Abstract

Natural products have played a central role in health care across human history, forming the basis of traditional medicine systems. This article explores the historical relevance and modern scientific significance of traditional medicine in the context of drug discovery, therapeutic application, and disease prevention. Systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are examined alongside their integration with modern pharmacology. Medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds are highlighted for their contributions to managing chronic diseases and emerging health threats, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent advances in analytical technologies, omics sciences, and nanomedicine have expanded our understanding and application of traditional remedies. The convergence of traditional wisdom and modern evidence-based medicine holds promise for sustainable, accessible, and holistic health care solutions. Rigorous scientific validation is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of traditional remedies.

Keywords: Extracts, ethno-medicine, herbs, traditional medicine, therapeutics

Natural products have been employed in the treatment of diseases since the earliest human civilizations. The observation of beneficial effects from plant-based remedies laid the foundation for formal systems of traditional medicine. Over time, indigenous knowledge systems evolved into structured frameworks for diagnosing and treating illness. Today, a significant portion of the global population, particularly in developing countries, continues to rely on traditional medicine for primary health care. The continued relevance of these practices is a testament to their perceived efficacy, accessibility, and alignment with cultural beliefs. Traditional medicine encompasses diverse systems including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kampo. These systems emphasize a holistic understanding of health and wellness, often integrating herbal remedies, dietary regulation, and lifestyle practices.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SYSTEMS

In India, the AYUSH framework includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Among these, Ayurveda is the most ancient and widely practiced, dating back to the pre-Vedic period around 4000-1500 BCE. The term “Ayurveda” means “Science of Life”, emphasizing the balance of body, mind, and spirit. The foundational concepts of Ayurveda revolve around the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—each governing distinct physiological functions. Classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe hundreds of medicinal plants and their uses. Siddha medicine, another ancient Indian system, views health as the equilibrium of physical, psychological, and spiritual components. It emphasizes alchemical preparations and mineral-based drugs in addition to herbal therapies. The Unani system, rooted in Greco-Arabic traditions, is based on the humoral theory. It explains health as a balance among four humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—corresponding to the four elements¹. These traditional frameworks continue to influence modern therapeutic practices and have found institutional support through research, education, and public health integration.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MODERN MEDICINE

Many of today’s pharmacologically active compounds originate from plants used in traditional medicine. Historical examples include the isolation of morphine from opium by Friedrich Sertürner in the 19th century and quinine from Cinchona bark for malaria treatment. In India, the pioneering work of Sir Ram Nath Chopra highlighted the medicinal potential of indigenous plants such as Rauvolfia serpentina, used for treating hypertension and mental illness². Numerous plant-derived compounds have been developed into modern drugs. Artemisinin, extracted from Artemisia annua, revolutionized malaria treatment and earned Youyou Tu the Nobel Prize in 2015. Paclitaxel, isolated from Taxus brevifolia, is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent³. Berberine, found in Berberis species, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, making it relevant in the treatment of metabolic disorders⁴. Curcumin from Curcuma longa (turmeric) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is widely studied for its role in chronic disease management⁵. Similarly, ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba support cognitive function and vascular health⁶. The broad pharmacological spectrum of traditional remedies continues to inspire the discovery of new drugs, with a growing emphasis on scientific validation and standardization.

PHYTOCOMPOUNDS WITH ANTIVIRAL PROPERTIES

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred global efforts to identify effective therapeutics, including repurposing existing drugs and exploring herbal alternatives. Several synthetic agents such as remdesivir, methylprednisolone, and hydroxychloroquine were deployed with varying degrees of success and safety concerns. Concurrently, interest surged in natural products traditionally used for respiratory infections and immune support. Extracts from Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) and Tinospora crispa (Makabuhay) were studied for their potential antiviral effects^7,8. Common household remedies like turmeric, ginger, garlic, neem, and lemon were popularly promoted despite limited clinical evidence. Some bioactive plant compounds have demonstrated promising antiviral properties in vitro. Lycorine from Lycoris radiata has been shown to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) replication⁹. Flavonoids such as herbacetin and quercetin derivatives can target coronavirus. Hesperetin, a flavonoid in citrus fruits, has been identified as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV 3CL protease¹⁰. Licorice-derived glycyrrhizin has exhibited antiviral effects across several studies^11,12. Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa), widely used in folk medicine, contain thymoquinone, a bioactive compound with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Thymoquinone could potentially be used as an adjunctive treatment alongside repurposed or investigational antivirals and supportive care¹³. These findings point to the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, though large-scale human trials remain necessary.

APPLICATIONS IN METABOLIC AND CHRONIC DISEASES

Traditional medicine also plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Herbal drugs that modulate metabolic pathways offer alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic drugs. Berberine has been extensively studied for its effects on insulin secretion, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota composition. It has shown promise in lowering fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing hepatic fat accumulation^14,15. Picrorhiza kurroa, long used in Ayurveda for liver disorders, exhibits hepatoprotective properties and has been commercialized as picroliv¹⁶. Pterocarpus marsupium (Vijayasar) has documented antidiabetic activity through pancreatic beta-cell regeneration¹⁷. These examples highlight the utility of traditional remedies in addressing modern health challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to conventional medicine may be constrained.

The diverse therapeutic applications and potential benefits of traditional herbal formulations are depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Applications of traditional medicine in various diseases.

EMERGING RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION

The integration of traditional medicine into mainstream health care is supported by advances in analytical chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmacology. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) allow for precise characterization and quality control of herbal compounds¹⁸. Omics technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, help elucidate the mechanisms of action and therapeutic targets of plant-derived compounds¹⁹. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems enhance bioavailability and targeted action, addressing issues of poor solubility and absorption common with some herbal drugs²⁰. These innovations not only validate traditional knowledge but also refine it into reproducible, standardized, and safe formulations. For example, Boswellia serrata, traditionally used for inflammation, has been developed into effective anti-arthritic formulations²¹. The Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu, successfully commercialized its gum resin as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent²². Such achievements demonstrate how scientific inquiry can bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

Traditional medicine represents a valuable and often underutilized resource in global health care. Its rich repository of plant-based remedies, when studied and applied scientifically, can contribute meaningfully to the prevention and management of diseases. The integration of traditional practices with modern medicine fosters a more holistic, personalized, and culturally sensitive approach to health. Continued research, policy support, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to fully harness the potential of natural products. As the world seeks sustainable, accessible, and safe medical solutions, the fusion of ancient knowledge with modern science offers a promising path forward.

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