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HERBAL MEDICINES : BRIDGING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE WITH MODERN PHARMACOLOGY

November 2023
Biochemical and Cellular Archives 23(1):1577-1582

DOI:10.51470/bca.2023.23.S1.1577

Authors:

Swapnil Gupta

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University

Mahendra Kr. Yadav

RNB Global University

Dr D. Thangamani

Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding

Vidhya C. S.

National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management

Show all 7 authorsHide

This paper explores the dynamic intersection of traditional herbal knowledge and modern pharmacology in the realm of herbal medicines. It delves into the rich reservoir of traditional wisdom passed down through generations and its integration with contemporary scientific research and methodologies. Through, an in-depth analysis, this paper sheds light on the synergistic potential of these two domains, highlighting the importance of preserving and harnessing traditional herbal knowledge in the development of evidence-based herbal medicines. The study presents five critical subheadings that delve into various facets of this intricate relationship, including botanical diversity, phytochemical analysis, therapeutic applications, safety assessment, and regulatory considerations. This comprehensive examination underscores the significance of bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology to advance the field of herbal medicine and improve healthcare outcomes. (2023) Herbal medicines : Bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology.

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HERBAL MEDICINES : BRIDGING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE WITH

MODERN PHARMACOLOGY

Swapnil Gupta1*, Mahendra Kumar Yadav2, D. Thangamani3, Vidhya C. S.4,

Priya Subramanian Kalaimani5, S. Jaya Prabhavathi6 and Rajamony Vinuradha7

1School of Management Sciences, Varanasi - 221 011, India.

2RNB Global University Bikaner, RNB Global City, Ganganagar Road, Bikaner - 334 601, India.

3Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Forest campus, R.S. puram, Coimbatore - 641 002, India.

4Department of Primary Processing Storage and Handling, NIFTEM-Thanjavur, Thanjavur - 613 005, India.

5Department of Food Biotechnology, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) –

Thanjavur (an Institute of National Importance; formerly Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology - IIFPT), Ministry of

Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, Pudukkottai Road, Thanjavur – 613 005, India.

6Department of Agricultural Entomology, Regional Research Station, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore District, India.

7School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore – 641 114, India.

*e-mail : swapnilgupta.bhu@gmail.com

(Received 4 October 2023, Revised 19 November 2023, Accepted 27 November 2023)

ABSTRACT : This paper explores the dynamic intersection of traditional herbal knowledge and modern pharmacology in the

realm of herbal medicines. It delves into the rich reservoir of traditional wisdom passed down through generations and its

integration with contemporary scientific research and methodologies. Through, an in-depth analysis, this paper sheds light on

the synergistic potential of these two domains, highlighting the importance of preserving and harnessing traditional herbal

knowledge in the development of evidence-based herbal medicines. The study presents five critical subheadings that delve into

various facets of this intricate relationship, including botanical diversity, phytochemical analysis, therapeutic applications,

safety assessment, and regulatory considerations. This comprehensive examination underscores the significance of bridging

traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology to advance the field of herbal medicine and improve healthcare outcomes.

Key words : Herbal medicine, traditional knowledge, modern pharmacology, botanical diversity, phytochemical analysis, regulatory

considerations.

How to cite : Swapnil Gupta, Mahendra Kumar Yadav, D. Thangamani, C. S. Vidhya, Priya Subramanian Kalaimani, S. Jaya

Prabhavathi and Rajamony Vinuradha (2023) Herbal medicines : Bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology.

Biochem. Cell. Arch. 23, 1577-1582. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2023.23.S1.1577

Biochem. Cell. Arch. Vol. 23, Suppl. 1, pp. 1577-1582, 2023 ISSN 0972-5075

DocID: https://connectjournals.com/03896.2023.23.S1.1577 eISSN 0976-1772

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2023.23.S1.1577

INTRODUCTION

Herbal medicines have played a pivotal role in human

healing practices for centuries, with diverse cultures and

regions around the world relying on plant-based remedies

for their therapeutic properties (Fabricant and

Farnsworth, 2001). These remedies, derived from various

plant parts such as leaves, roots, stems, and flowers have

been prepared using traditional methods passed down

through generations [World Health Organization (WHO),

2002]. The use of herbal medicines is deeply rooted in

cultural beliefs and historical experiences and often

reflects a profound connection to the natural world.

Herbal medicines represent a fascinating intersection

between traditional wisdom and contemporary

pharmacology, forging a bridge between ancient healing

practices and modern scientific exploration. Rooted in

centuries-old traditions across diverse cultures, herbal

medicines embody a repository of knowledge passed

down through generations. These traditional remedies

often originate from the observation and understanding

of local flora, with indigenous communities harnessing the

therapeutic potential of various plant species. The

transmission of this traditional knowledge serves as a

cultural legacy, offering insights into the complex interplay

between plants and human health. In recent times, there

has been a resurgence of interest in herbal medicines

within the scientific community, fueled by a desire to

validate traditional practices and uncover the

pharmacological mechanisms underlying their efficacy.

