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Abstract: In spite of spectacular advances in
modern medicine including genetic engineering,
biotechnology, organ transplant, designer drugs etc., a
large population in the developing countries rely on
herbal and other complementary medicines for primary
health care. Herbal medicines formed the basis of health
care through out the world since the earliest days of
mankind. They have considerable importance in
international trade. Despite the use of herbal medicines
over many centuries, only a relatively small number of
plant species have been studied for possible medicinal
applications. Safety and efficacy data are available
only for smaller number of plants, their extracts and
active ingredients and preparations containing them.
World Health Organization (WHO) define’ herbal medicines
as a plant derived material or preparations with
therapeutic or other human health benefits, which
contains either raw or processed ingredients from one or
more plants. They include herbs, herbal preparations and
finished herbal products that contain as active
ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials,
or combinations. Herbal medicine is a major component in
all indigenous peoples’ traditional medicine and is a
common element in Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Naturopathic,
Traditional Oriental and Native American Indian
Medicine. The sophistication of herbal remedies used
around the world varies with technological advancement
of the countries that produce and use them. These
remedies range from medicinal teas and crude tablets
used in traditional medicine to concentrated,
standardized extracts produced in modern pharmaceutical
facilities and used in modern medical systems under a
physician’s supervision.
Like modern medicines herbal medicines needs to be
studied scientifically to establish safety and
effectiveness. Herbal medicines have two special
characteristics, which distinguish them from chemical
drugs: use of crude herbs and prolonged use. A single
herb may contain a great many natural constituents and
combination of herbs even more. Experience has shown
that there are real benefits in the long-term use of
while medicinal plants and their extracts, since the
constituents in them work in conjunction with each
other.
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