Phytopharmaceuticals have been widely used globally since ancient times and acknowledged by healthcare professionals and patients for their superior therapeutic value and fewer side-effects compared to modern medicines. However, phytopharmaceuticals need a scientific and methodical approach to deliver their components and thereby improve patient compliance and treatment adherence. Dose reduction, improved bioavailability, receptor selective binding, and targeted delivery of phytopharmaceuticals can be likely achieved by molding them into specific nano-formulations. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based phytopharmaceuticals have emerged as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of various communicable and non-communicable diseases. Nanotechnology combined with phytopharmaceuticals broadens the therapeutic perspective and overcomes problems associated with plant medicine. The current review highlights the therapeutic application of various nano-phytopharmaceuticals in neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastro-intestinal disorders. We conclude that nano-phytopharmaceuticals emerge as promising therapeutics for many pathological conditions with good compliance and higher acceptance.

Giardia intestinalis (Giardia lambia, Giardia duodenalis) infections in humans may be asymptomatic or symptomatic and associated with diarrhea (without blood), abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, and weight loss. The protozoan Giardia is the third most common cause of diarrhea and death in children under five, preceded only by rotavirus and by Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis infections. Antimicrobial drugs, particularly 5-nitroimidazole (5-NIs), are used to treat giardiasis in humans. Immunologically naive or immunocompromised host are more vulnerable to Giardia infection, whereas a degree of resistance to this protozoan is present in humans living in endemic areas. This suggests that vaccination may be a potential and appropriate means to control this parasitic disease outbreak and protect the human population. This review discusses Giardia antigens related to vaccine development. Additionally, based on the latest development of nanoparticle technology, a combination of methods for future research and development is proposed for the design of the next generation of powerful immunogens and an effective vaccine against Giardia.

The effects of hexane extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on the survival, longevity, growth and development of the Dysdercus koenigii Fabricius were investigated. Newly emerged fifth instar nymphs were exposed to nine concentrations ranging from 0.00625% to 10% of the extract for 24 h by “dry film residual method.” The results indicated that the extract has adverse effect on various life activities studied. The effects were dose related; exposure to a dose of 5% or more causes high mortality. Normal adults were not produced from the nymphs treated with extract concentrations of 1.25% or more. The treated nymphs exhibited developmental malformation. The gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis of the extract revealed presence of chemical compounds having insecticidal and juvenile hormone (JH) mimicking activities. Some of the compounds act as precursors of JH biosynthetic pathways. Therefore, these compounds may individually or synergistically can be used in management of D. koenigii and other insect pests.

The burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases is increasing globally. The emerging and reemerging bacterial and viral diseases are posing major threats to human health and causing considerable socio-economic problems. The expansion of resistance development in pathogens against the present therapeutic drugs leads to new health challenges worldwide. Similarly, certain environmental and lifestyle factors that promote systemic chronic inflammation are also leading to numerous diseases and health problems. In addition, various social factors are also challenging the health system in India and other developing nations. To achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prevent the development of more superbugs, and achieve universal health coverage in India and outside, natural ways to fight against deadly pathogens are more reliable. Currently, cutting-edge technologies like nanotechnology and omics in natural product research are opening new avenues in drug discovery to foster the challenges in developing novel drugs. For better health, it is essential to give equal weightage to the social aspects of health through education and research focusing on social factors and interventions that can improve people’s health as well. In this direction, the immense potential of natural products can be explored and used as a forefront strategy to manage these burning health issues to achieve sustainable developmental goals. The AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) medicines can play a fruitful role in rural and urban areas to increase the health care system in these directions. Indian Ginseng, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae), popularly known as ‘Ashwagandha’, has tremendous potential for use in the treatment of various ailments. It has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic system since ancient times, and present-time scientific research work validates its use not only for therapeutic purposes but also as a health promoter for people of all age groups. In this paper, we have reviewed work done on natural products in human health, highlighting cutting-edge technologies that boost drug development from natural products with special reference to W. somnifera.

Compared to allopathic medicines or chemically synthesized drugs, there is a growing use of natural compounds and supplements in herbal medicine to treat various diseases as they are safe and devoid of side effects. Though, this is not completely true as many cases of the detrimental impact of herbal or traditional medicine have been reported. Herbal medicines contain unpurified plant portions or extracts which may have these side effects. How effective are the drug molecules derived from natural products, or how destructive are the undesirable compounds that must be investigated? Natural extracts are mixtures of various components, and there is uncertainty about the mechanism of action of certain herbal medicines. There may be a lot of factors involved like placebo effects, and other molecules without which medicine may not work in isolation. In this study, we have reviewed the effects of herbal medicines, possible causes for their benefits like epigenetic changes, adverse drug reactions, and the provision to control these issues. We have also explored the measures being taken at the national and international levels. There have been efforts to minimize the issues related to side effects based on reporting from the population using remedies monitored by pharmacovigilance.