Ancient Drug Research Articles

Poison Turned Panacea: Arsenic Trioxide Loaded Hydrogel for Inhibiting Scar Formation in Wound Healing.

Without intervention, the natural wound healing process can often result in scarring, which can have detrimental effects on both the physical and mental well-being of patients. Therefore, it is crucial to develop biomaterials that can promote healing without scarring. Regulating the Yes-associated protein-1/PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) signaling pathway is possible to reduce excessive fibrosis of fibroblasts and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, ultimately impacting scar formation. Arsenic trioxide (ATO), an ancient drug with medicinal and toxic properties, has shown promise in regulating this pathway. An ATO-loaded hydrogel dressing (ATO@CS/SA) was created to facilitate scarless wound healing, utilizing chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA) to prevent direct contact of ATO with the wound tissue and minimize potential side effects. In vitro studies demonstrated that low concentrations of ATO did not impact cell viability and even promoted proliferation and migration. Co-culturing the hydrogel with fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells led to decreased expression levels of YAP and TAZ. Animal studies over a 90-day period revealed significant inhibition of scar formation with this system. Histological experiments further confirmed that the decreased expression of YAP and TAZ was responsible for this outcome. In conclusion, when administered at the appropriate dose, ATO can be repurposed from a traditional poison to a therapeutic agent, effectively suppressing excessive cell fibrosis and blood vessel proliferation and offering a novel approach to scar-free treatment.

Role of physical exercise in diseases treated with colchicine - an ancient drug with novel clinical applications

role of physical exercise in diseases treated with colchicine - an ancient drug with novel clinical applications

A thorn in the flesh: roses, rose gardens, and health in Greek and Roman antiquity

This article examines the numerous ancient remedies that include roses and places them in a broader context. It suggests that these medicines’ efficacy was partly explained by the association between the flower and the goddess Aphrodite/Venus. Vast amounts of roses were needed in the production of ancient drugs, especially when these included rose oil. This article therefore attempts to shed light on the labour that was involved in growing, transporting, and preparing rose products in antiquity. It aims at finding traces of people who worked with roses. These workers, some of whom were likely enslaved, are usually invisible in the written record, but insight into their working practices can be found on frescos and mosaics. On these artefacts, workers are either presented in their human form or as cupids, the attendant of Venus/Aphrodite. I conclude that the labour involved in producing rose-based medicines depended largely on enslaved people, whose wellbeing suffered for the health of medical consumers.

The 125th Anniversary of Aspirin-The Story Continues.

The year 2024 marks the 125th anniversary of aspirin, still one of the most frequently used drugs worldwide. Despite its veritable age, it is still relevant in pharmacotherapy and its use has spread to new areas over time. Due to aspirin's multiple pharmacological actions unified in one single molecule (i.e., analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiviral effects), it continues to attract considerable attention in the scientific community and is subject to intense basic and clinical research. In fact, recent results confirmed aspirin's potential role as an antiviral drug and as an agent that can block harmful platelet functions in inflammatory/immunological processes. These features may open up new horizons for this ancient drug. The future of aspirin looks, therefore, bright and promising. Aspirin is not yet ready for retirement; on the contrary, its success story continues. This 125th anniversary paper will concisely review the various therapeutic uses of aspirin with a particular emphasis on the latest research results and their implications (e.g., use as an antiviral agent). In addition, the reader is provided with future perspectives for this remarkable drug.

Comparative Spermatogenesis Activity of Eranda Moola (Ricinus Communis) Collected In Different Seasons as per Dravya Samgrahana Kaala: An Experimental Study

