Review on some plants of Indian traditional medicine with antioxidant activity

A lot of medicinal plants, traditionally used for thousands of years, are present in a group of herbal preparations of the Indian traditional health care system (Ayurveda) named Rasayana proposed for their interesting antioxidant activities. Among the medicinal plants used in ayurvedic Rasayana for their therapeutic action, some of these have been throughly investigated. In the present paper seven plants (Emblica officinalis L., Curcuma longa L., Mangifera indica L., Momordica charantia L., Santalum album L., Swertia chirata Buch-Ham, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) are viewed for their historical, etymological, morphological, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. The plants described contain antioxidant principles, that can explain and justify their use in traditional medicine in the past as well as the present. In order to identify the plants with antioxidant activity in Ayurveda, a formulation of some rasayanas with well defined antioxidant properties has been examinated. For this purpose, we have considered Sharma's work on the preparation MAK4, MAK5, MA631, MA 471, MA Raja's Cup, MA Student Rasayana, MA Ladies Rasayana.     

Integrated approaches towards drug development from Ayurveda and other Indian system of medicines

Biodiversity of natural resources has served not only for the primary human needs but also for health care, since time immemorial. The Indian subcontinent, with the history of one of the oldest civilization, harbors many traditional health care systems. Their development was supported by the diverse biodiversity in flora and fauna due to variations in geographical landscaping. Ayurveda, whose history goes back to 5000 b.c., is one of the ancient health care systems. The Ayurveda was developed through daily life experiences with the mutual relationship between mankind and nature. The ancient text of Ayurveda reports more than 2000 plant species for their therapeutic potentials. Besides Ayurveda, other traditional and folklore systems of health care were developed in the different time periods in Indian subcontinent, where more than 7500 plant species were used. According to a WHO estimate, about 80% of the world population relies on traditional systems of medicines for primary health care, where plants form the dominant component over other natural resources. Renewed interest of developing as well as developed countries in the natural resources has opened new horizons for the exploration of natural sources with the perspectives of safety and efficacy. The development of these traditional systems of medicines with the perspectives of safety, efficacy and quality will help not only to preserve this traditional heritage but also to rationalize the use of natural products in the health care. Until recent past, the nature was considered as a compendium for templates of new chemical entities (NCEs). The plant species mentioned in the ancient texts of these Ayurveda and other Indian systems of medicines may be explored with the modern scientific approaches for better leads in the health care.     

内蒙古自治区第四次与第三次全国中药资源普查药用植物资源物种变化分析

对内蒙古自治区中药资源普查现状进行系统性概述。通过对比内蒙古自治区第四次与第三次全国中药资源普查药用植物资源物种变化情况发现,第四次全国中药资源普查内蒙古自治区药用植物增加了24科203属770种,减少了25科53属108种。从技术方法、条件限制、自然因素、人为因素等方面对第四次与第三次中药资源普查物种变化原因进行系统性分析,结果表明,人员配置、技术方法、仪器设备、政策体系等方面的改进和提升使普查到的药用植物数量大幅增加;气候变化、外来物种入侵、道路建设、掠夺式开采等因素使部分物种的适宜生存区域减小或使部分物种处于濒危状态,导致这些物种未被调查到。根据第三次与第四次中药资源普查物种变化情况提出药用植物资源保护策略,以期为中医药产业现代化发展提供参考。     

Medicinal plants of India with anti-diabetic potential

Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda and other Indian literature mention the use of plants in treatment of various human ailments. India has about 45000 plant species and among them, several thousands have been claimed to possess medicinal properties. Research conducted in last few decades on plants mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for diabetes have shown anti-diabetic property. The present paper reviews 45 such plants and their products (active, natural principles and crude extracts) that have been mentioned/used in the Indian traditional system of medicine and have shown experimental or clinical anti-diabetic activity. Indian plants which are most effective and the most commonly studied in relation to diabetes and their complications are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Cajanus cajan, Coccinia indica, Caesalpinia bonducella, Ficus bengalenesis, Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Swertia chirayita, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia and Trigonella foenum graecum. Among these we have evaluated M. charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna pruriens, T. cordifolia, T. foenum graecum, O. sanctum, P. marsupium, Murraya koeingii and Brassica juncea. All plants have shown varying degree of hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity.     

