Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Medicinal plants and filariasis (sleepada)
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a review
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Sleepada, defined as “silaa vata padam sleepadam,” reflects a significant health issue primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. Recognized in modern medicine as Lymphatic filariasis (LF), it is caused by infections from nematode parasites such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, with W. bancrofti being the most prevalent. The disease leads to debilitating symptoms, including lymphedema and hydroceles, severely affecting individuals' quality of life and contributing to long-term disability. Current treatments, although somewhat effective in reducing microfilariae counts, do not eliminate adult worms, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatment modalities.
Traditional Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurvedic texts describe various treatments for Sleepada, which include daha karma, siravedha, and several medicinal preparations derived from plants. A unique treatment described by Acharya Sushruta emphasizes the importance of Siravedhana (bloodletting) as a therapeutic intervention specifically for this condition. The Ayurvedic approach to treating Sleepada highlights the need to reestablish balance in the body, particularly focusing on addressing the vata dosha's aggravation. The use of plant-based treatments further indicates the rich tradition of employing herbal solutions in managing diseases like LF.
Medicinal Plants with Antifilarial Activity
The review identifies several medicinal plants that have shown antifilarial activity, offering a potential complementary approach to modern treatments. Plants such as Acacia auriculiformis, Andrographis paniculata, and Moringa oleifera are noted for their effectiveness against filarial parasites. These plants have been utilized traditionally and have their active principles investigated for their potential in inhibiting the growth of filarial worms. The use of these medicinal plants aligns with a growing trend towards incorporating natural remedies in managing chronic diseases, reflecting a resurgence of interest in Ayurvedic and traditional healing practices.
The Challenge of Current Treatments
Despite the availability of mass drug administration (MDA) strategies, issues persist in completely eliminating LF due to limitations in treatment effectiveness, particularly against adult parasites. Current pharmacological agents such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole demonstrate a lack of efficacy in eradicating adult worms, resulting in recurring infections and adverse side effects. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative and safe treatment alternatives that could potentially overcome these barriers, emphasizing the exploration of novel antifilarial drugs based on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants.
Conclusion
The exploration of medicinal plants in the context of treating Sleepada presents a promising avenue for bolstering current therapeutic options and addressing the inadequacies of modern treatments for Lymphatic filariasis. With an increasing inclination towards Ayurveda and natural remedies, this compilation serves as an initial effort towards recognizing and validating the therapeutic potential of various plants that have been utilized in traditional medicine. By integrating these practices into contemporary healthcare, it is possible to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing adverse effects, thereby improving patient well-being and addressing a critical health issue in endemic regions.
Original source:
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Dr. Neetu Vishwakarma and Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Vishwakarma
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Medicinal plants and filariasis (sleepada)
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Sleepada and how does it relate to modern medicine?
Sleepada, defined as 'silaa vata padam', is known as lymphatic filariasis in modern medicine. It is caused by nematode parasites, primarily Wuchereria bancrofti, and leads to serious health consequences in tropical regions.
What are the types of Sleepada mentioned in Ayurveda?
There are three types of Sleepada outlined in Ayurvedic texts: Vaataja Sleepada, Pittaja Sleepada, and Kaphaja Sleepada, each reflecting different dosha imbalances associated with the condition.
What are the primary treatment strategies for Lymphatic filariasis?
Current treatment strategies include mass drug administration with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole (ALB), aimed at reducing microfilariae counts but ineffective against adult worms.
Which medicinal plants have been found effective against filarial parasites?
Several medicinal plants show antifilarial activity, including Acacia auriculiformis, Aegle marmelos, and Andrographis paniculata, among others, used traditionally in Ayurvedic practices.
What challenges exist in the elimination of filariasis?
Challenges include technological limitations of mass drug administration strategies, potential drug-resistant worms, and the need for safe, effective long-term treatment options.
Why is Ayurveda increasingly being preferred for treating ailments?
Ayurveda is preferred due to its holistic approach, use of natural medicinal plants, and minimal adverse side effects, making it appealing for maintaining health and treating diseases.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medicinal plants and filariasis (sleepada)”. 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:
Drug refers to a substance used for medical treatment, specifically in this context to manage Lymphatic filariasis (Sleepada). It highlights the necessity of both modern and traditional remedies to combat the filarial worms in infected individuals, showcasing the ongoing quest for effective antifilarial medications.