Introduction: Dravya sangrahana is one of the criteria where different seasons are indicated for collecting different parts of the plants. As per ancient drug collection practice roots are to be collected in Hemanth-Shishira (winter) or Greeshma rutu(summer). Eranda(Ricinus communis) is an important medicinal plant roots of which are particularly indicated as Vrishya (spermatogenic). Hence study has been planned to conduct a comparative spermatogenic activity of Ernadamoola collected in Greeshma rutu and Pravarat rutu and Shishsira ritu. Materials and methods: Roots of Eranda(Ricinus communis) collected during Pravrut Ritu (EMP), Greeshma Ritu (EMG) and Shishira Ritu (EMS) shade dried separately, powdered. Spermatogenic activity study conducted on healthy albino rats divided among five groups. Testosterone was used as standard drug, whereas other three groups received sample collected in three different seasons for a period of 60 days. Next sperm analysis and histopathological study of prostate and seminal vesicle was conducted. Discussion and conclusion: Erandamoola(roots of Ricinus communis) has shown best spermatogenesis activity in experimental animals proving our ancient quotation as Vrishya. Also roots collected in different seasons have shown their difference among activity. Histopathological study of genital organs also shown positive result among spermatogenic activity. 
 Key words: Dravya sangrahana, Eranda(Ricinus communis), Vrishya, spermatogenesis activity

Hair analysis reveals ancient drug use

Hair analysis reveals ancient drug use

Hair analysis reveals ancient drug use

Hair analysis reveals ancient drug use

Antidiabetic effect of Borassus flabellifer L. extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Around the world, the number of people with diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, and experts have been using ancient drugs that are mostly made from plants as treatments.This study aimed to see if Borassus flabellifer L. palm sprout ethanolic extracts could help treat diabetes in rats made diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ). Methods: STZ (45 mg/kg bw) was injected once into the peritoneum of male albino Wistar rats. This caused them to get diabetes. For 60 days, intragastric intubation was used to give diabetic rats B. flabellifer palm sprout ethanolic extracts (400 mg/kg bw) and glibenclamide (1 mg/kg bw). Results: As a result, the rats lost a lot of weight, their blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels went up, and their total hemoglobin (Hb) levels went down. Furthermore, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bis phosphatase were higher in rats made diabetic by STZ, while hexokinase and glycogen levels were lower. When diabetic rats were given ethanolic extracts of B. flabellifer palm sprouts and glibenclamide, their blood glucose and glycosylated Hb levels went down very well, and their Hb levels went up. Changes in how enzymes that break down carbohydrates and liver glycogen work were greatly improved. Conclusion: The results of the ethanolic extracts of B. flabellifer palm sprouts were similar to those of the standard drug glibenclamide. The results of this study back up the traditional use of plant extracts to treat diabetes.

New and Old Horizons for an Ancient Drug: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Clinical Perspectives of Dimethyl Fumarate.

(1) Background: In their 60-year history, dimethyl fumarate and other salts of fumaric acid have been used for the treatment of psoriasis and other immune-mediated diseases for their immune-modulating properties. Over the years, new mechanisms of action have been discovered for this evergreen drug that remains a first-line treatment for several different inflammatory diseases. Due to its pleiotropic effects, this molecule is still of great interest in varied conditions, not exclusively inflammatory diseases. (2) Methods: The PubMed database was searched using combinations of the following keywords: dimethyl fumarate, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and clinical indications. This article reviews and updates the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and clinical indications of dimethyl fumarate. (3) Conclusions: The pharmacology of dimethyl fumarate is complex, fascinating, and not fully known. Progressive insights into the molecule's mechanisms of action will make it possible to maximize its clinical efficacy, reduce concerns about adverse effects, and find other possible areas of application.

Acetaminophen: Ancient drug with a novel analgesic mechanism of action

Acetaminophen: Ancient drug with a novel analgesic mechanism of action

Acetaminophen: Ancient drug with a novel analgesic mechanism of action

Paracetamol is used worldwide for its analgesic and antipyretic actions. Its spectrum of activity similar to that of NSAIDs and resembles particularly the COX-2 selective inhibitors,but with a lesser anti-inflammatory effect, its metabolism is complex, and its analgesic mechanisms have not been completely understood. It was previously explained to produce analgesia by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) which is incorrect, however recent findings revealed that acetaminophen is metabolized to p-aminophenol, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and get metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) to yield N-acylphenolamine (AM404). AM404 acts on a number of receptors viz; the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the midbrain and medulla which are mediators of pain modulation. Moreover it has also been reported to act via Cav3.2 calcium channel. Evidence also show that acetaminophen analgesic action of acetaminophen could be due to its interaction with endogenous neurotransmitter systems, opioid, serotonergic systems and nitric oxide system. additionally, it is also been unraveled that paracetamol may exert novel mechanisms of action, likely relevant for their analgesic action, by modulating protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) and substance P (SP) in the peripheral sensory neurons. This review is geared towards explaining and updating with experimental proof the analgesic novel mechanism of action of Acetaminophen since it has no ant-inflammory effect

