Of herb lore and phytoscience
– phytoscience, phytonutrition. Even Wikipedia has this entry for phytoscience: “There may be as many as 4,000 different phytochemicals having potential to affect diseases such as cancer, stroke or metabolic syndrome”
An example of a plant that jumped into the labs and eventually its compounds synthesised as a drug is the quinine, a property first discovered on the South American chincona tree and used by the natives to calm fevers. It became the first effective Western treatment for malaria back in the 17th century.
In Malaysia, there is a wealth of herb-based curatives. And for each particular culture comes a richness in their herb lore that has been brought to the foreground, is found to work and accepted by all.
Recently some of these herbs have been researched with scientific proof and some have actually been repackaged as modern herbs that can be purchased in local reputable pharmacies.
In fact, there are many scientists, even local biologists who have taken particular interest in these
plant-based pharmaceuticals.
Traditional cures
Take turmeric, for instance. A master ingredient for curries in kitchens all over Asia, the strikingly deep yellow-ochre of turmeric stains fingers and has been used as a food dye.
It has also been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is why the Indian community reveres it for stomach and liver ailments while Indonesians regularly drink it in kunir asem as a daily tonic.
In the Ayurvedic tradition, the neem tree is regarded as a main component in medicines especially for treating skin problems. Folk remedies using neem cover a whole range of results – dewormer, antifeedant, antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue to hasten menstruation, contraceptive, fever control, parasiticide, pesticide and insecticide.
Chinese traditional medicines are mainly based on plants and the oldest known list of medicinal herbs is from a mythical god-like Emperor figure in China, Shennong, which literally means “Divine Farmer”, believed to have lived about 3,000BC.
He allegedly tasted hundreds of herbs and imparted his knowledge of medicinal and poisonous plants to farmers.
His Shennong Ben Cao Jing or Shennong's Materia Medica is considered the oldest book on Chinese herbal medicine, being a compilation of over 300 Chinese herbs that probably originates from an even older oral tradition.
Eating for health
Usually it makes more sense to prevent than to cure. And that is how phytonutrition came into being.
Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plant foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grain products and legumes. These plant compounds have beneficial effects working with other essential nutrients to promote good health.
Common phytonutrients include carotenoids such as lutein, flavonoids, coumarins, indoles, isoflavones, lignans, organosulfures and plant sterols.
Many phytonutrients have antioxidant properties that are believed to help prevent damage to cells throughout the body. Experts believe that eating plenty of phytonutrient-rich foods promotes healthy aging. Phytonutrients may have other bioactive functions for promoting health.
Some may have positive effects on the immune system and hormones while some may also act as antibacterial or antiviral agents.
Phytonutrients are found to be rich in red, orange and yellow vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, mangos, melons, citrus fruits and berries.
They are also found in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, bak choy, broccoli, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce and bulbous vegetables such as garlic, onions, chives and leeks.
In nuts and seeds, they are found in abundance in walnuts, almonds, sunflower, sesame and flax seeds, and legumes like dried beans, peas, lentils, soy beans and soy products.
Even your tea or coffee and dark chocolate contains some form of phytonutrients.
By enjoying a rainbow of colourful vegetables and fruit everyday, the idea is that one can can take in a good mix of phytonutrients nature has to offer for a healthy dose of antioxidants and nutrients.
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