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Planta Med 2017; 83(14/15): 1110-1116
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-108999
Mini Reviews
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

From Pharmacognosia to DNA-Based Medicinal Plant Authentication – Pharmacognosy through the Centuries[*]

Michael Heinrich
1   Research Cluster ‘Biodiversity and Medicines’/Research Group ‘Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy’, UCL School of Pharmacy, Univ. London, London, United Kingdom
,
Sabine Anagnostou
2   Institut für Geschichte der Pharmazie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg/Lahn, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 19 February 2017
revised 01 April 2017

accepted 05 April 2017

Publication Date:
09 May 2017 (online)

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Abstract

For centuries, pharmacognosy was essential for the identification, quality, purity, and, until the end of the 18th century, even for the efficacy of medicinal plants. Since the 19th century, it concentrated on authenticity, purity, quality and the analysis of active substances, and was established as an academic branch discipline within pharmacy and continuously developed into a modern, highly sophisticated science. Even though the paradigm in pharmacy changed in the 19th century with the discovery of morphine and concentrated on single substances that could be synthesized fast by the upcoming industry, medicinal plants always remained an important element of the Materia medica, and during the last decades, medicinal plants continue to be a source of remedies, and natural products are an inspiration for new medicine. In this research, pharmacognostic skills remain an essential element, both with regards to identity, quality assurance of botanicals (both herbal medicines and supplements), and the discovery and development of new medicines. Over the years, the specific pharmacognostical tools have changed dramatically, and most recently, DNA-based techniques have become another element of our spectrum of scientific methods.

Key words

pharmacognosy - history of pharmacy - medicinal plant research - ethnopharmacology - Hypericum perforatum - Hypericaceae (Guttiferae) - Alexander Tschirch

* Dedicated to Professor Dr. Max Wichtl in recognition of his outstanding contribution to pharmacognostic and phytotherapy research.


 

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