Abstracts

Medicinal raw materials originating from nature are intensively used in pharmacy and medicine. The sources of the mentioned raw materials, which are designated as drugs in pharmacognosy, primarily include biological species, i.e., plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms; however, raw materials of mineral origin are also used. Natural substances of biological and mineral origin differ in their biochemical activity and pharmacological effect on the human body. Accordingly, in pharmacy and medicine, the most attention is paid to medicinal plants, as well as to other biological species that are pharmacologically active. Meanwhile, medicinal raw materials of mineral origin are used to a lesser extent. Due to the presence of various biochemical substances, plants exhibit pronounced pharmacological effects on the human body. Thus, for example, numerous mechanisms of action of alkaloids have been proven, as the most pharmacologically active substances of plants. Alkaloids derived from herbal drugs act on the central and autonomic nervous systems, exhibiting anesthetic, cytostatic, cytotoxic, antiarrhythmic, antibacterial, and numerous other effects. Alkaloids are also carriers of the toxicity of herbal drugs. Flavonoid and phenolic heterosides, tannins, and other plant polyphenolic substances exhibit strong antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticancer properties and are particularly important from the aspect of application in nutrition and prevention of cardiovascular and malignant diseases. Natural raw materials of animal origin are also used in pharmacy and medicine, such as collagen, which is obtained by partial hydrolysis of ligaments and cartilage of cattle, and is used in dermatology and cosmetology. In addition, the most important proteolytic enzymes used in dermatological and cosmetic preparations are most often of animal as well as bacterial origin. Given that minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body, natural mineral raw materials are also used in pharmacy and medicine. Studying and knowing the biochemical and pharmacological activity of natural raw materials contributes to the possibility of finding new drugs and their application in medicine. Considering the growing pollution of all components of the environment and endangering biodiversity, it is necessary to actively implement the protection of the very important natural raw materials. The paper discusses biochemical activity, importance, protection, and possibilities of application of natural raw materials in pharmacy and medicine.

Keywords

Raw materials, Biochemical activity, Pharmacy and medicine

References

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