Bridging traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology of herbal medicines 1581

herbal remedies through rigorous scientific research is

essential (Ekor, 2014). Inadequate data can hinder the

acceptance of herbal medicines within mainstream

healthcare.

Opportunity : Continued research and clinical trials

can provide robust evidence of the therapeutic benefits

of herbal medicines. This data can enhance the credibility

of herbal treatments and lead to their integration into

conventional healthcare systems.

Ethical research practices

Challenge : Balancing scientific inquiry with ethical

considerations, particularly when working with traditional

communities can be complex (Patwardhan and Mashelkar,

2009). Researchers must ensure informed consent and

respectful engagement with traditional healers.

Opportunity : Ethical guidelines and collaboration

protocols can facilitate respectful research partnerships.

Engaging traditional practitioners in the research process

can lead to more meaningful outcomes and mutual

learning.

Regulatory frameworks

Challenge : Establishing clear regulatory

frameworks for herbal medicines can be challenging due

to the diversity of traditions and remedies (Ekor, 2014).

Ensuring safety and efficacy while allowing for cultural

diversity is a delicate balance.

Opportunity : Developing comprehensive regulatory

standards that accommodate both traditional and modern

aspects of herbal medicine can promote responsible use

and facilitate market access for herbal products.

Sustainability and conservation

Challenge : Overharvesting and unsustainable

practices can threaten medicinal plant species and

ecosystems (Bodeker et al, 2005). Balancing the demand

for herbal remedies with conservation efforts is critical.

Opportunity : Sustainable cultivation, wild-

harvesting practices and the promotion of biodiversity can

help preserve medicinal plant resources for future

generations. Certification schemes like FairWild can

promote sustainable practices.

Global collaboration and knowledge sharing

Challenge : Bridging the gap between traditional

and modern knowledge requires global collaboration and

information sharing (Bodeker et al, 2005). Language

barriers, cultural differences and geopolitical challenges

can hinder such cooperation.

Opportunity : International organizations, research

networks and conferences can facilitate knowledge

exchange and collaboration. Sharing best practices and

research findings globally can accelerate progress in

herbal medicine.

Navigating these challenges while capitalizing on the

opportunities presented by the integration of traditional

and modern knowledge is essential for the responsible

development and use of herbal medicines. By addressing

these issues thoughtfully, herbal medicine can contribute

to improved healthcare, cultural preservation and

sustainable practices.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the exploration of herbal medicines,

blending traditional knowledge with modern

pharmacology, presents a dynamic and promising frontier

in the realm of healthcare. The convergence of centuries-

old healing traditions with contemporary scientific

methodologies not only validates the efficacy of herbal

remedies, but also opens avenues for discovering new

therapeutic agents. As evidenced by numerous studies,

the synergy between traditional herbal wisdom and

modern pharmacological investigations holds immense

potential for addressing a wide spectrum of health

concerns. Furthermore, the integration of herbal medicines

into mainstream healthcare practices has the potential to

offer more holistic and personalized treatment

approaches. The diversity of bioactive compounds found

in medicinal plants, often working in tandem, provides a

multifaceted approach to healing. This not only addresses

the symptoms of ailments but also promotes overall well-

being. Embracing this synergy allows us to appreciate

the interconnectedness of traditional and modern

medicinal practices, fostering a comprehensive and

inclusive approach to healthcare that respects the wisdom

of the past while leveraging the advancements of the

present.

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Introduction The search for new therapeutic agents for the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) and neurodegenerative disorders coupled with the rising number of patients suffering from these pathologies have attracted much interest. Traditionally, extracts from medicinal plants have been used to manage a number of ailments and still remain a potent source of new therapeutic agents. Methods Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and enzyme (acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) inhibitory potential of three medicinal plants (Cupressus sempervirens, Artemisia absinthium, and Lippia triphylla). The phenolic composition of the ethanolic extracts was also characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). In silico molecular docking was used to investigate the possible interaction between active compounds and the studied enzymes. Results C. sempervirens showed the highest inhibition rates against AChE, BChE, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase (2.47 mg galantamine equivalents (GALAE)/g extract, 2.98 mg GALAE/g extract, 1.61 mmol acarbose equivalents (ACAE)/g extract, and 1.86 mmol ACAE/g extract for respective enzymes). The plant extracts showed antioxidant power in the following order C. sempervirens > L. triphylla > A. absinthium. Protocatechuic acid, (+)-catechin, apigenin, and chlorogenic acid were identified in all the plant extracts. The best docking pose obtained for each bioactive compound against the enzymes was mostly stabilized via hydrogen bonds and pi–pi stacks. Conclusion This study provides insight into the antioxidant capacity and the inhibitory potential of these medicinal plants against key enzymes linked to DMT2 and neurodegenerative disorders.

Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin Chemistry, Pharmacology and Use in Traditional and Modern Medicine

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