Research

Priem Clinics :Research

RESEARCH AT PRIEM

The Pakistan Research Institute of Eastern Medicine (PRIEM) is dedicated to conducting research in evidence-based herbal medicine. It aims to explore the traditional medicinal practices of Eastern medicine and integrate them with modern scientific methods to establish the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of herbal remedies. Here are some of the activities that the institute engages in:

Herbal Medicine Identification and Authentication: PRIEM focuses on identifying and authenticating various medicinal plants used in traditional Eastern medicine. This involves botanical surveys, collection of plant specimens, and analysis of their chemical constituents.

Phytochemical Analysis: The institute conducts phytochemical analyses of medicinal plants to identify and isolate the active compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects. This involves techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry with the collaboration of KU, HEJ, and PCSIR.

Pharmacological Studies: PRIEM performs Clinical studies to evaluate the potential effects of herbal extracts and compounds on various physiological systems. These studies may involve in vitro experiments, animal models, and sometimes human trials to determine their safety and efficacy.

Formulation Development: The institute works on developing standardized herbal formulations that can be used in clinical practice. This involves selecting appropriate plant combinations, optimizing extraction methods, and ensuring the quality and consistency of the final products.

Safety and Toxicity Assessments: PRIEM conducts safety assessments of herbal medicines to identify any potential toxic effects. This involves evaluating their acute and chronic toxicity, assessing their interactions with conventional medicines, and studying their long-term effects.

Clinical Trials: The institute designs and conducts clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicines. These trials involve human participants and follow rigorous scientific protocols to gather evidence regarding the effectiveness of herbal treatments for specific health conditions.

Traditional Knowledge Preservation: PRIEM recognizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge related to herbal medicine. It collaborates with local healers, practitioners, and indigenous communities to document traditional medicinal practices, validate their efficacy through scientific research, and promote their sustainable use.

Collaboration and Partnerships: The institute collaborates with other research institutions, universities, and international organizations to foster interdisciplinary research in herbal medicine. It engages in knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and capacity-building initiatives to advance the field.

Publication and Dissemination: PRIEM publishes research findings in scientific journals and presents them at conferences to contribute to the global body of knowledge in evidence-based herbal medicine. It also engages in public outreach activities to raise awareness about the benefits and appropriate use of herbal remedies.

By actively engaging in these activities, the Pakistan Research Institute of Eastern Medicine aims to bridge the gap between traditional Eastern medicine and modern scientific research, ultimately promoting evidence-based herbal medicine practices in Pakistan and beyond for mankind.

Importance of Research in herbal/Eastern medicine

  • Validation of Traditional Knowledge: Traditional herbal medicine practices have been used for centuries, often passed down through generations. Research helps validate the effectiveness and safety of these traditional remedies, providing scientific evidence for their use and increasing confidence in their therapeutic value.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Research allows for the development of evidence-based guidelines and protocols for the use of herbal medicines. By conducting rigorous studies, researchers can determine the efficacy, dosage, safety profiles, and potential interactions of herbal remedies, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when prescribing or recommending these treatments.
  • Identification of Active Compounds: Research helps identify the active compounds present in herbal medicines and their mechanisms of action. This knowledge enables scientists to isolate and synthesize these compounds for further investigation, leading to the development of new drugs or therapeutic interventions.
  • Drug Discovery and Development: Many modern pharmaceuticals have their origins in natural compounds found in plants. Research in herbal medicine provides a rich source of potential drug candidates. By studying herbal remedies, researchers can identify new molecules, validate their therapeutic effects, and potentially develop safer and more effective drugs based on these natural compounds.
  • Integrative Medicine: Research in herbal medicine facilitates the integration of traditional and complementary therapies with conventional medicine. By establishing the safety, efficacy, and appropriate use of herbal remedies, healthcare professionals can incorporate these treatments into comprehensive healthcare approaches, providing patients with a wider range of options for managing their health conditions.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Herbal medicine research enables healthcare providers to offer personalized and patient-centered care. By understanding the potential benefits and risks of herbal remedies, practitioners can engage in informed discussions with patients, taking into account their preferences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. This collaborative approach enhances patient satisfaction, adherence, and overall health outcomes.
  • Economic and Environmental Sustainability: Herbal medicine research promotes the sustainable use of natural resources. By studying the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of medicinal plants, researchers can develop strategies for their sustainable management, reducing the risk of overexploitation and promoting environmental conservation. Additionally, the development of herbal medicine industries can contribute to local economies, providing opportunities for cultivation, processing, and manufacturing.
  • Global Health and Traditional Medicine Preservation: Research in herbal medicine is crucial for preserving traditional healing practices, especially in indigenous communities. By documenting and validating traditional knowledge, research helps protect cultural heritage, promote intergenerational transmission of wisdom, and preserve diverse healthcare traditions worldwide.
  • In conclusion, research in herbal/Eastern medicine plays a vital role in validating traditional knowledge, establishing evidence-based practice, facilitating drug discovery, promoting integrative medicine, enhancing patient-centered care, fostering sustainability, and preserving global health traditions. By bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern science, research in herbal medicine contributes to the advancement of healthcare and the well-being of individuals and communities.
  • Current uses of Medicinal Plants in Modern Medical practice

