Natural Medicine Research Articles (Page 1)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) poses a significant health risk in developed countries like the United States, linked to poor diet, inactivity, aging, and genetic factors. It increases the likelihood of serious health issues, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cognitive impairment. Preventing MetS is vital; this review focuses on natural methods to improve health by enhancing gut health, adopting healthier dietary choices, and incorporating functional foods, supplements, and herbs. These practical and cost-effective approaches target individuals without underlying endocrine disorders, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. Keywords: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), Alternative Therapies, Natural Remedies, Metabolic Health, Obesity, Weight Management

Nature's Remedies: Future of Allergic Rhinitis Prevention through Natural Products?

Aims: To review the medicinal and therapeutic applications of Ocimum gratissimum based on studies published between 2020 and 2024, highlighting its pharmacological properties, possible clinical uses, and prospects for the development of new drugs. Study Design: An integrative literature review of recent scientific publications on O. gratissimum. Place and Duration of Study: The study covers research conducted worldwide, with a particular focus on studies published between 2020 and 2024. Methodology: Relevant literature was collected between 2020 and 2024 from scientific databases (e.g., ScienceDirect, SciELO, PubMed, Google Scholar, Litmaps and Science.gov), analyzing studies that investigated the bioactive compounds, medicinal properties, and therapeutic applications of O. gratissimum. The review included in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. Results: O. gratissimum, a bushy and highly aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family, is rich in bioactive compounds such as eugenol and thymol. The plant has demonstrated efficacy in treating bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Its applications include use as a bronchodilator, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing agent. The evidence also highlights its accessibility and low cost, particularly in tropical regions where natural remedies are widely employed. Conclusion: The findings indicate that O. gratissimum offers effective and safe alternatives for contemporary medicine. Its therapeutic potential and bioactive compounds support its use in combating infectious and pathogenic diseases, providing a basis for the development of novel pharmacological treatments.

The anti-inflammatory properties of honey: A natural remedy for modern health challenges

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing record levels of informal use of herbal medicines by the population for primary health care, with prevalence rates of up to 90% in some countries. This situation is linked to the high cost of pharmaceuticals and the popular perception that natural remedies are harmless. Furthermore, the proportion of men suffering from erectile dysfunction in sub-Saharan African countries remains high, varying between 25 and 70%. This dual challenge is at the root of the practice of adulterating herbal medicines with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, using abnormally high doses. This fraudulent practice poses a significant threat to consumer health, particularly for patients with comorbidities – potentially fatal erectile dysfunction, serious cardiac side effects, renal or hepatic failure, acute poisoning. This scourge is exacerbated by the weakness of regulatory systems in sub-Saharan African countries, especially their pharmacovigilance systems, which are still generally at low levels of maturity according to the WHO GBT. To combat this scourge, African countries must include the fight against pharmaceutical adulteration of herbal medicines in their policies and regulations on herbal medicines. Through their national regulatory authorities, they must develop and integrate the monitoring of herbal medicines safety into their national pharmacovigilance systems, formally involving herbalists, naturopaths and consumers. They must also develop and implement training programmes for herbalists and naturopaths in good phytotherapy practices, establish appropriate risk communication mechanisms, and ensure regular quality control of so-called natural health products sold on legal and illegal African markets, while tightening sanctions. In short, the fight against counterfeit herbal medicines must be fully integrated into the overall fight against counterfeit medicines in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background/Objectives: People living with MND (plwMND) commonly develop difficulty swallowing and subsequent difficulty clearing saliva from the airway. Medical saliva interventions include pharmacological agents, botulinum toxin injections, and radiation to salivary glands, with associated side effects. Non-invasive behavioural strategies and natural remedies are also recommended. Saliva symptom management is guided by the multidisciplinary MND team (typically through a three-monthly clinic) alongside community clinicians. Some plwMND report difficulty recalling and implementing treatments between clinics. This study aimed to enhance the content and method of providing recommendations for self-management of saliva symptoms by (i) developing MND-specific resources and (ii) evaluating resource use and preliminary clinical benefit. Methods: In Phase 1 plwMND, caregivers, and clinicians co-designed saliva management resources. Phase 2 examined the use of these resources via a hospital-based MND clinic with 28 plwMND, their caregivers, and community clinicians. In the clinic, plwMND were given a written treatment plan and relevant resources. During reviews at weeks 2, 6, and 12 saliva treatment was adjusted and clinical outcomes evaluated using the Clinical Saliva Scale for MND (CSS-MND). Community clinicians, plwMND, and caregivers were surveyed regarding the resource utility. Results: People living with MND reported the resources assisted saliva symptom self-management. Community clinicians found the resources informative and beneficial in supporting patient care. All plwMND required multiple treatment strategies and adjustments to manage symptoms. Of the treatments prescribed, 91% were non-invasive and 9% were medical interventions. For 54% (n = 15) of plwMND, improved CSS-MND scores were sustained over the three-month evaluation. Conclusions: Co-designed saliva resources and regular reviews assisted plwMND to implement their individualised saliva treatment, to self-manage saliva symptoms between clinics.

