1

PRACTICE SCHOOL PROJECT REPORT ON

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree
of

BACHELOR OF PHARMACY
VII Semester, Session 2024-2025

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University Lucknow

Submitted By, Submitted To,

Rajan Kumar Yadav Mrs. Rupali Shrivastava

Roll. No. 2108930500038 (Assistant Prof.)

G.C.R.G. College of Pharmacy, Chandrika Devi Road

Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow

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Certificate

This is to certify that Mr. Rajan Kumar Yadav SO Mr. Harendra Yadav has submitted the
practice school project report on ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE for partial fulfillment of B.Pharm
VII Semester, Session 2024-25. The content of the Project report here is does not from part of any
other project or dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was confirmed on an earlier
occasion on this or any other candidate.

Signature Supervisor

Signature of Exam. ………………………………………………….

Director of Pharmacy.

(Signature & Seal)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible without the
kind support and help of many individuals and Say College. I would like to extend my
sincere thanks to all of them.

I am highly indebted to Prof. A. N. Singh, Director General G.C.R.G. Group of

Institution & Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Chandra, Principal of G.C.R.G, College of Pharmacy.
Mrs. Rupali Shrivastava (Assistant Prof.) for their guidance and constant supervision as
well as for providing necessary information regarding the project & also for their support in
completing the project.

I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents & member of G.C.R.G. College of
Pharmacy BKT, Lucknow U.P. for their kind co-operation and encouragement which help
me in completion of this project.

My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the project and people
who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

Thanking You.

Rajan Kumar Yadav

B.PHARM 4th Yr (VIIthSEM)

Roll no. 2108930500038

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Content

Sr. No. Title

1.
Abstract

2.
Introduction

3.
Classification

4.
Use and Scope

5.
Conclusion

6.
Reference

Alternative Drug Medicine

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Abstract
Alternative medicine has renewed its growing public interest in recent times due to
inequality of patients and healthcare professionals’ ratios with increased workload for the
latter, various side effects of modern medicine, lack of complete remission from chronic
diseases, high cost of new drugs, and emerging new diseases. Hence, people have become
more dependent on treatment systems replying on alternative medicine or herbal medicine
from traditional medicinal practitioners.

Alternative medicine has grown substantially over time and encompasses several millennia of
therapeutic systems. The significant areas of alternative medicine include mind–body
therapies, body manipulation, and the therapies based on biological systems. Natural products
based biological treatment is the most popular of them as nature has endowed us with
abundance of effective pharmacologically active phytochemicals. These phytochemicals
possess numerous specific clinical health benefits including antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-
inflammatory, anticancer, anti-infectious and analgesic effects. In addition, alternative
medicine is easily accessible, affordable, most often noninvasive, and provides favorable
benefits during terminal periods of some diseases. However, due to the lack of well-designed
clinical trials, the safety and effectiveness of many alternative medicines/therapies remains
elusive. This chapter will critically discuss major areas, uses, safety and regulation, current
challenges & future perspectives of alternative medicine.
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1. Introduction

Alternative medicine (AM) is a holistic approach recognized as a heterogeneous set of

medicinal products and practices with potent healing effects. The practices remain as the
most ancient yet traditions for treating different ailments continues. It is estimated that two-
thirds of the world’s population seek health care support and services from alternative
sources over modern medicine. Recent statistics show that half of the global population are
dependent on AM, including the USA 42%, Australia 48%, Canada 70%, and France 49%.
Despite current progress in modern medicine, the use of AM has been found to be radically
focused on treatment of deadly pandemic diseases e.g., novel coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID 19) when there is no approved systematic targeted therapy yet .

…...

The renewed public interest has revitalized due to the lack of curative treatment for several
emerging and chronic diseases, high cost of modern drugs, time constrain from both patients
and healthcare providers, microbial resistance and side effects of modern medicine . The
most common treatments of AM are self-medication, traditional healing practices, indigenous
systems of medicine particularly ayurveda, herbal preparations, yunani, homeopathy,
acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic manipulation, etc. which have made AM more
popular
. In comparison, modern medicine focuses on symptom- related care, often utilizing
pharmacological or invasive elimination procedures . Although AM is not guaranteed to
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be safe, effective and biologically plausible , there is still a debate about which method can
be proven as useful and secure. Old records encourage alternative modes whereas
comprehensive clinical trials support conventional modes based on modern approaches .
However, today, many physicians accept the benefits of all forms of medicine, incorporating
effective complementary and modern approaches in terms of patients, symptoms, and
circumstances . This scenario has necessitated development of knowledge bridge among
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physicians, traditional practitioners, pharmacist, and patients about AM treatments, safety

