A Review On Herbal Medicines

Shaik Salma Suthana*, Sai Kiran ¹, B. Hareesh²
Jagan’s College of Pharmacy, Jangala Kandriga (V), Muthukuru (M), Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.

A B S T R A C T
Plants have been used for health and medical purposes for several thousands of years. The number of higher plant species on earth is about 250 000. It is estimated that 35 000 to 70,000 species have, at one time or another, been used in some cultures for medicinal purposes. A majority of the world’s population in developing countries still relies on herbal medicines to meet its health needs. Herbal medicines are often used to provide first-line and basic health service, both to people living in remote areas where it is the only available health service, and to people living in poor areas where it offers the only affordable remedy. Even in areas where modern medicine is available, the interest on herbal medicines and their utilization have been increasing rapidly in recent years.
Keywords: Ayurveda, World Health Organization, Herbalism, duanye shuiwu gong