Animal Products Research Articles

Socio-economic, environmental and health impacts of dietary transformation in Bangladesh

Abstract The transition to healthier diets might be accompanied by trade-offs that occur in other parts of the food system. In this study the trade-offs between socio-economic, environmental, and health indicators were analyzed in different dietary scenarios for Bangladesh between 2022 and 2050. We used a global economic simulation model with updated national food consumption data, extended with a footprint module to track environmental impacts through the food value chain in Bangladesh and its trading partners. This study compares a business-as-usual (BAU) diet with the EAT-Lancet diet and the Bangladesh food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). The BAU diet has a higher intake of animal products and sugar, and a lower intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts than the EAT-Lancet and FBDG diets. We found that promoting a diet with more plant-based proteins has a strong positive impact on dietary health and an overall positive impact on the environment compared to the BAU scenario. This is due to the reduced impact of animal protein production on greenhouse gas emissions and the reduced impact of rice production on water use and nitrogen application. In addition, the transition to sustainable and healthy diets had minor impacts on the wages of low-skilled workers, Bangladesh’s self-sufficiency, and the affordability of food and cereals. In particular, the FDBG diet scenario scored best on diet and cereal affordability, as well as freshwater use compared to the other two scenarios. The decrease in the self-sufficiency ratio was comparable to the BAU diet scenario and smaller compared to the EAT-Lancet diet.

Exterior and Interior Quality of Peking Duck Eggs Reared by the Monggelemong Duck Farmer Group Dasan Cermen Sandubaya Mataram

One of the factors that influences the quality of duck eggs is the rearing system. This study aimed to determine the exterior and interior quality of Peking duck eggs produced by the Monggelemong Duck Farmer Group, Dasan Cermen Sandubaya, Mataram. The eggs were obtained from members of a group of farmers who are members of the Monggelemong Duck Farmer Group. Egg collection is carried out in turns every day for each member of the farmer group by randomly taking 10% of the total egg production so that 170 eggs are collected. The quality of the eggs was then measured at the Laboratory of Animal Products Processing Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Mataram. The research results concluded that the internal quality of Peking duck eggs produced by the Monggelemong Duck Farming Group was categorized as excellent grade (AA grade), but with low external quality.

EFFECT OF AFLATOXIN EXPOSURE IN LIVESTOCK AND PUBLIC HEALTH: REVIEW

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by the fungi Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, which commonly infest various nutritious foods and animal feed. Given the widespread occurrence of aflatoxins and their significant impact on livestock and public health, understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, routes of exposure and economic implications is crucial. This review aims to investigate the causes and effects of aflatoxin exposure on both human and animal health while proposing strategies for preventing and controlling contamination. Aflatoxin contamination impacts the entire food chain, affecting the production, storage, processing, trade and consumption of both plant and animal products. Its consequences extend to human health, livestock welfare, agricultural productivity, environmental integrity and trade, particularly in regions with inadequate aflatoxin control measures. Aflatoxicosis can result in acute mortality, cancer, immune suppression and other chronic health issues. Effective control measures include pre-harvest interventions, careful management during harvest and post-harvest decontamination. Strategies such as selecting resistant crop varieties, employing biological decontamination using microorganisms, physically removing contaminated materials and chemically inactivating aflatoxins are crucial for prevention. Regulating aflatoxin levels in food and feed is essential for protecting public health and promoting equitable trade, necessitating the establishment and enforcement of maximum allowable limits.