use, and toxicity or contraindications. In addition, advancement of research efforts,
minimizing publication bias, protecting intellectual property rights, and policymaker’s
contribution are required to make decisions about the future of alternative medical practice to
provide cost-effective treatments. This would strengthen the position of AM industry and
increase public acceptance in future . This chapter primarily discusses the different areas of
AM, its uses, safety and regulation, current challenges and future perspective

2. Areas of AM
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has characterized the
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a community of various medical practices,
methods and products currently excluded from modern medicine . NCCAM has also categorized AM
branches into five main groups: (1) traditional medical techniques, such as whole medical systems;
(2) mind–body therapy; (3) biological substance-based treatment; (4) manipulative and body-based
treatment; and (5) energy medicine.

Whole medical systems

A whole medical system is a complete system of theory and practice works independently or
along with modern medicine. The therapies or treatments that are practiced in diverse
communities across the globe. Indian ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are
mainly practiced in the Eastern part of the world while homeopathy and naturopathy are
predominantly used in the wester region.

Ayurvedic medicine
Ayurveda is an extensive medical system that contemplates the body, mind, and soul
essential to maintain the individual’s wellbeing. Its fundamental purpose is to maintain good
health instead of struggling against the illness. Various ayurvedic herbs or medicinal plants
like turmeric, ashwagandha, amla, black cumin, rhubarb root, triphala, and kumanjam have
medicinal properties for treatment of various diseases or health complications like
cardiovascular conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, and diabetes. To determine the
efficacy of the ayurvedic therapies, appropriate research with rigorous investigation is
required .
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2.1.2 Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) originated thousands of years ago from ancient China
and has flourished over time. Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have also developed similar
systems for treatment of ailments . TCM consists of several different techniques such as
acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicines, nutrition, t’ai chi, qi gong and
massage. However, the most frequent therapies are Chinese herbal medicine, t’ai chi and
acupuncture .
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2.1.2.1 Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine restores the balance of the whole body and equilibrates the forces
of qi, yin and yang, which are basic elements of human body. Qi describes as a vital force
energy which is carried throughout the body via meridians. Yin shows slow, cold and
passive strength, where yang shows excited, hot, and active strength . Chinese herbal
formulas are known to have an advantage with regard to body regulation . Several herbs
tonify qi to treat patients with qi deficiency syndrome; some herbs promote yin to treat
patients with yin deficiency syndrome and some reduce phlegm to treat patients with Phlegm
syndrome. The medications related to Chinese herbal medicine are given in different ways
like powders, tablets, and teas. Botanical extracts or plants are typically familiar to treat
different diseases such as Chinese herbal medicine is often used as defensive care and
improves health by stimulating an immune response before diseases arise .

Fig; Yin Yang System of medicine

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of AM originated in China more than 2000 years ago. It is
commonly used to alleviate pain or stress by inserting hair-thin needles through the skin at
specific points on the body. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a
technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force followed the principle of Yin and
Yang.
Acupuncture practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points
connected by 12 pathways or meridians that interact with various organs such as heart, liver
and kidneys . Along these meridians, the energy flow rebalances by inserting the needles
into specific points. In our contemporary lifestyle, numerous physical challenges arise due to
the lack of proper physical activity, unbalanced food habits and lifestyle. Acupuncture has
numerous positive effects against metabolic diseases, inflammation, digestive Alternative
Medicine 4 issues, respiratory and nervous system problems . In addition, releasing
neurotransmitters and hormones also regulates neurochemistry, thus influencing the sensing
and cognitive functions.
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Fig; Acupuncture therapy

2.1 T’ai Chi

T’ai Chi is another type of AM of traditional Chinese medicine initiated during the 13th
century in China. It is a movement technique that facilitates recovery through breathing and
gradual movements of the body. The advantages of t’ai chi are improved mobility and
balance, and reduced tension and anxieties . It has been found to improve the quality of life,
particularly those who are suffering from chronic diseases . Many controlled and
uncontrolled trials showed the effects of t’ai chi on various health conditions and diseases
such as cardiovascular disorders , diabetes, osteoarthritis , anxiety, insomnia, functional
mobility and fall prevention . The benefits of t’ai chi are generally most significant before
developing a chronic illness or functional limitations. Tai chi is very safe, and no costly
equipment is needed for the practice.

