Phytochemistry of medicinal plants

Abstract

Plants contain organic as well as inorganic substances that can provide therapeutic effects. Different plants may possess a wide spectrum of effects due to the presence of various groups of chemical compounds and various microelements. A preparation obtained from one plant can simultaneously be an analgesic, sedative, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant. Well-formed herbal preparations can be used protractedly when necessary, without injury to a patient, which is very important when treating chronic ailments. Medicinal plants are widely used as prophylaxis for, and treatment of, many diseases, including gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis, colitis, enteritis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, atherosclerosis, cardiac insuf fi ciency, and arrhythmia. They are also used for treatment of hypertensive and hypotensive neurocirculatory dystonia, neurosis and asthenia, menopausal disorders, and also to boost the body's immune system during times of disease, for rehabilitation of post-infarction conditions, as a tonic, and to increase adaptive capabilities of the organism.