Overview of the Use of Food/Natural Products as Drugs

Abstract

Higher plants produce numerous extractable organic substances which are in great demand throughout the world. These include both primary and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites (carbohydrates, polysaccharides) are high volume and low value bulk materials while the secondary metabolites (drugs, flavorings, pesticides) are high value, low bulk subsfances. This overview presenfs numerous economically important plant drugs of current importance with sources and some prices, along with difficulties in handling. I n addition, numerous nutritional products of natural origin are given with their uses and purporled medical value. Reference sources of information on these is also provided.