2.1.3 Naturopathy
Naturopathy is an integrating division of AM by combining traditional practices and health
care approaches, and became popular in Europe during the 19th century. This medication
system provides a unique way of treating patients, which maintains the homeostatic principle
of the body, identifies the source as well as treats the diseases. Although many other
allopathic or holistic therapy fields offer specific therapies to specific conditions,
naturopathic practitioners tend to employ the selfhealing process by maintaining healthier
lifestyles, diet and nutrition . Popular naturopathic therapies include physical treatments (light
therapy, ultrasound and electric currents), dietary supplements, homeopathy, medical
counseling, hormone therapy and personalized treatment modalities to relieve mental and
emotional stress .
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Fig; Naturopathy

Homeopathy
Homeopathy is another type of AM system discovered in the 19th century. Homeopathy
comes from the Greek word in which homoios means ‘similar’ and pathos indicates
‘suffering’. Homeopathic drugs treat diseases by triggering the body’s natural defenses
instead of fighting against them. The underlying principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”.
In other words, when a substance is capable of inducing a series of symptoms in a healthy
living system, low doses of the same substance can cure these symptoms under certain
circumstances (‘similia similibus curentur’) . Hahnemann stated that treatments for a specific
disorder could cause undesirable effects identical for the disease itself to stimulate a
homeostatic or complementary reaction to correct these disorders . This medicine industry
solely depends on a “minimum dose law,” in which dosage concentrations are inversely
related to the active potency. Many homeopathic medicines contain active substances overly
diluted and minimal amounts of active substances throughout the resulting dosages.

Fig; Homeopathy System of Medicine

Mind–body therapy
Mind can control physical and biological processes, and the mind–body modality regulates
the connections between mind, body, spirit, and attitude. Many of the treatments involved in
the mind and body’s stimulation aim to maintain sound health and heal diseases. Mind–body
therapies
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include relaxation, meditation, yoga, breathing hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and
visualization. Music, movement, and dance therapy have shown to have beneficial roles for patients
with anxiety , while hypnosis, acupuncture, and music therapy serve as a successful therapy for
depression and anxiety in cancer patients .

Biology-based therapy
Natural and biological-based practices refer to the substances made from nature or living
things, such as herbs, special dietary and orthomolecular substances to improve, control, and
regulate human health. Among these, herbal preparations, are the most common variety of
CAM in the United States . The mechanism of this therapy is to stimulate the immune system
of the body and help to fight against cancer, infection, and other diseases. Common
supplements used for biology-based therapy are botanicals, nutritional supplements, such as
vitamins and minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids, and
functional foods .

Manipulative and body-based therapy

Manipulative and body-based practices rely on structures and systems of the body, such as
bones and joints, the soft tissues and the circulatory as well as lymphatic systems. It is one
of integral tools of alternative medicine in which body can regulate and heal itself . Various
manipulative and body-based techniques are currently used – such as massage (normalizes
the soft tissues), reflexology, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic (affiliated between spinal
structure and role), rolfing, and osteopathic manipulation . These therapies are thought to
stimulate the body’s energy and enables toxins to leave the body.

2.5 Energy therapy

Energy therapies are based on the belief that vital life energy flows through the body. The
goal of energy therapy is to restore energy balance in the body by unblocking flow of energy.
The ancient Chinese healing traditions, energy therapies were well-established as a technique
for easing pain, reducing anxiety, and mitigating side effects of cancer treatment. Energy
therapies focus either on energy field originating into the body (biofields) or from other
sources (electromagnetic fields). There are different energy medicine techniques, including
hands up and down and remote therapies . Biofield therapy aims to trigger the energy that
covers and penetrates the body and has not been experimentally proven to exist. Certain types
of energy treatment control biofields by putting pressure or controlling the body by bringing
the hands in or through therapies touch.

