Medicinal Plants, Science, and Health Care

ABSTRACT

A discrepancy exists between the scientific understanding of botanical pharmacology and the contemporary use of medicinal plants. This article outlines and discusses scientific understanding and contemporary use of medicinal plants in the U.S. and abroad. A brief history of the use of medicinal plants in various cultures is presented, along with the scientific validation of the traditional uses of such plants. In light of the fact that the traditional uses of many medicinal plants have been validated, consideration is given to the potential for future use of medicinal plants from various cultures. The use of herbal remedies in the U.S. and the impediments to integration into the conventional health care system that these remedies have encountered is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethnobotany
• bioprospecting
• herbal medicine
• traditional medicine