Benefits of Phytotherapy
Medicinal and aromatic plants have long played a vital role in healthcare around the world,
especially in developing countries. Before the era of modern medicine, people depended on
these plants to treat both their own illnesses and those of animals.
Throughout history, human society has accumulated a vast amount of traditional knowledge
regarding the use of plants as medicines, as well as their applications in fishing and hunting,
water purification, pest and disease control in food crops, and livestock health.
Approximately 80% of the population in most developing countries still use traditional plantderived medicine to treat human illnesses. Countries such as China, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
and others have officially incorporated traditional medicine into their healthcare programs,
such as homeopathy, which relies on plant materials or their derivatives to treat human
ailments.
Phytotherapy has proven to be more effective than modern medicine for the treatment of
certain chronic diseases, with fewer side effects and greater cost-effectiveness.
In modern medical treatments, medicinal and aromatic plants are the exclusive source of some
of the drugs used. It can be said that around 25% of the drugs in modern pharmacopoeia are
derived from plants, and many others are synthetic analogs constructed from prototype
components isolated from plants. Additionally, these plants are used as nutritional
supplements and, in the cosmetics, and perfume industry, which has increased their value in
recent years.
The use of phytotherapy has expanded in recent times due to various discoveries, primarily the
fact that plant-derived hormones or phytoestrogens mimic the action of human sex hormones
(estrogen and progesterone) and offer the same positive results as drugs but without their side
effects. Some plants have also been shown to have a positive role in controlling blood
cholesterol levels and in the treatment of certain cancers. In this regard, soy stands out for its
high content of isoflavones.
There are other plant species known for their demonstrated properties, such as those rich in
vitamin C, including citrus fruits, guava, acerola, green peppers, and other green leafy
vegetables, as well as some tubers like potatoes. Vitamin C is considered the best antioxidant
available, strengthens the immune systems, helps reduce cholesterol levels, is used in cancer
treatments and cardiovascular diseases, is essential for maintaining good vision, improves iron
absorption, and combats stress.
Herbs like sage, verbena, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, rue leaves, and linden are also
recommended for menopausal symptoms, and some legumes and seeds such as lentils, peas,
peanuts, and yam offer a wide range of possibilities.
In the conditions met in Cuba, where efforts are concentrated on strengthening the National
Health System (NHS) and the care it provides to older adults, significant aspects for achieving
full longevity, phytotherapy presents itself as an opportunity. It can be integrated into the NHS
as an option for disease prevention, as nutrition and life extension are linked to meeting
dietary requirements at different stages of the life cycle. Similarly, the relationship between
nutrition-disease and nutrition-aging, dietary regimens, and dietary culture have a strong
impact on life expectancy.
This opportunity has already been paved with the promotion of vegetables and vegetables,
which has led to increased consumption, and with the richness of the Cuban flora, which
comprises 1,170 species with proven or attributed medicinal properties according to the
population.
The work of professionals who support the potential of phytotherapy should be aimed at
integrating it into the Primary Health Care System, which prioritizes disease prevention and
patient rehabilitation.
Dr. Teresita Zambrana Álvarez Editorial Committee