Evaluating Protocols for AssessingToxicological Effects of EthnopharmacologicalAgents on the Central Nervous System

Abstract

The goal in drug development is to create medications that have the greatest therapeutic effectiveness while causing the fewest negative side effects. The continuous expansion of research on the therapeutic properties of ethnopharmacological substances indicates a growing likelihood of harmful effects resulting from these agents, especially those that may impact the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the unique nature of the central nervous system (CNS) and the blood-brain barrier, which controls the passage of foreign substances into the brain, it is crucial to exercise caution and verify that ethnopharmacological agents already in use do not unintentionally and excessively affect the CNS. It is becoming increasingly necessary to analyse the potential toxicity of ethnopharmacological drugs and understand the specific pathways by which these compounds can be harmful to the central nervous system (CNS). A narrative review is needed for the methods used in biochemical testing and behavioural tests to evaluate toxicity, which can be identified by biochemical and histological abnormalities as well as behavioural abnormalities. The specific areas affected and their diverse functions determine the different Biochemical, histological and behavioural.

The authors carried out an online search of relevant articles in Embase, Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, Proquest and Scopus from 1968 till date. The search focused on several areas such as ethnopharmacological toxicology, functional observational batteries, CNS toxicity, behavioural models, and historical perspectives of CNS toxicity testing. Out of the articles that met the criteria and addressed the scope, a total of 51 were used to create this article.

The neurotoxicity risk posed by both traditional and novel ethnopharmacological substances is a significant and immediate concern. The protocols used to detect these toxicities have not undergone recent evaluation. In addition, few researchers engage in the complete process of toxicological testing.