Use of Medicinal Plants: Interindividual Variability of Their Effects from a Genetic and Anthropological Perspective

Abstract

The use of plants for nutritional and therapeutic purposes has been constant over the centuries. The variability of enzymatic activity between individuals and populations in an attempt to adapt has been a conditioning mechanism, reflected in the incidence and prevalence of certain diseases, possible adverse effects of plant-derived nutrients and their interaction with medications, in addition to interference in natural selection and consequent geographical distribution of specific genetic polymorphisms in harmony with indigenous medicinal plants. The metabolizer type may influence the anticancer protective effect of certain plant-derived constituents, with interindividual variability to be considered. This chapter will deepen and develop the role of using plants in different geographic areas and populations over the centuries in producing the genetic variability of the metabolism of plant constituents in the context of environmental adaptation and ecogenetics. Possible therapeutic/adverse effects due to this variability will be discussed.