Introduction

The use of ethnomedicinal plants stems from folk medicine. While medicine was still primitive, humans were unable to find reasonable explanations for diseases and death. Every disease was thought to be as a direct result of supernatural or physical violence. Observations of the curative effect of certain plants on animals laid the foundations for medicinal plants use. Since then, analysis of the chemical compounds in certain plants has provided conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of specific plants on specific diseases. As the medical use of plants (as opposed to conventional prescribed drugs) experiences a revival in popularity, the tests being carried out on the safety of plants are increasing. Measures are also being taken to evaluate the ecological damage of over-collecting herbs.

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