Medicinal Plants, Human Health and Biodiversity: A Broad Review

Abstract

Biodiversity contributes significantly towards human livelihood and development and thus plays a predominant role in the well being of the global population. According to WHO reports, around 80 % of the global population still relies on botanical drugs; today several medicines owe their origin to medicinal plants. Natural substances have long served as sources of therapeutic drugs, where drugs including digitalis (from foxglove), ergotamine (from contaminated rye), quinine (from cinchona), and salicylates (willow bark) can be cited as some classical examples.Drug discovery from natural sources involve a multifaceted approach combining botanical, phytochemical, biological, and molecular techniques. Accordingly, medicinal-plant-based drug discovery still remains an important area, hitherto unexplored, where a systematic search may definitely provide important leads against various pharmacological targets.Ironically, the potential benefits of plant-based medicines have led to unscientific exploitation of the natural resources, a phenomenon that is being observed globally. This decline in biodiversity is largely the result of the rise in the global population, rapid and sometimes unplanned industrialization, indiscriminate deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and finally global climate change.Therefore, it is of utmost importance that plant biodiversity be preserved, to provide future structural diversity and lead compounds for the sustainable development of human civilization at large. This becomes even more important for developing nations, where well-planned bioprospecting coupled with nondestructive commercialization could help in the conservation of biodiversity, ultimately benefiting mankind in the long run.Based on these findings, the present review is an attempt to update our knowledge about the diverse therapeutic application of different plant products against various pharmacological targets including cancer, human brain, cardiovascular function, microbial infection, inflammation, pain, and many more.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating cancer

“…It is estimated that the United States National Cancer Institute spends ~120 million USD each year on TCM-related research (5). While, based on the foundation of the system research of 'omics' approach (6), the occurrence of cancer is known to be based on various factors, several phases, multigenes and complicated signaling pathways (7,8). Cancer is considered a chronic health problem, similar to hypertension and diabetes by the World Health Organization, and therefore, the optimal effects of treatment involve improving life quality, prolonging survival time and alleviating side effects.…”

Potential benefits of polysaccharides derived from marine alga Ulva lactuca against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by thiacloprid, an insecticide pollutant

“…Nowadays, plant assets are being used as novel curative or restorative treatments with low poisonous content. These alternatives are efficient supplements to standard medication revelation and chemical drugs to the point that efforts are being deployed to standardize plant based prescriptions . Among these, numerous marine resources such as seaweeds have bioactive compounds that can be used in new drugs and as healthy food additives through their beneficial dietary fibers …”

In vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Artemisia nilagirica Extracts

“…However, these defensive mechanisms are sometimes insufficient to prevent the damage entirely due to the various pathological processes, therefore, antioxidant supplements are vital to combat oxidative damage [5] . Investigations on medicinal plants have reclaimed significance in the modern times due to their increasing comprehensive biological properties and emerging recognition of their origin, function and structural diversity [6] . Medicinal plants are receiving great attention because of their significant antioxidant potential, minimal adverse effects and economic affordability [7] .…”