Using stable-isotope analysis to assess recent diet and habitat use of stranded green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Context Gaining a better understanding of the foraging ecology of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in different regions can improve the effectiveness of conservation and management strategies for this species. New South Wales (NSW), in eastern Australia, has been identified as a region requiring improved information on foraging ecology and habitat use by green turtles. Aims The aim of this study was to use stable-isotope analyses to investigate diet composition and foraging ecology of green turtles found stranded along the NSW coastline from 2018 to 2021. Methods This study measured δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S in macrophyte (mangrove, seagrass, and algae) samples collected along the NSW coastline, between March and June 2021, and epidermis tissue from green turtles that stranded in the same region between 2018 and 2021. In addition, stable-isotope values for animals known, or expected, to be consumed by green turtles were sourced from the literature. Macrophyte stable-isotope values were mapped to display spatial variations, then combined with literature-sourced animal matter and measured epidermis isotope values into stable-isotope mixing models. Mixing models were used to determine diet structure for each stranded green turtle, and their similarity to regional macrophyte isotope values to infer potential foraging locations. Key results High variation was present in δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S values of macrophyte sources along the NSW coastline, limiting the potential to infer the recent foraging locations of stranded green turtles. High δ15N values in green turtle epidermis samples indicated that most sampled turtles were feeding two to three trophic levels above primary producers within algal-based food webs. Mixing models suggested that these food webs were predominantly supported by algae (mean ± s. d. = 51.2 ± 6.1%) and animal material (31.4 ± 4.7%), with mangrove (13.4 ± 2.0%) and seagrass (4.0 ± 2.5%) representing much smaller proportions of overall diet composition. Conclusions The results showed that green turtles stranded along the NSW coastline feed primarily in algae-dominated food webs, with evidence of omnivory. These findings suggest that sampled individuals display diet compositions alternative to those of their Queensland counterparts, who feed primarily in seagrass-dominated habitats. Management and conservation programs in NSW should focus on limiting anthropogenic disturbances in algae-dominated habitats. Implications This novel finding demonstrated the importance of algae-dominated habitats for green turtle conservation and management in south-eastern Australia. The generated isoscapes are useful in examining isotopic variations in macrophytes along the NSW coastline.

Neuro-Fuzzy Logic for Automatic Animation Scene Generation in Movie Arts in Digital Media Technology

Animation scene generation (ASG) is the best digital media tool for lifelike scenes, particularly for movies. Traditional animation methods are laborious, computationally intensive, and scalable. Thus, this work addresses animation production issues using NFL-ASG. Combining fuzzy logic with a convolution neural network may create more realistic animated situations with less human interaction and better learning. Convolutional model training uses animation scenarios’ complicated motion patterns, character interactions, and ambient factors. Deep learning and fuzzy logic might change animation by boosting production techniques and releasing digital media technological creativity. After testing the system on the Moana Island scene dataset, it achieved a perception analysis success rate of 0.981% and a minimal processing complexity of (n logn).

Greenhouse Gas Footprints of Nations Significantly Reshaped by Sink Changes.

In addition to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sources, GHG removal by sinks is essential in achieving the net zero target by 2050. Both the GHG sources and sinks are influenced by local and remote socioeconomic activities through international trade. However, the impacts of international trade on global net GHG emissions remain unknown. This study estimates net GHG emissions of nations from the consumption perspective, considering both GHG sources and sinks influenced by human activities. Results show that 26% of global net GHG emissions were embodied in international trade. GHG footprints in tropical nations would be significantly underestimated if only sources are considered and sink changes are neglected, especially in Indonesia (counting 65% of its GHG footprints) and Africa (44%). After considering sink changes, the consumption of processed foods and animal products exerted larger impacts on GHG footprints of tropical nations, which is mainly attributed to emissions from forest conversion; and the GHG leakage through international trade from tropical nations (e.g., Indonesia) to other nations (e.g., India and the United States) was more prominent. These results highlight the importance of sink changes in assessing GHG footprints. They can offer new insights into expediting the achievement of the net zero target.

Pharmaceutical and therapeutic utility of Hingula

Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the various pharmaceutical processes viz. Shodhana, Marana, etc. and gives detailed description regarding the Metals, Minerals, Poisonous herbal drugs and Animal products commonly used as therapeutically in practice of Ayurveda. Hingula, a significant component in Rasashastra, is categorized as a Sadharana Rasa, meaning a common yet potent substance used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Known in the modern context as cinnabar, Hingula primarily contains mercury sulfide and has been utilized for centuries in the many preparations. Its importance in Rasashastra lies in its ability to enhance the potency and efficacy of formulations, particularly those aimed at rejuvenation, longevity, and the treatment of complex diseases. The careful detoxification and processing of Hingula is crucial, as it is a potent substance that can be toxic if not properly handled. This paper explores the traditional methods of Hingula purification, its pharmacological properties, and its role in the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines.

