The advancement of human civilization has been greatly influenced by the
use of medicinal plants. These plants have served as valuable resources for traditional
remedies, and indirectly, many modern medicines have been derived from them.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), herbal medicines meet the
healthcare needs of approximately 80 percent of the global population, especially those
living in rural areas of developing nations. In developed countries, there is a growing
disillusionment with conventional healthcare, leading individuals to actively seek
alternative options. The significance of medicinal plants in human culture cannot be
overstated. They have been used for centuries as sources of traditional medicine, and
even today, many modern medicines are derived from them. This review highlights the
crucial role that both traditional and modern medicines play in treating and managing
various human illnesses and the antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory,
hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic potential of medicinal plants. These properties are
believed to contribute to their potential effectiveness against cancer, liver damage,
cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Furthermore, these plants exhibit
pharmacological activities, such as anti-ulcer and wound healing abilities.
Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Medicinal plants, Modern medicine, Terminalia chebula, Traditional medicine.
