Did you know: More than 60% of today’s modern drugs have herbal origin.

Want examples? Read on to see how many of these well-known drugs that you know of, are actually herbal in origin –

Atropine
The Anticholinergic used in a wide variety of ailments comes from Atropa belladonna plant.

Theophylline
This preferred Bronchodilator and diuretic drug is the active principle of Theobroma cacao, alongwith Theobromine, another lesser effective bronchodilator.

L-dopa
The chief anti-parkinsons drug is a derivative from Mucuna pruriens, which has been used for the same purpose in traditional medicine since thousands of years.

Digitalin, digoxin
The first line cardiostimulants used in several cardiac conditions are the natural and synthetic derivatives respectively, of Digitalis purpura leaf extract.

Morphine and Codeine
These potent painkillers are the natural and synthetic derivatives respectively, of the poppy seed (opium) extract.

Pilocarpine
Parasympathomimetic used in various conditions comes from Pilocarpus jaborandi.

Quinine
The common Anti malarial is the active constituent of Cinchona ledgeriana.

Quinidine
This useful Anti arrhythmic is also a constituent of Cinchona ledgeriana.

Strychnine
The common CNS Stimulant is the main ingredient found in Strychnos nux vomica seeds and used widely in several systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, TCM and Siddha.

Scopolamine
This Sedative cum tranquilizer comes from Datura indica.

Thymol
The common topical Anti fungal is a major constituent in Thymus vulgaris.

Tubocurarine
The prime Skeletal muscle relaxant drug was originally isolated from Chondodendron tomentosum.

Vinblastine, Vincristine
The potent Anti tumor, Anti leukamic agents are actually  natural derivatives extracted from Caxtharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle).

Reserpine
This Antihypertensive and tranquilizer found in Rauvolfia serpentina has been the .mainstay of antihypertensive treatment for millenniums, and still used in long term therapy.

Taxol
The prime Anti tumor agent is extracted from Taxus brevifolia.

Vasicine
The potent CNS stimulant is an active constituent from Vinca minor.

Adoniside
The common Cardiotonic is found in Adonis vernalis.

Colchicine
This drug having a wide variety of uses such as Anti tumor and anti gout agent, is the naturally found main active constituent of Colchicum autumnale.

And the list goes on and on and on ……

 

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