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BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2; IL-1β, interleukin-1 beta; IκB, nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa B; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Th1, T helper cell type 1; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha.
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Credit: Anuradha Singh
Lifestyle-related diseases, also known as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), are a major health burden across the world, including India. These diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders, are primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating habits and stress. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths every year, accounting for 74% of all deaths worldwide. Notably, 86% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
The increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases poses a major challenge for public health systems. Although modern medicine offers effective treatments, there is a lack of research in areas such as long-term management, addressing the root causes of unhealthy lifestyle habits, and minimizing side effects. This highlights the need for complementary and integrative approaches that combine conventional medicine with evidence-based naturopathy. One promising avenue is the use of herbal-based dietary supplements, which offer potential benefits in managing lifestyle-related diseases. However, further research is essential to establish efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage for specific symptoms.
Herb-Based Dietary Supplements: A Potential Solution?
Herbal-based nutraceuticals are natural products extracted from plants that provide a range of health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These products often contain bioactive compounds derived from plants traditionally used in Ayurveda, Siddha and other medical systems in India. These traditional medical systems are a valuable resource for rural populations as they are easily accessible and are believed to have fewer side effects compared to modern pharmaceuticals. This has contributed to a global resurgence of interest in traditional medicines such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha and Unani.
The Ayurvedic medicines market in India is estimated to reach INR 50 billion (US$ 6.25 billion) in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-20% over the next five years. Factors driving this growth include growing awareness of the benefits of Ayurvedic medicines, increasing disposable income, and rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases. The Indian government is supportive of the Ayurvedic medicines industry and is promoting its growth through initiatives such as the National Mission on Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy. Despite the popularity of herbal-based dietary supplements, it is crucial to evaluate their efficacy and safety in managing lifestyle-related diseases through empirical studies.
Increased awareness and consumption
The lifestyle of the Indian population has changed dramatically and become significantly more health conscious. This has created an environment for the acceptance and adoption of herbal-based nutritional supplements as a practical and cost-effective solution. Indian consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential benefits of such natural remedies, resulting in a surge in their popularity and consumption. This change reflects the growing awareness of the benefits of natural medicines and the desire for alternative approaches to health care.
Herbal-based dietary supplements are widely used, but it is important to choose a quality supplement from a trusted brand. Herbal-based dietary supplements may interact with other medicines, so it is important to consult with your healthcare professional before taking them. Herbal-based dietary supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management.
Conclusion
India has a rich tradition of using herbal remedies for a variety of ailments, with the knowledge and practice being passed down through generations. Compared to conventional medicines, herbal remedies are often easily available and affordable, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. Many herbal remedies are believed to have fewer side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs, making them attractive to people seeking natural solutions.
Despite the large number of studies on herbal remedies, many of them lack robust methodology and rigorous scientific standards, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions about their efficacy. Standardization of herbal products remains a major concern due to variations in potency, purity, and processing methods. Collaborative research bridging traditional knowledge and modern science can pave the way for the development of effective and sustainable treatments. Raising public awareness about the potential benefits and limitations of these therapies is essential for responsible use and informed decision-making. Researching herbal-based nutraceuticals in tandem with existing medical practices can help move towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to managing lifestyle-related diseases in India, paving the way for a healthier and brighter future.
Full text:
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2835-6357/FIM-2023-00055
The study was recently published in the journal Future Integrative Medicine.
Future Integrative Medicine (FIM) publishes both basic and clinical research, including randomized controlled trials, interventional studies, cohort studies, observational studies, qualitative and mixed methods studies, animal studies, and systematic reviews.
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journal
The Future of Integrated Medicine
Article Title
Herbal-based dietary supplements in the management of lifestyle-related diseases: an Indian experience
Article publication date
June 20, 2024
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