An ethnopharmacological survey of plants used for wound healing in Dogonland, Mali, West Africa

Traditional medicine, being a significant element in the cultural patrimony, still remains the main recourse for a large majority of people in Dogonland, Mali, for treating various diseases and ailments. This paper reports an ethnopharmacological study in Dogonland with the aim to identify medicinal plants used in the treatment of wounds. Information obtained from traditional healers revealed 73 plant species being used as wound healing remedies, according to the definitions of wounds given by the healers themselves. The plants, belonging to 34 plant families, are used as first aids, in the washing of wounds, extraction of pus, as coagulants, as well as for infected wounds. The most frequently used preparations are decoctions and powdered plant material.     

药用植物空间育种研究进展

药用植物空间育种是我国特色,我国的空间技术在药用植物上的应用与其他植物相比,尽管数量相对较少,但特色较明显.药用植物搭载研究也已经深入到各个方面,如生物学性状,生理生化,基因组以及化学成分的差异,另外化学成分分析也有涉及.但与其他植物特别是农作物和蔬菜的空间生物学研究相比存在着明显的缺陷,主要体现在遗传育种方面的研究明显不足,对性状遗传稳定性的研究未能一代一代地跟踪研究,且未能在品种选育方面深入系统的研究下去.若能从空间搭载资源中选育出遗传稳定性好的优良种质资源,对于解决药用植物资源匮乏的问题,缓解野生药用植物资源压力具有重要作用,同时推动我国空间药用植物学的发展和中药现代化的实施.     

柴胡属药用植物资源研究进展

柴胡作为传统大宗药材,使用量巨大,现有野生资源量不足以提供市场需求。为保护柴胡野生资源,扩大药材来源,目前对柴胡及同属植物的化学成分、药理作用、临床应用等多方面的研究已广泛开展。从柴胡属药用植物的生境分布及种类、药用部位化学成分、资源保护与利用等方面综述了我国柴胡属药用植物资源研究概况,为柴胡资源开发提供新线索。     

畲族野生药用植物资源及应用的调查研究

为查清我国畲族常用野生药用植物资源的种类、分布和民间应用情况及畲族特有药用植物品种。对全国25个畲民主要居住的县（市）区进行实地调查,收集民间畲医药人员提供的处方、治疗案例、用法用量、常用畲药和药物标本,同时调查其分布情况、生长环境,记录植物特征,拍摄图片、GPS数据及航迹,采集新鲜腊叶或植物标本。结果收集到畲族民间用药1 600个品种、病名450个和处方1 016个;其中畲族常用药用植物520种,主要生长分布在我国东南部,海拔200~1 500 m;有国家一级保护野生植物（药用）5种、国家二级保护野生植物（药用）15种,畲族特有药用植物11种;分属于144科、312属、494种、2亚种、17变种、3变型和1栽培变种;畲族民间药物使用方法不同于中医和其他民族医药。通过调查,查清了我国畲族常用野生药用植物资源的种类、分布、民间应用情况和常用药物,查明了珍稀濒危畲族药用植物和畲族特有药用植物,为今后畲药资源开发利用决策提供了依据。     

A survey on medicinal materials used in traditional systems of medicine in Sri Lanka

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sri Lanka has rich traditional systems of medicine, which cater to 60–70% of the rural population?s primary health care needs. However, development of existing systems has been hindered by the unavailability of up-to-date information on medicinal materials and other related issues. For streamlining purposes, we investigated the present-day scenario of country?s medicinal plant industry by gathering up-to-date information on the types of raw materials required, their aggregate quantities, heavily used and rare materials, family wise distribution, challenges faced by stakeholders as well as other pertinent issues.

Materials and methods

The present survey covered the selected government Ayurveda hospitals, traditional and Ayurveda practitioners, large and small-scale herbal drug and cosmetic manufactures, importers, collectors and Ayurveda commissioners throughout the country. A systematic questionnaire was distributed and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Collected data were tabulated and analyzed.

