Throughout history, early civilizations have relied on their environments for food and medicine, discovering the therapeutic properties of plants through trial and error (Jamshidi-Kia et al., 2018). Traditional knowledge, myths, and literature have cataloged the healing properties of herbs and herbal extracts, providing insights into their use for medicinal purposes (Efferth & Bhowmik, 2012). Today, medicinal plants continue to be a valuable resource for healthcare in both developed and developing nations (Jamshidi-Kia et al., 2018).

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 70% of the global population relies on plants for primary healthcare, with around 70,000 plant species (14-28% of known species) being used in medicinal formulations (Efferth & Bhowmik, 2012). Despite this vast potential, only about 17% of the known plant species have been formally investigated for their medical properties, highlighting the need for further studies in this field (Efferth & Bhowmik, 2012) (Mamedov, 2012).

 

While the use of medicinal plants has a long history, there are challenges associated with using the whole plant or raw materials for treatment or experimentation. Factors such as climate, synergistic or antagonistic effects of compounds, and variability in bioactivity can affect the efficacy of plant-based treatments (Zhang, 2011). Scientific investigation and identification of active components in medicinal plants can lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic benefits and the development of nature-based products (Jamshidi-Kia et al., 2018). However, ensuring quality control of raw materials and formulations, conducting animal studies and clinical trials, and devising strategies for resource preservation are crucial steps in integrating medicinal plants into modern medicine (Jamshidi-Kia et al., 2018).

 

Furthermore, the growing scientific and economic attention given to medicinal plants has put wild plant populations at risk of extinction due to overharvesting, posing a threat to traditional medicine and indigenous communities that rely on these resources (Roberson, 2008).

 

In the search for natural drugs, modern processes offer environmentally friendly alternatives. High-throughput screening (HTS) and in silico investigations, utilizing technologies such as full robotic automation, enable the rapid testing of numerous compounds and the extraction of lead compounds for further research and development (Jamshidi-Kia et al., 2018) (Sarker & Nahar, 2007).

 

To maximize the potential of natural products, a scientifically authenticated library of studies and experiments is needed, facilitating the progression of novel medication formulations through synthesis, in vivo studies, and clinical trials (Sarker & Nahar, 2007).

 

In conclusion, medicinal plants have been an integral part of human healthcare throughout history. Scientific investigation and modern processes offer opportunities to explore their therapeutic benefits while minimizing environmental impact. However, it is crucial to address quality control, conduct further studies, and implement conservation strategies to ensure the sustainable use of medicinal plants and protect traditional knowledge.