Traditional medicine for asthma: clinical and toxicological review.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: An effective traditional medicine for bronchial asthma: clinical demonstration and preliminary toxicological evaluation
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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J.A. Aluoch, W.M. Kofi – Tsekpo, J.B.O. Were, H.W.W. Oyuga, E. Wakori, L.W. Nganga, C. O. Obuya
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: An effective traditional medicine for bronchial asthma: clinical demonstration and preliminary toxicological evaluation
Year: 1990
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This clinical paper presents findings from an investigation into a traditional African anti-asthmatic formulation used by a local medicine practitioner, Mr. Charles Obuya Owayo. The study explores the toxicological and phytochemical effects of the traditional medicine, focusing specifically on its efficacy in treating bronchial asthma. Despite the availability of various conventional asthma medications, which often come with significant side effects and temporary relief, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative treatments grounded in traditional practices.
Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Medicine
The study included an assessment of the treatment's effectiveness through pulmonary function tests conducted on confirmed asthmatic patients ranging from 17 to 66 years old. Results indicated significant improvements in respiratory function following administration of the traditional medicine, particularly evident through a series of respiratory function indexes measured over time. The evaluation also revealed that the toxicological screening of the medicine, conducted on mice, displayed a range of effects that raised concerns about safety. However, the narrow therapeutic range observed in animals did not necessarily translate to toxicity in humans, suggesting species differences in responses to the medicine.
Conclusion
The preliminary findings from this investigation underscore the high potential of traditional anti-asthmatic treatments, warranting further research in the field. With the indicated presence of beneficial compounds like steroids in the traditional formulations, this study advocates for continued exploration into these traditional medicines as viable alternatives for asthma treatment. Given the diverse response patterns and the need for individual-specific therapies, the blending of traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry could lead to safer, effective solutions for managing bronchial asthma and reducing the reliance on conventional drugs with their associated side effects.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What traditional medicine was evaluated for bronchial asthma treatment?
The study evaluated a traditional African anti-asthmatic formulation prepared by Mr. Charles Obuya, which includes several herbal preparations demonstrating effectiveness in alleviating asthma symptoms.
What patient demographics were included in the clinical study?
The clinical study involved 11 confirmed asthmatic patients, aged 17 to 66 years, from both genders, who provided informed consent for the treatment with traditional medicine.
What methods were used to evaluate the traditional medicine's safety?
Toxicological screening was conducted using female mice, where various volumes of the traditional medicine were injected to observe effects and mortality after 36 hours.
What were the findings regarding the efficacy of the medicine?
The clinical study indicated significant improvements in pulmonary function among patients post-treatment, showcasing the potential effectiveness of the traditional medicine for bronchial asthma relief.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Traditional medicine for asthma: clinical and toxicological review.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicine refers to substances or practices used to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases and ailments. In this context, traditional medicine is highlighted for its potential effectiveness in treating bronchial asthma. The study investigates traditional African formulations and their therapeutic benefits compared to conventional treatments, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternative health solutions.
2) Drug:
In the context of this study, 'drug' refers to the specific formulations derived from plants used to treat bronchial asthma. The paper outlines the preparation and administration methods of these traditional drugs, highlighting their potential therapeutic properties. Understanding the definition of a drug is essential for evaluating its effectiveness and safety in clinical practice.
3) Bronchial asthma:
Bronchial asthma is a chronic condition characterized by airway obstruction and increased responsiveness of the airways. This study focuses on the clinical evaluation of traditional remedies aimed at alleviating the symptoms of asthma. The understanding of this condition is crucial for studying treatment options, their efficacy, and patient quality of life improvements.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that may exert health benefits. The study includes phytochemical screening of traditional medicine preparations to identify these compounds and their potential effects on asthma. Understanding phytochemicals is vital for evaluating the therapeutic mechanisms and biological activity of traditional medicines.
5) Discussion:
The discussion section provides an analysis and interpretation of the study findings. It reflects on the clinical efficacy of traditional asthma treatments, potential implications for further research, and considerations regarding the traditional medicine's safety profile. This section is essential for contextualizing results and proposing recommendations for future studies.
6) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of plant secondary metabolites recognized for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. They are one of the phytochemical compounds evaluated in this study. Understanding their presence and role helps determine the therapeutic efficacy of the traditional medicines in treating bronchial asthma and enhances knowledge about natural remedies.
7) Shyamala (Śyāmalā):
Shyamala likely refers to a researcher or a contributor to the findings related to traditional medicines for asthma, specifically noted in the literature cited in this paper. The inclusion of various experts and their past studies strengthens the credibility and contextual background for the traditional asthma treatments investigated, showcasing the research community's collaborative nature.
8) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the adverse effects or harmful properties of substances. In this study, the toxicological evaluations were conducted to ensure the safety of traditional asthma medicines. Toxicity assessments are critical in drug development, informing healthcare practitioners about potential risks and benefits of treatments derived from traditional practices.
9) Destiny:
The term destiny here signifies the future potential or fate of individuals suffering from bronchial asthma. It underscores the urgency to find effective treatments that significantly enhance the quality of life for asthmatics. The research aims to provide alternative therapies that might change the trajectory of asthma management positively.
10) Mustard:
Mustard, noted in traditional treatments for asthma, refers to a specific medicinal plant utilized for its therapeutic properties. Its inclusion in the literature highlights the long-standing use of various natural substances in treating respiratory issues. Understanding mustard's role can contribute valuable insights into the formulation of effective asthma treatments.
11) Anxiety:
Anxiety represents the emotional response to the distressing experience of breathing difficulties associated with asthma. This study acknowledges the psychological aspect of asthma, emphasizing the need for effective treatments not only to alleviate physical symptoms but also to reduce the anxiety and fear associated with asthma attacks, thus improving overall well-being.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic investigation of knowledge aimed at understanding and treating diseases like asthma. The study employs scientific methods to evaluate the efficacy of traditional medicines, underscoring the importance of evidence-based practices in integrating traditional and modern approaches to healthcare.
13) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema denotes the swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation, which is one of the critical factors contributing to airway obstruction in asthma patients. Recognizing the role of oedema in asthma pathophysiology is imperative for developing effective treatment strategies and evaluating the mechanisms of traditional remedies in alleviating respiratory symptoms.
14) Water:
Water serves as a fundamental solvent used in the preparation of traditional medicines. The study illustrates that drug formulations involved boiling plants in water, highlighting the role of water not just as a solvent but as an integral part of the therapeutic preparation process. Its importance in traditional medicine underscores the simplicity and accessibility of natural remedies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Traditional medicine for asthma: clinical and toxicological review.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Bronchial asthma, Therapeutic approach, Traditional medicine, Informed consent, Clinical study, Pilot study, Experimental study, Phytochemical screening, Pulmonary function test, Asthmatic patients, Drug regimen, Side effect, Toxicological Screening, Respiratory Function Test, Nairobi Kenya, Traditional Medicine Practitioner, Corticosteroid.