Results

A diverse range of medicinal materials, including 290 species (64.73%) from dried plants, 59 (13.17%) from fresh plants, 69 (15.40%) from minerals, 18 (4.02%) from animal sources and 12 (2.68%) from other sources were recorded. A total of 302 plant species belonging to 95 families, dominated by Leguminosae family, was listed. Out of these, 46 species belonging to 35 families were used intensively. A large portion of herbal materials was of completely local origin (71.13%) while 26% were imported and the rest (2.87%) can be obtained by both routes. Leaves were the most highly used part of the plant (22.2%). High price, poor quality, insufficient or totally absence of continuous supply and adulteration were the main constraints faced by the stakeholders. The unavailability of systematic cultivation and processing protocols, incorrect identification, and lack of proper quality control methodologies were identified as major challenges of the industry.

Conclusion

The present study revealed a currently bleak scenario of the medicinal material industry in Sri Lanka. The results clearly demonstrated the need to implement a national strategy to address the major challenges faced by different stakeholders. Information generated through this study could be effectively incorporated for the formulation of a sustainable development strategy for this industry.     

Ethnopharmacology and drug discovery

Ethnopharmacology and natural product drug discovery remains a significant hope in the current target-rich, lead-poor scenario. Many modern drugs have origin in traditional medicine and ethnopharmacology. Traditional Indian Medicine - Ayurveda has a long history and is one of the great living traditions. Considerable research on pharmacognosy, chemistry, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics has been carried out on Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Several preclinical and clinical studies have examined cytoprotective, immunomodulatory and immunoadjuvant potential of Ayurvedic medicines. The ethnopharmacology knowledge, its holistic and systems approach supported by experiential base can serve as an innovative and powerful discovery engine for newer, safer and affordable medicines.     

峨边黑竹沟药用植物资源及可持续利用的研究

目的：查明峨边黑竹沟的药用植物资源,提出可持续利用的原则与措施。方法：实地调查、样方测定及访问评估、标本鉴定与统计分析。结果：阐明了药物资源概况,３ 个物种的确切新疗效,７ 个优势资源物种的分布与藏量域值,１ 种植物农药资源的预示结果与开发前景,３ 种适宜在黑竹沟大量繁育的重要药物的种类提出依据与市场需求景况,７ 种珍稀、濒危药用植物种质资源的种类与分布等。结论：该区共有药用植物约１ ５００ 余种,其中常用中药原植物３００ 余种,民间习用草药或重要原料药原植物约１ ２００ 种;遵循生态经济原则以优势资源开发为主导实行综合性开发;依据生态适宜性原则,培育紧俏药物;采取措施,有效保护珍稀濒危药用植物;利用新资源可望开发出多种药物新产品。     

Medicinal wild plant knowledge and gathering patterns in a Mapuche community from North-western Patagonia

Medicinal plant use has persisted as a long standing tradition in the Mapuche communities of Southern Argentina and Chile. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the rural Curruhuinca community located near the mountain city of San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Semi-structured interviews were carried out on 22 families in order to examine the present use of medicinal plants and their reputed therapeutic effects. Ecological variables, such as distance to the gathering site and biogeographical origin were also analyzed. Our results showed that the Curruhuinca dwellers cited 89 plant species for medicinal purposes, both of native and exotic origin. They know about 47 native plants, of which they use 40, and they know of 42 exotic medicinal plants of which they use 34. A differential pattern was observed given that only native species, relevant for the traditional Mapuche medicine, were collected at more distant gathering sites. The interviewees mentioned 268 plant usages. Those most frequently reported had therapeutic value for treating digestive ailments (33%), as analgesic/anti-inflammatory (25%) and antitusive (13%). Native species were mainly cited as analgesics, and for gynecological, urinary and "cultural syndrome" effects, whereas exotic species were mainly cited for digestive ailments. The total number of medicinal plants known and used by the interviewees was positively correlated with people's age, indicating that this ancient knowledge tends to disappear in the younger generations.     

Plants traditionally used in age related brain disorders--a survey of ethnobotanical literature

In traditional herbal medicine, numerous plants have been used to treat age related cognitive disorders. In this review we compiled available literature from four Swiss university libraries, scientific journals and online database query's on plants and remedies used in traditional medicinal systems for such diseases. Over 150 plant species in various preparations and mixtures were found. European herbals from the 16th and 17th century alongside traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal works were the most prolific sources. The information is organised into geographic regions and when available the findings are discussed in the light of more recent scientific findings concerning their secondary metabolites and in vitro and in vivo activities relevant to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.     

