1
|
Pourova J, Dias P, Pour M, Bittner Fialová S, Czigle S, Nagy M, Tóth J, Balázs VL, Horváth A, Csikós E, Farkas Á, Horváth G, Mladěnka P. Proposed mechanisms of action of herbal drugs and their biologically active constituents in the treatment of coughs: an overview. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16096. [PMID: 37901462 PMCID: PMC10607228 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Various medicinal plants find their use in cough treatment, based on traditions and long-term experience. Pharmacological principles of their action, however, are much less known. Herbal drugs usually contain a mixture of potentially active compounds, which can manifest diverse effects. Expectorant or antitussive effects, which can be accompanied by others, such as anti-inflammatory or antibacterial, are probably the most important in the treatment of coughs. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge of the effects of medicinal plants or their constituents on cough, based on reliable pharmacological studies. First, a comprehensive description of each effect is provided in order to explain the possible mechanism of action in detail. Next, the results related to individual plants and substances are summarized and critically discussed based on pharmacological in vivo and in vitro investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Pourova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Patricia Dias
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Pour
- Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Silvia Bittner Fialová
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Szilvia Czigle
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Milan Nagy
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jaroslav Tóth
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | - Adrienn Horváth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Csikós
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Farkas
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Horváth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Přemysl Mladěnka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University Prague, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alam MA, Quamri MA, Ayman U, Sofi G, Renuka BN. Understanding Humma-e-Wabai (epidemic fever) and Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic disease) in the light of Unani medicine. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 18:469-476. [PMID: 33544515 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of Humma-e-Wabai were described several years ago in the Unani System of Medicine close to the clinical manifestation associated with epidemic or pandemic situations. In the Unani System of Medicine, Humma-e-Wabai described under the legend of epidemic disease (Amraz-e-Wabai). Amraz-e-Wabai is an umbrella term which is applied for all types of epidemic or pandemic situation. Renowned Unani Scientists like; Zakariya Rhazi (865-925 AD), Ali Ibn Abbas Majusi (930-994 AD), Ibn Sina (980-1037 AD), Ismail Jorjani (1,042-1,137 AD), Ibn Rushd etc., explained that Humma-e-Waba is an extremely rigorous, lethal fever, that is caused due to morbid air (fasid hawa) and it frequently spreads among the larger population in the society. There are four etiological factors responsible for Amraz-e-Wabai viz; change in the quality of air, water, earth, and celestial bodies, which was described by Ibn Sina in Canon of Medicine. He also advised that movements should be limited during epidemic situations. Shelters should be fumigated with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Oodkham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Hing (Ferula foetida L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and sandalwood (Santalum album L.), etc. The use of vinegar (sirka) and rose water (arque gulab) has been advocated to prevent the infection by spray. Avoid consumption of flesh, oil, milk, sweets, alcohol. Food prepared with vinegar. Specific antidotes (e.g. Tiryaq-e-Wabai, Tiryaq-e-Farooque), should be used as prophylaxis. This review attempts to explain the concept, prevention, and management of epidemic or pandemic situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Anzar Alam
- Department of Moalajat, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Umme Ayman
- Department of Regimenal Therapy, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Ghulamuddin Sofi
- Department of Ilmul Advia, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fatima S, Haider N, Alam MA, Gani MA, Ahmad R. Herbal approach for the management of C0VID-19: an overview. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2020; 0:/j/dmdi.ahead-of-print/dmdi-2020-0150/dmdi-2020-0150.xml. [PMID: 33128525 DOI: 10.1515/dmdi-2020-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus infectious disease and leads to pandemic all over the world. The clinical continuum of COVID-19 varies from mild illness with non-specific signs and symptoms of acute respiratory disease to extreme respiratory pneumonia and septic shock. It can transmit from animal to human in the form of touch, through the air, water, utensils, fomite and feco-oral route blood. The pathogenesis and clinical features of COVID-19 be the same as the clinical manifestation associated epidemic Fever. In Unani medicine, various herbal drugs are described under the caption of epidemic disease. Great Unani scholar also Avicenna (980-1037 AD) recommended that during epidemic condition movement should be restricted, self-isolation, fumigation around the habitant with perfumed herbs (Ood, Kafoor, Sumbuluttib, Saad Kofi, Loban, etc.), and