Herbal Science Research - herbalism

Herbal Medicine: Ancient Practice Meets Modern Science

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:24:52 -0700

Herbal Medicine: Ancient Practice Meets Modern Science - Norman R. Farnsworth, Ph.D.

Dr. Farnsworth is Director of the Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he is also a Research Professor of Pharmacognosy and Distinguished University Professor. His research in the field of biologically active plants dates back to the early 1950's. He is a world renowned scholar and leader in the effort to standardize dosage forms of plant extracts so that clinical and basic research can be conducted to evaluate their effectiveness as drugs and dietary supplements. His research group at the UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research is currently designing standardized plant extracts for use in clinical trials to obtain definitive answers regarding their safety and effectiveness to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. He discussed the challenges in this research, including plant collection and identification, isolation of active ingredients, understanding how botanicals work, and whether they are safe and effective.

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Ayurveda and traditional chinese medicine: a comparative overview.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:17:40 -0700

Ayurveda and traditional chinese medicine: a comparative overview.: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Dec;2(4):465-73 Authors: Patwardhan B, Warude D, Pushpangadan P, Bhatt N

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine (TIM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remain the most ancient yet living traditions. There has been increased global interest in traditional medicine. Efforts to monitor and regulate herbal drugs and traditional medicine are underway. China has been successful in promoting its therapies with more research and science-based approach, while Ayurveda still needs more extensive scientific research and evidence base. This review gives an overview of basic principles and commonalities of TIM and TCM and discusses key determinants of success, which these great traditions need to address to compete in global markets.

Tradition and perspectives of arab herbal medicine: a review.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:16:27 -0700

Tradition and perspectives of arab herbal medicine: a review.: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Dec;2(4):475-9 Authors: Saad B, Azaizeh H, Said O

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), including herbal medicine, are popular in the general population worldwide. Parallel to the increasing interest in 'modern' CAM therapies and the historical importance of Arab medicine, there is also a similar trend in research activities dealing with the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants in our region. Historical and current studies and surveys indicate that the Eastern region of the Mediterranean has been distinguished throughout the generations with a rich inventory of natural medicinal herbs. It is well documented that indigenous Arab medicine has contributed greatly to the development of modern medicine in Europe and remains one of the closest forms of original European medicine. The rapid increase in consumption of herbal remedies worldwide has been stimulated by several factors, including the notion that all herbal products are safe and effective. This article presents a systematic review on traditional Arab medicine including historical background, medical innovations introduced by Arab physicians in the field of safety and efficacy of herbal medicine and a state-of-the-art description of traditional Arab herbal medicine in the Mediterranean region.