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants at periodic markets of Honghe Prefecture in Yunnan Province, SW China

In China, traditional markets are considered as important places for trading of medicinal plants harvested by rural villagers, which also play a social role of exchanging traditional use of herbal medicine among different cultural and social groups at local level. Market survey is often engaged in ethnobotanical studies for documenting locally used herbal plants and associated traditional knowledge. Information collected from market survey is also useful for plant conservation in the habitat areas. However, information on the market traded medicinal plants is not well documented from traditional markets in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan. The study aimed to look into medicinal plants that are used by local people for curing various ailments. Ethnobotanical market survey methods, interviews, Participatory Action Research (PAR) and field visits were planned to elicit information on the uses of various medicinal plants. It was found that 216 plant species are commonly used by local people for curing various diseases, of which 173 species (80.1%) are wild plants and 43 species (19.9%) are home garden plants. A total of 278 records of medical uses in 60 herbal recipes for the treatment of 16 types of common diseases were recorded. In most of the recipes recorded, digestion diseases (30.6%) were used. The rest are rheumatological diseases (13.0%), respiratory system diseases (10.4%), infectious diseases (7.9%) and surgery uses (7.9%). The knowledge about the number of medicinal plants available in that area and used by interviewees was positively correlated with the threats on medicinal plants in the wild habitats of the study area, indicating that the diversity of medicinal plants and the associated traditional knowledge trends to disappear in the area.     

The medicinal plants of Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

This paper describes an ethnopharmacological study of two remote settlements in Indonesia. Interviews with practitioners of traditional medicine (dukuns) were carried out to determine the vernacular names of plants used for medicinal purposes. Parts used, methods of preparation and the medicinal uses of 158 species are presented in an inventory. Samples from several species are currently undergoing chemical analysis.     

Evidence Based Validation of Indian Traditional Medicine – Way Forward

Evidence based validation of the ethno-pharmacological claims on traditional medicine(TM) is the need of the day for its globalization and reinforcement. Combining the unique features of identifying biomarkers that are highly conserved across species, this can offer an innovative approach to biomarker-driven drug discovery and development. TMs are an integral component of alternative health care systems. India has a rich wealth of TMs and the potential to accept the challenge to meet the global demand for them. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy(AYUSH) medicine are the major healthcare systems in Indian Traditional Medicine. The plant species mentioned in the ancient texts of these systems may be explored with the modern scientific approaches for better leads in the healthcare. TM is the best sources of chemical diversity for finding new drugs and leads. Authentication and scientific validation of medicinal plant is a fundamental requirement of industry and other organizations dealing with herbal drugs. Quality control(QC) of botanicals, validated processes of manufacturing, customer awareness and post marketing surveillance are the key points, which could ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of TM. For globalization of TM, there is a need for harmonization with respect to its chemical and metabolite profiling, standardization, QC, scientific validation,documentation and regulatory aspects of TM. Therefore, the utmost attention is necessary for the promotion and development of TM through global collaboration and co-ordination by national and international programme.     

Native Medicinal Plant Richness Distribution Patterns and Environmental Determinants of Xinjiang, Northwest China

Objective To comprehensively map the distribution patterns of native medicinal plants of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China; To find the environmental determinants and to give suggestions for the conservation planning of medicinal plants in Xinjiang region. Methods Firstly, we compiled the distribution data of native medicinal plants at a county level in Xinjiang region, including the source plants of Chinese Materia Medica(CMM), Uygur Medicine(UM), and Kazak Medicine(KM); Secondly, we divided the distribution data into grid with a resolution of 0.1°× 0.1° and overlaid it on the topography and climate data in Arcgis 10.0; Finally, we analyzed the correlations of medicinal plant richness and environmental variables with ordinary least square(OLS) regressions and partial regressions. Results UM has more non-native species in Xinjiang region than KM. The species richness of medicinal plants is high in Altay Mountains, western Tianshan Mountains, and part of Kunlun Mountains. The richness of medicinal plants is highly correlated with the vascular plant species richness and climate, and further, the independent effects of vascular plant species richness are higher than the independent effects of climate. The whole plant, root rhizome, and seed fruit are more frequently used than stem and leaf for CMM in Xinjiang region. Conclusion The distribution patterns of medicinal plants are concordant with vascular plant species, which could be carefully considered in the conservation planning of this region. Taking full advantage of current nature reserves is a low-costing approach to the conservation of medicinal plants although they were not originally established for medicinal plant protection. Nevertheless, it is urgent to further study the distributions and protection status of medicinal plants in the nature reserves of Xinjiang region.     

