Medicinal herbs constitute an important source for traditional systems of medicine (ayurveda, homoeopathy, siddha, Chinese medicine and herbalism) and synthetic system of medicine. In rural areas, 75 percent of the population is dependent on herbal medicines for healthcare. A study from America demonstrated that 34 percent of the patients used one or the other system at least once a year. Herbals or natural products are becoming popular which can be attributed to the belief that they are safe.The herbal drug industry is considered to be a high growth industry of the late 90s and seeing the growing demand, it is all set to flourish in the next century. The trend for the increasing popularity of medicinal herbs in countries like America, Australia and Germany is well supported by statistical data. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, strongly believes in polyherbal formulations and scientists of modern era often ask for scientific validation of herbal remedies.
The crude medicinal herbs have long been cultivated and traded in many countries around the world. The drugs are either supplied in dried or powdered form. The medicinal herb is a biosynthetic laboratory as it contains number of chemical compounds like glycosides, alkaloids, resins etc. These compounds exert therapeutic effect and account for medicinal property of the medicinal herb. Clinical studies have shown that medicinal herbs used without medical supervision can be the cause of hepatotoxicity or potential drug interactions.
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