Phytomedicine
Phytomedicine
Phytomedicine (pronounced: fy-toh-meh-di-sin), also known as Herbal Medicine or Plant Medicine, is a branch of medicine that involves the study and use of plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. The term is derived from the Greek words 'phyto' meaning plant and 'medicine' implying a healing substance.
Etymology
The term 'Phytomedicine' is derived from the Greek words 'phyto' which means plant and 'medicine' which refers to a substance used for healing. The term was first used in the late 20th century to describe the scientific and medical use of plant extracts.
History
The use of plants for medicinal purposes can be traced back to ancient times. Many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, used plants as a primary source of medicine. The knowledge of plant-based medicine was passed down through generations and is still used in many cultures today.
Modern Phytomedicine
In modern times, phytomedicine is a recognized branch of medicine. It involves the scientific study and clinical use of plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. Many modern drugs are derived from plant sources, including aspirin, which is derived from the bark of the willow tree, and quinine, which is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.
Related Terms
- Herbalism: The study or practice of the medicinal and therapeutic use of plants, now especially as a form of alternative medicine.
- Ethnobotany: The scientific study of the relationships that exist between people and plants.
- Pharmacognosy: The study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources.
- Phytotherapy: The study of the use of extracts of natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phytomedicine
- Wikipedia's article - Phytomedicine
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