scholarly journals The Ghanaian Flora as a Potential Source of Anthelmintic and Anti-Schistosomal Agents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Asante-Kwatia ◽  
Abraham Yeboah Mensah ◽  
Lord Gyimah ◽  
Arnold Donkor Forkuo Yeboah Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Drug Molecules ◽  
Live Stock ◽  
Cost Of Drugs

Parasitic infections including schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis are the most commonly encountered Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the world. These diseases remain a major public health concern affecting millions of people especially those living in poor regions where access to effective conventional health care is a challenge. Interventions to control these infections in endemic areas have not been successful due to the high cost of drugs, limited availability as well as inequity of access to preventive chemotherapies. Another problem is the development resistance to the limited number of recommended medications due to their intensive use in both human and live-stock. There is an increasing awareness of the potential of natural products as chemotherapeutic agents to combat parasitic infections. Natural products may offer an unlimited source of chemically diverse drug molecules which may be safe, efficient, less toxic, less expensive and readily available for use especially in low-income countries. The Ghanaian flora provides such a ready source for new therapeutic interventions for the local population. Several researches have provided evidence of the anti-parasitic activity of Ghanaian medicinal plants. This chapter provides a review with special focus on medicinal plants collected from Ghana with anthelmintic and anti-schistosomal activity. Evidence of pharmacological activities of crude extracts, fractions and bioactive phytoconstituents as well as possible mechanisms of action where investigated are discussed.

scholarly journals Ethnomedicinal Uses of Some Common Malaysian Medicinal Plants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idris Adewale Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Indigenous Uses ◽  
Local Plants

Historically, natural products have always been a rich source of novel pharmacological leads, thus, making the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological knowledge an important and major asset of the medicinal plant-based drug discovery in providing hints for effective and safe chemotherapeutic compounds. Such knowledge, however, requires a thorough review and documentation of the ethnomedicinal and indigenous uses of local plants of every part of the world. Malaysia is a global hub for natural products which contributes to its GDP. Malaysia is also one of the 12 most diverse Megabiodiversity countries. Its rainforest is ranked 4th on the list of biodiversity hotspots in Asia after India, China, and Indonesia and is also acknowledged as the world’s oldest rainforest. Natural products are relevant to both Malaysian health care and agriculture which are parts of the national key economic areas (NKEA) under the Government’s Economic Transformation Plan as well as parts of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Though the quality, efficacy, and safety of herbal products require global and international standardization, herbal products should be made accessible to low-income and rural communities across the globe. The proper documentation of the ethnopharmacological important plants in addition to their preservation and cultivation would enhance the sustainable use of the various indigenous plants. This work is unique in the sense that it is meant to review some of the most important high-value herbal products in Malaysia. Though it covers only a few representatives of Malaysian medicinal plants.

scholarly journals An overview of some medicinal plants and isolated active compounds with potential antiprotozoal activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 1551-1563
Author(s):  
Oladele T. Ojuromi ◽  
Anofi O. Ashafa
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Protozoan Infections

Diarrhoea associated illness presents with mortality and morbidity in rural communities in most low income countries especially in children < 5 years of age. The continuous emergence of several opportunistic infections in immuno-compromised individuals has worsened the burden of diarrhoea in most of these countries. Protozoan infections caused by species of Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba spp. Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis and Trichomonas vaginalis have received insufficient attention because data on their prevalence and incidence are scanty. The commonly used drugs to treat infections caused by these organisms are becoming less effective due to the development of drug resistance. Evidence from literature has shown that natural products from medicinal plants are likely to be suitable alternatives and complimentary therapeutic drugs to combat most protozoan infections. Natural products and their bioactive compounds could be the solution to treat most protozoan infections that have developed resistance to these drugs. This review provides comprehensive information on the potential and limitations on activity of medicinal plants and their isolated compounds used in the treatment of protozoan diseases. Especially those considered as neglected diseases such as Cryptosporidium and other protozoans that are inadequately funded and possibility of lack of interest in drug developments have made them  receive little attention. Isolation and identification of bioactive natural products could be the ultimate panacea to cases of metronidazole resistance and discovery of effective and novel drug for Cryptosporidium infection which is currently suffering inadequate treatment options. Keywords: Protozoan parasites, Diarrhoea, Neglected diseases, Medicinal plants, Bioactive compounds

scholarly journals Revisiting the Potential of Ayurvedic Medicinal Herbs, Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Giloy (Tinospora cordiofolia) for Prevention against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Chaudhary ◽  
Arvind Singh Farswan ◽  
Vivekanand Bahuguna
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Azadirachta Indica ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
Present Condition ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Country Level

Current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in huge global mortality with daily increment of cases. Though at present different vaccines are available but complete vaccination at the country level needs subsequent time interval. In present condition of stress and fear, bioactive compounds from different medicinal plants are screened using computational approaches to be used as a potential drug candidate. These in silico approaches have found few phyto-compounds that can be used against therapeutic protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. These natural compounds might have fewer side effects compared to chemotherapeutic agents that are re purposed in this pandemic situation. Though convincing results are obtained from in silico approaches but it warrants further studies to be marketed as a recommended drug. Foreseeing the current pandemic and positive computational results on natural products, these can be considered for enhancing immunity and prevention. Decoction of therapeutically beneficial medicinal plants like neem (Azadirachta indica) and giloy (Tinospora cordiofolia) can be recommended due to easy availability, cost effective nature and easy implementation at community level. These natural products possess anti- inflammatory, antipyretic, fungicidal and antiseptic properties which can prevent from COVID infection and post-COVID complications, including attack from opportunistic pathogens.

