Wangchuk, Phurpa (2022) Important Medicinal Plants - Bhutan. In: Ozturk, Munir, and Ameenah, Gurib-Fakima Bibi, (eds.) Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the World. UNESCO - EOLSS, Paris, France.

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Abstract

This chapter introduces the reader to the topic of medicinal plants in Bhutan with particular focus on plants of spiritual, health and economic significance. It also highlights recent developments and findings on drug discovery projects, identifies gaps, and offers recommendations for further research.

Since antiquity, humans have learned to use wild plants for treating various disorders. Even today, many plants that grow in gardens, homesteads, meadows and woods hold the key to the physical and mental health of the people worldwide. More than 50,000 plant species are used as medicines worldwide, and approximately 80-85% of the world‘s population relies on these plant-derived medicines for their primary health care needs. Additionally, medicinal plants have secured a special place in drug discovery due to their prolonged clinical use in the health care system, which ensures i) safety of the medicinal products, ii) rich chemical diversity, ii) superior biological activities, and iv) shorter routes to drug discovery. Indeed, 80% of the current plant-based drugs were discovered from medicinal plants.

Item ID:	76718
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Reference)
Keywords:	Bhutan, medicinal plants, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, health care, biodiscovery, quality assurance, risk factors, sustainability, conservation
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Date Deposited:	29 Nov 2022 01:24
FoR Codes:	45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4599 Other Indigenous studies > 459999 Other Indigenous studies not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences @ 50% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280114 Expanding knowledge in Indigenous studies @ 50%
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