use of appropriate antidotes (Tiryaqe Wabai) and vinegar (Sirka) as prophylaxis. Herbal approach is based on single (Unnab-Ziziphus jujuba, Sapistan-Cordia myxa, Bahidana-Cydonia oblonga, Khatmi-Althea officinalis, Khubazi-Malva sylvestris, Zafran-Crocus sativus, Sibr-Aloe barbedensis, Murmuki-Commiphora myrrha, Darchini-Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Qaranfal-Syzygium aromaticum, Rihan-Oscimum sanctum, Habtus Sauda-Nigella sativa, Aslus Sus-Glycyrrhiza glabra, Maghze Amaltas-Cassia fistula and Adusa-Adhatoda vasica) and compound drugs (Habbe Bukhar, Sharbat Khaksi, Sharbat Zanjabeel, Naqu Nazla, Majoon Chobchini, Jawrish Jalinus and Khamira Marvareed) most of them are claimed for anti-viral, anti-pyretic, blood purifier, cardioprotective and expectorant activities. Traditionally most of the herbal practitioners are using it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sana Fatima
- Department of Unani Pharmacy, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Nafis Haider
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Anzar Alam
- Department of Medicine, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohd Abdul Gani
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Rafeeque Ahmad
- The New York School of Medical and Dental Assistants, Long Island City, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alam MA, Quamri MA, Sofi G, Ayman U, Ansari S, Ahad M. Understanding COVID-19 in the light of epidemic disease described in Unani medicine. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2020; 35:dmpt-2020-0136. [PMID: 34704695 DOI: 10.1515/dmpt-2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Unani system of medicine is based on the humoral theory postulated by Hippocrates, according to him the state of body health and disease are regulated by qualitative and quantitative equilibrium of four humours. Amraz-e-Waba is an umbrella term which is used in Unani medicine for all types of epidemics (smallpox, measles, plague, Hameer Saifi, influenza, Nipaha, Ebola, Zika, and 2019 novel coronavirus, etc.) mostly fatal in nature. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection, and the pathogenesis and clinical features resemble with those of Nazla-e-Wabaiya (influenza) and Zatul Riya (pneumonia) which were well described many years ago in Unani text such as high-grade fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, running nose, dry cough, respiratory distress, alternate and small pulse, asthenia, foul smell from breath, insomnia, frothy stool, syncope, coldness in both upper and lower extremities, etc. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global emergency pandemic. Unani scholars like Hippocrates (370-460 BC), Galen (130-200 AD), Rhazes (865-925 AD), and Avicenna (980-1037 AD) had described four etiological factors for Amraz-e-Waba viz., change in quality of air, water, Earth, and celestial bodies, accordingly mentioned various preventive measures to be adopted during epidemics such as restriction of movement, isolation or "quarantena", and fumigation with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), sandalwood (Santalum album L.), Zafran (Crocus sativus L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and roses (Rosa damascena Mill.) and use of vinegar (sirka) and antidotes (Tiryaq) as prophylaxis, and avoiding consumption of milk, oil, sweet, meat, and alcohol. This review focuses and elaborates on the concept, prevention, and probable management of COVID-19 in the light of Amraz-e-Waba.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Anzar Alam
- Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri
- Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Ghulamuddin Sofi
- Department of IlmulAdvia (Pharmacology), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Umme Ayman
- Department of Regimenal Therapy, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Shabnam Ansari
- Department of Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mariyam Ahad
- Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alam MA, Quamri MA, Sofi G, Ayman U, Ansari S, Ahad M. Understanding COVID-19 in the light of epidemic disease described in Unani medicine. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2020; 0:/j/dmdi.ahead-of-print/dmdi-2020-0136/dmdi-2020-0136.xml. [PMID: 32966232 DOI: 10.1515/dmdi-2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Unani system of medicine is based on the humoral theory postulated by Hippocrates, according to him the state of body health and disease are regulated by qualitative and quantitative equilibrium of four humours. Amraz-e-Waba is an umbrella term which is used in Unani medicine for all types of epidemics (smallpox, measles, plague, Hameer Saifi, influenza, Nipaha, Ebola, Zika, and 2019 novel coronavirus, etc.) mostly fatal in nature. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection, and the pathogenesis and clinical features resemble with those of Nazla-e-Wabaiya (influenza) and Zatul Riya (pneumonia) which were well described many years ago in Unani text such as high-grade fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, running nose, dry cough, respiratory distress, alternate and small pulse, asthenia, foul smell from breath, insomnia, frothy stool, syncope, coldness in both upper and lower extremities, etc. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global emergency pandemic. Unani scholars like Hippocrates (370-460 BC), Galen (130-200 AD), Rhazes (865-925 AD), and Avicenna (980-1037 AD) had described four etiological factors for Amraz-e-Waba viz., change in quality of air, water, Earth, and celestial bodies, accordingly mentioned various preventive measures to be adopted during epidemics such as restriction of movement, isolation or "quarantena", and fumigation with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), sandalwood (Santalum album L.), Zafran (Crocus sativus L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and roses (Rosa damascena Mill.) and use of vinegar (sirka) and antidotes (Tiryaq) as prophylaxis, and avoiding consumption of milk, oil, sweet, meat, and alcohol. This review focuses and elaborates on the concept, prevention, and probable management of COVID-19 in the light of Amraz-e-Waba.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Anzar Alam
- Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri
- Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Ghulamuddin Sofi
- Department of IlmulAdvia (Pharmacology), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Umme Ayman
- Department of Regimenal Therapy, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Shabnam Ansari
- Department of Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mariyam Ahad
- Department of Moalajat (Medicine), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Silveira D, Prieto-Garcia JM, Boylan F, Estrada O, Fonseca-Bazzo YM, Jamal CM, Magalhães PO, Pereira EO, Tomczyk M, Heinrich M. COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:581840. [PMID: 33071794 PMCID: PMC7542597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.581840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current recommendations for the self-management of SARS-Cov-2 disease (COVID-19) include self-isolation, rest, hydration, and the use of NSAID in case of high fever only. It is expected that many patients will add other symptomatic/adjuvant treatments, such as herbal medicines. AIMS To provide a benefits/risks assessment of selected herbal medicines traditionally indicated for "respiratory diseases" within the current frame of the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjuvant treatment. METHOD The plant selection was primarily based on species listed by the WHO and EMA, but some other herbal remedies were considered due to their widespread use in respiratory conditions. Preclinical and clinical data on their efficacy and safety were collected from authoritative sources. The target population were adults with early and mild flu symptoms without underlying conditions. These were evaluated according to a modified PrOACT-URL method with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine as reference drugs. The benefits/risks balance of the treatments was classified as positive, promising, negative, and unknown. RESULTS A total of 39 herbal medicines were identified as very likely to appeal to the COVID-19 patient. According to our method, the benefits/risks assessment of the herbal medicines was found to be positive in 5 cases (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix, and Sambucus nigra), promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale), and unknown for the rest. On the same grounds, only ibuprofen resulted promising, but we could not find compelling evidence to endorse the use of paracetamol and/or codeine. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests that several herbal medicines have safety margins superior to those of reference drugs and enough levels of evidence to start a clinical discussion about their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of early/mild common flu in otherwise healthy adults within the context of COVID-19. While these herbal medicines will not cure or prevent the flu, they may both improve general patient well-being and offer them an opportunity to personalize the therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dâmaris Silveira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Jose Maria Prieto-Garcia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Boylan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Estrada
- Biophysics and Biochemistry Center, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | | | | | - Edson Oliveira Pereira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Michal Tomczyk
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mahboubi M. Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Its Potency in the Treatment of Cough. Complement Med Res 2019; 27:174-183. [PMID: 31770755 DOI: 10.1159/000503747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Althaea officinalis has been traditionally used for management of cough and other respiratory problems. The aim of this review article was to evaluate its efficacy in modern research according to its traditional beliefs. All information was extracted from scientific resources of PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, SID, accessible books, reports, and theses. The results of animal and clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of A. officinalis extracts alone in treatment of dry cough, while combination of A. officinalis with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinalis, or Helix hedera increased the efficacy of A. officinalis and improved all kinds of cough. Different mechanisms are involved in expectorant and antitussive effects of A. officinalis in treatment of cough. Therefore, A. officinalis in combination with other plant extracts in different forms of drug could be a good choice for cough, sore throat, and other respiratory ailments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddese Mahboubi
- Medicinal Plants Research Department, Research and Development, TabibDaru Pharmaceutical Company, Kashan, Iran,
| |
Collapse
|