Medicinal plants, which have been used for centuries to cure and manage various illnesses, are used by approximately 80% of the world’s population. This widespread use is attributed to the diverse purposes these plants serve, including healing diseases, food preparation, and spiritual practices. Furthermore, local knowledge and cultural traditions guide the use of medicinal plants, often requiring specialized training or education. Medicinal plants have been shown to successfully treat a wide range of ailments, including memory loss, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, arthritis, reproductive problems, skin illnesses, neurological disorders, hypertension, cancer, and diabetes. Recent developments in pharmacological and phytochemical research have enabled novel approaches to treating diseases that were previously incurable, building on the therapeutic potential of these plants. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities of medicinal plants are attributed to phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Plants such as Bacopa spp., Catharanthus roseus, Ginkgo biloba, Gloriosa superba, and Rhodiola litvinovii have been found to have significant pharmacological properties. Modern bioassays and fractionation techniques have enabled the isolation of therapeutically important compounds. This chapter provides a comprehensive historical overview and examines current trends in the use of medicinal plants, highlighting their potential to produce potent medications and pharmacologically active constituents.

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Historical Overview and Current Trends in Use of Medicinal Plants

  • Nsovo N. Mayimele,
  • David R. Katerere,
  • Manikandan Gurusamy

摘要

Medicinal plants, which have been used for centuries to cure and manage various illnesses, are used by approximately 80% of the world’s population. This widespread use is attributed to the diverse purposes these plants serve, including healing diseases, food preparation, and spiritual practices. Furthermore, local knowledge and cultural traditions guide the use of medicinal plants, often requiring specialized training or education. Medicinal plants have been shown to successfully treat a wide range of ailments, including memory loss, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, arthritis, reproductive problems, skin illnesses, neurological disorders, hypertension, cancer, and diabetes. Recent developments in pharmacological and phytochemical research have enabled novel approaches to treating diseases that were previously incurable, building on the therapeutic potential of these plants. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities of medicinal plants are attributed to phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Plants such as Bacopa spp., Catharanthus roseus, Ginkgo biloba, Gloriosa superba, and Rhodiola litvinovii have been found to have significant pharmacological properties. Modern bioassays and fractionation techniques have enabled the isolation of therapeutically important compounds. This chapter provides a comprehensive historical overview and examines current trends in the use of medicinal plants, highlighting their potential to produce potent medications and pharmacologically active constituents.