Herbal medicines are a repository of human knowledge aggregated over at least 5000 years of human history. They have inspired scientists to look at constituent herbs, identify bioactive molecules, and conduct experiments to study their efficacy.
Most modern medicines are of herbal origin. Once the efficacy of a molecule gets established with the help of multiple clinical trials, these molecules and chemical alternatives are identified, and mass production of drugs becomes possible.
These medicines are generally polyherbal combinations. The synergistic action of multiple molecules in constituent plants makes these medicines effective. Cocktail drugs in modern medicine are just emerging. The starting point of research in these cases again is ancient medicine combinations. The research of multiple herb combinations is n-fold more complex than single plant herbs. Scientific protocols and procedures on multiherbal research combinations are in the process of evolution.
The world of plants is huge. The medicinal properties of plants are myriad. Hartwell estimates that at least 3000 plants possess cancer-healing properties. The entire herbal medicine knowledge database across all herbal medicine systems from the Northern and Southern Hemisphere may not exceed 5000-6000 plants. It took humans 5000 years to discover the existing herbal medicine combinations. We are still learning the value of these herbal combinations.
Here are some other potential developments that could shape the future of herbal medicine:
- Scientific research: More research is being conducted to identify the active compounds in herbs and understand their mechanisms of action. This could lead to the developing of more targeted and effective herbal treatments for various diseases.
- Integration with conventional medicine: As more research is conducted, herbal medicine will likely become integrated with conventional medicine to create a more holistic approach to healthcare. This could lead to development of new therapies and treatments that combine the best of both worlds.
- Use of technology: The use of technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bioinformatics could help to identify new herbal compounds, predict potential interactions, and optimize dosages.
- Cultivation and sustainability: As demand for herbal remedies increases, there is a need to ensure that herbs are grown sustainably and ethically. This could lead to more emphasis on local cultivation and the development of sustainable supply chains.
- Personalized medicine: With the increasing availability of genetic testing and other diagnostic tools, herbal medicine could be tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health status.
Ancient herbal medicine formulations are a rich source of bioactive compounds, many of which have not been fully explored or exploited. These compounds can be isolated and studied to identify their therapeutic potential and to develop new drugs. Many of these formulations have been used for centuries, and their efficacy has been validated through empirical evidence. This traditional knowledge can provide a basis for developing new drugs and therapies.
Combination therapies of these formulations often contain a mixture of different herbs that work together to produce a therapeutic effect. This approach could be used to develop combination therapies for various diseases, where multiple drugs are used in combination to produce a synergistic effect. Not just that, ancient herbal medicine formulations can provide alternative therapies for diseases that have limited treatment options or where conventional drugs have failed. This can be especially important for diseases prevalent in developing countries, where access to conventional medicines may be limited.
Some formulations may be used to enhance the effectiveness of existing drugs. For example, certain herbs may be used to reduce chemotherapy’s side effects or enhance the efficacy of antibiotics.
In conclusion, ancient herbal medicine formulations have the potential to play an important role in modern drug discovery. They can be a source of new chemical entities, validate traditional knowledge, provide alternative therapies, and enhance the effectiveness of existing drugs. By integrating the best of both traditional and modern medicine, we can develop new and effective therapies for various diseases.
Humanity still has miles to go and a lot of exploring.
Additional reading:
Book selection on plant-based food and medicine.