Hepatoprotective and Antitumor Activity of Trichodesma Ehrenbergii: Chemical studies, phenolic content, amino acids, sterols, fatty acids, carbohydrates and biological activity

“Human-plant” is a relationship as old as mankind, since prehistoric times man has relied on plants for their basic needs, not only for food and clothing, but also to alleviate diseases. Plants have formed the basis of sophisticated traditional medicine systems that have been in existence for thousands of years and continue to provide mankind with new remedies. Plants are unique in their ability to synthesize carbohydrates, fats and proteins that constitute three major food classes for human race. Man ever since his first appearance on earth, has used plant throughout his historical development as a source of medicines. Medicinal plants have formed the basis of the folkloric medicine which was the main source for new medicines discoveries. By the middle of the nineteenth century at least 80% of all medicines were derived from plants. Then, after the scientific revolution which leads to development of the pharmaceutical industry, the synthetic drugs dominated but even; herbal drugs are prescribed widely because of their effectiveness, fewer side effects and are relatively low in cost