Ethnotherapeutic Uses of Aquatic Animals in the North Eastern Region of India: A Preliminary Observation

Abstract:

Since ancient times humans have been associating themselves with animals to derive various benefits which include the therapeutic values of animals. Zootherapy is in practice among the indigenous people of various parts of the world. The indigenous people living in the North Eastern (NE) region of India also know the medicinal values of animals and they have been using many animals in the treatment of various health ailments. This region is bestowed with many nature’s gifts, among which the vast water bodies are considered the best. The diverse terrain of the region has made varieties of aquatic animals exist. Hence, it has become favourable for the indigenous people to use the easily available resources - aquatic animals for the treatment of health ailments. This precious indigenous knowledge is restricted locally and is handed down from one generation to the other through verbal communication. Consequently, this knowledge has started perishing. Making proper documentation of the traditional uses of aquatic animals of this region in the treatment of health ailments is intended in the present study. Attempts have also been made to reveal the presence of bioactive components in the aquatic animals of the region. The present study will be helpful while analyzing the therapeutic potentials of aquatic animals and then preparing drugs for clinical purposes.

Rationalizing the therapeutic potential of apigenin against cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the remarkable advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the past couple of decades, it remains the second largest cause of mortality in the world, killing approximately 9.6 million people annually. The major challenges in the treatment of the advanced stage of this disease are the development of chemoresistance, severe adverse effects of the drugs, and high treatment cost. Therefore, the development of drugs that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective remains a 'Holy Grail' in cancer research. However, the research over the past four decades shed light on the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products and their underlying mechanism of action. Apigenin is one such compound, which is known to be safe and has significant potential in the prevention and therapy of this disease.

AIM

To assess the literature available on the potential of apigenin and its analogs in modulating the key molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search has been carried out on PubMed for obtaining information related to the sources and analogs, chemistry and biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, bioavailability and toxicity of apigenin.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and a few cohort studies that evidenced the effectiveness of apigenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, etc., which play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, apigenin was also shown to inhibit chemoresistance and radioresistance and make cancer cells sensitive to these agents. Reports have further revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for improving its bioavailability.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hence, the present review recapitulates the properties of apigenin and its pharmacological activities against different types of cancer, which warrant further investigation in clinical settings.