The Evolution of Herbal Medicine from plants and herbs showcases how traditional healing practices are being integrated into modern pharmaceuticals for their proven therapeutic benefits. In modern times, Use of Herbs and Plants in Medical Products as plant pharmacology or more specifically called Medicinal Botany has provoked deep research in potential plants and herbs to determine their primary ingredients, biological properties, chemical substances and their possible potential benefits for various medical purposes.
More technically, current researchers are studying plant metabolism of evaluation of enzymatic activity and identification of metabolites for pharmaceuticals.
Practice of using Plants and more specifically Medicinal plants or medicinal herbs goes back since prehistoric times. Plants sometimes have diverse blend of chemical substances for various functions like protection against diseases, boosting of immune systems, healing wounds and controlling inflammation.
Research on Medicinal Plants in Prehistoric Times
Egyptians are said to have been first to identifying such potential in plants introducing details on disease, diagnosis, and remedies of disease, treating injuries, surgery, dentistry, cure from cancer and poisonous bites. These oldest documents called “Papyrus” having relevance to ancient Egypt contain research on around 600 to 800 plants and herbs.
Later, Greeks and Chinese also took inspiration from Egyptians and added more research on medicinal plants and surgical instruments. By 2700 BC, the Chinese had started to use herbs in a more scientific sense. The Chinese healers introduces a brew prepared with one or sometimes a combination of thousands of medicinal plants or dried animal parts like snakes, scorpions, insects and deer antlers.
Hippocrates, traditionally referred to as the "Father of Medicine" has considerable contributions to this field, by systematic categorization of diseases and classifying herbs into their essential qualities of hot and cold, moist and dry, and developed a system of diagnosis and prognosis using herbs.
The number of effective medicinal plants he discussed was between 300 and 400 species. This dynamic contribution by Hippocrates thus revolutionized the ancient Greek medicine.
Medical Research on Plants in Early-Modern Era
In early modern era, scientists in Muslim Spain have their contribution towards advanced research in plants as well. Ibn al-Baytar, a muslim physician, botanist, pharmacist, Oncologist and scientist from University of Andalusia (Modern Spain) made additions to the work done by earlier Islamic physicians in middle ages.
He recorded the potential medical benefits from 1400 different plants and herbs adding 300 different types of medicine to the 1000 previously known. His largest and most widely read book by modern researchers, “Compendium on Simple Medicaments and Foods” is considered as a pharmaceutical encyclopedia listing 1400 plants, foods, and drugs, and their uses.
Ibn al-Baitar discovered the earliest known herbal treatment for cancer from Hindiba, a herbal drug which he identified as having anticancer properties and could also treat other tumors and neoplastic disorders.
Medical Research on Plants in Pre-Modern Era
In pre modern period, research on different herbs in Indian subcontinent in 1800s brought revolutionary outcomes both in introducing use of herbs as spices for food and medicine. India contributes to more than 75% production and trade of spices in the world.
Modern Researches on Medicinal Plants
In last 20 years, herbal medicines have gained an increasing popularity among researchers and more likely in patients because they are said to have been well tolerated and do not exert severe side effects. These medicine are more commonly used in psychosomatic disorders, gynecological complaints, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary and upper respiratory tract infections and as dietary supplements.
Currently, a very limited Botanical drugs being marketed in United States have fulfilled the Botanical Guidance definition of a botanical drug product. These guidelines are issued by Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research as part of the US Food and Drug Administration.
In majority of the advanced studies on medicinal Botany, therapeutic benefits were evaluated by patient reported outcome measures (PROs). For psychosomatic disorders, gynecological complaints and Upper respiratory tract infections, more than 80% of the study outcomes were recorded positive, while the clinical benefit for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections and gastrointestinal disorders was lower with 55%.
However, scientific research and evidence need more improvements to allow integration of herbal medicines to pave the way for herbal medicines into future therapeutic applications.
An Overview of Common Herbs for Supplemental Use
Moringa is a tree with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also controls blood sugar level, cures rheumatoid arthritis and regulates blood cholesterol.
Garlic is widely used in cooking. It is beneficial in fighting germs, healthy heart, and reduce inflammation. It may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Turmeric is used as a culinary spice and traditional medicine. It is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, respiratory infections, inflammation, allergies, liver disease, depression, digestive disorders, disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system.
Ginger is also widely used in everyday food. It is a strong antioxidant with anticancer and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Evening Primrose oil is derived from vibrant yellow evening primrose flower which is recommended to alleviate the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema.
Flax seed has many health-promoting benefits. The consumption of flax seed may help to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It may also help improve fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance. It may also have antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Aloe Vera leaves are widely used to heal burns, wounds and other skin ailments.
Black Seed has been widely recommended as an antioxidant, anti-cough, anti-ulcer, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cures gastric ulcers, slows tumor growth, and improves memory.
Chia seeds are full of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. It is also recommended for reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, supporting digestive health and helping to control diabetes.
Taking Herbs Safely
Before taking these herb as medicine it is always recommended to take healthcare advice. Due to a wide chances of exaggeration in defining benefits of herbs, herbal medicine and plants from different sources, it is important to make sure the herbal medicine is safe. Some herbs are unsafe to take with other medicines. Ask your doctor how much is safe for you and contact your doctor immediately if you have any side effects.
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