Perhaps 25% of all pharmaceutical medications have their origin in natural materials obtained from p...

1. Pharmacognosy
Perhaps 25% of all pharmaceutical medications have their origin in natural materials obtained from
plants and animals. For thousands of years, cultures throughout the world have passed down
knowledge regarding the use of these materials in the management of disease and Business
Electricity Comparison optimal health. Often, this knowledge was transferred in oral traditions, from
one generation to the next.
The Emerging Science of Pharmacognosy
Over the past century, advances in chemistry and refined research procedures have allowed for the
intense analysis of plant and animal materials for biological activity. Constituents may now be
identified, isolated, and then examined objectively. This field of study which includes traditional use
and pharmacological activity is termed pharmacognosy.
Organisms Create Chemicals for Activities like Defense
These compounds are usually classified as secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are
chemicals that don't directly participate in the metabolism of an organism but provide important
functions like defense. For instance, nicotine, an alkaloid from tobacco plants (Nicotiana attenuata)
appears to poison herbivores that eat it, suppressing their growth and decreasing lifespan.
These secondary metabolites may elicit positive effects in the treatment of health conditions when
dosed adequately.
Secondary Metabolites have Pharmacological Effects

2. Secondary metabolites from plants and animals often have diverse effects on other living organisms.
Some examples include:
Hypericin: anthroquinone derivative of St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), immunity and mood
enhancement
Echinacoside: phenylethanoid found in various Echinacea species, immune enhancement
Azadirachtin: tetratriterpenoid derivative of neem (Azadirachta indica), inhibits feeding of various
insects
Digoxin: cardiac glycoside of foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), regulates rhythm and strengthens beat of
heart
Exendin-4: a hormone-like protein derived from Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) saliva,
hypoglycemic effects
Isolated Compounds verses Crude Materials
Crude materials are a complex mix of chemical compounds with varying and often synergistic
effects. Controversy exists regarding the use of isolated compounds verses crude forms of materials.
Proponents of isolated constituents often speak on the varying potency and relative scarcity of plants
and animals. Other complexities impacting the use crude materials include adulteration, use of
wrong species, and improper harvesting procedures. Isolated compounds often may be mass
produced using organisms or laboratory methods.
Opponents of isolated constituents point to the increased chance of adverse effects when using
isolated compounds, and the synergistic effects associated with the soup of constituents in crude
materials.
Sources:
Bond, "Exenatide (Byetta) as a novel treatment option for type 2 diabetes mellitus," Baylor
University Medical Center Proceedings 19, no. 3 (July 2006): 281-4.
Brockman, H. et al. 1939 Hypericin, the photodynamically active pigment from Hypericum
perforatum. Naturwiss.27:550-555

3. Edith Beckmann Gemma E. Veitch and Gemma E. Veitch, Edith Beckmann, Brenda J. Burke, Alistair
Boyer, Sarah L. Maslen, Steven V. Ley, "Synthesis of Azadirachtin: A Long but Successful Journey,"
Angewandte Chemie International Edition 46 (2007): 7629.
Goodman, RM Rossen, DS Cannom, AK Rider and DC Harrison, "Effect of digoxin on atioventricular
conduction." Circulation 1975;51;251-256
Yu Wu et al., "Protective effects of echinacoside on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in
rats," Toxicology 232, no. 1-2 (March 22, 2007): 50-56.
About the author
James Pendleton
Dr. James Pendleton: Primary Care / Expert Supplement Design
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