CLASSIFICATION AND SPECIFICITY OF HERBAL MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Annotation: Herbal medicine (from the Greek Φυτόν - plant, θεραπεία - treatment), herbal medicine is a method of treating and preventing diseases of humans and animals, based on the use of medicinal plants. The terms “herbal medicine” and “herbal remedies” were first used in the early 20th century by French physician Henri Leclerc (1870–1955). In Russian language literature, the term “herbal medicine” is found, used as a synonym for herbal medicine. A specialist in the field of herbal medicine is called a phytotherapist. A person who collects medicinal herbs and knows how to use them is called an herbalist or healer. Many plants synthesize substances that are useful for maintaining the health of humans and animals. These include, in particular, aromatic substances, the majority of which are phenols and their oxygen-substituting derivatives, such as tannins. Many substances are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 are isolated—an estimated number representing less than 10% of the total. In many cases, these substances (in particular, alkaloids) act as defense mechanisms of plants against microorganisms, insects and herbivores. Many of the herbs and spices people use to flavor food contain beneficial chemical compounds.