Paneer dodi is a versatile medicinal herb used since ancient times. It possesses significant therapeutic properties, offering various health benefits such as antidiabetic, weight loss, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also known to relieve menstrual cramps effectively. This research aims to formulate a dry powder extract using a combination of Paneer dodi, fenugreek, fennel, stevia, and neem oil. This unique blend is designed to provide an effective natural remedy for managing diabetes (Madhumeha) and menstrual discomfort by reducing abdominal cramps with proven efficacy. The formulation offers a dynamic and holistic approach, promising relief with minimal side effects. It also highlights the traditional value of herbs across different regions. The therapeutic benefits of this herbal combination suggest its potential application in sachet form, delivering a convenient and natural remedy directly to users. This study underlines the continued relevance of herbal medicine in modern healthcare.

This study is one of the studies that examines CBT as an approach to developing wellness tourism, the potential of the slopes of Mount Welirang that can be used for forest healing and marketing using the 5P concept (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People). The method used in this study is a qualitative method based on Community Based Tourism (CBT). Data collection was carried out using focus group discussion (FGD) techniques, interviews, observation, and documentation studies. Data analysis techniques used an interactive model on the application of Community Based Tourism (CBT) implemented in the development of forest healing on the slopes of Mount Welirang. The results of the study are as follows: 1) The development of forest healing with the application of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is based on three pillars, namely community empowerment, ecological conservation, and sustainable community innovation. 2) The potential of the slopes of Mount Welirang lies in its geological and topographical foundations, biodiversity as natural medicine, amd sencory stimulation. 3) Marketing using the 5P concept. The main products offered are the development of forest healing destinations that include forest-based healing activities, integrated tourism packages, and educational added value. Price refers to a value-based pricing approach. Place focuses on the slopes of Mount Welirang as the main object. Promotion is carried out using a digital approach based on transformational narratives. People focuses on the community, which is at the center of the overall forest healing development on the slopes of Mount Welirang.

Natural medicines target tumor vascular microenvironment to inhibit tumor.

Shipbreaking-derived metal contamination in coastal wetlands: Risk and source assessment in northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.

Dendrobium huoshanense flavone attenuates radiation enteritis by enhancing gut immunity to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis.

Integrative strategies against multidrug-resistant bacteria: Synthesizing novel antimicrobial frontiers for global health.

Use of synthetic drugs for the treatment of burn wounds has decreased due to adverse effects, and they are gradually being replaced by compounds obtained from natural products, especially medicinal plants. This review focused on pre-clinical and clinical studies examining the efficacy of medicinal plants in promoting burn wound healing. This systematic review was performed congruent with the guidance delineated in the PRISMA statement. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science, along with the search engines Google Scholar and Google, were utilised to retrieve published literatures from 2000 to 2023. Articles were screened according to the determined criteria and appraised using primary evaluation checklists. A total of 108 published articles met the eligibility criteria and were selected for discussion. Of these, 72 were invivo studies, 28 were invitro studies and 8 were clinical trials. Various medicinal plants discussed in this review improve the burn wound healing process due to the presence of diverse biological compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These plants affect the four phases of wound healing. These plant species and their compounds could be potentially used for the development of effective natural remedies against burn wounds.

Type II diabetes mellitus is a serious health issue with approximately 537 million people affected globally. It can result in serious problems related to oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia, and hyperglycaemia. There is growing interest for the use of natural remedies as an alternative because of the several adverse effects associated with conventional drugs. Traditionally, medicinal plants such as Dillenia indica L. (D. indica) have been utilised for the management and treatment of metabolic diseases. The current study investigated the anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and fat lowering potential of D. indica fruit extract in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type II diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60mg/kg), followed by oral treatment with D. indica fruit extract for 30days at a dose of 200 and 400mg/kg. Diabetes was confirmed by estimating blood glucose level; significant reductions in blood glucose levels were observed with a 38.78% decrease (P < 0.01) at a dose of 400mg/kg. The D. indica fruit extract showed significant reduction in the level of triglycerides and total cholesterol. The fruit extract also attenuated hepatic dysfunction, reducing the levels of ALAT and ASAT by 57.95% and 52.71%, respectively, as compared to diabetic rats. Fruit extract enhanced antioxidant activity by increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx activities. These findings demonstrate the anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant effects of D. indica, which supports its potential use in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.

