Pharmacognosy - 8. Role of medicinal and Aromatic plants
Role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in National Economy
How to Access the Quiz for This Chapter
Click on Quiz on the right → enter your Details → select D. Pharmacy → choose Pharmacognosy → then select 8. Role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in National Economy.
Definitions
- Medicinal Plants: Medicinal plants can be defined as the plants that possess therapeutic properties or exert beneficial pharmacological effect on the human body.
- Aromatic plants: are those that contain aromatic compounds, basically essential oils.
How Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Help the Economy:
- Important Resources: These plants are used to make medicines, perfumes, flavors, and cosmetics.
- Growing Market: The market for herbal medicines is growing quickly, by about 15% each year.
- Widely Used: Hundreds of different types of these plants are used in traditional medicines around the world.
- Relied Upon: In developing countries, 80% of people use herbal medicines for treatment.
- Income Source: These plants provide income for small farmers and businesses, and they can earn foreign money through exports.
- Health Benefits: They help in developing new medicines and improving overall health, known as naturopathy.
- Base for Modern Medicines: Many modern medicines are made from plant extracts.
Their Export Potential
- India has a long history of natural medicine and many medicinal plants.
- This makes India a great place to grow and sell these plants to other countries.
Let\'s explore why India has this advantage!
- Rich Biodiversity: This diversity offers a wealth of raw materials for the global market.
- Favorable Climate: India\'s diverse climate zones allow for year-round cultivation and harvesting of different plant species.
- Growing Global Demand: Rising preference for natural healthcare solutions creates a lucrative opportunity for Indian exports.
- Cost-Competitive Advantage: India\'s labor costs are often lower compared to some developed countries.