Beyond reverse pharmacology: Mechanism-based screening of Ayurvedic drugs

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Beyond reverse pharmacology: Mechanism-based screening of Ayurvedic drugs”. 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) Drug:
A substance used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose disease or to enhance physical or mental well-being. In the context of the paper, drugs derived from Indian medicinal plants are emphasized, illustrating the importance of understanding their pharmacology and potential clinical applications in modern medicine.

2) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
A traditional system of medicine from India that focuses on holistic health through a balance of body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda's emphasis on natural remedies, dietary practices, and preventive measures aligns with modern explorations of herbal pharmacology and the potential of medicinal plants for health benefits.

3) Study (Studying):
An investigation or examination aimed at discovering new knowledge or understanding processes. The paper discusses various studies investigating the effectiveness and mechanisms of Ayurvedic medicines, particularly the pharmacological properties of Indian plants which illustrate their roles in treating various health conditions.

4) Arjuna:
Refers to Terminalia arjuna, a tree known in Ayurveda for its cardioprotective properties. The exploration of its antioxidant effects and potential benefits in heart health, alongside scientific validation through biological activity studies, highlights the merging of traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology.

5) Cancer:
A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, leading to the formation of tumors. The paper discusses the role of phytochemicals, such as curcumin, in cancer prevention and treatment, affirming the significance of traditional Indian medicinal plants in oncology.

6) Indian:
Pertaining to India or its culture and heritage. The context emphasizes the rich diversity of Indian medicinal plants and the historical significance of Ayurveda in shaping the country's approach to health and pharmacology.

7) Pharmacology:
The branch of medicine that studies the interactions between drugs and living organisms. The paper highlights the evolution of pharmacological research on Ayurvedic plants, emphasizing how traditional knowledge can guide modern scientific inquiries into their therapeutic potentials.

8) Medicine:
The science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The paper addresses the integration of Ayurvedic principles with contemporary medical science, demonstrating the importance of understanding herbal medicine in developing effective healthcare strategies.

9) Disease:
A pathological condition of a bodily part, an individual, or system resulting from various causes. The paper indicates Ayurveda's holistic approach to disease prevention and treatment, focusing on understanding the roots of ailments through diet and herbal remedies.

10) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, Rasāyana, Rāsāyana):
Refers to Ayurvedic formulations aimed at rejuvenation and revitalization of body tissues. The paper posits the significance of Rasayana therapies in promoting health and preventing disease, indicating a broader application of Ayurvedic principles in modern preventive medicine.

11) Inflammation:
The body's response to injury or infection that can lead to symptoms like redness and swelling. The paper discusses how Ayurvedic herbs may modulate inflammatory responses, linking traditional knowledge with modern immunological understanding.

12) Depression:
A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. The paper evaluates the implications of reserpine, derived from Sarpagandha, in treating hypertension and its possible shares in side effects like depression, thereby emphasizing a need for alternative treatments.

13) Activity:
Refers to the degree to which a drug or compound exerts effects on biological systems. The paper illustrates the necessity of evaluating the pharmacological activity of Ayurvedic drugs to ensure effective therapeutic applications in contemporary medicine.

14) Channel:
In a biological context, refers to structures that allow the passage of ions or molecules across cell membranes. Understanding how Ayurvedic compounds might interact with cellular channels plays a crucial role in pharmacology, which the paper aims to integrate.

15) Family:
A grouping of related plants or organisms. The paper implicitly references the phylogenetic relationships of medicinal plants, underlining the significance of studying plant families to better understand their uses and properties in Ayurveda and pharmacology.

16) Table:
A systematic arrangement of data, oftentimes used for comparison. The paper includes tables listing plant-derived drugs and their mechanisms, serving as a concise reference to illustrate the pharmacological relevance of traditional Indian plants in modern medicine.

17) Blood:
The fluid that circulates in the cardiovascular system, delivering necessary substances to cells. The paper discusses how Ayurvedic drugs might affect blood pressure and overall health, linking the importance of traditional treatments with physiological functioning.

18) Fear:
An emotional response to perceived threats. The paper recognizes fear surrounding the side effects of certain drugs, like reserpine, advocating for continued exploration of Ayurvedic alternatives that might mitigate such concerns in patients.

