male reproductive dysfunction are also thoroughly discussed.
Chapter 13 focuses on various medical applications of Rubus species, their traditional uses, and the bioactive compounds responsible for their activities with special reference to cancer. The benefits derived from raspberry consumption have been attributed to their polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and vitamin C content. In-vitro studies conducted on the antioxidant capacity of Rubus species reported varying concentrations of phenolic compounds and their differential effects on cancer cells.
Chapter 14 incorporates the studies performed on the therapeutic effects of bioactive compounds derived from brown seaweeds. This review focuses on the structural diversity of these compounds and the molecular signal pathway mechanisms of their action. Also discussed is a therapeutic approach using both conventional anti-cancer drugs and these compounds as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.
Chapter 15 describes the role of various herbal extracts and plant compounds in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). As treatment options for PCOS are currently very limited, offering only palliative care, this chapter demonstrates that phytochemicals from various medicinal plants possess the ability to reduce the adverse effects occurring from the consumption of pharmaceutical drugs.
Chapter 16 focuses on the potential of herbs in the field of neurological disorders. It deals with virtual screening for a prospective ligand that could provide phytopharmaceuticals of therapeutic importance for respective neurological diseases. In-silico studies suggest that these natural and safe ligands can be used with fewer or no complications or side effects.
Chapter 17 highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system in controlling the immunological response, history, traditional uses and chemistry of cannabinoids. The authors report on the molecular pharmacology of two important constituents of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which could be better agents for the management of autoimmune diseases.
Chapter 18 evaluates Rheum emodi Wall, a medicinal herb belonging to the family Polygonaceae. The botanical and taxonomic status of R. emodi is discussed, highlighting its origin and geographical distribution, and enlisting its various phytoconstituents and pharmaceutical potential.
Chapter 19 covers the genus Alseodaphne belonging to the family Lauraceae (the fifth largest botanical family). The authors selected eight members of this genus and discuss the botany, taxonomic status, origin and geographical distribution of each species. Species-wise phytoconstituents and pharmaceutically active metabolites were also enlisted.
Chapter 20 provides information about the chemical constituents of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, its potential application as a bioactive compound in food, and its health benefits.
Chapter 21 focuses on the fruit of Nephelium lappaceum L., more specifically on its centesimal composition, phytochemical content and biological properties. In particular, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetogenic, anti-obesogenic, other health improvements and toxicological characteristics are described.
Chapter 22 highlights the significant role that phytopharmaceuticals play in leading a healthy life and their positive impact on human health by arranging them in routine diets. It is our hope that this book will encourage those working in the fields of science, medicine and industry to work on phytomedicines that may lead to potent and effective phytomedicine. The future prospects of herbal medicine signify that plant products may unlock the remedies for dangerous diseases or disorders.
Last, but not least, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the authors who took time away from their busy schedules to be part of this venture and contributed wonderful chapters that added both depth and worth to this book. Special thanks to our families for their sustenance and inspiration. Our special thanks to Dr. Nagendra Singh Chauhan (husband of Durgesh Nandini Chauhan), Ritu Shah (wife of Dr. Kamal Shah) and kids Ishita, Harshita, Khushi and Agam. We would like to acknowledge the publishing and production team at Scrivener Publishing, especially Linda Mohr and Martin Scrivener, for their generous, skillful, and inspiring management. We welcome suggestions and criticisms from our readers.
Editors Durgesh Nandini Chauhan Kamal Shah March 6, 2021
1
A Great Challenge on the Reproducibility of Therapeutic Results of Phytopharmaceuticals
Idha Kusumawati
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, C Campus Jl, Surabaya, Indonesia
Abstract
Phytopharmaceuticals contain a complex mixture of constituents from herbal medicine. It is important to understand that pytopharmaceutical therapeutic result and safety are built from all its constituents. Reproducibility of phytopharmaceutical quality must be guaranteed from raw material to end product and from batch to batch production. Determination of quality cannot only be based on one or a group of marker compounds because it will not be able to describe a complex mixture of ingredients. To represent the complexity of constituent in phytopharmaceuticals, chemical finger-prints have to be used which can be obtained by various chromatography and other methods.
Keywords: Phytopharmaceuticals, complex mixture, marker constituent, chemical fingerprint, medicine, R&D investment
1.1 Introduction
For many centuries, herbal medicine has been used to prevent and cure various diseases. This relates to cultural popularity, ease of access, and relatively low prices. In ancient times, herbs use was based on instinct, taste, and experience so that people could distinguish plants that were beneficial to health, not useful or toxic. The public can also find out which processing method should be used to obtain optimal efficacy [1] Chinese, Unani, Homeopathy, and Siddha. Traditional medicine using herbal formulas is widely used to treat complex diseases for years. The herbal formula often consists of several herbs and contains various chemical compounds, making it possible to have several unknown targets and treatment functions [2]. Medicinal plants are also important sources of substances with biological activity. Approximately 25% of modern medicines are directly or indirectly derived from plants [1].
Herbal products have excellent potential in the pharmaceutical segment. There are three categories of herbal products; traditional herbal medicine, over-the-counter (OTC) herbal medicine, and phytopharmaceuticals. Traditional herbal medicines are based on empirical efficacy and supported by ancient beliefs, and are prescribed individually. The OTC herbal medicinal products do not yet have scientific clinical data and evidence but are already in pharmaceutical preparations. The phytopharmaceuticals made based on data, scientific evidence, and clinically tested [3]. The phytopharmaceuticals is a standardized herbal preparation containing active ingredients in a complex mixture of plant ingredients. This preparation does not have an immediate or strong pharmacological effect; therefore, it is not appropriate for emergency treatment [1, 4].
An herbal product, either in the form of plant parts (fresh or dried) or plant extracts, contains many constituents that often work together synergistically.