Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants have been used from time immemorial to cure human diseases and injuries. They are rich in secondary metabolites and are the principal sources of raw drugs. Over three‑quarters of the world’s population rely mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care. Medicinal plants are used in the diagnosis, prevention, and elimination of physical and mental imbalance. Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Unani, Amchi, and Acupuncture are the major traditional system of medicine in Nepal. According to the WHO (1976) traditional medicine is the sum total of all knowledge and practices used in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseased exclusively predicated on practical experience and observation handed over the generation whether verbally or in written form. Not only herbal medicines but also animal parts and/or minerals and nonmedication therapies are used in traditional medicine. Of the 10,091 species of higher plants found in Nepal, 700 species are believed to have medicinal values and only 238 species are medically tested and documented. Similarly, medicinal plants are traditionally used by several ethnic groups and communities under the guidance of Kavirajs, Vaidyas, Dhamis, Jhakris, Healers, and Lammas.[9,10] Over 100 Medicinal plants are being exported to other countries from Nepal and 70% of rural populations still rely on medicinal herbs for treatment.[11] Besides therapeutic uses, they also have nutritional, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic importance.