Abstract

ROLE OF PHARMACY PRACTICE IN THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

S. Kanimozhi*, R. Nisha, S. Ramakrishnan, G. Bagavathraj, Miss. M. Manisha, Mrs. P. Nandhitha

Abstract

agents and continue to be vital in healthcare and pharmacy practices. Recently, the rising popularity of herbal medicines has raised serious issues related to overexploitation, loss of biodiversity, contamination, and variability in the quality of plant-derived medications. Consequently, the sustainable use of medicinal plants has become critical to guarantee their ongoing availability, safety, and efficacy for future generations. This review concentrates on the idea of sustainability in the use of medicinal plants and its relevance in contemporary pharmacy practice. Key topics covered include the conservation of medicinal plant resources, the preference for cultivation over wild harvesting, sustainable harvesting techniques, quality assurance, and regulatory considerations. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the essential function of pharmacists in encouraging the responsible use of herbal medicines, educating patients, ensuring ethical sourcing, and overseeing the safety of herbal drugs. It also tackles current challenges such as awareness deficits, environmental shifts, and inadequate standardization, while offering future insights for enhancing sustainable practices. By merging traditional knowledge with scientific validation and professional pharmacy services, the sustainable utilization of medicinal plants can enhance public health outcomes while safeguarding natural resources. This review underscores the obligation of pharmacy professionals in fostering sustainability as a core component of herbal drug development and healthcare delivery.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Sustainability, Pharmacy practice, Herbal medicines, Conservation.