The medicinal use of plants is not just folklore - one of four prescription drugs contains an ingredient derived from a flowering plant. A recent statistical analysis conducted on ethnobotanically derived drugs revealed that 24% were cardiovascular substances, 20% for the nervous system, 11% for inflammation, and 10% for neoplasms. Now with the consumer's interest in natural products rising so dramatically, it is expected that enormous market avenues and potentials will gain further grounds to meet the demand.
 
In his 7-year tenure with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and subsequent years in interdisciplinary research, the writer has developed an innovative Medicinal Genepool of over 1,200 accessions. The wide biodiversity of the genepool comprises a wide range of interspecific and intraspecific genetic stocks (genotypes, phenotypes, idiotypes, ecotypes, topotypes, ecostrains, edaphic races, landraces, wild relatives, ecospecies, within-population variants, etc.) developed and evolved from different ecosystems (rain forest, arid, semi-arid, temperate) and photoperiodisms (short-, and long-day climatic conditions). The afore-mentioned genetic stocks, along with their heritable traits, are the core of the present Medicinal Genepool and its developed germplasm contents. For the reader's convenience, the Medicinal Genepool constituents will henceforth be termed genotypes.

The genepool harbours many novel genotypes to treat a wide range of ailments and diseases. Based on support documentation derived from reputable research journals, genotypes in the genepool could be successfully evaluated, and utilized, in the following areas: immunology, cardiovascular, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antiparkinsonism, antibiotic (antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal), antiparasitic, central nervous system, nutrition, growth regulation, etc., etc.

Chemically, the following active ingredients are but some examples of the genepool constituents: sesquiterpenes, coumarins, triterpenic saponins, allantoin, iroid aucubine, steroids, corticosteroids, morphinans, cucurbitacins, cardenolides, mono-and poly-phenols, other organic acids, flavones and flavonoid glycosides, other flavonoid derivaties, silica, unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, soluble and insoluble fibers, natural pigments, new proteins, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, 1-3 micrometer starches, etc., etc.

Though this proposal is meant to be only indicative, it is obvious that genotypes in the Medicinal Genepool could be utilized along a single-, double-, and/or triple-prong approach(es) as follows: i) to improve/fortify existing commercial formulations, ii) to make new products to cure the diseases described above, and/or iii) to patent new biologically active compounds and chemicals from the pool's germplasm diversity, and its broad genetic base.

Despite the varied chemical composition of the genotypes present in the genepool, they can be grouped as follows:
 

Some alkaloids in the genepool can be used to raise, and others to lower, the blood pressure because of their basic effect on the central nervous system, and thus the blood circulation and respiration. The action on the nervous system can be antispasmodic or mydriatic (dilating the pupil), or analgesic and narcotic, or as a local anesthetic. Other alkaloid-bearing genotypes can be used as antiparkinsonisms,antiparasitics or in chemotherapy; others to treat inflammation of the intestines, polyarthritis, sciatica and pyelitis. Cucurbitacines in the genepool are capable of arresting cell division at metaphase and as such they can be appropriate to combat cancer in cases of hypertrophy of the prostate gland, and other cancer forms.

Other alkaloid candidates in the genepool present: i) active ingredients to treat parkinsonism, rapid heartbeat, and other heart diseases by reducing cholesterol levels; ii) as antispasmodic in spatic cough; iii) as bronchodilator in asthma; iv) to reduce blood sugar; v) to strengthen the antibiotic activity of other agents; vi) for stomachaches, as a uterine tonic, to control diarrhea, menstrual irregularities and symptoms of menopause. More alkaloids are described under ii) Genotypes containing steroids, and vi) Genotypes containing opiates.

The genepool offers numerous steroidal compounds which can be used to relieve asthma, arthritis, eczema, regulate metabolism and control fertility. The wide steroidal array also contains ingredients as sex hormones; others to treat menopause, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, testicular deficiency, impotency, prostate hypertrophy, and psychosexual problems; as well as high blood pressure, arterial spasms, migraines, Addison's disease, some allergies, bursitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, spider bites, insect stings, etc., etc.

