Nootropic efficacy of Satvavajaya Chikitsa and Ayurvedic drug therapy: A comparative clinical exposition

Review of Pharmacotherapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Management Using Traditional Medicinal Plants

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. While there is currently no cure for AD, several pharmacotherapeutic targets and management strategies have been explored. Additionally, traditional medicinal plants have gained attention for their potential role in AD management. Pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD include amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cholinergic dysfunction. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Ginkgo biloba, Huperzia serrata, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Panax ginseng, have demonstrated the ability to modulate these targets through their bioactive compounds. Ginkgo biloba, for instance, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exhibit neuroprotective effects by reducing Aβ deposition and enhancing cerebral blood flow. Huperzia serrata, a natural source of huperzine A, has acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting properties, thus improving cholinergic function. Curcuma longa, enriched with curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Panax ginseng's ginsenosides have shown neuroprotective and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The investigation of traditional medicinal plants as a complementary approach to AD management offers several advantages, including a lower risk of adverse effects and potential multi-target interactions. Furthermore, the cultural knowledge and utilization of these plants provide a rich source of information for the development of new therapies. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, standardize preparations, and assess the safety and efficacy of these natural remedies. Integrating traditional medicinal-plant-based therapies with modern pharmacotherapies may hold the key to a more comprehensive and effective approach to AD treatment. This review aims to explore the pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD and assess the potential of traditional medicinal plants in its management.

Ayurveda and Yoga management of chronic alcoholism sequelae - A case report

Alcohol has always been a component in the dietary pattern of human civilization. It is widely used in society for celebration and socialization. Alcohol abuse is among the most serious problems in public health characterized by uncontrolled drinking which causes physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. Chronic alcoholics are at a higher risk of developing vitamin B1 deficiency due to malabsorption, poor diet, and an increased demand for nutrition. Vitamin B1(Thiamine) is an essential nutrient required for the body's energy metabolism and proper functioning of the nervous system. A person who excessively consumes madya (alcohol) and then abruptly discontinues drinking and takes recourse to drinking excess madya once again, suffers from Madatyaya Upadrava(chronic alcoholism) that is Vikshay. Here is a case report of an alcoholic patient who ceased drinking and then resumed alcohol in large amounts. He presented with symptoms of generalized weakness, body ache, aphasia, confusion, fever (on and off), thirst, cough, headache, and numbness. The patient underwent a two-month treatment regimen that combined Satvavajay Chikitsa, Yoga, and Shaman Chikitsa involving Rasayana medications and procedures including snehan (Oleation), swedan (fomentation), nabhi puran (filling oil with navel), nasya (nasal administration), shirodhara (continuous flow of liquid on head) and basti (medicated enema). The intervention outcome showed relief from the aforementioned symptoms and improvement in both symptoms and GCS(Glasgow coma scale) score. This treatment approach aimed to promote vitality, longevity, and an overall sense of balance and well-being. There are not many corroborating cases being reported and managed with Ayurveda. This case report highlights transforming health through the cumulative effects of Rasayana medicines, panchakarma, and yoga.

Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in Neurological Disorders: An Umbrella Review Covering Evidence from Ethnopharmacology to Clinical Studies

C. pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis), a perennial herb aka C. microphyllus Sieb. and C. Prostratus Forsk. is being used as a traditional folk medicine for a variety of ailments. In this article, we collected information about C. pluricaulis through electronic search using PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, and Web of Science as well as network pharmacology is done. This comprehensive review sheds light on the plant profile, phytochemistry, neuropharmacological, and toxicological data of C. pluricaulis. The crude herb and its metabolites have exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo neuropharmacological effects, including memory enhancement, anxiolytic, tranquilizing, anti-depressant, anti-stress, neurodegenerative, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, sedative, anti-convulsant, and Alzheimer's disease-reversing effects. Network pharmacology results indicate that compounds from C. pluricaulis interact with various proteins, neuro synapses, signaling pathways, and serotonergic synapse which plays a crucial role in neurotransmission, Alzheimer's disease, long-term depression, addictions to alcohol, cognitive disorders, psychological conditions, and increasing serotonin concentration in synapses.

Telomeres, DNA Damage and Ageing: Potential Leads from Ayurvedic Rasayana (Anti-Ageing) Drugs

Ageing, while a relentless, unidirectional and pleiotropic phenomenon of life, is a key trigger for several age-related disorders, such as cancer, cataract, osteoporosis, hypertension, cardiovascular (CV), metabolic and even neurodegenerative ailments, including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) disease [1] [...].

Traditional Ayurvedic and herbal remedies for Alzheimer's disease: from bench to bedside

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder prevalent worldwide among elderly populations. Owing to limited efficacy, side effects, and poor patient compliance for current rationally designed therapies, options are being searched from alternate therapies such as Indian (Ayurvedic), Chinese, or other traditional systems. Areas covered: Following a comprehensive literature search, the authors provide a review encompassing: (1) pathophysiological changes involved in AD, (2) Ayurvedic holistic approach and herbal medicines to manage dementia and AD, and (3) traditional plants and their phytoconstituents effective in AD with description of possible mechanism of action. Expert opinion: Traditional remedies could be adjunct therapeutic options to allay wide-ranging pathological cascades of AD. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach of treatment along with a list of nootropic herbs and formulations that are the rich sources of antioxidants, anti-amyloidogenic, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory compounds that are found to modulate neuroendocrine-immune activities, enhance memory, intellect, rejuvenate brain functions, and improve quality of life. A strong knowledge base of traditional systems coupled with contemporary science may provide new functional leads for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders at preventive, promotive, and curative levels, and evolution of new drug therapies and development processes, though further research is needed.