Planta Med. 2017 May 9. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-108999. [Epub ahead of print]
- 1
- Research
Cluster 'Biodiversity and Medicines'/Research Group 'Pharmacognosy and
Phytotherapy', UCL School of Pharmacy, Univ. London, London, United
Kingdom.
- 2
- Institut für Geschichte der Pharmazie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg/Lahn, Germany.
Abstract
For
centuries, pharmacognosy was essential for the identification, quality,
purity, and, until the end of the 18th century, even for the efficacy
of medicinal plants.
Since the 19th century, it concentrated on authenticity, purity,
quality and the analysis of active substances, and was established as an
academic branch discipline within pharmacy and continuously developed
into a modern, highly sophisticated science. Even though the paradigm in
pharmacy changed in the 19th century with the discovery of morphine and
concentrated on single substances that could be synthesized fast by the
upcoming industry, medicinal plants always remained an important element of the Materia medica, and during the last decades, medicinal plants
continue to be a source of remedies, and natural products are an
inspiration for new medicine. In this research, pharmacognostic skills
remain an essential element, both with regards to identity, quality
assurance of botanicals (both herbal medicines and supplements), and the
discovery and development of new medicines. Over the years, the
specific pharmacognostical tools have changed dramatically, and most
recently, DNA-based techniques have become another element of our
spectrum of scientific methods.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
