Plants and animals have significantly contributed to the development of medicine since ancient times. Traditional human populations possess a wide natural pharmacopoeia consisting of wild plant and animal species. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world’s population relies primarily on animal and plant-based medicines. These natural sources are increasingly used as raw materials in the preparation of modern medicines and herbal preparations, not just in traditional medicines.
What is a Drog?
Drugs prepared from animal or plant origins, meaning substances synthesized by plant or animal cells, are called “drog.” These include drugs obtained from microorganisms, minerals, and drug raw materials obtained through recombinant DNA technology.
Herbal Drugs
The active compounds of herbal drugs are usually found in specific parts of plants (such as sap, leaves, rhizomes, roots, seeds, or bark). They are extracted from these parts using appropriate extraction methods. Chemically, herbal active compounds can be categorized into various groups:
Alkaloids: Basic substances containing an amine group.
Glycosides
Fixed oils
Carbohydrates
Animal Drugs
Animal drugs, like herbal ones, are obtained in pure forms or as concentrated extracts containing active compounds. Hormones and enzymes are among the primary animal drugs.
Mineral Source Natural Drugs
A few drugs (such as sodium chloride, magnesium salts, potassium chloride, and kaolin) are obtained by purifying natural minerals.
Drugs Obtained from Microorganisms
Some microorganisms, particularly those used in antibiotics, form the basis for drug development.
Drugs Obtained through Recombinant DNA Technology
These are drugs prepared using DNA technology. Human interferons, interleukins, insulin, growth hormone, colony-stimulating factors, and some vaccines are obtained through recombinant DNA technology.
Conclusion
Natural source drugs play a crucial role in both traditional and modern medicine. Herbal, animal, mineral source drugs, and those obtained through recombinant DNA technology contribute significantly to various medical treatments and the advancement of medicine. The effective and reliable use of these resources offers significant advantages for human health.
