phytomedicine
Phytomedicine, also known as herbal medicine or botanical medicine, is a branch of medicine that utilizes plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. This practice is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and has been used by various cultures worldwide for centuries to prevent and treat illnesses. The active compounds within plants, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes, are believed to interact with biological targets in the body to produce medicinal effects.
The modern scientific study of phytomedicine involves identifying, isolating, and characterizing these active compounds, as well
While often considered complementary or alternative medicine, many conventional pharmaceuticals have their origins in plant-derived compounds.