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential and Formulation of Nanosuspension of Celosia argentea Extract

It is a well-known undisputed truth that plants play a significant role in health and are frequently used in the food and medicinal industries. Among plant parts, leaves, stems, roots, and bark are being extensively researched for their biological characteristics. However, flowers are overall neglected and significant activities were not explored. Celosia argentea, Family: Amaranthaceae is wide used as ancient drugs with long history. More than 79 chemicals, mostly saponins, peptides, phenols, fatty acids, and amino acids, were extracted and identified from this plant. Saponins are considered to be the distinctive and active components of the herb. Experimental data showed that the active ingredients in this herb have broad biological effects, including the ability to treat number of eye conditions. The flowers of Celosia argentea were collected and extracted using methyl alcohol and water as solvent. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of extracts were carried out by chemical tests. Antioxidant activity was evaluated for the hydroalcoholic extract by DPPH and H2O2 technique. Formulation of nanosuspension of Celosia argentea was carried out by Nanoprecipitation technique. Nanosuspensions of Celosia argentea potentiates the antioxidant potential and bioavailability.

Caveat Emptor: The Perils of Shopping for Medical Products in the Ancient Marketplace

Authors such as Scribonius Largus, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, and Galen were concerned with the materials used to treat illness and warned consumers against rampant fraud practiced in the ancient drug industry. Reading these texts alongside the archaeological evidence for ancient medicine, such as stamps for collyria (eye salves) and the containers and labels used to package the products, makes it possible to understand a commercial market fraught with possibilities for fraud and adulteration. It is worthwhile to explore how Roman consumers and even doctors could navigate such a marketplace so that they could locate bona fide products.

Extraction and Elemental Analysis of Coleus forskohlii Axtract

Coleus forskohlii Willd. could be a in style ancient drugs used since history for treatment of heart diseases, abdominal colic and metabolism disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the basis extract of the medicative plant herbaceous plant forskohlii. Materials and Methods: Dry roots of C. forskohlii were accustomed extract Forskolin mistreatment methylbenzene as a solvent. Thus, obtained extract of C. forskohlii was standardized to half-hour and used for any studies. Results: The physical properties of the extract were analyzed through scanning microscopy analysis, while the characterization of root extract through diffraction (XRD) and part analysis. The morphological feature of the C. forskohlii extract showed a flake like structure and also the XRD showed sulfur oxide (SO ) and polymer of sulfur oxide (S O ). Through part analysis, components like carbon, oxygen, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, element, and sulfur were identified. Carbon showed the best weight of seventy five.49% compared to all or any different components.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology.

There are more than 30 species of Glycyrrhiza genus extensively spread worldwide. It was the most prescribed herb in Ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, East China, and the West from the Former Han era. There are various beneficial effects of licorice root extracts, such as treating throat infections, tuberculosis, respiratory, liver diseases, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunodeficiency. On the other hand, traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. Therefore, it is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds to treat chronic diseases such as respiratory, cardiovascular, anticancer, hepatoprotective, etc. This work comprehensively reviews ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence, and the toxicology of licorice, which will serve as a resource for future clinical and fundamental studies. An attempt has been made to establish the pharmacological effect of licorice in different diseases. In addition, the focus of this review article is on the molecular mechanism of licorice extracts and their four flavonoids (isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, lichalocone, and glabridin) pharmacologic activities. Licorice could be a natural alternative for current therapy to exterminate new emerging disorders with mild side effects. This review will provide systematic insights into this ancient drug for further development and clinical use.

