Advantages And Disadvantages Of Medicinal Plants

Depression is common medical illness that has a significant impact on individuals and society. The extracts from St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are widely used in treating the symptoms of mild depression and have been investigated and studied extensively. Numerous recent clinical trials have displayed

Because Ca2+ is the central point for all mentioned processes, we focused our interests on hyperforin which is Ca2+-modulator. Hyperforin is the natural and biologically active compound extracted from Hypericum Perforatum (St John Wort) (26). The St John Wort extract and hyperforin attenuated symptoms of mild to moderate depression in a few clinical trials. Both extract and hyperforin displayed antidepressant-like activity in preclinical studies (27, 28).

It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.

An increasing number of medical schools are now offering courses in alternative medicine for their students, and some hospitals already have alternative medicine departments. The availability of healers and doctors practicing holistic medicine has also increased in recent years, and more and more people are educating themselves in these new fields. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world’s population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional medicine as their primary form of health care.

When these chemicals are released from nerve cells they act to lighten mood. When they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood. Nortriptyline works by preventing this re-absorption of noradrenaline and serotonin back into the nerve cells. Therefore, it helps prolong the mood-lightening effect of any released noradrenaline and serotonin”.

and is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 also found in cacao

Lawrence, A. T. (2008). Business and Society. In B. Gordon (Ed.), Ventria Bioscience and the Controversy over Plant-Made Medicines (Vol. Thirteenth Edition, p. 500). New York, NY: MMcGraw-Hill Irwin.

and is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is a bitter alkaloid C8H10N4O2 also found in cacao

Prescription medication is an important part of healthcare and a must have for patients because it helps manage a lot of symptoms and diseases. It can help kill bacteria causing patients to feel ill, it can also reduce pain and suffering for others. However, most mediations have some type of adverse side effects as it is made from chemicals processes or extracts from herbal plants. There are contraindications and cautions to every medication in which we have to be aware of when prescribing the medication; there is also drug to drug interactions that may occur. To help prevent medication errors we can use online resources to look for any drug to drug interactions and contraindication/adverse effects. We also need to stress the importance

Haloperidol is a butyrophenone derivative with antipsychotic properties that has been considered especially compelling in the administration of hyperactivity, agitation, and mania. Haloperidol is a compelling neuroleptic furthermore has antiemetic properties; it has a marked tendency to provoke extrapyramidal impacts and has relatively weak alpha-adrenolytic properties. It might likewise show hypothermic and anorexiant impacts and potentiate the activity of barbiturates, general soporifics, and different CNS depressant medications.

The plant species that I researched was Medicago sativa, or more commonly known as Alfalfa. I found this to be a very intriguing plant to research because we grow alfalfa on the farm as a fodder feed for the animals but I had no idea that it had such a practical use in modern medicine. It is believed that alfalfa was first grown somewhere within the Middle East and then spread to Europe and parts of Asia, the colonists brought it over from Europe to America. And today it can be found in nearly every continent used to feed livestock. The leaves of Alfalfa are what is beneficial in the use of medicine.The leaves are known to have positve affects on the digestive system and can help to lower cholesterol. They also aide with the cleansing the

It has a similarity with valerian; it also treats spasms, fatigue, nervous tension and insomnia. It is used as sedatives and prolongs your sleeping time. This has been used by people for a very long time already since the ancient time. Now, because it is indeed effective and safe, people up to now are still using this herb.

Herbal medicine has been used for many, many years and is a great natural alternative to modern medicine.

By examining some of the most popular, enduring alternative medical systems, one can begin to see some general trends of the systems, understand some recurring flaws, and understand the attraction and usefulness of alternative medicine in today's health care system. However, alternative medicine remains controversial. Whether it can be supported scientifically or not, alternative medicine may be useful to encourage both physical and mental well-being via a placebo effect. For this reason, alternative medicine must be considered by physicians as a complement to modern medicine.

Modern medicine and healthcare system have categorized herbal medicine as a natural remedy used when people can’t afford to purchase conventional drugs. They are perceived inferior because they cost less but the health benefits are endless. However, there have been various situations and instances that prove that herbal medicine is good for health.