Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Middle-East (original) (raw)

Introduction: Medicinal Plants in Ancient Traditions

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World, 2014

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes since time immemorial, and to this day, many of the important and familiar remedies originate in plants. This chapter outlines the history and early traditions of medicinal plants in the Middle-east. The importance of the early "medicine-men" in ancient cultures, as collectors and healers, is emphasized. Archaeological fi ndings in sites such as Iraq and Babylon, as well as clay tablets and ancient manuscripts from Egypt, Sumaria and Assyria, India and China reveal the immense body of knowledge that existed during these old times in history. A special place is devoted to the Bible, as an ancient document describing the use of plants in this region during biblical times. Since before the Common Era, great herbalists, such as Dioscorides, Hippocrates, Theophrastus and Galenius acted as scientists and therapists leaving us with prominent books, such as De Materia Medica of Dioscorides. This priceless document provided the world with vast knowledge regarding hundreds of medicinal plants which are found in the region of the Middle-East. Most of these plants are still used at the present time for therapy and some of them are rich sources of natural compounds with medicinal properties. It was only by the mid-fi fteenth century that the infl uence of Dioscorides, and that of the classic herbalists, began to fade within European botany and medicine. During this period, and until our times, the European herbalists began researching plants for pure research purposes, which resulted in great scientifi c discoveries. Although there is no doubting the predominance of chemical research in modern medicine, there is a notably increasing interest, within both medical circles and the general public alike, in plant-oriented folk medicine. Further research into the biochemical mechanisms of herbal medicines will enable a synthesis of traditional and modern methods of health care, to the benefi t of all.

Medicinal plants – History and context

isara solutions, 2011

India has a rich culture of restorative herbs and spices, which incorporates about in excess of 2000 species and has a tremendous land region with high potential capacities for Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha conventional meds however without a doubt, not many have been read artificially and pharmacologically for their potential therapeutic worth (Gupta et al., 2005; Sandhu and Heinrich, 2005). People have utilized plants for the treatment of various diseases for a great many years (Sofowara, 1982; Hill, 1989). As indicated by the World Health Organization, most populaces still depend on conventional meds for their mental and physical wellbeing prerequisites (Rabe and Van Stoden, 2000), since they can't bear the cost of the results of Western pharmaceutical businesses (Salie et al., 1996), together with their symptoms and absence of medicinal services offices (Griggs et al., 2001). Provincial zones of many creating nations still depend on customary drug for their essential medicinal services needs and have discovered a spot in everyday life. These drugs are generally more secure and less expensive than manufactured or current medication (Iwu et al., 1999; Idu et al., 2007; Mann et al., 2008; Ammara et al., 2009). Individuals living in rustic regions from their own experience realize that these customary cures are important wellspring of characteristic items to keep up human wellbeing, yet they may not comprehend the science behind these medications, however realized that some restorative plants are exceptionally powerful just when utilized at helpful dosages (Maheshwari et al., 1986; Van Wyk et al., 2000).

Medicinal Plants in Light of History: Recognized Therapeutic Modality

Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 2014

Medicinal plants have an unbelievable history in terms of serving humanity in almost all continents of the world. Traditional healers have transferred that incredible knowledge from generation to generation. Even modernity or cultural revolutions have not altered the in-depth wisdom of this natural medical paradigm. Pharmacological rationale in light of traditional uses followed by phytochemical studies could surely bring a new revolution in the treatment of diseases.

The Use of Medicinal Plants in the Human Civilisations

Agricultura, 2017

Since time immemorial, humans have used for their existance natural resources comming from the vegetable and animal world. During numerous successive generations, humans have identified besides edible plants and the ones that had positive effects on their health, the toxic ones. It is estimated that the entire evolution of human developement is connected to the art of curing diseases, through the use of herbs in order to treat various health conditions.

