Medicinal plants have been used as far back as 5,000 years, and are still widely used today.
The use of medicinal plants has been a central component of health care in many cultures for centuries, dating as far back as 5,000 years. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of the world now relies on medicinal plants as their main source of health care. Currently, more than 120 pharmaceutical drugs on the market contain extracts from medicinal plants.
Historical Documentation
The earliest record of medicinal plant use was found in China. The Shennong Bencao Jing, a book containing information about more than 300 medicinal plants and their uses, was written around 2800 B.C. The Sumerians were also early in documenting their use of medicinal plants and were said to be the first people to practice year-round agriculture. The use of medicinal plants in Ayurvedic medicine in India dates back to 1900 B.C. Records also exist of medicinal plant use by the ancient Egyptians as far back as 1000 B.C. Hippocrates, whose work has inspired much of conventional Western medicine, also promoted the use of medicinal plants.
The Pharmaceutical Era
Pharmaceuticals became popular in Europe during the 19th century, when improvements in chemical analysis techniques allowed scientists to isolate and extract beneficial plant compounds. In contrast, traditional use of medicinal plants involves utilizing an entire portion of the plant like the root or leaf, rather than extracting a single component. Pharmaceuticals also go through extensive testing before being available to the public, although scientists report more side effects with pharmaceuticals than medicinal plants. Although less scientific evidence exists for the effectiveness of medicinal plants, research interest and investment is increasing.
Therapeutic Uses
Plants contain useful constituents, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, essential oils, tannins, alkaloids, bitters and flavonoids. Each part of the plant contains distinct properties and is used for different purposes. The seeds of the Jatropha plant treat parasitic worms, while the leaves of the same plant are used for wound healing. The root of the papaya tree treats bronchial asthma, and the leaves, bloody diarrhea. Leaves of the pigeon pea plant soothe toothaches, and the seeds are pounded with water as a remedy for stomach aches.
Accessibility and Cost
Developing countries are reliant on medicinal plants as their main source of treatment for diseases. Across Africa, more than 950 plants are used to treat malaria alone. In South Africa, traditional medicine generates the equivalent of U.S. $400 million annually, while in Europe, profits from herbal medicine reached close to $5 billion in 2003 to 2004. In developed countries, herbal medicine is available alongside conventional medicine in pharmacies and can be purchased at special health food stores. Prices vary, but herbal medicines are generally cheaper than pharmaceutical drugs. In 2010 Aceclofenac, a treatment for arthritis, costs about $21 for 50 tablets at 100 mg, while nettle root, also used for arthritis, costs $3.50 for 100 tablets at 500 mg. Medicinal plants can be cultivated within a home or community garden, and many grow wildly.
Other Uses
Apart from treating diseases, plants are used in cosmetics for maintaining healthy hair and skin. Commercially available oils, creams and shampoos contain plant extracts like lavender, aloe and mint that provide added benefits. Plants like basil, thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor and nutritional value of foods. Eucalyptus and citronella freshen the air and repel insects.
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