ABSTRACT
Plants have been used as therapeutic agents since the start of civilization. In many developing countries, herbal medicinal systems remain important in the treatment of many ailments. Ayuvedic medicine is still commonly
practiced within India with an estimated 85% of Indians still using crude plant preparations for the treatment of wide variety of diseases and ailments [79].Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and African medicinal systems also account for major portion of healthcare in their populations. Even in countries where allopathic/Western medicine is dominant, medicinal plants still make significant contributions. Furthermore, many people are returning to herbal medicine systems due to the perception that natural medicines are often a safer alternative than allopathic drugs. Individuals are also seeking treatments for diseases, which have not yet been remedied by modern medicine.
