully contribute to maintaining the health of Chinese people. In Brazil, the sanitary legislation of herbal mixtures for medicinal teas allows the sanitary notification of these products as traditional herbal medicines. On the other hand, the lack of clinical services to monitor consumption and the scarcity of evidence to ensure safety and efficacy, add to the inadequacy of the products to sanitary standards, the lack of inspection, and the definition of quality parameters for the evaluation of mixtures. Due to the chemical complexity of herbal mixtures, the correct identification of drugs through conventional techniques is usually possible for individual species, making it necessary to develop more comprehensive approaches. These testes allow to investigate the presence and/or absence of multiple pre-established markers, through the concept of fingerprint similarity and evaluation by chemometric tools. Liquid chromatography integrated with mass spectrometry and multivariate data analysis proved to be the most used method. Among the objectives of this critical and prospective review are: to describe the probable origin of medicinal teas, the theoretical foundation of the compositions in pharmacology and traditional Chinese medicine, the modern techniques developed in the quality control of herbal mixtures, and the perspectives for rational and safe insertion of traditional herbal medicines in Brazilian pharmaceutical care.

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