Effects of stress hormones on digestibility and performance in cattle: A review

Abstract Various stress factors affect the physiology of cattle. Environmental stressors include heat, cold, wind, humidity, nutrition, endocrine disruptors, and management. Several negative health effects are associated with the hormones produced under stress conditions. In cattle, cortisol has been associated with reduced rates of reproduction, lowered milk production, and suppression of the immune system causing greater disease susceptibility. For a better understanding of how stress hormones impact feed digestibility and animal performance, this review has been divided into four sections (feed digestibility, milk production, milk composition, and meat quality). In dairy cows, the transition period is challenging because of a shortage of energy and nutrients, inflammation, increased lipid peroxidation, as well as hormonal and metabolic changes. Stress hormones decrease milk yield, but cortisol affects arteriovenous pressure, which is essential for milk production (due to stressful conditions or other factors such as the use of steroid medicines). Higher cortisol levels have been observed in the hotter and more stressful months of the year. On the other hand, in early lactation, reduced feed intake can lead to acidosis, reduced milk fat, and lameness in cattle. Heat stress (HS) influences milk composition negatively, especially a decrease in milk protein. In fattening animals, HS reduces feed intake, animal growth, and production efficiency. These extreme events have short-term effects and can last a day or two. Practical solutions can be adopted to reduce HS by modifying the diet, increasing the amount of water for drinking, providing shade, and a good air exchange in the barn and installing sprinklers. It is possible to increase animal welfare and product quality based on the conclusions of this review.

A Closed-Loop Economy in the Meat Industry for Generating Alternative Energy from Biogas Plants

This study deals with the concept of a closed-loop economy in the meat industry through the use of animal by-products in biogas plants for electricity generation processes. The purpose of the study was to identify the volume of by-products from the slaughter of cattle and pigs, how the by-products are managed, and the efficiency of their use in biogas plants for electricity production processes. The analyses used data from the Central Statistical Office, the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, and information obtained from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Studies from the literature on closed-loop economies and bioeconomies were also a valuable source of information. Based on case studies, this paper also presents examples of a closed-loop economy in meat companies. In the area of pork, poultry, and beef livestock production, the analysis covered the years 2004–2022, while in the area of the production and use of meat industry by-products, the data came from 2017–2022. The study shows that reducing the production of waste in the meat industry and the reuse and recycling of waste are important parts of a closed-loop economy. In meat companies, waste from slaughtering animals can be properly managed, either by processing it into animal feed or by using it in biogas plants to generate electricity or heat. Taking into account the number of by-products from cattle and pig slaughter in the country, biogas plants could produce approximately 95,232 MW of electricity per year, which constitutes approximately 4.3% of the energy intensity of the meat industry in Poland.

The Chinese Painting-style Animation Innovation in the AI Era

In the era of artificial intelligence, Chinese painting-style animation is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The application of AI technology not only improves the efficiency of animation production but also brings new possibilities for innovation to creators. The impact of the AI era on the animation industry is multi-dimensional. AI technology can automate many repetitive tasks, such as the generation of in-between frames, the drawing of characters and scenes, and its application in various other aspects, thereby shortening the production cycle, reducing actual time costs, and improving timeliness. Its detailed functions, such as AI-assisted scriptwriting and directing to generate creative storylines, plots, and even scripts, provide new ideas for animation creation. One of the most admired and sought-after aspects is the operability and personalization of AI. By analyzing audience preferences and behaviors through various cases and traffic analysis, it can provide personalized content recommendations using animation production techniques, meeting the psychological needs of different audience groups. In terms of image and video processing, it can be used to enhance the visual effects of animation, such as automatic coloring, background rendering, image clarity and blurring processing, etc. For the design of characters and scenes, designers can quickly generate concept drawings of characters and scenes through subjective expression, including composition positioning, character body dynamics, and simulating different styles and schools of painting techniques. In terms of sound, it is also excellent, capable of simulating specific sound effects, generating and improving dubbing sound effects and sound quality, enhancing the auditory experience of animation, and through analysis techniques such as voice recognition and natural language processing, allowing animated characters to use lifelike body movements and facial expressions to interact with the audience, providing a better interactive experience.

