Methods for bio-evaluation of traditional medicines

Abstract

Background: Nature is the source of 87% drug used to treat all categorized human diseases and about 80% people in developing countries rely on traditional plant based medicines for their primary health care. Over 3000 species of plants have been reported for their medicinal properties. Focus on natural products is increasing day by day as it serves as an enormous source of new drugs. Various methods are employed to evaluate the potential beneficial therapeutic effects of Traditional drugs.

Methods: Traditional drugs are claimed to have several specific pharmacological actions namely analgesic and anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antifertility, antifungal, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antithrombotic or thrombolytic, antiulcerogenic, aphrodisiac, bronchorelaxant. diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, insecticidal, laxative, neuropharmacological and oxytocic activities. In this study, the methods to bio-evaluate these activities are discussed with adequate explanations, illustrations and justifications.

Conclusion: The traditional drugs that meet the assay methods for their bio-evaluation could be considered to be potent and effective drug.