Medicinal Plants and Health in Human History: From Empirical Use to Modern Phytotherapy

Journal of the Siena Academy of Sciences

Phytotherapy is the science that deals with the treatment and prevention of diseases through medicinal plants and herbal products. The use of herbs as medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to humanity and has been used in all cultures throughout history. It is known that even today over 80% of the world population depends on herbal medicines. The quality of herbal medicines is believed to be directly related to its active principles, but herbal medicines can be variable in their composition. Therefore, it is necessary to use an extract that is well defined in its chemical composition and in the quantity of specific active principles; and actually, to obtain constant efficacy and safety, standardized medicinal plant extracts are being used. Clinically confirmed efficacy and best tolerability and safety of standardized or quantified medicinal plant extracts are the key for a successful phytotherapic approach.

Medicinal plants: Role, distribution and future

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2020

Medicinal plants have been used for healthcare since time immemorial. Application of plants to prepare medicine has been realized through hit and trail method, and gradually man became able to fulfill his needs from his surroundings. The use of medicinal plants was started by Japanese for carrying out rituals, food flavoring and treating various diseases. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their potential and some of the findings have given rise to what we call plant-based medicines. Being an important source of medicine, these plants have always been of utmost importance in virtually all cultures of civilizations. Medicinal plants are regarded as rich resources of traditional medicines and not only this but these plants serve as an important source for many modern medicines as well. It is the presence of secondary metabolites which is responsible for their characteristic features. By standardizing the health of active plant-derived compounds, herbal drugs can provide ...

Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow

Molecular aspects of Medicine, 2006

Plants have provided man with all his needs in terms of shelter, clothing, food, flavours and fragrances as not the least, medicines. Plants have formed the basis of sophisticated traditional medicine systems among which are Ayurvedic, Unani, Chinese amongst others. These systems of medicine have given rise to some important drugs still in use today. Among the lesserknown systems of medicines are the African and Australian, Central and South American amongst others. The search for new molecules, nowadays, has taken a slightly different route where the science of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacognosy are being used as guide to lead the chemist towards different sources and classes of compounds. It is in this context that the flora of the tropics by virtue of its diversity has a significant role to play in being able to provide new leads. Nonetheless the issue of sovereignty and property rights should also be addressed in line with the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD). This paper highlights the above, provides an overview of the classes of molecules present in plants and gives some examples of the types of molecules and secondary metabolites that have led to the development of these pharmacologically active extracts. The paper also presents some data on the use of plant products in the development of functional foods, addresses the needs for validation of plant extracts and always stressing on safety, efficacy and quality of phyto-medications.

MEDICINAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PLANTS MENTIONED IN HADITH LITERATURE AND CONTEMPORARY TIMES: AN ANALYSIS

Article, 2023

Several kinds of plants and herbs are found in different regions of the world. All the plants have significant economic, environmental, nutritional, and medicinal value. Many plants and herbs with medicinal properties have been mentioned in the hadith literature. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has advised using various plants in His sayings as a remedy for illness. According to modern scientific reports, Plants contain carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Plants are be have been used to cure diseases from the beginning of man`s history. Cure and diseases have a deep relationship with each other. With the passage of time health curative system was updated by hadith literature. Plants with their medicinal values and pharmacological actions can be seen in the holy sayings of the prophet Muhammad (SAW). Herbal medicines are considered hope and a symbol of safety for humanity. In fact, people are returning to the natural cure for diseases in the current pandemic environment. our major objective of this study is to highlight the importance, nutritional and medicinal properties of some selected herbs and plants mentioned in hadith literature. Furthermore, this research analyzes ingredients, plants' classification, and the natural cures of diseases in contemporary times.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and their role in Healthcare and Eonomic Development

2017

Abstract-Traditional medicine was the foundation of health care around the world since the early days of humanity. Medicinal plants have been known for millennia as a wealthy source of therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of various diseases, occupying an important place in the socio-cultural, spiritual and medical field. They are the source of primary health care for most of the world's population. Knowing and using them is a great economical source, but often unpublished. Tendencies for long-term use in the traditional health system will also increase the need for good management of their habitats. The source management systems, which should aim at the full protection of not only the nearest sources but also the farthest ones and will bring a potential market supply of medicinal plants. The open access policies, which have been implemented in the last decades, will provide more opportunities for better quality collective actions for the protection of biodiversit...