Are scientists barking up the wrong tree to “scientifically validate” traditional medicines?

Alpha-glucosidase and DPP-IV Inhibitory Activities of Ethanol Extract from Caesalpinia sappan, Andrographis paniculata, and Syzygium cumini

“…This will be used for comparison of old research to new research and provide a broader sight of knowledge on E.elephantine medicinal properties and strengthen the scientific findings. This review corroborates with 29 in that Elephantorrhiza elephantine has several scientific reports to prove efficacy through pharmacological studies by the research studies conducted in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic but not limited to these mentioned 6,12,22,28 but not much has been done on the safety. These studies illustrated scientific evidence which validates the traditional uses of the plant.…”

“…Therefore, new plant species investigation could be of clinical value in new development for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. 2 However , , 29 expresses that as much as research has been done on the medicinal plant E. elephantine for evidence of anti-microbial; antiinflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-diabetic and wound healing, 9,19,20,30 no confirmation was acknowledged from researchers for any further development of product and commercialised. Maharaj et al 29 further highlights that the past literature evidence complied should have already led to the commercialisation of pharmaceutical products in respect to antimicrobial product.…”

“…2 However , , 29 expresses that as much as research has been done on the medicinal plant E. elephantine for evidence of anti-microbial; antiinflammatory, anti-malaria, anti-diabetic and wound healing, 9,19,20,30 no confirmation was acknowledged from researchers for any further development of product and commercialised. Maharaj et al 29 further highlights that the past literature evidence complied should have already led to the commercialisation of pharmaceutical products in respect to antimicrobial product. However, due to the lack of product to show, this indicates that more research is needed with more corresponding data of past research to strengthen the knowledge before pharmaceutical companies would invest in commercialisation of products.…”

“…However, due to the lack of product to show, this indicates that more research is needed with more corresponding data of past research to strengthen the knowledge before pharmaceutical companies would invest in commercialisation of products. 29 This poses questions towards research as to whether scientist are collecting information as part of the natural drug discovery paradigm or whether they interpreting the traditional uses correctly and undertaking biological assays using correct screening and appropriate models and also understanding mechanism of action and safety fully. This highlights that there are gaps within the science studies which should lead to more investigation performed on E. elephantine sampled and found in other provinces of the country where the plant is prominent, geographic factors do influence secondary metabolites produced by plants.…”

“…Dihydrotestosterone is a causative factor in the progression of BPH. 29,31 In addition the mode of action of inhibitors of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme could also be used for the treatment of male pattern baldness. 32 This led the CSIR to developing a synthetic product of the extract of the plant for the management and treatment of male pattern baldness.…”