2) Disease:
Disease in this context signifies Lymphatic filariasis or Sleepada, a significant tropical disease caused by filarial worms. It illustrates the impact of such infections on millions, leading to severe health complications, socio-economic burdens, and a global health focus on eradication through various treatment strategies.
3) Worm:
Worm refers to the filarial parasites, primarily Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, responsible for Lymphatic filariasis. Understanding the biological and ecological aspects of these worms is crucial for developing effective treatment and prevention methods, as they are central to the disease's transmission and pathology.
4) Transmission:
Transmission pertains to how Lymphatic filariasis spreads, primarily through infected mosquito vectors like Culex quinquefasciatus. This concept underscores the importance of vector control strategies and public health initiatives to interrupt the disease cycle and protect at-risk populations in endemic regions.
5) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that utilizes a holistic approach to health. In the context of Lymphatic filariasis, it offers traditional remedies and treatment methods, highlighting the relevance of exploring medicinal plants and traditional knowledge for effective, low-side-effect therapeutic options.
6) Tirupati (Thirupati, Tiruppaṭi):
Tirupati is a city in Andhra Pradesh, India, where the authors of the review are based. The city's significance lies in its academic contributions to Ayurvedic studies and treatments, potentially influencing local health practices and the dissemination of knowledge regarding alternative therapies for diseases like Sleepada.
7) Activity:
Activity denotes the biological actions of medicinal plants against the filarial parasites. It emphasizes the exploration and identification of plant-based compounds with antifilarial properties, highlighting the importance of pharmacological research in finding natural solutions for combating diseases traditionally treated with synthetic drugs.
8) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing air and space elements. In the context of Sleepada, an imbalance in Vata is thought to lead to the disease's manifestation, underscoring the Ayurvedic perspective of bodily imbalances influencing disease and the importance of restoring harmony.
9) Kshara (Kṣāra):
Kshara refers to alkaline substances in Ayurvedic medicine, which are used for their therapeutic properties. It signifies one of the treatment methods for Sleepada, illustrating traditional remedies that aim to correct imbalances and combat the pathogenic effects of filarial infection.
10) Shalya (Śalya, Salya):
Shalya is a branch of Ayurveda focused on surgery and the treatment of surgical ailments. Its relevance in managing Sleepada involves various surgical interventions and techniques, reflecting a comprehensive approach to treatment that can include both surgical and medicinal practices.
11) Paniya (Paṇiya, Pānīya, Pāṇiyā):
Paniya refers to medicinal drinks or decoctions used in Ayurvedic treatments. Its mention highlights the importance of fluid-based therapies in combating diseases like Sleepada, emphasizing traditional practices that involve ingesting herbal remedies prepared as liquids to harness their medicinal benefits.
12) Karma (Karman, Kārma):
Karma in Ayurvedic practice indicates action or therapeutic procedures. In the context of Sleepada treatment, it encompasses various types of therapies such as Daha Karma (cauterization), reflecting the broad range of therapeutic modalities employed to address imbalances and alleviate symptoms associated with the disease.
13) Daha (Dāha):
Daha refers to a specific therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda involving cauterization. Its inclusion in the treatment of Sleepada underscores the diverse strategies within Ayurvedic practices aimed at alleviating symptoms and addressing the root causes of the disease through physical interventions.
14) Zingiber officinale:
Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a medicinal plant studied for its potential antifilarial properties. Its mention in the review indicates its relevance in traditional medicine, showcasing the exploration of herbal remedies in combating Lymphatic filariasis and their therapeutic applications.
15) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice, is another medicinal plant noted for its potential health benefits, including antifilarial activity. Highlighting its use in Ayurvedic medicine illustrates the broader context of plant-derived therapies in managing and treating diseases like Lymphatic filariasis.
16) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, known as neem, is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its antibacterial and antifilarial effects. Its inclusion in the review showcases the significance of neem in Ayurvedic treatments and its potential role in addressing tropical diseases like Sleepada.
17) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly called ashwagandha, is a plant with adaptogenic properties, known for its various health benefits. Its mention signifies a focus on Ayurvedic plants that contribute to overall wellness, indicating its possible therapeutic role in combating ailments like Lymphatic filariasis.
18) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma, known as flame of the forest, is highlighted for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in the context of foliar treatments. Its inclusion underscores the valuable contribution of traditional plants in Ayurveda to combat diseases like Lymphatic filariasis.
19) Insect pest:
Insect pest refers to unwanted species that cause harm to plants, crops, and health. The review indicates the relevance of exploring natural products with insecticidal properties as part of controlling vectors like mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as Lymphatic filariasis.
20) Ashtangasamgraha (Aṣṭāṅgasaṃgraha, Aṣṭāṅgasaṅgraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Astanga-sangraha is a classical Ayurvedic text that codifies traditional medical knowledge and practices. Its mention highlights the textual foundation that informs contemporary Ayurvedic understanding of diseases like Sleepada and provides valuable insights into treatment methodologies supported by historical precedents.
21) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, commonly known as castor oil plant, is recognized for its medicinal uses and potential antifilarial properties. Its mention illustrates the diverse range of botanical resources considered for therapeutic applications in Ayurveda, particularly concerning managing Lymphatic filariasis.
22) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, or bael, is a fruit-bearing tree known for its traditional medicinal uses. Including this plant draws attention to the significant role of local flora in Ayurveda to combat diseases like Lymphatic filariasis and promotes the exploration of indigenous knowledge in modern health practices.
23) Dravyaguna (Dravyaguṇa, Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a branch of Ayurveda focusing on the properties and uses of medicinal substances. Its relevance in the context of the review indicates its importance in identifying effective plant-based treatments for diseases like Lymphatic filariasis, emphasizing the systematic study of herbal medicine.
24) Developing:
Developing highlights countries that face significant health challenges due to infectious diseases like Lymphatic filariasis. The phrase emphasizes the socio-economic disparities impacting healthcare availability and the need for targeted interventions in developing nations to control and prevent the spread of such diseases.
25) Siravedha (Sirāvedha, Sira-vedha):
Siravedha is a specific Ayurvedic treatment method involving bloodletting to alleviate symptoms of various diseases. Its mention in the context of Sleepada highlights unique therapeutic strategies within Ayurveda aimed at addressing the severity of the disease and restoring health.
26) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the practices, therapies, and substances employed to prevent and treat diseases. The review explores the intersection of traditional Ayurvedic medicine and contemporary approaches to managing Lymphatic filariasis, underscoring the richness of natural remedies in modern therapeutic landscapes.
27) Samgraha (Saṅgraha, Saṃgraha, Saṃgrāha, Sangraha):
Sangraha refers to the compilation or collection of knowledge, especially in Ayurvedic texts. Its significance in the review underscores the importance of documenting traditional insights and the synthesis of plant-based therapies for treating diseases like Sleepada, fostering the preservation of Ayurvedic wisdom.
28) Pregnant:
Pregnant signifies a specific population at risk while undergoing treatment for diseases like Lymphatic filariasis. This concept underscores the importance of caution in healthcare practices regarding drug administration and the need for tailored interventions considering the health of both mothers and their unborn children.
29) Kaphaja:
Kaphaja is another dosha in Ayurveda, representing the earth and water elements. In the context of Sleepada, it refers to specific manifestations of the disease according to Ayurvedic principles, illustrating the system's holistic approach to understanding and treating ailments based on bodily imbalances.
30) Ashtanga (Aṣṭāṅga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga relates to the eight limbs of Ayurveda, representing various aspects of health and wellness. This term signifies the holistic framework of Ayurvedic practice in understanding diseases like Sleepada and emphasizes the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual health in treatment methodologies.
31) Pittaja (Pitta-ja):
Pittaja refers to the dosha associated with fire and metabolism in Ayurveda. Its relevance in the context of Sleepada signifies the multifaceted nature of the disease's presentation and treatment in Ayurvedic practice, as well as the need to address imbalances in all three doshas.
32) Species:
Species refers to the different types of filarial worms, particularly Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. Understanding species variation is critical for effective treatment strategies against lymphatic filariasis, as each species may respond differently to therapies and exhibit unique transmission dynamics.
33) Account:
Account implies the documenting and understanding of the prevalence, impact, and treatment of Lymphatic filariasis. This concept highlights the importance of research efforts in gathering data to inform public health initiatives and improve global health outcomes related to this debilitating disease.