Radioprotection by plant products: present status and future prospects

The development of radioprotective agents has been the subject of intense research in view of their potential for use within a radiation environment, such as space exploration, radiotherapy and even nuclear war. However, no ideal, safe synthetic radioprotectors are available to date, so the search for alternative sources, including plants, has been on going for several decades. In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, several plants have been used to treat free radical-mediated ailments and, therefore, it is logical to expect that such plants may also render some protection against radiation damage. A systematic screening approach can provide leads to identifying potential new candidate drugs from plant sources, for mitigation of radiation injury. This article reviews some of the most promising plants, and their bioactive principles, that are widely used in traditional systems of medicine, and which have rendered significant radioprotection in both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Plants and their constituents with pharmacological activities that may be relevant to amelioration of radiation-mediated damage, including antiemetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, cell proliferative, wound healing and haemopoietic stimulatories are also discussed.     

抗结核药用植物的种类特点及其国内外比较

目的:对国内和国际上有关抗结核药用植物的种类进行了系统分析,发现两者差别,以拓展我国中药组方方案的研发。方法:通过国际文献检索以发现国外报道的有活性的抗结核药用植物;国内抗结核药用植物则来自于先前采用中医传承辅助平台及现代文献报道的分析结果。对这些检索结果进行分类后采用Excel软件进行分析和作图。结果:我国采用的抗结核药用植物在属的层次上与国外存在较大差别,主要体现在百合科、毛茛科、桔梗科、玄参科和蔷薇科中几个属在国内报道较多,而国际上鲜有报道。对于具体的抗结核药用植物种类而言,国际上关注最多的是使君子科诃子属、胡椒科胡椒属和滕黄科藤黄属等属内包含的多种抗结核药用植物,而国内报道较少。结论:我国抗结核药用植物种类与国外存在较大差别,个别属内的植物种类值得我们去做组方尝试或开发新的抗结核药物。     

Ethnomedicinal practices and medicinal plant knowledge of the Yuracarés and Trinitarios from Indigenous Territory and National Park Isiboro-Sécure, Bolivian Amazon

Aim of the study

We investigated the ethnomedical practices and knowledge of medicinal plant and fungus species of contemporary Yuracaré and Trinitario ethnic groups from Indigenous Territory and National Park Isiboro-Sécure (TIPNIS), located in the Bolivian Amazon region.Our aim was to identify the culturally most significant medicinal plant families, growth forms and species, as well as to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the bioactivity of the most important species, based on available literature data.

Materials and methods

Medicinal plant and fungus species were inventoried during homegarden and swidden sampling, walk-in-the-woods and transect sampling. Data on medicinal uses were obtained from 12 Yuracaré and 14 Trinitario participants.

Results

We commence by providing a brief overview of Yuracaré and Trinitario ethnomedical systems, highlighting the important shamanistic component of particularly Trinitario traditional medicine. The rest of the paper is dedicated to an analysis and discussion based on the 349 inventoried medicinal plant and fungus species. Contingency table and binomial analyses of medicinal plants used versus the total number of inventoried species per family showed that several plant families are significantly over (Piperaceae, Araceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae and Siparunaceae) and underused (Chrysobalanaceae, Sapotaceae, Lauraceae, Celastraceae and Annonaceae) in traditional medicine in TIPNIS. Also herbaceous plants are significantly overrepresented in the medicinal plant inventory, which is in line with relevant literature. Our ranking of medicinal species according to cultural significance is based on the Quality Use Agreement Value (QUAV) index we developed and presented in a previous paper. Results indicate that the QUAV index's property to mainly select species that combine multiple ethnomedical uses with high informant consensus, justifies its use as a measure of cultural significance of medicinal plants in TIPNIS. Results of a literature search suggest, on the other hand, that the QUAV_s score of a species could also be indicative of its bioactivity.

Conclusions

In addition to the QUAV index's value as a tool for assessing the cultural significance of medicinal species, it might also be useful to identify species with a higher likeliness of being bioactive.