There are numerous herbs that are used in current medical practice worldwide and have been supported by evidence-based research. Here are some examples: More

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Widely used for immune system support and prevention/treatment of respiratory infections.

                  St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Often used for mild to moderate depression and mood disorders.

                  Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and used to support joint health and as an adjunctive therapy for ch.Inflamation.

                  Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): Commonly used for cognitive enhancement, improving memory, and supporting overall brain health.

                  Garlic (Allium sativum): Has cardiovascular benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

                  Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): Used for liver support and as an adjunctive therapy in liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

                  Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties, often used for digestive disorders and motion sickness.

                  Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens): Utilized for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms.

                  Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Often used as a natural sleep aid and to alleviate anxiety and nervousness.

                  Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): Frequently used for digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It’s important to note that while these herbs have shown promising effects in research, it’s essential to consult with a PRIEM PHYSICIANS before using them, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies can vary depending on the quality of the product and individual factors, so it’s crucial to follow appropriate dosing guidelines and recommendations.

 

The scope of research and development (R&D) in the herbal industry

is vast and offers significant opportunities for advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and economic growth. Here are some key areas within the scope of R&D in the herbal industry:

                  Herbal Medicine Development: Research and development in the herbal industry focus on identifying, isolating, and studying the active compounds in medicinal plants. This includes exploring their therapeutic properties, understanding their mechanisms of action, and developing standardized herbal formulations with consistent quality and potency.

                  Safety and Efficacy Evaluation: R&D efforts aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies through preclinical and clinical studies. This involves conducting toxicity assessments, pharmacological investigations, and controlled trials to determine appropriate dosages, potential side effects, and interactions with conventional medicines.

                  Quality Control and Standardization: R&D plays a crucial role in establishing quality control parameters for herbal products. This includes developing methods for authentication, ensuring the absence of contaminants, and setting standards for active compound content. Standardization processes help guarantee consistency and efficacy of herbal remedies.

                  Cultivation and Sustainable Sourcing: Research in the herbal industry focuses on sustainable cultivation practices, including optimizing growth conditions, improving yield, and developing organic farming techniques. R&D efforts also explore the sustainable sourcing of wildcrafted herbs to protect biodiversity and ensure responsible harvesting practices.

                  Formulation and Delivery Systems: R&D explores innovative methods of formulation and delivery systems for herbal medicines. This includes developing novel dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, topical preparations, and nano-formulations, to enhance bioavailability, stability, and patient compliance.

                  Phytochemistry and Bioactive Compound Extraction: Research in this field focuses on phytochemical analysis, isolating bioactive compounds, and exploring extraction techniques to optimize the yield and potency of herbal remedies. This involves employing advanced technologies such as chromatography, spectrometry, and nanotechnology.

                  Traditional Knowledge Preservation: R&D efforts emphasize the documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge related to herbal medicine. This involves collaborating with indigenous communities, traditional healers, and local practitioners to ensure the protection, validation, and sustainable use of traditional herbal remedies.

                  Drug Discovery and Development: The herbal industry offers a vast resource for drug discovery. R&D endeavors focus on identifying novel molecules, validating their therapeutic potential, and developing new drugs based on natural compounds found in medicinal plants. This process involves screening, synthesis, and formulation development.

                  Integrative Medicine: R&D explores the integration of herbal medicine with conventional healthcare systems, aiming for comprehensive and holistic patient care. This includes conducting clinical trials, assessing herb-drug interactions, and developing evidence-based guidelines for integrating herbal remedies into conventional medical practices.

                  Economic and Market Opportunities: R&D in the herbal industry contributes to economic growth by fostering the development of herbal products, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities. It also opens up export potential for countries rich in herbal resources, providing economic benefits and strengthening international trade.

The scope of research and development in the herbal industry extends across various disciplines, including pharmacology, botany, chemistry, biotechnology, and clinical research. By advancing scientific understanding, ensuring product quality and safety, and promoting evidence-based herbal medicine practices, R&D in the herbal industry plays a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes, preserving traditional knowledge, and driving economic development.

