The Legacy and Advancement of Phytotherapeutics

Plants have been used in the management of diseases since time immemorial. The science of using plants or plant-derived compounds for medicinal purpose, is known as phytotherapeutics and the legacy of phytotherapeutics is dating back thousands of years. Now supported by thorough scientific research and technical developments, phytotherapeutics is seeing a renaissance as interest in natural and alternative therapies increases. The combination of contemporary science and traditional knowledge not only supports but also enhances phytotherapeutics’ therapeutic potential, providing a viable, long-term solution for both acute and chronic health issues. By offering safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly substitutes to allopathic medicine, phytotherapeutics has the potential to completely transform contemporary medicine as it develops further. This chapter provides an overview of history of phytotherapeutics along with recent advancements.