Alkaloids from the tubers of Pinellia pedatisecta.

When more is not worse: Genetic subtypes of obesity challenge conventional risk paradigms.

Astragaloside VI attenuates mechanical stress-induced cardiac remodeling through piezo1-VDAC1 dependent endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response.

Natural sources of medicines are very crucial part of our society. These sources provide us always with promising therapeutic benefits to cure disorders of many kinds. They are easily available from our garden, wild forests, fields and cultivation methods. Natural medicines are needed to explore because lack of knowledge between societies and population decreases their application spectrum. We have mentioned the tremendous varieties and numbers of natural medicinal sources that can be used in the treatment of diseases from ancient times. Besides this disadvantages of these natural medicines are also clarify our vision when we need to use these natural remedies. Our review tried to covers as many as possible knowledge and outcomes of these natural remedies that have crucial role in traditional system of medicines. This also covers the need of conservation methods for sustainable harvesting to preserve potential of natural sources of drugs for upcoming future. This helps to prevent the extinction of threatened species worldwide. The study of these categories the various natural sources of medicines available in the kinds of sources and vary according to their varieties, chemical nature, taxonomical class, geographical distribution, analytical technique applied, methods of collection and processes to establish its pharmacological class. Major Findings: We have determined that the natural sources are available in various forms and resources. They have shared the huge criterion of traditional, modern and advanced medical system. Besides this the contribution of plant based drugs are remarkable which facilitated the advancement, therapy generation and modifications in the health care systems.

Background: South Asia is disproportionately afflicted by Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), which are the world’s leading cause of death. Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, poor food, and high levels of psychosocial stress are all contributing to the increased incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in India, a country with a sizable youth population. Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe the etiological aspects of SCA, highlight its rising frequency among Indian youth, and talk about management and prevention techniques to lower the number of preventable cardiovascular deaths. Methods: Using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, an extensive literature review was carried out. Keywords including “young adults,” “premature mortality,” “sudden cardiac arrest,” “sedentary lifestyle,” “herbal sources,” and “cardiovascular health” were employed. Additionally, pertinent national-level data from WHO, NCRB, and ICMR were included. Results: In addition to modifiable risk factors like obesity, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol use, SCA in young people is often linked to structural and hereditary conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies, primary arrhythmias, myocarditis, and Marfan syndrome. According to recent data from India, childhood obesity and family history are major causes of the rising number of unexpected deaths among young people. However, only a few universities have access to AEDs, and bystander CPR rates are still extremely low (1–3 %). Using electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography in athletes and high-risk groups can greatly enhance results. Altering one’s lifestyle and using herbal medicines as a supplement may also help to maintain cardiovascular health. Conclusion: Early detection, preventive screening, quick emergency response, and policy-driven interventions are critically needed, as evidenced by the increased incidence of SCA among Indian young. To protect young cardiovascular health and lower premature mortality, a multimodal strategy including lifestyle changes, structured screening programs, community education, and healthcare reforms is essential. Major Findings: SCA among Indian youth is rising due to lifestyle factors, obesity, stress, and hereditary cardiac disorders. Emergency response remains weak, with CPR rates at 1–3 % and scarce AED access. Preventive screening and lifestyle interventions are essential to reduce premature mortality and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Neurodegenerative diseases have posed a rising global threat to the aging population, presenting structural and functional impairments in the central nervous system. These progressive disorders, which affect the brain and spinal cord, develop due to the continuous loss of neurons and myelin sheaths. Such specific pathophysiological changes lead to neurological dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, resulting in typical motor dysfunctions and cognitive disorders, as well as symptoms like behavioral abnormalities and personality changes. To date, despite various treatments attempting to manage these symptoms, patients' quality of life remains severely deteriorated. A few effective therapeutics are available to mitigate the progression of neurodegenerative injuries. Increasing attention is now focused on molecular regulatory mechanisms, particularly the association between immune regulation and the neurovascular unit. A critical component in this process is Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1), a small Guanosine Triphosphatase (GTPase). Rap1 is determined to regulate glia-mediated immunoinflammatory responses, vascular endothelial function, and neuronal activity. It also modulates synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial function via autophagy-dependent modulation, which are significantly impacted during neuronal degeneration. Additionally, signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and ERK, are identified as its downstream effectors. Furthermore, by mediating the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, Rap1 probably influences neuroimmune-vascular modulation throughout the development of neurological disorders. In this review, we investigate recent studies to explore the emerging therapeutic potential of Rap1 in the inflammation-related regulation within neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss novel treatments and possible targets, including natural medicines and genetic modulation, to enhance therapeutic effects and improve prognosis.