Economic Significance and Geographical Features of Medicinal Plants in Georgia

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, medicinal plants are the most widely used medical system globally. This knowledge has almost been lost in many developed countries, but interest in medicinal plants has increased in the last few decades (WHO, 2008).

When appropriately used, medicinal plants are an essential part of a healthy life. Thus, it is vital to use the medicinal plant resource rationally, which is possible by knowing these plants' properties, their description, and their use conditions. Ancient sources have reported on the impact of plants on human health. Before the development of medicine and pharmacy, humans only used herbal and animal medicines. Medicinal herbs and Phyto preparations have the essential advantage that a person acquires a complex of related substances, easily absorbed by the body, rarely causes allergic side effects, and has no accumulation ability. At present, about 30% of existing medicines are made from herbal raw materials. As a source of raw materials used both of wild and cultivated plants, this has led to the depletion of valuable plant resources in some areas. Medicinal plants constitute almost half of the raw materials needed for the pharmaceutical industry in our country.

Consequently, deepening the knowledge of various medicinal plants of Georgia will help expand the base of natural medicinal products and develop relevant fields, which will benefit the population.