19) Pain (Paiṇ):
An unpleasant physical sensation often signaling injury or disease. The paper discusses pharmacological approaches to pain management, highlighting how Ayurvedic plants could offer alternatives for analgesic treatments within the framework of traditional medicine.

20) Punarnava (Punarnavā, Punarṇava, Punar-nava):
Refers to Boerhavia diffusa, an Ayurvedic herb known for its various medicinal properties. The study of Punarnava's effects on immune response demonstrates Ayurveda's potential contributions to modern clinical practices focused on immune modulation.

21) Science (Scientific):
Pertaining to the systematic study of natural phenomena. The paper underscores the integration of scientific methods in validating Ayurvedic practices, aligning traditional knowledge with biological evidence in addressing health concerns.

22) Aha (Ahan, Ahar, Āhār, Āhañ, Āhan, Āha):
Refers to diet in Ayurveda, fundamental in maintaining health and preventing disease. The paper elucidates the concept of Ahar in health management, showcasing its preventative role through dietary practices and the importance of nutrition.

23) Human body:
The physical structure of a human being, composed of various systems. The interactions of Ayurvedic compounds with the human body at a cellular and molecular level are discussed in the context of both traditional and modern pharmacological research.

24) Pharmacological:
Relating to the science of drugs and their effects. The paper emphasizes pharmacological research on Ayurvedic plants, aiming to translate traditional healing practices into therapeutic interventions through scientific validation.

25) Tuberculosis:
A contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. The mention of tuberculosis highlights the potential of Ayurvedic approaches for preventive and therapeutic measures, bridging traditional medicine and contemporary health challenges.

26) Knowledge:
Information gained through experience or education. The paper discusses how integrating traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific insights can enhance medical practices, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to health care.

27) Animal:
Referring to non-human living organisms. The paper mentions studies conducted on animal models to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs, demonstrating a crucial link between traditional medicine and empirical scientific research.

28) Field:
An area of study or expertise. The paper underscores the importance of pharmacological research as a growing field, particularly in the examination and validation of Ayurvedic practices and medicinal plants in modern health care.

29) Fever:
A common medical symptom characterized by an elevation in body temperature. The discussion of traditional remedies for fever emphasizes the historical significance and continued relevance of Ayurveda in treating common ailments.

30) Mani (Maṇī, Mānī, Maṇi, Māṉi):
Refers to Dr. M. K. Mani, who has utilized reserpine for hypertension treatment. His work exemplifies the ongoing application of traditional knowledge in modern practices, highlighting patient care in resource-constrained settings.

31) Diet:
The kinds of food that a person habitually eats. The paper emphasizes diet's role in Ayurvedic practices, particularly in disease prevention and health promotion, stressing how dietary choices can influence well-being.

32) Hand:
Potentially symbolic of action or intervention. While not explicitly detailed in the paper, the concept of 'hand' can represent the effort required to bridge traditional practices and modern scientific exploration for health advancements.

33) Tinospora cordifolia:
An important Ayurvedic herb recognized for its immunomodulatory effects. The exploration of its properties in the paper reinforces the significance of traditional plants in contemporary medicinal research focused on immune enhancement.

34) Rheumatoid arthritis:
An autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of joints. The paper discusses Ayurvedic remedies for managing inflammation and pain associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, aligning traditional knowledge with modern disease management strategies.

35) Emblica officinalis:
Known as Amla, it is valued in Ayurveda for its antioxidant properties. The paper highlights the significance of Emblica in health, showcasing how it fits into broader pharmacological investigations of Ayurvedic plants.

36) Terminalia chebula:
Commonly known as Haritaki, it possesses various health benefits in Ayurveda. Its mention illustrates the range of medicinal plants studied for improvements in health and their potential therapeutic applications.

37) Withania somnifera:
Known as Ashwagandha, an adaptogen with stress-relieving properties recognized in Ayurveda. The paper discusses its effects, showcasing its relevance in modern pharmacological research focusing on stress, anxiety, and overall health.