Impact of Exercise on Vitals in Racing Horses

Background: This article delves into a comprehensive analysis of a dataset that sheds light on the intricate relationship between exercise and equine physiology. By examining temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate, we uncover how exercise type, duration and ground surface significantly influence the well-being of horses during physical activities. Methods: The choice of exercise type, whether it’s show jumping, free ride, or lunge, has a profound impact on the horses’ physiological responses. Each activity elicits distinct patterns of temperature regulation, cardiovascular demand (pulse rate) and respiratory effort. The animal material of the study consisted of 20 different horses (10 Thoroughbred, 2 Arabian, 8 Belgian) which were housed in Adana and Mersin provinces. Horses were housed in similar conditions of care and they were healthy. The study encompassed the measurement and recording of key parameters, including pulse rate (heart rate), respiration rate (breathing rate) and body temperature, at various critical time points: before the commencement of exercise, immediately post-exercise, 30 min after exercise and 1 hour after exercise. Exercise duration varied between 15 to 40 min, with each session commencing with a standardized warm-up period of approximately 5 min, including a rider on the horse. The horses were observed at four specific time points. Result: This analysis underscores the need for a nuanced approach to equine training, considering the specific exercise type, duration and ground surface. Horse owners, trainers and veterinarians can use these insights to optimize exercise programs, ensuring the health and performance of their equine companions. Ultimately, this understanding of equine physiology paves the way for responsible and effective equine training practices.

Review of <i>Siddha</i> Marine Drug - <i>Muthuchippi</i> (Pearl Oyster Shell) for Various Medicinal Properties

The Siddha system of medicine uses an opulent source of plants, metals, minerals, and marine and animal products for the preparation of medicine. The pearl oyster shell is a bivalve mollusc that lives in fresh and saltwater and generates pearls. The three major structural components of pearls are oblong, conchiolin, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Recently, interest in developing medications from marine materials has surged. In the fields of cancer, pain, and inflammation, many marine natural compounds are presently undergoing clinical trials. Pearl oyster shell, also known as Muthuchippi, is a key sea-derived medicine in the Siddha system of medicine. These shells include iron oxide, alumina, silica, calcium carbonate, phosphate, and sulfate of calcium and magnesium. Since it has been specially recommended to improve the strength, nutrition, and vitality of weak patients as well as for palpitations, digestion, heart tonic, and appetizer, pearl oysters are important in Siddha medicine. Traditionally, the calcined pearl oyster shell has been used to treat musculoskeletal diseases, anorectal diseases, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases due to their high calcium carbonate content. This study aims to review several papers on the therapeutic potential of pearl oyster shells in treating various ailments. A comprehensive search of multiple databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, yielded several papers for evaluation. According to this study, pearl oyster shells are utilized to cure a wide range of illnesses in all traditional Indian medical systems. Yet, there is scanty scientific data to support the efficacy of numerous indications. To substantiate this significant drug in the research forum, additional in-vitro and in-vivo studies must be carried out.

Circadian Rhythm Enhances mTORC1/AMPK Pathway-Mediated Milk Fat Synthesis in Dairy Cows via the Microbial Metabolite Acetic Acid.

Livestock may respond differently to circadian rhythms, leading to differences in the composition of the animal products. Nevertheless, the circadian effects on rumen microorganisms and animal products are poorly understood. In the study, it was found that dairy cows exhibited increased milk fat levels, decreased acetic acid concentrations in the rumen fluid, and elevated acetic acid levels in the blood during the night compared to those of the day. Correlational analyses suggested a high association between Succiniclasticum, Lactobacillus, Prevotellacene NK3B31_group, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, etc., which were significantly enriched in rumen fluid at night, and milk fat levels. The differential metabolite Vitamin B6, significantly elevated at night, promoted the translocation of acetic acid into the circulation by increasing the level of rumen epithelial MCT1 protein expression. In addition, we found that both acetic acid treatment time and dose modulated the expression of lipid metabolism transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP1c) and downstream genes (FASN, SCD1, ACCα, and CPT1A). Additionally, the mTORC1 and AMPK pathways were responsible for the effects of acetic acid on transcription factors and genes involved in lipid metabolism. Differences in rumen microbial taxa were observed between the day and night. Microbial metabolite (acetic acid) was found to be absorbed into the bloodstream and entered the mammary gland at night at a significantly elevated level. This regulation impacted the expression of lipid metabolism-related transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP1c), as well as downstream genes through the mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways, ultimately affecting milk fat synthesis. These findings provide a new perspective for the microbial regulation of milk synthesis.

