Ethnopharmacology investigates traditional medicines derived from diverse plants, animals, and minerals used by cultures worldwide. Traditional processing methods may play a vital role in optimizing therapeutic effects, reducing toxicity, and improving overall properties of medicinal resources. However, the contrary may also be the case if, for example, toxic metabolites are extracted at a higher concentration. These time-honored techniques have been employed for centuries in traditional medicine to create effective and safe remedies.
Specialized processing techniques can even alter drug action sites or enhance the functional capabilities of medicinal substances. As interest in TCM and other traditional medicines continues to grow, researchers are striving to comprehend the scientific principles behind these processing methods and refine them for contemporary applications. At the same time, with our increasing understanding of medicinal plants’ chemical profiles, therapeutic benefits, and potential safety risks (including interactions with other medications and direct toxicity), there is a need to improve extraction techniques. Optimized techniques may also reduce the environmental impact of such processing methods (e.g., through reduced periods of decocting).
This Research Topic aims to gather the latest advancements in traditional processing methods within ethnopharmacology. We welcome original research articles, perspectives, opinion articles, and reviews focusing on various topics, including:
• Investigating the impact of traditional processing methods on the conversion of bioactive compounds in traditional medicine preparations, with a particular focus on elucidating the mechanisms or pathways leading to the generation of new compounds.
• Assessing the effects of processing methods on traditional medicine remedies through pharmacokinetic evaluations.
• Investigating potential toxic effects of traditional processing methods on traditional medicine remedies through toxicological research.
• Investigating the impact of traditional processing methods on the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological effects of traditional medicine remedies, with a particular focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms.
• Encouraging the adoption of modern technologies to improve traditional medicine processing methods, while elucidating the specific underlying mechanisms involved.
• Visualizing distinctive biomarker alterations during disease treatment with diversely processed traditional medicine.
Please note the following:
1) All studies must use a therapeutically realistic dose level, and the data must be reported on the basis of the amount of extract administered. Single-dose studies are not accepted unless they focus on a species/compound not yet studied in detail and can be justified on specific ethical grounds (e.g., the 4R rule - Reduce, refine, replace – responsibility, see the Four Pillars).
2) A detailed chemical profile of the extract and pharmacognostic definition of the botanical drugs used is essential, as defined in the ConPhyMP statement 2022 (Front. Pharmacol. 13:953205.)
3 ) In silico studies like network analysis or docking studies are outside of the scope of the section and of Frontiers in Pharmacology. However, if these studies are combined with experimental (in vitro and in vivo) pharmacological evaluations, the logic of bioinformatics is permitted to explore and elucidate the relevant mechanisms of action.
4) All the manuscripts submitted to this project will be peer-reviewed and need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology
Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version
here). Importantly, please ascertain that the ethnopharmacological context is clearly described (pillar 3d) and that the material investigated is characterized in detail (
pillars 2 a and b).
5) Traditional context - The traditional context must be described in the introduction and supported with bibliographical primary references (see also Section 3 esp. 3d - traditional medicinal preparations and their assessment). This may be based on modern uses of a plant in general healthcare.