Therapeutic

The present study investigates the phytochemical composition of the ethanolic leaf extract of Allium fistulosum L. (Welsh onion) using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The analysis identified 38 bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, esters, sterols, alcohols, phenolics, and other secondary metabolites. Major constituents detected were n-hexadecanoic acid (27.81%), DL-Proline, 5-oxo-, ethyl ester (10.77%), γ-sitosterol (7.94%), 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (4.60%), and phytol (4.22%). These compounds are reported to exhibit various pharmacological activity such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer activities. The phytoconstituents identified highlight the therapeutic relevance of A. fistulosum and provide scientific support for its traditional medicinal applications. The findings further suggest potential utility of this plant in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic formulations.

Targeted drug delivery, also known as smart drug delivery, is a method of treatment that involves the increase in medicament in one or few body parts in comparison to others. Two strategies are widely used for drug targeting to the desired organ/tissue: passive targeting and active targeting. Drug delivery vehicles transport the drug either within or in the vicinity of target. An ideal drug delivery vehicle is supposed to cross even stubborn sites such as a blood brain barrier. Recently, nano medicine has emerged as the medical application of nanotechnology. Since nanoparticles are very small in size, nano drug delivery can allow for the delivery of drugs with poor solubility in water and also aid in avoiding the first pass metabolism of liver. Nanotechnology derived drug delivery can cause the drug to remain in blood circulation for a long time, thereby leading to lesser fluctuations in plasma levels and therefore, minimal side effects. These include polymer-drug conjugates and nano particulate systems such as liposomes, quantum dots, dendrimers, etc. There are several other approaches as well. These also include the strategies wherein the therapeutic agents are coupled with “targeting ligands” that possess the ability to recognize antigens associated with tumors.

Plants are known to be associated directly or indirectly with the needs of human since time immemorial. In addition to the basic needs, i.e. food, shelter and clothing, plants are utilized for fodder, fuel, timber, tannins, colors, oils and medicines etc. History reveals that uses of plants as medicine is known in different parts of  the world, especially in India there are evidences which suggest its therapeutic role since Rig Veda. There are 32 ethnic communities in Jharkhand, which constitute about 33% of total population. They have their own self-managed traditional system for primary health care (Horopathy).Women are traditionally using herbal medicines for the remedy of different types of gynecological problems. In the present investigation 30 plants species have been reported on the basis of ethno-medicinal information extracted from ethnic communities. All the parts of plants, like root, bark, leaf, flower, fruit and  tubers are used as medicines, either preparation from single plant is used as drug or in some cases decoction or paste are made with more than one herb.  There is very wide scope for the pharmacological studies of the reported plants in future.