Cues from Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine to the Modern Drug Development Pipeline - for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Worldwide, traditional medicine (TM) systems based on cultural and religious beliefs, and geographical regions of origin, possess their own unique practices. The use of herbal preparations in TM follows the basic principle of treating a disease by stabilizing organ systems of the body, with simultaneous targeting of multiple symptoms. Time-tested practices from TM preparations, fed into the development of modern drugs, can drastically reduce its long, arduous turnover time. However, novel drug development research focusses on single compound drugs; yet frequently, it is the synergistic activity ofphytocompounds in the original herbal preparation that renders them unique in their therapeutic activity. A recent area of research examines the synergistic activity of several compounds achieving multi drug targets, as a powerful treatment regimen for diseases with complex aetiology. Blessed with a lavish biodiversity and a rich, unique TM heritage, Sri Lanka is well-placed to identify and produce drugs for a wide range of disorders. Local research on diverse disorders has demonstrated promising results, yet the standardization of effective drugs and supplements which compete with the international market poses a significant challenge. State support as well as the sustainable use of traditional medicinal plants are required. The cultivation of medicinal plants would reduce their harvest in the wild, and help preserve these species from extinction. Thus, a market of high value could be developed for medicinal plant cultivators and the herbal pharmaceutical industry, which would sanction its socio-economic growth and sustainable future.