38) Piper longum:
An important herb in Ayurveda known for its effects on respiratory health and digestion. The discussion surrounding Piper longum illustrates the diversity of Ayurvedic medicines and their potential for various health applications.

39) Asparagus racemosus:
Known as Shatavari, an Ayurvedic herb associated with women's health. Its properties emphasized in the paper play a key role in understanding the broader applications of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in treating specific health concerns.

40) Ayurvedarasayana (Āyurvedarasāyana):
Referring to Ayurvedic formulations designed for rejuvenation, which are essential in promoting health and longevity. The paper highlights the significance of Rasayana in combating aging and disease prevention, showcasing traditional wisdom.

41) Terminalia arjuna:
A tree valued for its cardioprotective properties in Ayurveda. The exploration of its effects demonstrates the potential for traditional plants to improve cardiovascular health, aligning with modern research interests in heart disease.

42) Phytochemical:
Chemical compounds produced by plants, some of which have health benefits. The paper emphasizes the importance of isolating and testing phytochemicals from Ayurvedic plants to understand their contributions to health and disease management.

43) Chemotherapy:
A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target cancer cells. The paper discusses potential chemopreventive properties of Ayurvedic plants, indicating their significance in developing holistic cancer treatment strategies.

44) Malnutrition:
A condition resulting from an insufficient or imbalanced diet, affecting health. The discussion around malnutrition highlights the importance of dietary practices in Ayurveda aimed at preventing disease through nutrition.

45) Purification:
The process of removing contaminants to enhance efficacy and safety. The concept reflects the need for well-characterized extraction methods for Ayurvedic plants, emphasizing rigorous scientific approaches in herbal research.

46) Ksharasutra (Kṣārasūtra, Kshara-sutra):
A traditional Ayurvedic technique used for treating fistulas and hemorrhoids through a medicated thread. This reference showcases the diversity of Ayurvedic practices and their astuteness in integrating surgical and medicinal remedies.

47) Observation:
The act of careful monitoring or watching, which is vital in scientific research. The paper emphasizes the importance of observation in Ayurvedic practices and modern research to validate traditional treatments effectively.

48) Performance:
Refers to the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments or interventions. The paper discusses the need to assess the performance of Ayurvedic drugs compared to standard treatments to establish their efficacy in modern contexts.

49) Measurement:
The process of quantifying variables to gather data. In the context of the paper, measurement is crucial for determining the biological activity and pharmacological effects of Ayurvedic herbs, legitimizing their application in medicine.

50) Rasadhatu (Rasadhātu, Rasa-dhatu):
An Ayurvedic concept referring to the essence or nutrient component of body tissues. The paper discusses how modern science correlates with the traditional understanding of bodily functions and the impact of Ayurvedic practices on health.

51) Developing:
Refers to the progress in understanding and utilizing Ayurvedic practices within modern scientific frameworks. The paper explores the necessity of developing rigorous research protocols to further validate traditional medicine in contemporary health care.

52) Shatavari (Śatāvarī, Satāvarī):
An Ayurvedic herb known for its benefits on female reproductive health and vitality. The study of Shatavari reinforces the potential of Ayurvedic plants to contribute positively to specific health outcomes in women.

53) Ghanavati (Ghanavatī):
Refers to a form of Ayurvedic formulation typically made from a concentrated extract of herbal plants. The concept emphasizes the need for developing standardized preparations to understand their efficacy and mechanisms in modern medicine.

54) Suffering:
Refers to the experience of pain or distress, often associated with health conditions. The paper addresses the importance of holistic approaches in Ayurveda to alleviate suffering through preventive measures and comprehensive treatment strategies.

55) Haritaki (Harītakī):
Refers to Terminalia chebula, an important herb in Ayurveda known for its digestive and detoxifying properties. The exploration of Haritaki's benefits expands the understanding of Ayurveda's medicinal plants and their roles in modern health.

56) Mutation:
A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to altered functions in organisms. Understanding mutations helps inform research in cancer and other diseases, highlighting the potential of Ayurvedic treatments to influence genetic health.

57) Turmeric:
A spice and medicinal plant known for its active compound curcumin, recognized for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The discussion of turmeric underscores the relevance of phytochemicals in Ayurvedic practices that are now being researched for various health benefits.

