Role of complementary and alternative medicine in management of oxidative stress

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is described as various medical approaches, practices, and products, currently not considered conventional medicine nor a substitute for the typical healthcare system, which are used to supplement or replace conventional treatments as a stand-alone treatment. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the ability of the body to neutralize their harmful effects, has a major contribution to the pathogenesis of various ailments. CAM can play a role in managing oxidative stress-related diseases by providing nontraditional treatment options. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ayurvedic medicine system are prominent CAM systems. In TCM, various herbal combinations as well as many single herb formulations are commonly used for treating infertility and many other reproductive diseases. Similarly, most of the ayurvedic preparations are herb-based. Pharmacoepidemiological validation regarding the safety and practice of traditional medicines is required to pave the way for drug discovery and development processes.