Antileishmanial activity of Ferula assa-foetida against Leishmania major

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Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Antileishmanial activity of Ferula assa-foetida oleo gum resin against Leishmania major: An in vitro study
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Original source:

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Author:

Ali Fatahi Bafghi, Seyyed Majid Bagheri, Seyed Hassan Hejazian


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:

(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)

Full text available for: Antileishmanial activity of Ferula assa-foetida oleo gum resin against Leishmania major: An in vitro study

Year: 2014 | Doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146567

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antileishmanial activity of Ferula assa-foetida against Leishmania major”. 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) Activity:
Activity refers to the functional capabilities of a substance, particularly its biological effects on organisms. In this context, it highlights the potential of asafetida to inhibit the growth of Leishmania major, indicating its antileishmanial properties. Understanding the specific activities of natural compounds can aid in developing new treatments for diseases.

2) Ferula asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida):
Ferula assa-foetida, commonly known as asafetida, is an oleo gum resin derived from a plant in the Apiaceae family. It is significant in traditional medicines, particularly Ayurveda, for its diverse therapeutic effects, including its potential antileishmanial activity. Exploring its phytochemical composition can reveal new avenues for pharmaceutical applications.

3) Study (Studying):
The study embodies systematic research aimed at investigating the antileishmanial effects of asafetida on Leishmania major. It employs scientific methodologies to derive conclusions, contributing to the body of knowledge regarding alternative therapies for leishmaniasis. Such studies are essential to bridge traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.

4) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the methodical approach to understanding phenomena through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Within this research, it underscores the application of scientific methods in assessing asafetida's effectiveness against parasitic infections, vital for developing evidence-based treatments and ensuring the reliability of herbal remedies in therapeutic contexts.

5) Drug:
Drugs are substances used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, or prevent diseases. The exploration of asafetida as a potential anti-leishmanial drug is crucial as there is an urgent need for new treatments due to the limitations and side effects of existing synthetic medications. This could lead to safer alternatives in therapeutic practice.

6) Medium:
Medium refers to the growth environment for the parasites in this study. It is crucial for culturing Leishmania major in vitro. The choice of medium can significantly influence the viability and metabolism of the parasites, thus affecting the outcomes of the experiments aimed at evaluating the efficacy of asafetida.

7) Animal:
Animal refers to the use of laboratory mice as the hosts from which promastigotes were isolated. Utilizing animal models is essential in preclinical research to understand the biological effects of substances like asafetida in living organisms, bridging the gap between in vitro studies and potential therapeutic application in humans.

8) Genu (Geṇu):
Genu, potentially a typographical error for genus, indicates a classification category in biological taxonomy. The genus Ferula encompasses various species known for their medicinal properties. Understanding the genus helps in identifying similar plants and their compounds, facilitating comparative studies and enriching the exploration of plant-based treatments.

9) Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is one of the countries significantly impacted by leishmaniasis. The mention of Afghanistan emphasizes the geographical relevance of the disease, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment options in endemic regions. Research into local flora like asafetida may provide targeted solutions for affected populations.

10) Measurement:
Measurement involves quantifying changes in the viability of Leishmania major upon exposure to asafetida. Accurate measurement techniques, like ELISA and counting methods, are vital for exhibiting the drug's efficacy and understanding how different concentrations impact parasite life cycles, ultimately guiding dose recommendations in further studies.

11) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed describes the process in which isolated mostigotes are converted into promastigotes in culture. This transformation is crucial for conducting experiments focusing on leishmanial lifecycle stages, relevant for determining how asafetida affects these stages. Understanding these transformations is significant for developing effective treatments.

12) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The integration of asafetida into the realm of medicine illustrates the potential of natural products in therapeutic applications and highlights the ongoing exploration of alternative medicine traditions in modern healthcare strategies.

13) Disease:
Disease denotes the pathological conditions resulting from infections, with leishmaniasis being a focus in this study. Understanding diseases enables researchers to target treatments effectively, and studying asafetida's effects on a specific disease may contribute to new therapeutic approaches and enhanced public health management strategies.

14) Species:
Species pertains to the classification of organisms, in this case, Leishmania major, the parasite responsible for leishmaniasis. Identifying the specific species involved is critical for relevant research as it influences treatment strategies and the understanding of the pathogen's biology, facilitating targeted therapeutic developments.

15) Water:
Water is used as a solvent to prepare asafetida extracts for experimentation. The choice of solvents impacts the extraction of active compounds, influencing the substance's biological activity. Utilizing water highlights the eco-friendliness of preparing herbal alternatives, promoting sustainable practices in research and medicine.

16) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drug action and efficacy. In this context, pharmacological investigations of asafetida focus on its potential therapeutic effects against parasitic infections like leishmaniasis, emphasizing the need for comprehensive understanding of plant-based compounds in developing new medications.

17) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic describes substances used to treat bacterial infections. While this study focuses on antileishmanial properties, asafetida's potential antibiotic effects can lead to discoveries of multifaceted uses in treatment regimens, expanding the therapeutic applications of natural products and paving the way for holistic approaches in infection management.

18) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the spread of disease-causing organisms, such as the Leishmania parasite through sand fly bites. Understanding transmission dynamics is essential in developing preventive measures and effective treatments, and highlights the importance of ecological factors in the epidemiology of diseases like leishmaniasis.

19) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context pertains to the understanding and information gained from research about the effects of asafetida on Leishmania major. Accumulating knowledge is critical for progressing scientific inquiry and developing effective treatments, contributing to public health initiatives aimed at combating leishmaniasis and other diseases.

20) Substance:
Substance denotes the material being studied, specifically asafetida in this case. Its exploration as a natural remedy emphasizes the importance of sourcing effective treatments from plant-based materials, highlighting the need for thorough investigation into their biochemical properties and clinical efficacy in addressing health issues.

21) Affection:
Affection might represent the impact of the disease on individuals and populations, delineating the emotional and physical toll of diseases like leishmaniasis. Acknowledging these affections engenders a holistic view of health, unifying scientific research with the broader implications on quality of life and community well-being.

22) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing originating from India. The mention of Ayurveda underscores the historical significance and medicinal traditions surrounding asafetida, highlighting its potential in modern medicine. Exploring historical usage enriches contemporary research and offers insights into effective natural therapeutic strategies.

23) Hysteria:
Hysteria, referenced as one of the historical uses of asafetida, illustrates the wide-ranging traditional applications of this substance in folk medicine. This highlights the evolving understanding of mental health and the importance of integrating traditional remedies into modern psychological treatment approaches.

24) Incision:
Incision refers to the method of extracting asafetida from the plant. Understanding this process is critical as it impacts the quality and potency of the oleo gum resin obtained for research. The harvest method can influence the composition of active constituents in the final product, affecting its efficacy.

25) Family:
Family in botanical terms refers to a taxonomic rank. The Apiaceae family, to which Ferula belongs, includes many plant species known for various medicinal properties. Understanding relationships within plant families can guide researchers in identifying other potential therapeutic candidates based on shared characteristics.

26) Summer:
Summer signifies the temporal aspect during which asafetida was harvested. Seasonal variations can affect plant growth and the concentration of bioactive compounds. Acknowledging the seasons is vital for maximizing yields and ensuring the availability of high-quality natural products for research and therapeutic use.

27) Kumar (Kumār):
Kumar likely refers to a researcher who contributed findings relevant to the study of asafetida’s properties, specifically its molluscicidal effects. Citing such studies enriches the current research context, showcasing collaborative efforts in exploring diverse potential applications of natural substances in health.

28) Syria (Syrian):
Syria, along with other mentioned countries, can be a contextual backdrop for the relevance of leishmaniasis as a public health concern. Highlighting different regions affected by the disease can facilitate region-specific research efforts and solutions, emphasizing the importance of localized approaches in global health initiatives.

29) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China reflects the geographical context of where asafetida, and similar therapies, have been traditionally used. Highlighting such regions emphasizes the historical and cultural relevance of herbal medicine, potentially leading to enhanced exploration of indigenous treatments that could complement current medical practices.

30) Rani (Rāṇī):
Rani likely denotes another researcher contributing to the understanding of asafetida's antimicrobial properties. Incorporating findings from various studies enriches the overall body of research, showcasing the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry into the efficacy of natural products as therapeutic agents.

31) Male (Mālē):
Male refers to the sex of laboratory mice used in experiments. The choice of male mice is often based on standard practices in research to mitigate hormonal influences that can affect outcomes. This detail is significant in ensuring consistency when assessing the pharmacological effects of treatments.

32) Food:
Food refers to the standard diet provided to laboratory mice in controlled housing conditions. Providing proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and viability of animal subjects, ensuring that experimental results accurately reflect the impact of test substances, like asafetida, on parasites.

33) Cage (Cāge):
Cage denotes the housing conditions for laboratory animals. Proper cage management is crucial for maintaining animal welfare and ensuring standardized environmental variables during experiments. This relates to the overall credibility and reliability of research findings as they directly influence the health and behavior of test subjects.

34) Rich (Ṛch):
Rich in this context likely refers to the abundant phytochemical composition of asafetida. Analyzing the richness of bioactive compounds in natural products is essential for understanding their medicinal potential, guiding further research to optimize extraction methods for therapeutic uses based on their biological activities.

35) Shand (Śaṇḍ, Sand):
Sand relates to the vector, notably sand flies, involved in transmitting leishmaniasis. Recognizing this transmission route is crucial for understanding disease ecology and developing targeted interventions. Insight into vector dynamics can help in formulating strategies to reduce disease incidence in endemic regions.

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