A developing phytopharmacology
Today, pharmaceutical research continues to advance our understanding of the complex biochemical mechanisms of plants. This research, also known as phytopharmacology, constantly opens up new perspectives in a field that is still relatively underexplored.
A word of caution
Around the world, thousands of plant species are still widely used based on traditional know-how passed down through generations. Their use, however, is not scientifically proven, and requires a deep understanding of the diseases, plants, preparations, and doses to administer.
Many species have contraindications and toxicity that can cause serious side effects. The information presented in the Medicinal Plants Garden can therefore in no way replace the advice of a qualified professional. Caution is advised when using these plants.
A plant epithet related to medicines
A dozen plants bear the epithet officinalis in their scientific name, a qualifier that literally means “from the officina,” the place where medicines were prepared in medieval monasteries.