Medicinal Plant Research: 1953-1987

Abstract

Founding of the present Society for Medicinal Plant Research on April 8,1953, took place amidst a number of significant events. The discovery of reserpine, tetracycline, and norethindrone, the beginning investigation od the cataranthus alkaloids, as well as the development of refined chromatographic procedures and radioactive tracer techniques for biosynthetic studies, all provided considerable impetus to the investigation of drug plants.

In the 35 years following, great progress has been made in physical analytical methods, but bioassay procedures are little improved. Appreciable advances have occured in the production of plant materials, particularly utilizing cell-and tissue-culture techniques. Fields that have attracted intensive study include alkaloid biosynthesis, psychotropic drugs, plant chemotaxonomy, antibiotics, catharanthus, rauwolfia, the chamomiles, ergot, milk thistle, and various herbal remedies. An overview of the research efforts in each of these areas is presented.

Although much of basic interest has been learned, practical results have been modest. The only new, commercially successful drugs of proven value that have been isolated from higher plants during the entire period are vinblastine and vincristine. Still, there is reason for optimism . Highly refined research methodologies and instrumentation are sure to yield favorable results eventually. The most productive period of medicinal plant research almost certainly lies in the future.