Khamiras, a natural cardiac tonic: An overview

Anti-Hypertensive Activity of Some Selected Unani Formulations: An Evidence-Based Approach for Verification of Traditional Unani Claims Using LC-MS/MS for the Evaluation of Clinically Relevant Blood Parameters in Laboratory Rats

Background: Systemic arterial hypertension, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD), is the most significant modifiable risk factor for mortality and morbidity worldwide. WHO has recognized Unanipathy as an alternate system of medicine. The aim of the present study is to investigate the anti-hypertensive activity of some selected unani formulations using L-NAME model. Method: Group I or hypertensive control group: L-NAME administered for 7 days and left for the next 7 days; Group II or KASgroup: L-NAME administered (i.p) for 7 days and L-NAME + KAS (1000 mg/kg b.w) for the next 7 days; Group III or DMM group: L-NAME administered (i.p) for 7 days and L-NAME + DMM (2000 mg/kg b.w) for the next 7 days; Group IV or MSR group: L-NAME administered (i.p) for 7 days and L-NAME + MSR (300 mg/kg b.w) for the next 7 days; Group V or HJ group: L-NAME administered (i.p) for 7 days and L-NAME + HJ (113 mg/kg b.w) for the next 7 days; Group VI or KGS group: L-NAME administered (i.p) for 7 days and L-NAME +KGS (2000 mg/kg b.w) for the next 7 days. Non-invasive systolic blood pressure and RR-interval (ECG) was measured. Plasma was investigated forsodium, potassium, nitrite, ANP, adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone on day 0, 7 and 14 using LC-MS/MS. Result: Treatment showed a non-significant lowreduction in SBP (systolic blood pressure) of KAS, MSR and HJ while that of DMM was quite significant (p < 0.05), but in the case of KGS, SBP increased. DMM on day 14 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced plasma nitrite while no significant plasma Na+ was noted. In the case of both DMM and KGS, potassium increased significantly (p < 0.05) on day 14. No significant changes in plasma ANP and aldosterone was observed against DMM and KGS while blood levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline significantly (p < 0.05) changed. No significant change in body weight was found. Conclusions: L-NAME KAS, MSR and HJ showed no change in SBP while DMM showed a significant reduction in SBP with decreased plasma nitrite. Probably, DMM may have anti-hypertensive activity mediated through NO inhibition while KGS may involve central sympathomimetic action.

Why the "sugars" in traditional Unani formulations are a pivotal component: A viewpoint perspective

Traditional medicine systems around the globe, like Unani, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, include a number of sugar-based formulations, which contain a large amount of saccharide-containing sweetener, such as honey, sucrose or jaggery. With pervasive lifestyle disorders throughout the world, there have been discussions to consider alternative sweetening agents. Here, from the perspective of Unani medicine, we discuss how the saccharide-based sweeteners may be an essential component of these traditional preparations, like electuaries, which may be deprived of their bioactivities without these saccharides. With contemporary researches, it is known that apart from their own therapeutic effects, saccharides also form deep eutectic solvents which help in enhancing the bioactivity of other ingredients present in crude drugs. In addition, they provide energy for fermentation which is essential for biotransformation of compounds. Interestingly, the sugars also increase the shelf-life of these compound drugs and act as natural preservatives. On the basis of this review, we strongly believe that saccharide-based sweeteners are an essential component of traditional medicines and not merely an excipient.

Promising traditional Indian medicinal plants for the management of novel Coronavirus disease: A systematic review

Traditional Indian medical practices (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and homeopathy) are a vast reservoir of knowledge about medicinal plants. The promising pharmacological properties of these plants have paved the way for developing therapy against novel Coronavirus (CoV) infection. The current review will summarize published works of literature on the effects of traditional Indian medicinal plants against acute respiratory infection (COVID‐19, SARS, Influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus infection) and registered clinical trials of traditional Indian herbal medicines in COVID‐19. The current study aims to comprehensively evaluate the data of traditional Indian medicinal plants to warrant their use in COVID‐19 management. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched along with different clinical trial databases. A total of 22 relevant traditional Indian medicinal plants (35 relevant studies) were included in the current study having potential antiviral properties against virus‐induced respiratory illness along with promising immunomodulatory and thrombolytic properties. Further, 36 randomized and nonrandomized registered clinical trials were also included that were aimed at evaluating the efficacy of herbal plants or their formulations in COVID‐19 management. The antiviral, immunomodulatory, and thrombolytic activities of the traditional Indian medicinal plants laid down a strong rationale for their use in developing therapies against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The study identified some important potential traditional Indian medicinal herbs such as Ocimum tenuiflorum, Tinospora cordifolia, Achyranthes bidentata, Cinnamomum cassia, Cydonia oblonga, Embelin ribes, Justicia adhatoda, Momordica charantia, Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale, Camphor, and Kabusura kudineer, which could be used in therapeutic strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

A Critical Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology of Viola odorata L. and Related Multipotential Products in Traditional Persian Medicine