Different ancient Chinese arts like qigong, which put together subtle physical action, deeper
breath, and mental intensity, regulate the human body. The approach integrates body and
soul efficiently and productively . Another type of energy therapy denoted as
bioelectromagnetic therapy is based on an electromagnetic field used to treat or prevent
diseases, and promote health and longevity.
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It may be given singly or in combination with many other methods. This therapy involves
different magnetic fields, pulsed fields, direct or altered electric sources to treat many kinds
of ailments like asthma, cancer and migraine pain .

3. Uses of AM in different ailments

Alternative medicine became much popular over the past several decades. The use of this
medicine has always been commonly seen among Chinese and other Asian patients in the
countries such as Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, India and Hong Kong. A number of AM has
been often used to manage some chronic diseases namely diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular
diseases (CVD), asthma, menopause, rehabilitation, autism spectrum disorder etc. . Patient
characteristics, sociodemographic status, and gender are the predominant determinants of
AM use. The following describes the multiple uses of AM in different fields.

3.1 Control of blood glucose

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most prevalent and chronic metabolic disorder. The
worldwide prevalence of diabetes has risen approximately from 4.7% to 8.5% over the last
34 years . To control blood glucose levels, numerous modern antidiabetic drugs have been
discovered and introduced in the market. However, most of the drugs may have some
drawbacks when it is used for long time, such as drug resistance, drug addiction, adverse side
effects and so on . In addition, the therapeutic expenditures and dissatisfaction with
mainstream have prompted the search for alternatives . Intriguingly, the treatment strategies
of diabetes is in favor of alternative practices. Along with conventional drugs, diabetes
patients are treated by diet and exercise . Therefore, it has drawn much attention as the
effects of AM particularly herbal medicine has been found effective in diabetes prevention,
management and/or delay its complications. The alternative treatment of diabetes is mainly
accomplished by non- pharmacological ways including diet therapy, relaxation,
kinesitherapy, acupuncture therapy, psychotherapy, hydrotherapy, yoga etc.

3.2 Management of inflammation

The body naturally responses to various stresses including infection, irradiation, chemical, or
physical injury [65]. Short term inflammation protects the body, while long term
inflammatory response in the body damages healthy cells, tissues, and organs leading to the
development of some diseases, such as arthritis, alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer . The
common treatment option for inflammatory diseases have been limited to nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications such as COX-2 inhibitors or steroid hormones (e.g.,
corticosteroids). Although most of the NSAIDs are considered to be safe however, it may
aggravate other diseases such as stomach ulcer, hemorrhage, liver or kidney impairments for
long term use . The National Kidney Foundation reported that in each year, approximately
10% of kidney failures are directly associated with the substantial overuse of NSAIDs . AM
has been used for hundreds and even thousands of years in the management of chronic
inflammation through antioxidative alternative medicinebased therapies, mainly diet- and
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natural products based therapies .

Asthma treatment
Asthma is a common, multifactorial respiratory disease with chronic inflammation of the
respiratory system affecting more than 300 million people world-wide and 25 million people
in the United States, including 1 in 10 US children (10%) . Common symptoms of asthma
include: wheeze, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Despite advancement of
modern medicine and its treatment modalities, many people are turning to alternative
medicine as an another option for treating respiratory diseases. Several types of alternative
medicine are used in asthma treatment such as herbs and supplements, yoga, relaxation
therapy, and biofeedback . Herbal products and dietary supplements have been used for
thousands of years to treat lung problems. Ethnobotanical Survey in Nigeria found 87 local
medicinal plant species from 39 families and these plant species are being used for treating
cough associated respiratory diseases . Whole plants, leaf, roots, fruit etc. are preferentially
used to combat the diseases . Korean ginseng root extract has potential role for treating lung
inflammatory disorders. Some Chinese herbs, like ding-chan tang, may decrease
inflammation and relieve bronchospasm . The fruits of Momordica charantia L. are
commonly used for cold, cough, tuberculosis, and asthma . Again, caffeine is a natural and
mild bronchodilator, which can improve airway function in people with asthma. Further,
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supplements like magnesium and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin C, D, and E may
reduce inflammation and alleviate asthma symptoms. Moreover, both breathing exercises in
yoga and massage therapy can control breathing and relieve stress . Although much of the
research is currently under investigation or found to elicit significant improvements of the

diseased conditions yet some findings indicate that many natural and over-the-counter
products have potential side effects.

