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Recent era has witnessed an increased prevalence of allergy and asthma. This requires more attention and effective therapies since the current therapeutic approaches have high side effects. Search for novel treatments has significantly advanced in recent years due to increased prevalence of allergy and asthma. This attention has led to the exploration of alternative medicines with particular interest in plant products. Reviews published in recent years suggest that some of these folklore medicines have significant effect in reducing the severity of respiratory disease symptoms. Alternative medicines, particularly plant extracts have shown acceptance by patients and physicians alike. However, very few detailed scientific studies have been conducted to further the understanding of the anti-allergic mechanisms associated with these products. The black seeds, from the Ranunculaceae family, have been traditionally used by various cultures throughout the world as a natural remedy for several ailments.

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Dr. MUHAMMAD SHAHZAD got his M.Sc (Hons) and PhD (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Currently he is Assistant Professor at University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan.

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