Formulas Used by Tibetan Doctors at Men‐Tsee‐Khang in India for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Their Correlation with Pharmacological Data

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify formulas used at Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute), India, for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and to compare the Tibetan usage of particular ingredients with pharmacological data from the scientific database. Using ethnographic methods, five doctors were selected and interviewed. A correlation was observed between central nervous system disorders and rLung, one of the three humors in Tibetan medicine, which imbalance is the source of mental disorders, and ten multi-ingredient formulas used to treat the imbalance of this particular humor were identified. These formulas utilize 61 ingredients; among them were 48 plant species. Each formula treats several symptoms related to rLung imbalance, so the plants may have therapeutic uses distinct from those of the formulas in which they are included. Myristica fragrans, nutmeg, is contained in 100% of the formulas, and its seeds exhibit stimulant and depressant actions affecting the central nervous system. Preclinical and clinical data from the scientific literature indicate that all of the formulas include ingredients with neuropsychiatric action and corroborate the therapeutic use of 75.6% of the plants. These findings indicate a level of congruence between the therapeutic uses of particular plant species in Tibetan and Western medicines.

Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

“…Nutmeg has been used externally to treat skin infections, rheumatism and paralysis (Khan & Abourashed 2010). Other interesting uses for nutmeg include the treatment of psychological disorders (Antonio et al 2013), and as a cheap substitute for marijuana especially among teenagers, sailors and prison inmates (Weil 1966). …”

Total Syntheses of Malabaricones B and C via a Cross-Metathesis Strategy

“…2 All these species have been used as folk medicine for many years. 3,4 Owing to their interesting pharmacological profile, the chemical constituents of M. f ragrans and M. dactyloides have been studied extensively. This has led to the isolation of various compounds including diarylnonanoids, which are referred to as malabaricones.…”

“…Four species of the Myristica genus, M. ceylanica , M. dactyloides , M. malabarica , and M. fragrans , are found in Sri Lanka and the southern part of India . All these species have been used as folk medicine for many years. , Owing to their interesting pharmacological profile, the chemical constituents of M. fragrans and M. dactyloides have been studied extensively. This has led to the isolation of various compounds including diarylnonanoids, which are referred to as malabaricones. − Among these natural products, malabaricones B and C displayed various interesting biological activities including nematocidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, antimicrobial, antifungal, antipromastigote, acetylcholinestearase inhibitory, antiproliferative, and cytotoxicity effects against human cancer cell lines, antihypertensive effects, and gastroprotective properties against stomach ulceration .…”

HPLC-Guided Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Phenylpropanoid and Phenolic Constituents of Nutmeg Kernel (Myristica fragrans)

“…In another study, adipose tissue reduction was shown in rats that were given a nutmeg extract which warrants further investigation to examine the effects of nutmeg on weight and diabetes [15]. Recent studies have also shown that nutmeg may act as a CNS stimulant, psychotropic, aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory agent [11,16-19]. For example, Baker et al .…”

“…In addition to its use as a kitchen spice, nutmeg has traditionally been used to increase appetite, improve digestion, and to manage such GI conditions as colic, nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence [1,3,10]. Traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, and Ayurveda employ multi-ingredient formulas to treat neuropsychological disorders, and many formulas contain nutmeg as a common ingredient [11]. Various online documents and forums present controversial discussions on the psychotropic effects of nutmeg, which is regarded by some recreational drug users as a cheap marijuana substitute [12,13].…”