Registration of ‘Rulon’, a six‐row, spring feed barley

AbstractIn Utah, spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is commonly used in rotation with hay to supply the state's animal products industry. The objective of this research was to develop a spring feed barley cultivar with improved agronomic performance and adaptation to Utah's growing conditions. ‘Rulon’ (Reg. No. CV‐382, PI 705157, PVP no. 202400311) is a six‐row, spring feed barley cultivar developed and evaluated as UTSB10905‐72 and released in 2023 by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES). Rulon was derived from the cross UTSB2120‐36/‘Goldeneye’. Goldeneye is a six‐row spring feed barley cultivar released by UAES in 2005. UTSB2120‐36 was an F4‐derived experimental line from the cross ‘Century’/‘IdaGold II’. Rulon was selected through a modified bulk breeding scheme from the F2 to the F4 generations. Derived from the F4 generation, Rulon was tested in replicated yield trials in Logan, UT, from 2013 to 2020, the University of Idaho (UI) Extension Variety Trials in 2016 and 2017, and the Western Regional Spring Barley Nursery from 2016 to 2018. Rulon yielded an average of 5987 kg ha−1 in Logan, outperforming all check varieties, and showed similar days to heading compared to Goldeneye. In the UI Extension Variety Trials, Rulon showed higher kernel plumpness (95%) compared to the check varieties (76–88%). In the Western Regional Spring Barley Nurseries, Rulon ranked among the top five yielding entries in 15 out of 25 site‐years. Rulon was released on the basis of its high grain yield, excellent kernel plumpness, and high test weight.

Biological Hazards and Indicators Found in Products of Animal Origin in Cambodia from 2000 to 2022: A Systematic Review

Biological hazards in products of animal origin pose a significant threat to human health. In Cambodia, there are few comprehensive data and information on the causes of foodborne diseases or risks. To date, there has been no known published study similar to this review. This systematic review is aimed to investigate the prevalence of biological hazards and their indicators in products of animal origin from 2000 to 2022. The main objective of this study was also to contribute to strengthening Cambodia’s food control system. This review followed the established “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines. In total, 46 studies were retained for complete review. Most studies (n = 40) had been conducted by or with external researchers, reflecting the under-resourcing of the National Food Control System in terms of surveillance; areas outside the capital were relatively understudied, reflecting evidence found in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Five categories of hazards were reported with the highest number of studies on fish parasites. Marketed fish, often originating from different countries, had a higher mean value of parasite prevalence (58.85%) than wild-caught fish (16.46%). Viral pathogens in bat meat presented a potential spillover risk. Many potentially important hazards had not yet been studied or reported (e.g., Norovirus, Shigella, toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae). The findings of our review highlighted significant urgencies for national competent authorities to enhance food hygiene practices along the production chain, tackle import control, and enforce the implementation of a traceability system, alongside more research collaboration with neighboring countries and key trading partners. It is crucial to conduct more extensive research on food safety risk analysis, focusing on the identification and understanding of various biological hazards and their associated risk factors in food.

From Havoc in Heaven to Big Fish and Begonia: The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity in Chinese Animation

Chinese animation has experienced the evolution from tradition to modernity in its development course. As a classic animation work, "Havoc in Heaven" has laid the foundation of Chinese animation. Its rich cultural connotation and unique artistic style make it become a representative of national animation. And "Big Fish & Begonia" is a successful attempt of modern animation, reflecting the progress of contemporary animation production technology and narrative techniques. This paper will discuss how these two works integrate the expression form and narrative skills of modern animation under the framework of Chinese traditional culture, and show the balance between inheritance and innovation of Chinese animation.

A multicriteria analysis of meat and milk alternatives from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives

Reducing meat and dairy intake has been identified as a necessary strategy for mitigating the high environmental impacts food systems are currently having on climate change, biodiversity loss associated with land-use changes, and freshwater use. Having a choice of dedicated meat and milk replacements available to consumers can help in the transition toward more plant-based diets, but concerns about nutritional and health impacts and high costs can impede uptake. Here, we conduct a multicriteria assessment of 24 meat and milk alternatives that integrates nutritional, health, environmental, and cost analyses with a focus on high-income countries. Unprocessed plant-based foods such as peas, soybeans, and beans performed best in our assessment across all domains. In comparison, processed plant-based products such as veggie burgers, traditional meat replacements such as tempeh, and plant milks were associated with less climate benefits and greater costs than unprocessed foods but still offered substantial environmental, health, and nutritional benefits compared to animal products. Our findings suggest that a range of food products exist that when replacing meat and dairy in current diets would have multiple benefits, including reductions in nutritional imbalances, dietary risks and mortality, environmental resource use and pollution, and when choosing unprocessed foods over processed ones also diet costs. The findings provide support for public policies and business initiatives aimed at increasing their uptake.