Common violet (Viola odorata L., Violaceae) has shown various medical applications. Current study aimed to compile a review over chemical composition and medicinal properties of this plant in modern phytotherapy and its related multipotential products from traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Medicinal applications of V. odorata and respective products were derived from credible pharmaceutical textbooks of TPM (10th-18th century AD). In parallel, electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were explored for targeted purposes. Management of cough, fever, common cold, headache, insomnia, epilepsy, constipation, palpitation, dyspnea, dysuria, and skin diseases is of most applications of V. odorata, reported in TPM. On the other side, this herb plant has exerted antiinflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, diuretic, antihypertensive, and antibacterial activities in modern phytotherapy. Violet TPM therapeutic preparations are including violet oil in the form of nasal or topical application for neurologic and skin disorders as well as pill, decoction, sweet syrup, and confection or semisolid oral preparations for skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary ailments. Flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids are responsible for pharmacological activities. Some medical applications of V. odorata in TPM have been proven by recent studies. However, more studies are needed to confirm these medicinal properties. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pharmacological treatment of catarrh in Iranian traditional medicine

Catarrh is a condition that is carefully explained in Iranian traditional medicine. Medieval Iranian physicians used some medicinal plants in the treatment of the catarrh. Some of these substances are used in treatment today, although still more of these materials can be used in modern medicine. In this study we searched known sources of Iranian traditional medicine and collected the ideas of former great scholars and physicians about medicinal plants that are used for treatment of catarrh. Then we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and found 10 medicinal herbs that have the ability to treat catarrh. Plants discussed in this study are consistent with new research and can be used in modern treatments. According to rising bacterial resistance to antibiotics and complications of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs, it seems that the various components of the medicinal herbs can be beneficial in producing new drugs. Also it is hoped that more investigations on medicinal plants will be conducted in the future treatment of catarrh and other diseases related to it.

Scientific validation of cardioprotective attribute by standardized extract of Bombyx mori against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in murine model

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an excellent antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of hematological and solid malignancies. The aqueous extract of Bombyx mori (BMAE) contains amino acids and some flavonoids with obvious cardioprotective effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of BMAE against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms on murine model. The metabolic profiling of BMAE was carried out by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and the amino acid profiling by HPLC method using fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The biochemical parameter like caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin -6 (IL-6), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were studied. Tissue damage was further evaluated by histopathological studies. The metabolic profiling of BMAE exhibited presence of quercetin 7-O-ß-D-glucoside, kaempferol 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, coumaric acid glucoside, 2-hydroxy-nonadecanoic acid and 9,12-dihydroxy stearic acid as important constituents. The amino acid profile by HPLC-FLD showed presence of 17 amino acids. The BMAE showed prominent free radical scavenging activity when assessed by the H2O2 and super-oxide method. The results of present investigation showed protection against DOX-induced oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), by reverting activities of apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and TNF-α), cardiac markers (CK-MB and LDH activities) as well as pro-inflammatory marker IL-6 followed by oral administration of BMAE. In addition, results of histopathology also supported well the above results. It was observed that BMAE protects DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by virtue of its antioxidants possibly by flavonoids and amino acids.

Geriatric management in medieval Persian medicine

In Iran, a large group of patients are elderly people and they intend to have natural remedies as treatment. These remedies are rooted in historical of Persian and humoral medicine with a backbone of more than 1000 years. The current study was conducted to draw together medieval pharmacological information related to geriatric medicine from some of the most often manuscripts of traditional Persian medicine. Moreover, we investigated the efficacy of medicinal plants through a search of the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. In the medieval Persian documents, digestible and a small amount of food such as chicken broth, honey, fig and plum at frequent intervals as well as body massage and morning unctioning are highly recommended. In the field of pharmacotherapy, 35 herbs related to 25 families were identified. Plants were classified as tonic, anti-aging, appetizer, memory and mood enhancer, topical analgesic and laxative as well as health improvement agents. Other than historical elucidation, this paper presents medical and pharmacological approaches that medieval Persian practitioners applied to deal with geriatric complications.

An Approach to the Concept of Tonic: Suggested Definitions and Historical Aspects

In traditional medicine, especially CAM, the concept of (herbal) tonics has a long history in the different medical systems (TEN -- Traditional European Naturopathy; TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine). Nevertheless, the ideas concerning the function of a tonic differ, e.g., stimulation of body functions, strengthening of organ function, enhancement of adaption, and well-being. Although no exact pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic properties of tonics can be given, the following general definition, even in the transcultural comparison between European and Chinese concepts, seems meaningful: A tonic is an agent that has the capability to restore and/or maintain the physiological functioning of an organ system, leading to the subjective feeling of well-being of the patient treated with it.

Rapid RP-HPLC method for the quantification of glabridin in crude drug and in polyherbal formulation

A simple, economic, selective, precise and robust method has been developed and validated for the analysis of glabridin in crude drugs and polyherbal formulations. Reversed-phase chromatography is performed on a C18 column with water and acetonitrile as mobile phase in gradient elution method at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Detection is performed at 230 nm and a sharp peak is obtained for glabridin at a retention time of 14.9 ± 0.02 min. Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship between response and concentration in the range of 1-500 µg/mL; the regression coefficient is 0.9992 and the linear regression equation is y = 26.683x - 142.17. The method is validated for accuracy, precision, reproducibility, robustness and detection and quantification limits, in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Statistical analysis proved that the method is precise, reproducible, selective and accurate for the analysis of glabridin. The proposed, developed and validated high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of glabridin can be used for the quality control and standardization of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) and different herbal formulations in which licorice is present as a constituent.