Quansah, Emmanuel and Karikari, Thomas K. (2016) Potential role of metabolomics in the improvement of research on traditional African medicine. Phytochemistry Letters, 17 . pp. 270-277. doi:10.1016/j.phytol.2016.08.004

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Abstract

The global market for herbal medicine is growing steadily. The usage of herbal medicine is particularly common in many parts of Africa; the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 80% of Africans rely on traditional African medicines (TAMs) for treating various diseases. TAMs hold promise in preventive treatment, early disease intervention and personalized medicine. However, clinical integration of TAMs is restricted due to limited information concerning their characterization. Presently, many studies on TAMs utilize a reductionist approach, making it extremely difficult to understand the holistic modifying effects that these therapeutic agents may have on biological systems. Fortunately, emerging technologies such as metabolomics platforms adopt a ‘top-down’ strategy that permits a holistic evaluation of the components, metabolic pathways and biomarkers modified by TAMs, which can aid in addressing common concerns over safety and toxicity, while also ensuring that quality control standards are met. Metabolomics approaches may also be beneficial for advancing our understanding of the efficacy and mechanism of action of TAMs, and may contribute to the advancement of research and drug discovery, early diagnosis, preventive treatment and TAMs-driven personalized medicine in Africa. This review also considers the main challenges that may hinder the adoption and integration of metabolomics approaches in research on TAMs in Africa and suggests possible solutions.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GR Folklore R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- )
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Traditional medicine -- Africa -- Evaluation, Medicine -- Quality control , Disease management , Personalized medicine
Journal or Publication Title:	Phytochemistry Letters
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
ISSN:	1874-3900
Official Date:	September 2016
Dates:	Date Event September 2016 Published 17 August 2016 Available 8 August 2016 Accepted 31 March 2016 Submitted
Date of first compliant deposit:	21 September 2016
Volume:	17
Page Range:	pp. 270-277
DOI:	10.1016/j.phytol.2016.08.004
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	De Montford University, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (Great Britain) (BBSRC)
Grant number:	BB/J014532/1 (BBSRC)

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