It is science of medicine from plants. It is far different from homeopathy and have various advantages over conventional medicine. Various traditional medicine system existed in past.
5. 1. INTRODUCTION OF PHYTOMEDICINE
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Definition
• The science of medicine from plants is called
Phytomedicine.
• It can also be defined as the herbal medicine with
therapeutic and healing properties.
Term
• Also called
Botanical medicine = Herbal medicine = Herbalism = Phytotherapy
Origin
• The word Phyto derives from the Greek word meaning plant ;
hence it means the plant based medicine.
Working
• In Phytomedicine, plant medicines are selected to stimulate or strengthen the body’s
own functions and immune system, hence support the body to restore itself to health.
7. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
PHYTOMEDICINE AS A CAM
Phytomedicine
Uses plants or their crude
products for the treatment of
diseases. It may include animal,
fungi or bacteria.
Conventional Medicine
The use of pure chemicals in the
treatment of disease, regardless of
their origin, whether of plant, animal,
microorganism, synthetic or semi-
synthetic, organic or inorganic nature.
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COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
Used together with conventional
medicine using aroma therapy to
relieve discomfort following
surgery........
Examples: Acupunture, Chiropractic,
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Used in place of conventional
medicine using diet to treat cancer
instead of chemotherapy, surgery,
etc.........
Examples: Ayurveda
10. 3. HISTORY
○ Plants had been used for medical purposes long before recorded history.
○ It came into existence since the advent of human civilization.
○ Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants.
○ Archaeological evidence indicates that the Paleolithic age, approximately 60,000 years ago.
○ Written evidence of herbal remedies dates back over 5,000 years to the Sumerians, who complied lists of plants.
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1. SHENG NONGS HERBAL BOOK IS AN EVIDENTIAL BOOK OF 3000BC OF HERBAL MEDICINE
2. TRADITIONAL HERBAL SYSTEMS
Thai Medicine Chinese Medicine Indian Medicine
11. 4. BENEFITS
Provide Relief From Toothache And Bad Breath
Strengthen Immune System
Help Reduce Blood Sugars Level And Cholesterol
Help In Maintaining Healthy Skin And Hair
Reduce Risk In Treating Arthritis And Ulcerative
Colitis
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12. 5. INGREDIENTS AND FORMATION
1. INGREDIENTS OF PHYTOMEDICINE
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Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic acid
Alkaloids
Poly-phenol
Terpenoids
Glycosides
13. 2. METHODS OF FORMATION
COMMON DOSAGES FORMS
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Infusions
Macerations Tinctures
Powders
14. 6. MEDICINAL PLANTS
○Medicinal plants or herbs are used for treatment and medicine directly or indirectly.
○They are selected on the basis of
1. TEXTURE 2. COLOR OF FLOWER 3. ROOT SYSTEM 4. GROWING CONDITIONS
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15. MOST COMMONLY USED HERBS AND THEIR USES
Ginger
The benefits of Ginger come
from gingerols, oily -resin from
the root that acts a highly potent
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
agent
Turmeric
Several studies indicate that
turmeric has potent antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anticancer
and anti-mutagenic properties
Garlic
It can help reverse diabetes,
fight inflammation, boost the immune
system, regulate blood pressure and
improve hair loss
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Aloe Vera
In world, it is used for constipation,
skin, worm infestation,
colic, fungal diseases, cosmetic, and
food industries
Pipper-mint
It can help for relief of an upset
stomach. Mint oils can dissolve
gallstones. It can also be used as an
appetite stimulant and cleansing
facial wash
16. 7. HERBAL DRUGS
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Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba)
It improves
awareness,
judgement, and
social function in
people with
Alzheimer's
COMMONLY USED STANDARDIZED DRUGS ARE AS BELOW
St.John's wort
(Hpericum
perforatum)
It has
antidepressant
effects.
Saw palmetto
(Serenoa repens)
It is used for the
treatments of bengin
prostatic hyperplasia,
improvment in urinary
symptoms and flow
compared to finasterids
Valerian
(Valeriana
officinalis)
A sleep inducing
agent,
(no hangover
feeling the nextday)
Echinacea
(Echincea
purpurea
and other
its species)
It may improve the
body's natural
immunity
17. 8. ADVANTAGES AND SIDE EFFECTS
OF PHYTOMEDICINE
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o ADVANTAGES
1. Role in treatment of chronic diseases
. Asthma, Eczema
. Premenstrual syndrome
. Rheumatoid arthritis
. End-stage kidney disease
. Irritable bowel syndrome
2. Role in weight loss
3. Benefits for sick animals
4. Increased international trade
5. Create employments for the producing countries.
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o SIDE-EFFECTS
1. Mislabeling
2. Natural toxic contaminants
3. Normal toxic substance
4. Intentional addition of un-natural toxic substances
5. Herbal toxic tea of Star anise
6. Excessive ingestion of Gingeng, Licorice etc
7. Herbal laxatives and Ephedra use
8. Hypersensitivity reactions and Phototoxic reactions
20. CONCLUSION
1. Phytomedicine is the science of medicine from plants.
2. It has played key role in world health care with various herbal medicines for
the treatment of HIV, Malaria, Diabetes and Hypertension etc.
3. 80% of world’s population depends on phytomedicine in developing countries
being cheap, feasible and with low side-effects.
4. Medicinal plants (herbs) are sometime used directly or in form of Drugs.
5. There are various dosages forms available in local stores like pills, powders,
spray etc.
6. Recent researches show their beneficial aspects in Corona virus , Sickle-cell
anemia, Wound healing and other Chronic diseases.
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