Plant based medicine VS Synthetic medicine

 

Ref

Molecules. 2022 Jul 3;27(13):4278. doi: 10.3390/molecules27134278

Pharmacologically Active Phytomolecules Isolated from Traditional Antidiabetic Plants and Their Therapeutic Role for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Prawej Ansari 1,2,*, Samia Akther 1, J M A Hannan 1, Veronique Seidel 3, Nusrat Jahan Nujat 1, Yasser H A Abdel-Wahab 2

Editors: Rudolf Bauer, Jelena S Katanic Stankovic

4. Plant-Based Medicine versus Synthetic Medicine

Many drugs that are currently available have been derived directly or indirectly from natural sources such as medicinal plants and animals [33,34].

 Plant-derived natural products have played and continue to play a prominent role in drug discovery and development programs. 

The increase in the number of herbal drug manufacturing companies, linked to the current increase in interest and demand for herbal medicines, can be largely expanded because of the toxicity and numerous adverse effects of allopathic medicines [35].

 The convenience of accessibility, availability, inexpensiveness, and relatively low risks of side effects, have caused plant-based medicines to be an important alternative source of existing therapies, especially in rural and/or developing regions [33].

 Plant-based medicines also provide a rich source of biologically active compounds that possess pharmacological activity with minimal undesirable effects [33].

Over the centuries, plant-based medicines have been widely used to treat the ailments of local communities of many developing countries that have easy access to these sources. Densely populated countries, such as China and India, have especially contributed to the advancement of sophisticated traditional medical systems such as acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, and herbal medicine [36].

 Many factors should be considered when selecting the appropriate medications for the management and treatment of diabetes. This includes efficacy, adverse effects, cost, and potential to contribute to weight gain, risks associated with hypoglycemia, comorbidities, and patient compliance. Even though oral antihyperglycemic agents can lower plasma glucose levels by improving insulin secretion or reducing insulin resistance,

 they are associated with many other adverse effects.

 Metformin, the mainstay of treatment in type 2 diabetes, has a high safety profile, yet it is still associated with mild side effects such as low risks of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal tract disturbances (nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia). Previous studies have shown that continuous use of metformin may result in vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency in humans [37]. DPP-IV inhibitors such as sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin, have been found to cause headaches, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections [38]. The most common adverse effect of sulphonylureas such as glimepiride and gliclazide is hypoglycemia.

 These drugs are also associated with minor side effects such as weight gain, nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and hypersensitivity reactions. The most serious complication of insulin injections is hypoglycemia. 

Insulin may also cause weight gain or loss, dizziness, confusion, and sweating [38].

 In contrast to synthetic drugs, plant-based medicines do not interrupt the body’s natural healing process; instead, they accelerate the recovery process by strengthening the healing process, ultimately leading to a steady recovery. 

Alongside their ability to help the body recover to a healthy status, herbal medicines are also known for boosting the immune system. 

The use of highly effective herbal medicines showing fewer side effects and a strong immune system together with a healthy lifestyle promotes better body metabolism with increased nutritional absorption from the diet [35].

Whether they have insulinotropic, insulin-mimetic, or any other antihyperglycemic effects, medicinal plants are considered safer and more effective alternatives to synthetic antidiabetic drugs [39].