34) Killing (Killed):
Killing in this context refers to the need for effective therapeutics to eliminate adult filarial worms responsible for Lymphatic filariasis. This highlights a significant gap in current drug therapies, which primarily reduce microfilariae levels but are less effective against adult parasites, necessitating further research.
35) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is another traditional system of medicine in India, akin to Ayurveda. Its mention sheds light on the broader landscape of traditional healing practices available for treating diseases like Lymphatic filariasis and emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse medicinal knowledge for effective treatments.
36) Camara (Cāmara, Camará):
Camara refers to Lantana camara, a plant acknowledged for its medicinal properties. Its mention highlights the significance of researching local flora for potential health benefits, particularly in addressing tropical diseases such as Lymphatic filariasis, thereby promoting biodiversity in herbal medicine.
37) Vihara (Vihāra, Vīhāra):
Vihara signifies lifestyle practices in Ayurveda that are essential for maintaining health. It draws attention to the lifestyle factors that may contribute to the aggravation of conditions like Sleepada, underlining the importance of dietary and lifestyle modifications in holistic disease management.
38) Family:
Family in this context refers to the botanical families of the listed medicinal plants, emphasizing the taxonomic classification that aids in the study and understanding of their properties. It illustrates the interconnectedness of plant species and their role in traditional medicine.
39) Insect:
Insect pertains to the vector species responsible for transmitting filarial infections, highlighting the relationship between insects and diseases like Lymphatic filariasis. Addressing insect populations is crucial in developing effective vector control measures and ultimately preventing disease transmission.
40) Kalka:
Kalka refers to a paste or preparation made from powdered medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic therapies. Its relevance in treating Sleepada highlights the importance of traditional formulations in addressing ailments and utilizing the therapeutic potential of plants within Ayurvedic practice.
41) India:
India is the historical and cultural origin of Ayurveda, showcasing its rich medicinal heritage. The mention underscores the nation's profound influence in developing traditional healing practices and continues to serve as a source of medicinal plants and knowledge for treating diseases like Lymphatic filariasis.
42) Kumar (Kumār):
Kumar signifies a common surname in India and, in this context, references one of the authors of the review. It reflects the collaborative nature of research efforts in advancing Ayurvedic medicine and the contribution of individual scholars in addressing public health issues.
43) Fever:
Fever refers to a common symptom experienced by patients undergoing treatment for diseases like Lymphatic filariasis. It highlights the side effects associated with current drug regimens, emphasizing the need for safer therapeutic options that minimize uncomfortable symptoms for affected individuals.
44) Fight:
Fight signifies the ongoing battle against tropical diseases like Lymphatic filariasis. It highlights the collective global efforts in public health, research, and resource allocation aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by such diseases in endemic countries and improving health outcomes.
45) Blood:
Blood refers to the body fluid in which microfilariae of lymphatic filarial worms circulate. Understanding its role in disease transmission emphasizes the need for diagnostics and treatment approaches that can effectively target and disrupt the life cycle of the parasites present in the bloodstream.
46) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China's mention corresponds to its declaration of filariasis elimination achievements. It illustrates the effectiveness of public health interventions and strategies at a national level, providing insights for other developing countries striving to control and eliminate similar tropical diseases.
47) Shila (Śilā, Silā, Sīla, Śila, Śīla, Sīlā):
Sila refers to stone, embodying the characteristics of filarial manifestations in Ayurvedic terminology. This highlights the descriptive nature of Ayurvedic medicine, illustrating how diseases are named based on physical manifestations, reflecting a unique understanding of illness in traditional systems of medicine.
48) Ras (Rās, Rash):
Rash denotes one of the adverse reactions associated with the administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) in treating Lymphatic filariasis. This underlines the importance of monitoring side effects in drug treatment regimens, reinforcing the need for safe and tolerable therapies to improve patient compliance.
49) Rich (Ṛch):
Rich refers to the abundance of medicinal plants utilized in Ayurveda and their potential health benefits. The emphasis on rich biodiversity in India stresses the significance of exploring traditional knowledge and plant resources to discover effective treatments for a range of diseases, including Lymphatic filariasis.
50) Pur (Pūr):
Poor refers to the socio-economic conditions of large populations affected by Lymphatic filariasis, signifying the disparities in healthcare access and treatment options. This term emphasizes the urgent need for resource allocation, health education, and targeted interventions to support impoverished communities facing such tropical diseases.