Management of cancer
The most common modern treatment modalities for cancer are surgery with radiation
and/or chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, these therapies possess severe side
effects including fatigue, skin problems, hair loss and low blood count . Thus, many cancer
patients and health care practitioners prefer AM as a potential therapeutic management .
AM may provide numerous health benefits by managing disease symptoms, preventing
illness, or improving immune function . The widely accepted and safe alternative practices
are acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage therapy, exercise, hypnosis, meditation, music
therapy, relaxation techniques, tai chi and yoga . The uses of AM vary among different
cancers. The highest uses of AM are found in breast cancer patients (93%), followed by
colorectal cancer (83%), prostate cancer (77%), and lung cancer (77%). Each of the 4
cancer types, dietary supplements were the prominent alternative modality (52% to 82%),
followed by energy medicine (39% to 55%), mind–body medicine (16% to 52%), and body-
based therapy (14% to 42%) . Although AM is not powerful enough to replace modern
medicine, it may be used parallelly with modern medicine for better management in cancer
patients. The following alternative practices are commonly used in different symptoms
related care

• Hypnosis, massage, meditation, prayer, relaxation techniques are predominantly used to

relief patients from anxiety

• Exercise, message, relaxation techniques and yoga reduce fatigue and improve quality
of life in cancer patients

• Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis and music therapy prevent nausea as well as

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vomiting

• Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, massage and music therapy are helpful in

relieving pain
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Exercise, prayer, relaxation techniques and yoga may help cancer patients to sleep better .There are
also some alternative modalities used in cancer patient’s treatment, which are outlined as
• Dietary treatments including gerson, ketogenic, peskin, budwig, alkaline, paleo,
vitamins and minerals, and herbalism .

• Biologic products-based therapy including different kinds of tea (e.g., green, medicinal,
chaga mushroom, Essiac), natural health products such as ginger, curcumin, flaxseed oil;
and miscellaneous products like pancreatic enzyme therapy, medicinal cannabis, laetrile
B17, and probiotic foods and supplements .

• Energy therapies based on therapeutic touch and reiki, which use surrounding subtle known
energy field and penetrate the human body

• Alternative medical systems that are mainly traditional Chinese medicine, Indian medicine,
homeopathy, chiropractic etc. used in different cancers .

• Improvements in physical and psychosocial well-being and increasing hope to the cancer
patients e.g., osteopathy, and Aboriginal medicine.

• Certain natural products (taxol, vinca alkaloids) are also much famous .

3.5 Management of blood pressure and CVD

CVDs are the leading cause of deaths all over the world. The recent advances in modern
western medicine have been made available for treating CVDs, however, the complications
and disease recurrence still occur, which compromise quality of life. Noticeably, AM has
drawn great attention to treat such chronic CVDs for long term benefits by relieving
symptoms, rehabilitation, and even in preventing these diseases. Many of the natural products
can act more directly on cardiovascular homeostasis by improving lipid profiles and vascular
reactivity, and reducing the undesirable immune response . Diet should be regarded as a
cornerstone of preventive medicine and, at least in part, as a viable treatment for blood
pressure (BP), CVD and other chronic diseases . Certain dietary supplements like fish oil,
multivitamins, and coenzyme Q10 are considered the best preventive medications . Beyond
dietary strategies, certain additional non-pharmacological treatments have been shown to
lower BP. These alternative approaches can be broadly classified into three categories:
behavioral therapies, including meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and relaxation or stress-
reduction programs; noninvasive procedures or devices, including device-guided breathing
modulation and acupuncture; and Alternative Medicine 10 exercise-based regimens,
including aerobic, resistance, and isometric exercise methods . Traditional medicine
methods, including acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical acupoint
stimulation, have been increasingly adopted by health-care professionals despite the lack of
evidence on its effects on CVDs . Medicinal herbs namely Allium sativum, Ginseng,
Aesculus hippocastanum, Ginkgo biloba, Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used in patients with
atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, systolic hypertension, cerebral and venous insufficiency,
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angina pectoris, and congestive heart failure.

