What does the term "plant-based medicine" refer to?

The term "plant-based medicine" specifically refers to medicine that is derived from plant extracts. This encompasses a wide range of therapeutic compounds that can be isolated from various parts of plants, such as leaves, roots, bark, and flowers, and used for their medicinal properties. Many traditional and modern medicines utilize these plant-derived substances, contributing to the efficacy of treatments for numerous health conditions.

By focusing on the use of plant extracts, this definition includes not only the active compounds found in plants but also acknowledges the historical significance of plant-based remedies in various cultures. These natural products can serve as direct treatments or as the basis from which synthetic drugs are developed, highlighting the importance of plants in the field of medicine.

Plant-based medicine is distinct from other options, such as medications prescribed by health professionals, which may or may not be derived from plant sources, and synthetic compounds, which are chemically manufactured and not derived from plants. The mention of dietary supplements is also limiting, as plant-based medicine can extend beyond just supplemental use to encompass a broader range of therapeutic applications.