Drug formulary of most traditional systems of medicine is based on plants. Human beings have always had plants as their companion. Tiny, small, large or gigantic; versatility in size, produce, and function of plants has always intrigued mankind. Prehistoric humans discovered that some plants are suitable for cultivation, others for their floral beauty, and some for strength of their wood. They stumbled on others for sweet fruits or harmful poisons. Some plants were discovered for their healing properties. Healers conducted their experiments. Cumulative experience of numerous trials and errors made us wise. We became wise by knowing which part of these plants is to be used, in what dose and for how long.
Neem – A pharmacy in itself
Neem tree is commonly found across Indian subcontinent. Bitter in taste, this drought resistant tree is revered as a universal healer. According to Hindu mythology, Gods sprinkled Amrit (nectar of immortality) on Neem tree, which made it medicinal. It has diverse uses from treating various skin conditions, dental problems, fungal infection and as insect repellant. Its existing and potential uses are widely described in Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese medicine. (See here)
Eight herbs in Ayurveda
Like Neem most medicinal Ayurvedic plants are versatile medicines. Further, they are used in combination for a cumulative effect. For instance, Tulsi, Brahmi and Amla are often used together for their relaxant and anti-oxidant properties. Ayurvedic health drinks often use these along with Neem and Aloe-vera. Modern pharmacology looks down on poly-pharmacy. In contrast, most Ayurvedic preparations are poly-herbal formulations. Further, each herb consists of numerous flavonoids and alkaloids. This makes each preparation complex. (See this article for examples of this complexity)
We present a summary list below. Please click Botanical name for more information. It is linked to monographs in “Useful tropical plant” website maintained by Ken Fern, or to other external resources.
| Sno | Name | Botanical Name |
| 1 | Neem | Azadirachta indica |
| 2 | Tulsi | Ocimum sanctum |
| 3 | Amla | Phyllanthus emblica |
| 4 | Guggulu | Commiphora wightii |
| 5 | Brahmi | Bacopa monnieri |
| 6 | Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera |
| 7 | Sarpgandha | Rauvolfia serpentina |
| 8 | Haridra (Turmeric) | Curcuma longa |
| 9 | Ghritkumari (Aloe) | Aloe barbadensis |
Basis of pharmaceutical industry is to identify a single useful compound, and then chemically synthesise it for mass consumption. However, quest to identify singular active and useful ingredient from each herb has met with little success. Such a concept is an ante-thesis of Ayurvedic philosophy of “whole being greater than sum of parts”. As chronic diseases become more prevalent, we have started using polypills or multiple medicines in modern medicine. One day we may be able to accept these complexities, and the two worlds may meet.
Chinchona, Quinine and Malaria
There is no other incredible medicinal plant discovery, but Chinchona. This tree is native to the Andes. First drug effective against malaria was discovered from the extracts of bark of this tree. Till early 1500s, malaria was prevalent across most Asia and Europe, and was unknown in Americas – a continent that had just been discovered. Europeans and Slave trade carried malaria to Americas and ravaged it. Malarial parasite genotype studies have confirmed this fact.
In 1631 a Spaniard countess of Cinchona, married to a Peruvian nobleman developed fever. Her fever was cured by a concoction, that contained bark of a native tree. In her honour this tree was named Cinchona or Chinchona. Chinchona was declared as national tree of Peru, was also exported to various tropical countries. Quinine was isolated from Bark of Chinchona tree in 1820. This was only source of Quinine, till 1944 when it could be chemically synthesised. High demand has made this tree extinct, and today only a few endangered Chinchona trees survive in Peru and Ecuador.
Strophanthus
Strophanthus is a climber and an arrow poison from Africa. It was used by native tribes in Africa for hunting, and was also used in wound healing. Scientists discovered ‘Oubain’ a cardiac glycoside from this plant. In 1950s Oubain was aspiring to be a wonder cardiac stimulant, in competition with more popular digoxin, however its toxicity was it bane.
Kolatier or Cola acuminata
Kolatier or Kola-nut is popular in Central Africa. Its seeds are used as a stimulant, prevents vomiting, and used as a traditional medicine for Migraine. In 19th Century two stimulant drinks were gaining popularity caffeine with wine, and cocaine. Cocaine soon fell-out from grace. A little known Kola-seed drink took its place. A later version of this concoction, whose exact ingredients are still a secret – gave rise to now famous coca-cola.