3.6 Alternative medicine for management of anxiety or sleep disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorder, with an estimated lifetime
prevalence is 29% in the general population . The high prevalence and complex comorbidity
of anxiety or sleeping problems such as insomnia makes a concern particularly in elder
people because it affects physical and mental health, and worse the quality of life by relating
with significant clinical implications in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and
neurological diseases . It is well documented that treatment of anxiety or insomnia may
provide positive effects, not only by alleviating comorbidity but also by preventing new
incidents. Insomnia patients can be treated by alternative therapies namely herbs,
supplements, relaxation and meditation, acupuncture, and exercise. Among these therapies,
biologically-based products such as herbal or nutritional medicine, and mind–body
therapies, are the most commonly used interventions. For instance, herbal supplements
particularly Valerian root and Chamomile may help to fall asleep faster and boost the quality
of sleep however, more research is needed for the safety and efficacy . Melatonin is the key
natural hormone in the sleep– wake cycle produced by the pineal gland, regulates numerous
biological functions including circadian rhythm, sleep, stress response, aging, and immunity

Treatment of menopause

Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatment for managing symptoms of
menopause. However, many women need to avoid hormone therapy due to health risks from
stroke, heart attack and cancer. In these cases, AM is preferred for symptom management .
There are various alternative interventions for the treatment of menopause. They fall into two
main categories: a) mind–body practices that combines mental focus, controlled breathing,
and body movements resulting in relaxation of body and mind. It has significant health
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benefits by reducing pain, stress, anxiety, and mood. Some common mind–body practices
are meditation, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, yoga, and tai chi, and b)
natural products-based intervention by using herbs, vitamins, minerals, and dietary
supplements . Apart from these categories, some interventions based on system-wide AM
have been commonly used such as traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, acupuncture,
and homeopathy .

Management of rehabilitation

Patients in rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions often use alternative medicine

treatments. Commonly used treatments including massage therapy, acupuncture,
manipulation medicine, yoga and pilates, mind–body medicine, effleurage, petrissage,
friction, tapotement, and vibration . Massage therapy is one of the most commonly used
therapies for athletes to enhance recovery and performance, particularly postexercise . The
benefits from therapeutic massage are enormous such as relieve of muscle tension and
stiffness, healing of strains and sprains; reduce muscle pain, swelling and spasm; improve
flexibility and motion, enhance blood flow and so on .

Treatment of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental
conditions, which is characterized by impaired social interactions and communications,
restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests . It is assumed that
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both genetic and environmental factors play a key role in ASD etiology, but no clear
pathogenesis has been identified yet . Although autism is a lifelong disorder and there is no
causal treatment currently. known, AM may stand as an therapeutic option for alleviating
symptoms of patients with autism spectrum disorder. Biologically based therapy including
dietary supplement (vitamins and minerals), and herbal medication (meadowsweet,
calendula.
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3.10 Prevention or treatment of COVID-19

COVID-19 is considered as a life-threatening disease, which is caused by severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) . To date, it has been accounted as a
global public health emergency and declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization
(WHO) as there is no specific antiviral treatment available in the modern medicine system .
Although several attempts have been initiated after the disease onset, truly effective vaccine
is still unavailable. A few vaccines exist in the market but the safety and efficacy need further
scrutiny using multi-site clinical data . Under this circumstance, a more rational
phytotherapeutic choice to the disease may be a cheaper option for prophylaxis or treatment
against this virus . Strikingly, the phytocompounds of Momordica charantia L. and
Azadirachta indica have been recently shown adequate inhibitory potential aganist SARS-
CoV-2 when compared with FDA reference drugs such as ribavirin, remdesivir and
hydroxychloroquine . In China itself, the total number of confirmed cases treated by TCM
has reached 60,107 . Indian government ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani,
Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) recommended homeopathy and ayurveda for
prophylaxis and unani medicines for symptomatic management of COVID-19 . In
Bangladesh, herbal and fruit extracts have been used to get relief from COVID-19. Infected
people are advised to drink masala tea, ginger tea, and lemon with hot water for recovery. It
has been shown that Chinese, Indian and Iranian herbal medicine with 1000 years’
experience in the prevention of pandemic and endemic infectious diseases are worth learning,
and provide alternative candidates for controlling patients with COVID-19 infection . As
there are no effective treatments for COVID19, it provides one of the biggest opportunities to
test different plants and discover new targeted bioactive compounds for therapeutic
management of this disease.

