Journal of Medical Toxicology and Clinical Forensic Medicine

A Constructive Approach on Lethal Plants for Medicinal Use

According to WHO, over 80% of World Population in developing countries, they rely on traditional medicine. Most prevalent are from plant sources like herbs which they use for their primary healthcare need. In Africa and India, the traditional medicine is widely used to manage chronic diseases especially in aged persons. India is known as epicentre of traditional medicine also known as indigenous system of medicine such as; Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy. All these types of indigenous system of medicine uses plant sources as their treatment option. In Africa, traditional Medicine uses the same plants as form medicine. Herbalists in Africa have been known to quote ancient methods of managing diseases especially from Arabic, Indian and Chinese Medicine scriptures. In Egypt, Traditional African Medicine was used before Agrarian Revolution. In evidence of above knowledge, information concerning healthy, lethal and toxic plants has been core factor in determination of herbal drugs. Crude drug analysis is vital in ascertaining herbal drugs. This drives one to mark the poisonous and nonpoisonous plant for a constructive approach towards plant sources of medicines. Pharmacognostic analysis of plants has led to ideal drug developments, especially plant source drugs.

Author(s):

Wanjiru Njugi

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