Ten questions on colchicine as a "new" cardiovascular drug

Colchicine is one of the more ancient drugs of vegetal origin still in use in clinical practice. It has been used for centuries as drug to treat gout, but its anti-inflammatory effects made it efficacious also in different cardiovascular indications (e.g. pericarditis, acute and chronic coronary syndromes, atrial fibrillation), that are well beyond its original indication. The treatment and prevention of pericarditis is the only registered cardiovascular indication in Italy (allowing prescription in class A by the National Healthcare System), while other indications are off-label. When used at low doses (0.5 mg/day), the drug is safe and efficacious with limited side effects, mainly gastrointestinal. Gastrointestinal absorption is fast since the drug is a small lipophilic molecule that is eliminated by cells through P-glycoprotein. Colchicine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 in the liver and mainly excreted into the biliary tract. It is also excreted, essentially unmodified, by the kidneys. It is concentrated in white blood cells, especially neutrophils, that are without P-glycoprotein. In these cells, blocking tubulin polymerization, colchicine reduces their function, also interfering with endothelial adhesion and platelet interactions. Moreover, it is responsible for a non-specific inhibition of the inflammasome, thus reducing the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1. The aim of this paper is to provide concise replies to the most common clinical questions on the use of colchicine for cardiovascular indications.

A cautionary tale of an ancient drug: Colchicine-induced anaphylaxis

A cautionary tale of an ancient drug: Colchicine-induced anaphylaxis

Strategies for Challenging Development in Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem and a threat to public health. It occurs due to germs developing the ability to drub the antimicrobial agents designed to kill them. The danger comes from the quickly spreading of antimicrobial resistance around the world; therefore, it is recognized as a global public health issue by many international health organizations. Consequently, the reduction of this issue requires major and alternative solutions at the same time. Major solutions involve the ideal use of antimicrobial agents, conduction of antimicrobial and drugs surveillance programs, increased awareness for all categories of society, cleanliness and disinfection, restriction of the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture, and investigation or development of new antimicrobial agents. Whereas, an alternative solution occurs via developing new approaches, and return to the use of ancient drug. Hence, this review comes as an effort to make aware all the categories of society about the possible solutions of this problem.

Catechism of protective potential of Areca catechu in Isoprenaline challenged Wistar rats

Areca catechu is an important ancient drug commonly known as Supari in ayurvedic system of medicine. A lot of research work has been done on Areca catechu regarding various cardiovascular disorders such as Hypertension, Arrhythmia but no work has been done to find out its cardioprotective activity. Experimental procedures done on Wistar Albino rats as Normal control group (NC) received 0.5ml of normal saline throughout the study and served as control. Isoprenaline group (ISO) received 0.5ml of normal saline throughout the experimental phase and received Isoprenaline (85mg/kg, s.c.) on 14th and 15th day at a time lapse of 24 hours. Standard group (STD) received Metoprolol (pure) (10mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 13 days and received Isoprenaline (85mg/kg, s.c.) on 14th and 15th day. Test group received Areca catechu extract (100mg/kg/day, p.o.) and (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) respectively for 13 days and Isoprenaline (85mg/kg, s.c.) on 14th and 15th day. On 16thday animals were sacrificed. The level of marker enzyme in serum as AST, ALT, CK, LDH, Troponin-I have shown significant decrease (P<0.001) in rats pre-treated with Areca catechu when compared to toxic group. Further, histopathological examination showed the reduction of necrosis, edema and inflammation following Areca catechu pre-treatment. Findings revealed that Areca catechu may be a potential preventive and therapeutic agent against the myocardial necrosis associated ischemic heart disease. Thus, the aqueous ethanolic Areca catechu seeds extract could be recommended as a potential cardioprotective drug.

Opium, Experimentation, and Alterity in France

AbstractThe effects and dangers of opium were subject to intense scientific scrutiny and experimentation in Paris in the decades around 1700, as rival networks of healers contended for commercial advantage over the compound drugs that contained it. Opium, widely consumed in the Ottoman empire, became a subject of European scientific interest in an attempt to render it safe, agreeable, and beneficial for European bodies. Apothecaries sought to resurrect an ancient drug and infuse it with new life in the laboratory; physicians conducted chemical experiments upon it. Yet it was hard to reach agreement as to opium's harmful or beneficial effects; some aspects of its nature proved impossible to ‘domesticate’ in the same way as other exotic drugs like coffee or tea, or even cinchona. I argue that only by investigating the discrete networks which sold and experimented upon opium can the historian account for the ways in which this drug generated social, political, and financial capital for experimenters as it circulated throughout society.