Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy): An insight on the multifarious pharmacological paradigms of a most promising medicinal ayurvedic herb

Unravelling the epigenetic based mechanism in discovery of anticancer phytomedicine: Evidence based studies

Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the normal development and maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression patterns in mammals. Disruption of these processes can result in changes to gene function and the transformation of cells into a malignant state. Cancer is characterized by widespread alterations in the epigenetic landscape, revealing that it involves not only genetic mutations but also epigenetic abnormalities. Recent progress in the field of cancer epigenetics has demonstrated significant reprogramming of various components of the epigenetic machinery in cancer, such as DNA methylation, modifications to histones, positioning of nucleosomes, and the expression of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs. The ability to reverse epigenetic abnormalities has given rise to the hopeful field of epigenetic therapy, which has shown advancement with the recent approval by the FDA of three drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms for the treatment of cancer. In the present manuscript, a comprehensive review has been presented about the role of understanding the epigenetic link between cancer and mechanisms by which phytomedicine offers treatment avenues. Further, this review deciphers the significance of natural products in the identification of epigenetic therapeutics, the diversity of their molecular targets, the use of nanotechnology, and the creation of new strategies for overcoming the inherent clinical challenges associated with developing these drug leads.

Eighteen months of non-union of an upper third tibial fracture treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines and Panchakarma: A case report

In the present case, a 29-year-old male met with a road traffic accident and sustained a closed comminuted fracture of the upper third (U/3) of the tibia of his left leg. The patient was operated (Open Reduction Internal Fixation, ORIF) with internal nailing. Even after 18 months, the fracture line was visible in the X-ray, so he was re-operated (ORIF) and the nail was replaced by plate fixation. However, after the second operation, the patient developed foot drop and hyperesthesia due to peroneal nerve injury. In view of this complicated history, the patient was suggested to take supportive Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma to hasten the healing process. The Ayurvedic medicines Lakshadi guggul 500 mg, Mashadi Yoga 500 mg and Asthi majja yoga 500 mg three times a day were started. The follow-up X-ray examination after eight months of treatment didn't show considerable callus at the fracture site, so Panchakarma therapy was given for 21 days. Callus formation was seen within 3 weeks after completing Panchakarma treatment. The oral medications were continued and a follow-up X-ray examination on two more months of treatment showed near complete healing (Fracture line was obliterated because of considerable callus). The medicine was continued for two more months. Afterwards, the patient came back after one year and the follow-up X-ray examination showed complete healing. The internal plate was removed and complete fracture recovery was reported. Thus, a patient with a non-union fracture of the tibia was treated successfully with add-on Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma therapy.

The Role of Prebiotic and Herbal Supplementation in Enhancing Welfare and Resilience of Kenguri Sheep Subjected to Transportation Stress

A study was conducted to assess the efficacy of prebiotic and herbal supplements to relieve transportation stress based on changes in physiological, hematological, and molecular responses in Kenguri sheep. Thirty healthy female sheep were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (CKS) with no supplementation, a prebiotic supplementation group (PKS), and an herbal supplementation group (HKS). The animals were transported 230 km over seven hours during summer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 32.5 °C to 34.9 °C. The groups that received the prebiotic (75.6 breaths/min; 64.8 beats/min) and herbal supplementation (31.0 breaths/min; 66.8 beats/min) had a significantly reduced respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) compared to those of the control group (38.7 breaths/min; 75.6 beats/min) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), indicating improved physiological stability. The hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) levels were also significantly lower in the PKS (24.2 g/dL; 24.8%) and HKS (24.7 g/dL; 24.5%) groups than in the CKS (28.1 g/dL; 24.9%) (p < 0.05), highlighting the mitigation of hematological stress. Further, the plasma glucose level was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the HKS group (80.0 mg/dL) compared to the CKS group (63.5 mg/dL). However, rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperature (ST), red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and white blood cells (WBCs) showed no significant differences among the groups. These findings demonstrate that prebiotic and herbal supplementation can effectively reduce transportation-induced stress in Kenguri sheep, offering a practical strategy to improve the welfare and resilience of livestock under challenging environmental conditions.

Effects of Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) on metabolic syndrome components: a mechanistic review

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of some conditions such as high blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure. Introducing a drug or a food that manages the majority of these medical conditions is invaluable. Tinospora cordifolia, known as guduchi and giloy, is a medicinal herb in ayurvedic medicine that is used in the treatment of various diseased conditions and also as a food for the maintenance of health. Here, we reviewed the current evidence supporting the role of giloy in the development and treatment of metabolic syndrome components. Appropriate articles that have been published until May 2024 were carefully extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases to write a narrative review systematically. Gathered data showed the beneficial effects of giloy on metabolic syndrome components: hyperlipidemia, obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and especially diabetes mellitus. As diabetes and insulin resistance seem to be a central feature of metabolic syndrome and in turn, can cause dyslipidemia, obesity, and, atherosclerosis, these beneficial effects are predictable with the anti-diabetogenic property of giloy. In this review, the main mechanisms of action of giloy in metabolic syndrome components are discussed. Based on the results, although giloy has been less investigated, considerable studies provide evidence of its beneficial effects on different components of metabolic syndrome. Relevant clinical trials are necessary to validate the mentioned effects, safety, and optimum dose of this herbal medicine and its components in managing different components of metabolic syndrome and transition from bench to bedside.

Nanoparticles of natural product-derived medicines: Beyond the pandemic

This review explores the synergistic potential of natural products and nanotechnology for viral infections, highlighting key antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties to combat pandemics caused by highly infectious viruses. These pandemics often result in severe public health crises, particularly affecting vulnerable populations due to respiratory complications and increased mortality rates. A cytokine storm is initiated when an overload of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is released, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. Viral mutations and the limited availability of effective drugs, vaccines, and therapies contribute to the continuous transmission of the virus. The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked renewed interest in natural product-derived antivirals. The efficacy of traditional medicines against pandemic viral infections is examined. Their antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are highlighted. This review discusses how nanotechnology enhances the efficacy of herbal medicines in combating viral infections.

Immunomodulatory properties of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) leaves and its applications in value-added products

In Ayurvedic texts, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) have been known as the most potent and important medicinal product. Giloy leaves have been used for centuries to cure various ailments and diseases in the human body. This review highlights that giloy leaves have immunomodulatory properties and can be used to develop functional food products. The current review focuses on the phytochemical composition of giloy leaves, and the mechanism for their immunomodulatory action highlighting specific pathways including NF-kB pathway and interleukin modulation. Giloy leaves possess antioxidant activity and induce apoptosis of cells in the immune response. Studies have shown the potential of incorporating giloy leaves into a wide range of value-added products, such as beverages, biscuits, and herbal formulations, to bridge traditional knowledge with modern functional food production. A comparison of traditional and modern giloy-based products demonstrates their benefits and drawbacks, showing that traditional techniques can be combined with modern scientific developments to improve medicinal efficacy. Although giloy leaves-based products show promising potential, further research is necessary to ascertain their effectiveness.