Plant-Derived Pharmaceuticals

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals have been employed as traditional medicine for many centuries. Records from ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Native American cultures all suggest the use of various plants, herbs, and other natural materials for healing and wellness purposes. For example, the alkaloid cocaine, a potent central nervous system stimulant, was a key ingredient in the concoctions of Inca shamans in Peru centuries ago. In many parts of the world, the use of medicinal plants continues to be a viable option for treating various diseases and illnesses. This is due, in part, to the inexpensive availability of these herbal remedies and a belief in their “magical” power of healing. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of a number of plant-derived pharmaceuticals, and the results are consistent with the worldwide use of these substances in traditional medicine. For example, centuries-old Ayurvedic medicine, India’s oldest holistic healing system, has made great progress in the advancement of plant-derived pharmaceuticals. Various plant extract formulations such as guggul, turmeric, Boswellia, and ashwagandha are being used to address an array of health conditions, including inflammation, anxiety, and cancer. In Brazil, for instance, over 5,000 plants from the Amazon rainforest are believed to be used in traditional medicines and are thought to have anti-cancer properties. In addition, the use of yerba mate, an infusion of a South American shrub, is thought to both detoxify and energize, while the use of guarana, a stimulant derived from a seed common in the Amazon, is used as a weight loss aid. In sum, the popularity of plant-derived pharmaceuticals and traditional remedies speak to the fact that they effectively address certain medical conditions for many people around the world. To that end, researchers are continuing to evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of these herbal remedies to gain a better understanding of the therapeutic actions and mechanisms of these substances.