Translational history of plant extracts into modern drugs: a leap from experience to science

2025-03-13

The progress and development of medicine is undoubtedly inseparable from the spirit of scientific verification and empirical evidence, and the process of modernizing and transforming plant medicines perfectly reflects this. From the empirical application of ancient herbs to the precise treatment of modern medicines, the journey of extracting, researching and transforming the active ingredients in plants into modern medicines by scientists has not only verified the effectiveness of plant-based medicines, but also pushed forward far-reaching progress in the field of medicine.

I.Traditional applications of plant-based medicines

Plants have been used as a source of medicine throughout human history. Early herbal remedies were mostly based on experience, such as the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and Ben Cao Gang Mu in China, the Complete Book of Medicines in Greece, and the transmission of herbal knowledge in the Middle East, which document the widespread use of plants in the treatment of disease. Example:

Ginseng: In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is used to enhance physical strength, combat fatigue, and regulate immune function. Modern pharmacological studies have proved that ginseng contains the active ingredient, ginsenoside, which is able to promote blood circulation, regulate the immune system and enhance antioxidant capacity.

Ginkgo biloba: In traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo biloba is often used to improve blood circulation, especially in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Modern studies have shown that ginkgo biloba extracts have antioxidant, vasodilating, and memory and cognitive function improving effects.

However, these traditional medicines are often not scientifically validated and rigorously tested in clinical trials, so in many cases the effects and side effects of their use are unclear, and some of the botanical medicines may pose safety risks when used.

II. Transformation of plant extracts into modern medicines: from experience to science

With the development of modern medicinal chemistry, biotechnology and pharmacology, plant extracts have gradually entered a more scientific and systematic research stage. Through a series of extraction, separation and analysis, scientists have confirmed the specific structure, mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of the active ingredients in plants, which are then transformed into modern medicines for the treatment of diseases.

1. Aspirin: The Classic Transformation of Willow Extracts

The history of aspirin can be traced back to ancient times, when it was already realized that willow bark had analgesic and antipyretic effects. Aspirin's main ingredient, salicylic acid, is extracted from willow bark. At the end of the 19th century, scientists succeeded in chemically extracting and synthesizing salicylic acid from willow and officially marketed it as aspirin by Bayer in 1897, making it one of the earliest over-the-counter drugs in the world. Today, aspirin is not only used to relieve mild pain, but is also widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

2. Paclitaxel: A Modern Transformation of an Anticancer Drug

Paclitaxel is a natural compound extracted from the bark of the yew tree (Taxus brevifolia), which was initially found to have anticancer activity. 1970s, scientists extracted paclitaxel from the bark of the yew tree and optimized the structure, and finally developed the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel. Paclitaxel can be widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other malignant tumors by inhibiting the division and spread of cancer cells. The success of paclitaxel not only proves the potential of plant extracts in the field of anti-cancer, but also promotes the importance of natural products as medicines.

3. Garlic Extract: Antibacterial and Cardiovascular Health

As a common ingredient, garlic is also widely used in traditional medicine. Modern science has proven that garlic is rich in organic sulfides, such as allicin, which have significant antibacterial and antiviral effects, and can also help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. Garlic extract is widely used in cardiovascular health care and is even used as an active ingredient in some medications.

The process of modernizing and transforming plant extracts clearly demonstrates the key role of science and the spirit of empirical evidence in the development of medicine. Although many traditional plants have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years, it is only through modern scientific research and validation that the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of these plants can be clarified and systematically transformed into controlled, safe and effective modern medicines. Science is not only a tool for recognizing the effectiveness of drugs, but also an important guarantee for ensuring their safety.

III. The road to medical progress

The history of the application of plant extracts and the transformation process of modern medicines is an important manifestation of medical progress. It not only proves the value of traditional herbal medicine, but also highlights the importance of science and empirical evidence. However, the modernization process of plant medicines also reminds us that the power of science and empirical evidence is indispensable and that medical progress can never be stopped. In this process, science not only allows us to understand the true potential of plant medicines, but also allows us to recognize the irreplaceable nature of the scientific method in advancing medical progress.