Prickly poppy
Prickly poppy (Meconopsis horridula) grows at high altitude, and is used in Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. More recently its anti-cancer properties are being explored.
Bogbean
Bogbean (Menyanthus trifolata) is a plant that grows widely across Southern Europe. It has a bitter taste. It is traditionally used for lack of sleep and for anxiety, and in various poly herbal formulations. Its usage is also described in Chineese medicine.
Potential poisons with medicinal use
Colourful and attractive mushrooms should be dealt with caution. Some of them may be poisonous, such as Amanita muscrina. However similar looking red-capped mushroom Amanita caesarea is edible. While it is used as a food, and not particularly as a medicine – it is believed to have antioxidant properties. Henbane (Hyosamus niger) also known as Bilsenkraut is another such plant. Poisonous in large quantities its use is described in medieval Europe for its psychoactive properties. It is also known as crazy plant, as its consumption causes hallucinations. It is believed to have been used in “witchcraft” and by Vikings to aggravate rage. While popular “magical herb” in the past, its current medicinal use is actually limited to a transdermal anticholinergic effect.
Trees, with adjunct medicinal use
Many large trees are considered “sacred” and are often worshipped in India. Their medicinal use is more indirect and adjunct. Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is better known for its hard-wood. Being one of the large trees found in Indian subcontinent, many revered saints performed meditation under it and attained enlightenment. Its bark, leaves, and resin extract have been used in traditional medicine to heal wounds, treat leprosy, and cure general diseases.
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) and Pipal (Ficus religiosa) are two large, evergreen and most revered trees in India. Due to their large canopies, they have provided shade for saints to meditate, attain enlightenment and preach. Banyan bark, leaves and roots are as an adjunct in anti-anxiety preparations. Pipal leaves, and root extracts are similarly used in cough preparations.
Chinar (Plantanus orientalis) or old world sycamore is a large tree found in Central Asia, Southern Europe, and in Kashmir in India. Hippocrates is known to have preached under the shade of this large, evergreen tree. Its leaves have been used traditionally for wound healing and to heal eye infections.
Amaltas or Sonali (Cassia fistula), Krishachura (Delonix regia), and Palash (Butea monosperma) are primarily flowering trees. Their medicinal use is adjunctive. Fruit pulp of Amaltas is purgative, leaves of Krishnachura have anti-inflammatory properties, and flowers of Palash tree are is used in folk medicine to treat diarrhoea.
Kadam (Anthocephalus indicus) is a tree and Shapla (Nymphoea nouchali) is a water plant. Kadamba fruits and Shapla flowers are used for their healing properties in popular folklore.
Tea, Coffee and Cocoa: Three medicinal plants that became recreational drinks
Three popular recreational drinks of today originated in three different continents. Coffee (Coffea arabica) from Northern Africa, Tea (Cammelia sinensis) from Eastern Asia, and Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) from Central America. Today these three are global and in terms of consumption far outnumber alcoholic recreational beverages. Popular belief is that a goat herder from Ethiopia discovered coffee, and found it to be a stimulant. Coffee travelled to Yemen, Saudi Arabia and reached Europe in 17th century. Over the years its various medicinal properties have been discovered.
Origin of tea is attributed to Chinese emperor Shen Nung around 2732 BC. Its invigorating properties were discovered by an accident. It became a traditional beverage in Far East and Tibet, considered as a health promotive or preventive. Like coffee, it is also believed to be antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Green tea has become a popular anti-obesity health drink in recent times.
Cocoa is as ancient as tea, and was used as a divine drink in Aztec and Maya cultures well before arrival of europeans. Over the years its medicinal uses have ranged from treating anemia, tuberculosis, and low libido. In popular folklore, its usage also included weight gain, and managing exhaustion. Its popular version is chocolate, which is cocoa mixed with sugar and milk is immensely popular, and has also become a bane in the current obesity epidemic.
Lets grow more medicinal plants
We need to protect our forests, and grow more of trees. Medicinal plants are particularly vulnerable, as they get exploited for real and stated usages. Bangladesh tree plantation campaign stamp 2003 used a slogan – grow more medicinal and fruit plants – as a pathway for a more happy and prosperous society.