4. Safety and regulatory issue of AM

Though approximately 80% ailing people in developing countries rely on AM as a source of
primary healthcare or traditional medical practice , there is limited scientific evidence
regarding the potential toxicity of a variety of AM . In fact, most of the AM are untested
and the safety and efficacy are either poorly or not even monitored at all . Moreover, doctors
and nurses are not trained enough to describe the potential side effects and contraindications
to their patients . Again, not all health professionals favor the concept of integrative health
approaches, neither do they have the confidence in dealing with CAM due to lack of
knowledge on standardization of practices and overall benefits of holistic approaches. In
contrast, most of the patients who use CAM are hesitant to inform their primary health care
provider about the methods for fear of disapproval . Further more, biological substances are
not tested rigorously to ensure their safety and efficacy in the context of pharmaceutical
products because FDA approval is not mandatory in case of a new therapeutic component .
Manufacturer only need to attest as a dietary supplement’s safety, purity, and contents by
expressing on the label before marketing.
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5. The current marketplace of AM

The global demand for AMs was reported at USD 69.2 billion in 2019 and is rising every
day. Different energy healing therapy comprises reflexology, reiki, and havening techniques
are increasingly used in anxiety and mental disorder patients in different countries.
Nowadays, many magnetic therapies such as bioflex magnets, mattresses, and magnabloc for
pain reduction are used. Other alternative therapies like yoga, meditation, and spa have been
well attributed globally due to their popularity, which led to development in the number of
yoga studios, meditation centers, spas, and complementary healing facilities institutes in the
particular communities . Moreover, some alternative medicine services are now offered as
benefits in state Medicaid programs, Medicare, and private health insurance plans . Study
shows that at least 50% American medical schools are currently offering courses in
alternative medicine to their medical students. Among which 25.0% of the courses referenced
personal growth or self-care through alternative practices, while only 11.0% referenced inter-
professional education activities involve interaction with alternative medicine providers . In
the promotion of CAM, a governmental initiative can play a crucial role. In India “Ministry
of Ayush” has been set up by national authorities to govern research, development, increased
funding opportunities, education, and other facilities pertaining to ayurveda, yoga,
naturopathy, and homeopathy . Therefore, the expensive existence of mainstream treatment
and governmental facilities devoted to alternative therapies may encourage companies to
invest in alternative medicine markets.

6. Major challenges for AM

Alternative treatment has improved our awareness and centered our view of medical
treatment, but it still faces tremendous challenges. After two eras of robust efforts by the
NCCAM at the National Institute of Health (NIH) on behalf of AM research, it remains an
extreme challenge for scientists to analyze thousands of years’ worth of clinical research
issues to demonstrate the safety as well as efficacy of AM . The complex and
complicated,
multivariate and multifaceted factors of AM systems require continual innovations for comprehensive and
well-designed studies. The control trends of existing biomedicine restrict alternative treatment research,
which must be expanded and extended . The exploration and eventual discovery of plausible scientific
mechanisms, theoretical and historical investigations are essential to further and fully understand the
holistic role of alternative medicine and claim it within the realm of modern medicine. In many cases,
alternative therapies are commonly documented as false cases due to proper public awarenes
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7. Conclusion
AM has been practiced in numerous countries before the advent of modern medical science
but its usage is not supported by the medical community due to lack of evidence-based safety
and effectiveness evaluation. Despite the promising results reported with various natural and
biologic products, the clinical efficacy of such alternative therapies is yet to be determined.
More than half of the world’s population does not have access to modern medicine where
most funding for healthcare in the developing world goes to 20% of the population and it can
certainly be presumed that healthcare costs will be expected to double over the next decade.
Low-cost intervention, such as lifestyle modifications, diet, supplement therapy and
behavioral medication, can be used as a replacement for prescribed high-cost medications
and technological innovation. More research of AM treatments in humans are needed to
elucidate whether alternative treatments can have beneficial effects when they are used alone
or have additional benefit while used with modern treatment methods. As a result, its usage
requires exploration and eventual discovery of plausible scientific mechanisms, theoretical
and historical investigations, continual innovations, comprehensive and well-designed
studies in order to validate, advance and fully understand the holistic roles of AM and
position it appropriately within the context of modern medicine. It is imperative that medical
practitioners and physicians need to be aware about potential alternative therapies and
discuss benefits and potential adverse effects or limitations with patients. With concerted
efforts involving different relevant stakeholders including medical and research councils in
different countries, systematic approaches could be developed and incorporation of
standardized procedures, awareness of validated, authenticated and easily accessible
scientific resources
can substantially improve the current scenario of AM and meet the increasing healthcare needs
of global population.
 23

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