Preterm Birth, Inflammation and Infection: New Alternative Strategies for their Prevention

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 354-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor M. Muñoz-Pérez ◽  
Mario I. Ortiz ◽  
Raquel Cariño-Cortés ◽  
Eduardo Fernández-Martínez ◽  
Leticia Rocha-Zavaleta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Gynecology And Obstetrics

Background:Worldwide, the progress in reducing neonatal mortality has been very slow. The rate of preterm birth has increased over the last 20 years in low-income and middle-income countries. Its association with increased mortality and morbidity is based on experimental studies and neonatal outcomes from countries with socioeconomic differences, which have considered implementing alternative healthcare strategies to prevent and reduce preterm births.Methods:Currently, there is no widely effective strategy to prevent preterm birth. Pharmacological therapies are directed at inhibiting myometrial contractions to prolong parturition. Some drugs, medicinal plants and microorganisms possess myorelaxant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that have proved useful in preventing preterm birth associated with inflammation and infection.Results:This review focuses on the existing literature regarding the use of different drugs, medicinal plants, and microorganisms that show promising benefits for the prevention of preterm birth associated with inflammation and infection. New alternative strategies involving the use of PDE-4 inhibitors, medicinal plants and probiotics could have a great impact on improving prenatal and neonatal outcomes and give babies the best start in life, ensuring lifelong health benefits.Conclusion:Despite promising results from well-documented cases, only a small number of these alternative strategies have been studied in clinical trials. The development of new drugs and the use of medicinal plants and probiotics for the treatment and/or prevention of preterm birth is an area of growing interest due to their potential therapeutic benefits in the field of gynecology and obstetrics.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, and Herbs to Combat Viral Pathogens Including SARS-CoV-2

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1775
Author(s):  
Arumugam Vijaya Anand ◽  
Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan ◽  
Mohandass Kaviya ◽  
Kathirvel Bharathi ◽  
Aluru Parithathvi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Direct Inhibition ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Antiviral Activities ◽  
Important Health Issue

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the most important health issue, internationally. With no specific and effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19, new or repurposed antiviral are urgently needed. Phytochemicals pose a ray of hope for human health during this pandemic, and a great deal of research is concentrated on it. Phytochemicals have been used as antiviral agents against several viruses since they could inhibit several viruses via different mechanisms of direct inhibition either at the viral entry point or the replication stages and via immunomodulation potentials. Recent evidence also suggests that some plants and its components have shown promising antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes certain phytochemical agents along with their mode of actions and potential antiviral activities against important viral pathogens. A special focus has been given on medicinal plants and their extracts as well as herbs which have shown promising results to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be useful in treating patients with COVID-19 as alternatives for treatment under phytotherapy approaches during this devastating pandemic situation.

Medicinal Plants and Natural Products, More Effective and Safer Pharmacological Treatment for the Management of Obesity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsha Negi ◽  
Meenakshi Gupta ◽  
Ramanpreet Walia ◽  
Moayad Khataibeh ◽  
Maryam Sarwat
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Pancreatic Lipase ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Herbal Plants ◽  
New Compounds

: Obesity is a major lifestyle disorder and it is correlated with several ailments. The prevalence of obesity has elevated over the years and it has become a global health problem. The drugs presently used for managing obesity have several side-effects associated with them such as diarrhoea, leakage of oily stools, etc. On the contrary, herbal plants and natural products are considered safe for use because they have lesser side effects. New compounds isolated from medicinal plants are screened and identified to determine their effectiveness and potential in preventing abnormal weight gain. In this review, the medicinal plants and natural materials were surveyed across the literature to cover those that have potential for managing and controlling weight gain, and their mechanism of action, active component, and experimental methodologies are also included. These herbal products can be developed as formulations for therapeutic use in obesity. The herbal plants mentioned in the review are classified based on their mechanism of action: inhibition of pancreatic lipase and appetite suppression activities. The ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase enzyme has been used to determine the effectiveness of herbal products for the prevention of abnormal weight gain because of its action on dietary fat and suppression of appetite. This review is an attempt to summarize the herbal plants and natural products that can be used to develop formulations effective in controlling weight gain and obesity.

Natural product-based nanomedicine: Recent advances and issues for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Choy Ker Woon ◽  
Wong Kah Hui ◽  
Razif Abas ◽  
Muhammad Huzaimi Haron ◽  
Srijit Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Drug Transport ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Progressive Neurodegeneration ◽  
The Brain

: Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects the elderly and is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration caused by different pathologies. The most significant challenges in treating AD include the inability of medications to reach the brain because of its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Additionally, current evidence suggests the disruption of BBB plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. One of the critical challenges in treating AD is the ineffective treatments and its severe adverse effects. Nanotechnology offers an alternative approach to facilitate the treatment of AD by overcoming the challenges in drug transport across the BBB. Various nanoparticles (NP) loaded with natural products were reported to aid in drug delivery for the treatment of AD. The nano- sized entities of NP are great platforms for incorporating active materials from natural products into formulations that can be delivered effectively to the intended action site without compromising the material’s bioactivity. The review highlights the applications of medicinal plants, their derived components, and various nanomedicine-based approaches for the treatment of AD. The combination of medicinal plants and nanotechnology may lead to new theragnostic solutions for the treatment of AD in the future.

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