MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Аннотация

The study of medicinal plants and their properties is an important area in pharmacology and medicine. Traditional medicine has used plant materials for centuries to treat various diseases. Scientific research confirms the effectiveness of many such plants, making them promising for further study and drug development. Modern pharmacognosy methods, such as chromatographic analysis, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, allow for a deeper investigation of the active compounds in plants and their mechanisms of action on the body. This article reviews the most popular medicinal plants, their pharmacological properties, and theresults ofscientific research confirming their efficacy. Keywords:medicinal plants,traditional medicine, phytotherapy, scientific research. Historical Context The use of medicinal plants has ancient roots. Even in Ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, there were treatises on herbs and their healing properties. Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, described over 300 plant species used to treat diseases. In Chinese medicine, the treatise "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" contains descriptions of hundreds of medicinal herbs, many of which are still used today. In medieval Europe, monastic gardens served as repositories of knowledge about phytotherapy, which later formed the basis of modern medicine. MainBody Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of various cultures worldwide. Some of them have received scientific confirmation of their efficacy and are actively used in modern pharmacology. Below are some of the most well-known plants widely used in traditional treatments. 1.Chamomile (Chamomilla officinalis) Chamomile is one of the most popular plants used in traditional medicine. Due to its anti- inflammatory, antiseptic, and calming properties, it is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, and mucous membrane inflammations. In dentistry, chamomile is used for rinsinginflamed gums and oral mucosa. 98,7:ROTCAFTCAPMI.SECNEICSLACIDEM ,5202 ,hcraM,5emuloV gro.srehsilbupcimedaca.www Pharmacological properties: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming. Mechanism of action: The flavonoids and coumarins in chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties byinhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Azuleneand chamazulene provideantiseptic effects. Modern forms: extracts, tinctures, ointments, tablets. Scientific research: A study by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) showed that chamomile extract has significant anti- inflammatory activity due to its high flavonoid and coumarin content. Clinical trials found that chamomile tea reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms by 20% compared to a placebo. 2.St.John'sWort (Hypericum perforatum) St. John's Wort is known for its antiseptic, wound-healing, and antidepressant properties. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat wounds, burns, gastrointestinal disorders, and nervous conditions.It is included in many herbal preparations for treating depression and anxiety. Pharmacological properties: antidepressant, antiseptic, wound-healing. Mechanism of action: The main active components, hypericin and hyperforin, affect neurotransmitters, increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Modern forms: capsules, tinctures, ointments. Scientific research: Studies conducted in Germany confirmed that St. John's Wort extracts have an antidepressant effect comparable to traditional antidepressants. Clinical trials showed a 50% reduction in depression symptoms in patients taking St. John's Wort-based preparations. 3.Three-partBeggarticks (Bidenstripartita) This plant is widely used to treat skin conditions, allergic reactions, dermatitis, and eczema. Infusions and decoctions are used for baths, compresses, and poultices. It is also taken internally forgastrointestinal disorders and toimprovemetabolism. Pharmacological properties: anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, wound-healing. Mechanism of action: Active compounds like flavonoids and essential oils help block histamine release, reducing allergic reactions. Modern forms: infusions, decoctions,ointments. Scientific research: Studies by the Institute of Phytotherapy in Russia demonstrated the plant's strong antihistamine effect. Clinical trials showed that using its extract in complex therapy for allergic dermatitis reduced symptoms in 80%of patients. 4.Calendula(Calendula officinalis) 98,7:ROTCAFTCAPMI.SECNEICSLACIDEM ,5202 ,hcraM,5emuloV gro.srehsilbupcimedaca.www Calendula has pronounced antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, burns, skin infections, as well as in gynecology and dentistry. Its extracts are included in ointments,tinctures, and rinses. Pharmacological properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing. Mechanism of action: Active components like carotenoids and saponins promote tissue regeneration and have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Modern forms: oin