Volume 150, Issue 2, 25 November 2013, Pages 775–779
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
“Reverse
pharmacology”, also called “bedside-to-bench” or “field to pharmacy”
approach, is a research process starting with documentation of clinical
outcome as observed by patients with different therapeutic regimens. The
treatment most significantly associated with cure is selected for
future studies: first, clinical safety and efficacy; then in vivo and
vitro studies.
Some clinical data, i.e. details on
patient status and progress, can be collected during ethnobotanical
surveys; they will help clinical researchers and, once effectiveness and
safety are established, will also help users of traditional medicine
make safer and more effective choices. To gather clinical data
successfully, ethnopharmacologists need to be backed by an appropriate
team of specialists in medicine and epidemiology. Ethnopharmacologists
can also gather important data on traditional medicine safety.
Materials and methods
The
first step is to create a consensus on the meaning of “clinical data”,
their interest and importance. An understanding of why “a cure is not a
proof of effectiveness” is a starting point to avoid faulty
interpretation of the clinical observations.
Results
Experience
showed that, with the “bedside-to-bench” approach, a treatment derived
from traditional recipe can be scientifically validated (in terms of
safety and effectiveness) with a cost of less than a million euros, thus
providing an end-product that is affordable, available and sustainable.
Conclusions
With
rigorous clinical study results, medicinal plant users gain the
possibility to refine heath strategies. The field surveyor may gain a
better relationship with the population, once she/he is seen as bringing
information useful for the quality of care in the community.
Keywords
- Clinical studies;
- Medicinal plants;
- Field survey;
- Ethnopharmacology;
- Effectiveness;
- Safety;
- Traditional medicine
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
