Herbs Used Everywhere and Their Medicinal Use: A Comprehensive Review
The use of herbs to treat diseases can be traced back thousands of years where traditional herbal practice is formed as the basis for many modem health care systems around the world. This includes medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine through Ayurvedic practice practiced in India and by indigenous ones in Africa and the America, which considers herbs useful for medicinal purposes.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in herbal medicine worldwide, spurred by increased awareness of natural remedies, potential therapeutic benefits, and a growing preference for alternative and complementary medicine. This review explores commonly used herbs worldwide, their medicinal uses, pharmacological effects, and challenges regarding quality control and regulation.
1. Global Overview of Medicinal Herbs
Regional laws and regulations have been put in place, and the presence of pharmacopeias will be seen as a reference standard for quality and safety in medicines. Examples include USP, standards for botanical products in the United States; the European Pharmacopoeia, standards in Europe; and the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, also standards in Europe.
Asia, especially China and Japan, has pharmacopeias like the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, which determines standards for herbal medicines underlining cultural importance and long history of herbal medicine in such regions.
2. Classification of Medicinal Herbs
There are three classes of herbs and those are geographical use, chemical composition and therapeutic properties. The regions with widely recognized herbs used for medicinal purposes are discussed in the following sections, grouped by therapeutic category.
2.1 Anti-inflammatory and Pain-relieving Herbs
Curcuma longa: Turmeric
Used in: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western herbalism
Medicinal Use: Turmeric is well known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are due to the active compound curcumin. Studies suggest that curcumin may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).
Salix spp. Willow Bark
Used in: Europe, North America, and Asia.
Medicinal Use: Willow bark contains salicin, which is like aspirin and has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is utilized for musculoskeletal pains, headaches, and fever and remains very popular in European herbal medicine (Kennedy et al., 2013).
2.2 Herbs for Respiratory Health
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Used in Australian indigenous medicine, western herbalism. Medicinal Use: The leaf essential oil of eucalyptus is broadly used as a decongestant and respiratory assistant. Research verifies its antimicrobial properties, which would be helpful in the treatment of bronchitis, cough, and sinusitis (Sadlon & Lamson, 2010). Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Used in: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Middle Eastern medicine Medicinal Use: The roots of licorice act as soothing agents for the mucous membranes and treat cough, asthma, and sore throat. However, it is taken with great caution since it may adversely affect blood pressure, if used for long periods of time (Isbrucker & Burdock, 2006).
2.3 Herbs with Antimicrobial and Immune-Boosting Properties
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Traditional medicinal systems in use
Medicinal Use: Garlic has been extensively studied concerning its use for antimicrobial, antiviral, and immuno-stimulating activity, which is majorly attributed to the sulfur compound allicin. Traditionally, the compound is used to fight infections, enhance the immune system, and aid in cardiovascular functions (Ankri & Mirelman, 1999).
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
European and North American traditions of use.
Medicinal Use: The medicinal use of elderberry reduces symptoms of the common cold and flu; its anthocyanin content is directly proportional to increased immune response and antioxidant effects (Zakay-Rones et al., 2004).
2.4 Mental Health and Cognitive Supporting Herb
Ginkgo Biloba
Used in: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western herbalism
Medicinal Use: Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to improve mental functions and blood circulation, especially among the elderly. Studies have indicated that it may help improve memory, concentration, and general cognitive functioning, although evidence is not conclusive about its efficacy (Goh & Lau, 2012).
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Used in: Ayurvedic medicine
Medicinal Use: Ashwagandha has been used for generations as an adaptogen in fighting stress, fatigue, and anxiety. More recent studies have confirmed its efficacy in lowering cortisol levels and increasing resistance to stress and is now commonly used in integrative mental health treatments (Chandrasekhar et al., 2012). 3. Quality Control and Compliance Issues
This growth in demand poses quality and safety issues. Quality assurance includes the identification of the species used, ensuring purity, and estimating the concentration of active compounds. Variations are very wide, such as under DSHEA in the U.S., where herbs are classified as dietary supplements, compared to much stricter legislations in Europe, requiring higher levels of clinical evidence (World Health Organization, 2000). The WHO has played an important role in developing standards for herbal medicine by initiating schemes such as the Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023 to increase research, conservation, and regulation (WHO, 2013).
4. Conservation of Medicinal Plants and Sustainable Production
Along with popularizing herbal medicine also arise issues of sustainability and preservation for medicinal plants. An overwhelming majority of herbs are extinct, especially wild-harvested ones, and one example is goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, ensures that trade in these species does not threaten their survival (Schippmann et al., 2002). Sustainable cultivation practices and conservation programs are essential to preserve the biodiversity and availability of medicinal plants. Conclusion Herbal medicine is still a very integral part of health care throughout the world, and herbs are used for a multitude of medicinal purposes, like pain relief and immunoenhancement. However, a global boom in herbal medicine use calls for serious quality control, regulation, and sustainability. International cooperation is required in developing standards by organizations like WHO in order to ensure the safety, efficacy, and conservation of medicinal herbs. Further research and education in this field will continue to help understand the complex properties of these plants and their appropriate use in healthcare.
References
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2. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. _Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34_(3), 255-262.
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8. WHO. (2013). _Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023_. World Health Organization.