58) Swelling:
An increase in the size of a body part typically due to inflammation. The impact of Ayurvedic remedies on reducing swelling emphasizes the therapeutic potential of traditional practices in managing inflammatory conditions.

59) Sanskrit:
An ancient language of India, in which many Ayurvedic texts are written. The reference to Sanskrit underlines the historical significance of Ayurvedic knowledge, providing a foundation for ongoing pharmacological exploration and research.

60) Pippali (Pippalī, Pīppalī, Pippalin):
The Ayurvedic herb Piper longum, known for its benefits in respiration and digestion. The exploration of Pippali contributes to the understanding of how diverse herbal remedies can provide health benefits and support wellness.

61) Gandira (Gaṇḍīra, Gamdira):
The Sanskrit name for Coleus forskohlii, from which Forskolin is derived. The discussion of Gandira illustrates the importance of recognizing traditional names and applications of plants in connecting Ayurveda to modern pharmacological research.

62) Marathi (Marāṭhī, Marāthi):
Refers to the language spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The mention of Marathi indicates the geographical and cultural background of Ayurvedic practices and emphasizes the regional diversity of medicinal plant usage.

63) Chennai:
A city in India known for its historical and cultural significance, where Ayurvedic practices are prevalent. The context of Chennai reflects the ongoing application of traditional knowledge in urban settings and its impact on community health.

64) Village:
A small community typically found in rural areas, often where traditional practices are preserved. The mention of 'village' context emphasizes the utilization of Ayurveda in grassroots settings, where access to modern healthcare may be limited.

65) Surface:
Refers to the outer layer or region, potentially in reference to biological membranes or tissues. Understanding the interactions at the surface level is vital to explaining how Ayurvedic compounds exert their effects on the body.

66) Ramanatha (Rāmanātha, Ramānātha, Ramnath, Rama-natha):
Refers to Sir Ramnath Chopra, an influential figure in the field of experimental pharmacology of Ayurvedic drugs. His contributions highlight the historical significance of Ayurveda in scientific exploration and the quest for validation.

67) Thomas:
Most likely referencing Thomas Sydenham, an early modern physician whose approach to studying plants inspired the empirical methods seen in Ayurvedic pharmacology. His work exemplifies the historical context of utilizing traditional knowledge for therapeutic exploration.

68) Medhya (Medhyā, Meḍhyā):
Refers to Ayurvedic substances that enhance cognitive functions and memory. The mention of Medhya highlights Ayurveda's holistic approach to health, aiming to improve both physical and mental well-being through herbal therapies.

69) Repair:
The process of restoring health or function, particularly related to tissues or cells. In Ayurveda, the focus on repair may extend to rejuvenation therapies, illustrating a comprehensive approach to health and recovery.

70) Sailor:
Reference to an anecdote involving a sailor which illustrates the importance of observational learning in discovering the therapeutic effects of substances, reinforcing the traditional roots of pharmacology in modern medicine.

71) Powder:
Typically refers to a processed form of herbal substance used in Ayurvedic remedies. The transformation of whole plants into powders is significant in the preparation of medicines and illustrates the methods used in traditional pharmacopeia.

72) Kappa:
Refers to a subtype of receptors in the NF-kB signaling pathway that plays a role in inflammatory and immune responses. The mention of kappa connects traditional Ayurvedic concepts with modern biological frameworks in understanding inflammation and health.

73) Gupta (Guptā):
Refers to researchers who have contributed to Ayurvedic studies. Citing Gupta signifies the ongoing efforts within the scientific community to validate and understand the mechanisms of Ayurvedic treatments through rigorous research.

74) Dhatu (Dhātu):
Refers to the bodily tissues described in Ayurveda, essential for maintaining health. The concept of Dhatu underlines the traditional framework for understanding physical health and guides the holistic approach taken in Ayurvedic practices.

75) Vidya (Vidyā):
The Sanskrit word for knowledge or learning, particularly in the context of traditional wisdom. The reference to Vidya highlights the importance of incorporating ancient knowledge into modern medical practices and pharmacological research.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 82]