The scope of research and development (R&D) in the herbal industry

HEALTH AND EDUCATION; NEED OF NATION First National Symposium 2011 @ Bahria University Medical and Dental College Karachi 21st-23rd January 2011

Asif Iqbal,Khan Usmanghani,Abdul Hannan,Afzal Ahmad,Ejaz Mohuiddin

The Hepatitis C virus remains a large health care burden to the world. Incidence rates across the world fluctuate and are difficult to calculate given the asymptomatic, often latent nature of the disease before clinical presentation. Prevalence rates across the world have changed as well with more countries aware of transfusion-related hepatitis C and more and more evidence supporting intravenous drug use as the leading risk factor for the spread of the virus. This article reviews current hepatitis C virus prevalence and genotype data and examines the different risk factors associated with the virus.

Material & Methods:

Objective

To determine the frequency of HBV and HCV and identify risk factors for transmission of these

Viruses in rural and periurban Of Karachi (Gudap Town) and Public Awareness Programs to prevent the disease.

Methodology

Screening and evaluation of risk factors for HCV Antibody (Anti-HCV) in two remote villages namely Ali Muhammad Goth and Wangi Goth (where investigators had to walk in the area to reach the population) and a subsection of (peri-urban area) was done. Included were children of more than one year of age and all previously unscreened adults who were counseled and written consent was obtained. All drug addicts by history were excluded. A structured information sheet regarding risk factors was filled and screening was done with immunochromatography (ICT) kits.

Result:

Of the 573 subjects enrolled who met the inclusion criteria, females were 52.5%. Mean age

(years) of participants was 24.74±14.41. In two remote villages, 28.6% was Anti HCV reactive, whereas in periurban areas 3.9% was Anti HCV positive.

In the analysis of risk factors for transmission of infection, blood-related factors, especially for HCV like surgical, dental procedures, and body piercing, were the main factors noted more in rural as compared to the periurban area.

Conclusion

The frequency of HCV in our study is alarming and quite high which underlines

the need for Primary Health education. Overall (in both urban and rural areas) immediate steps must be taken to reduce the transmission of these viruses by limiting the use of unsafe (unsterilized/reused) injections for therapeutic purposes), razor blades, body piercing equipment, and proper sterilization of surgical, dental and circumcision equipment

. Therefore Health Education through primary Health care has a major role to prevent the disease through Public awareness programs, random screening community visits, vaccination, etc.

White flower breakthrough in blood cancer treatment

Updated at: 1017 PST,  Sunday, May 02, 2010 LONDON: In remarkable research, scientists have unveiled a novel way of treating leukemia cells quicker and more effectively: using a common white flower known as Baby’s Breath.
The discovery is contemplated as a breakthrough as it could revolutionize leukemia treatment and save millions of lives.
Scientists working for the charity Leukaemia Busters, based in Southampton, Hants, are the masterminds behind this breakthrough.
The charity is run by David and Bee Flavell whose son Simon Flavell died of an incurable form of childhood leukemia in 1990, at the age of 10, reported the Daily Mail.
The scientists found that an extract of the white bloom may up the efficiency of anti-cancer drugs by a whopping one million times.
They anticipate that the breakthrough might also aid in treating other types of cancer.
In a bid to test the efficacy of the white bloom, they carried out a lab experiment and found that a compound of the flower known as saponins created holes in the cancer cells and appeared to break down the cell membrane.
They then introduced special antibodies with toxins and found that the immunotoxins penetrated the leukemia cells and killed them faster.
The results showed that 99.9 percent of the leukemia cells were killed in much less than an hour.
It took the researchers 12 months to do the research and testing to arrive at these findings.
Despite the promising outcome, the research team conceded that it is yet not clear what effect the treatment will have on human subjects.
Therefore, scientists are now getting ready for clinical trials. If successful, the trials may pave way for new types of treatments for the condition which could be made available for commercial use within the next three to five years.
Dr. David Flavell was quoted by the BBC as saying, “I think it is very exciting. This will allow us to do things I think we were not able to do before with patients.
“It will open up a whole new revolution in this kind of antibody therapy – if we can make it work in people.”
The findings were presented at one of the world’s biggest cancer conferences, organized by the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, last week.
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. It starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside most bones where blood cells are made.
Risk factors of the condition include increased exposure to radiation or certain type of chemicals at work, Down’s syndrome or other genetic problems, smoking, etc.
According to WebMD, common symptoms of leukemia include fever and night sweats, headaches, bruising or bleeding easily, bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, or groin, getting a lot of infections, feeling very tired, losing weight and not feeling hungry.

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