"The advice? Think bigger": Community perspectives on dairy farming, including surplus calves - an Australian focus group study.

Citizens are becoming increasingly disconnected from food production. Despite this, many people still hold strong values about how food is produced. The aim of this study was to attain an in-depth understanding of Australian public attitudes toward sustainability and animal welfare in dairy production, as well as early life killing of surplus dairy calves and cow-calf separation; issues commonly identified as being out of step with public values. We conducted 3 focus group sessions, each with 8 Australians that varied in age, gender identity, income, and frequency of consumption of dairy products. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured discussions resulted in 2 key themes, each with underlying sub-themes: 1) Animal agriculture as an industry, including sustainability, farmers as people, and farming practices; and 2) Personal impacts and reflections as citizens, including ethical considerations, and consumer behaviors. Participants varied in their attitudes toward sustainability and the consumption of animal products. This variation was influenced by the different ethical lenses through which they viewed the topics, and alignment or otherwise with their personal values. Many participants acknowledged that farmers have a hard life and care about their animals but must also prioritize economics when making management decisions. Most participants were unaware of the common dairy industry practices of early life killing of surplus calves and cow calf separation, but once made aware, there was widespread rejection of the practices. Understanding and correcting where food animal production practices fail to align with the evolving values of the public provides opportunities to preserve the social sustainability of animal agriculture into the future.

How beliefs and policy characteristics shape the public acceptability of nutritional policies- a survey study in Germany

BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of obesity in Germany, few effective political measures have been implemented to protect population health and improve the sustainability of food systems. One argument frequently raised against policy implementation is the lack of acceptability for policy measures in the German population. AimWe aimed to evaluate the acceptability of policy measures currently discussed in Germany's national nutrition strategy and how perceived policy characteristics and participant characteristics influence policy acceptability. MethodWe conducted an online survey with 2001 participants between 06.12.2023 and 05.01.2024, in which we collected data on perceived policy characteristics (acceptability, equity, societal and personal effectiveness), as well as participant values and beliefs. ResultsMost policies were highly acceptable, with policies such as the introduction of free school lunches (84% acceptability), the introduction of a ban on fast food advertising aimed at children (71%) or a sugar tax (53%) being acceptable to a majority of the sample. The least acceptable policy was the introduction of a tax on animal products (36%). Logistic regression analyses showed that perceived equity and societal and personal effectiveness predicted policy acceptability. Likewise, environmental values and beliefs about state intervention of participants influenced policy acceptability. ConclusionThe high acceptability observed in this study suggests an opportunity for German policymakers to implement evidence-based and acceptable nutritional strategies to improve population health.

Nature’s Signature in Ayurveda with an Ethnopharmacological Approach: A Narrative Review

: The nature's signature in Āyurveda i.e. Doctrine of Signatures (DOS), which calls for utilizing natural substances that resemble a particular body part or organ, is consistent with the ethnopharmacological practice of choosing therapeutic plants based on their visible physical qualities. In order to promote health and treat ailments, the ancient Indian medical system known as Āyurveda employs natural ingredients including plants, minerals, and animal products. The study of conventional medicine and the application of natural products for therapeutic reasons are known as ethno-pharmacology. This review explores various research on ayurvedic herbs, their doctrinal signature, and the status of our understanding of ethno-pharmacology. However, by integrating Āyurveda plants' doctrinal signatures with ethnopharmacological methods, it might be better to comprehend the therapeutic potential of plants and create novel treatments for a range of ailments. Combining these two perspectives might assist in understanding how nature may heal and how natural medicines could improve health and wellness. It was believed that a plant containing parts that resembled portions of human bodies, animals, or other items had practical use for those parts, animals, or objects. This philosophy was shown in some of the Indian medicinal plants that are discussed in this article.