Title : The role of traditional plants: “Bridging ancient wisdom and modern medicine”
Abstract:
It is important to embrace the traditions, traditional foods are not just the reflection of culture but also source of vital nutrients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants. They have been rooted in centuries old culinary traditions and are deeply embedded in various cultures, rituals, communities and are passed down from one generation to another. Traditional diets across the cultures and regions have been linked with reduced risks of health issues and therefore, can be utilised as preventive health foods and medicines.
The native plants of Australia are rich in macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients but have not been investigated much for their nutritional and health benefits. Few species of Acacia, Santalum and Syzigium were explored and have been extensively used by Aboriginal Australians as native foods or bush food culture. These plants were scientifically explored using in vitro assays and were found be effective in managing metabolic disorders and the biological activities are due to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that further linked with antioxidant activities of these plants and native foods. These plants were also tested for their cytotoxicity profiles and were found to be non-toxic and were able to regulate blood glucose levels using cell-based assays. These plants also demonstrated anti-microbial activities against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Therefore, these plants can be used in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