Other steroidal candidates contain numerous anticancer and novel antihepatotoxic constituents. Specifically speaking, steroidal sapogenins with cytotoxicity against eight cancers (breast, colon, nasopharynx, uterine cervix, hepatoma, laryngeal epidermoid, glioma, melanoma); carpestrol and sitosterol with novel antihepatotoxic effects; scopoletin with anticonvulsant, cardiovascular (hypotensive) and neuromuscular properties, etc. In addition, other steroidal genotypes possess anti-infection, anti-parasitic and/or antiviral characteristics as outlined under iv) Genotypes containing antibiotics.

The presence of flavonoids in some genotypes indicates that they could, in effect, affect the heart (cardioactive) and circulatory system and strengthen the capillaries. Some can be used as spasmolytics and diuretics; while others as strong cardiac tonics which may help in the treatment of high and low blood pressure, tachycardia and arhythmia, also as antispasmodics and sedatives, and likely in the treatment of insomnia of nervous origin. Other flavonoid-bearing genotypes could be effective remedies for menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and uterine hemorrhages; for nasal and internal bleeding as well as in cases of cystitis and stones in the urinary tract. Others, in the flavonoid group, could be used for leukorrhea, metrorrhagia and prostatitis, nasal catarrh and bronchitis due to their hemostatis properties; enteritis, diarrhea, dysentery, etc., etc.

The genepool contains a wide range of constituents with disinfectant and antiseptic properties that can be used in chemotherapy; and others with distinct antibiotic characteristics. Some agents in the antibiotical array act as vermifuges, fungicides and antimicrobials because, while in the body, they inactivate the enzymes produced by the microorganisms, by combining with sulphur to form amino acids and other compounds. In other candidates, the active constituents may act like phenols with powerful oxidizing properties; these can prevent the growth of spherical bacteria (cocci) such as pneumococci, streptococci and staphycocci. These compounds are therefore similar in their action to penicillin.

The genepool also presents another set of compounds which are chemically steroidal but possess antiinfection, antiparasitic and/or antiviral properties. Of these, some have shown a high antagonistic activity against Gram+, Gram-, acid-fast bacteria and yeast (e.g. Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis; Bacillus subtilis; Mycobacterium smeematis; Candida albicans; Neurospora crassa, etc.). Others, but nonsteroidal, contain: i) coumarin-like antibiotic compounds; ii) glucosides which on hydrolysis form sulphur compounds with an antibiotic action as a disinfectant for treating the urinary tract, the skin, and/or influenza; iii) phenolic heterosides and sulphur heterosides of which some act as vermicides, intestinal disinfectants, antiameboid dysentery; or against typhoid, tuberculosis, and infections of the respiratory passages; iv) cyanogenic glycosides for skin and urinary infections, diarrhea; v) polyacetylenes that kill ringworms and other intestinal parasites; treat sore throats, bronchitis and kill several pathogenic bacteria and fungi; vi) other biologically-active compounds with antiviral, antimalarial, anticoccidial and antibacterial efficacies, possibly against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), invasive Strep A (otherwise known as the flesh-eating bacteria). Obviously, candidates in the antibiotical group could also be used singly, or in various combinations (cocktails), to combat the current rising occurrence of resistant strains of pathogenic microbes, fungi and parasites observed recently by many hospitals in Canada and elsewhere. See V) Genotypes containing coumarin heterosides, and XIII) Genotypes containing essential oils and resins for further antibiotic agents.

Different forms of interesting coumarins are represented in the genepool. Some could be used as vasodilators, antibacterial agents, to treat liver infections and jaundice, in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, paralyses and skin diseases. Others: i) to treat bronchial catarrh, an eye lotion with an astringent and antiinflammatory action, a venous tonic; ii) to reduce blood pressure, as a stimulant and digestive with a distinct aphrodisiac effect, etc., etc.

Today's opiates are mostly derived from opium poppy, and unfortunately these come with well-documented unsafe side effects and hazards, especially to certain patient groups (e.g. asthmatics; patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, kidney or liver dysfunction; individuals whose ability to maintain blood pressure has been compromised by a depleted blood volume or the administration of drugs of certain anesthetics, the elderly or debilitated, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, pregnant women, etc.).

The genepool offers novel opiate alkaloids which can be important sources for the manufacture of safer analgesics, nonaddictive antitussives, narcotic antagonists, antiparkinson therapeutics, smooth muscle relaxants, astringents, antiasthmatics, antidiarrheals; not to mention making safer morphinans with less side effects and hazards to the bulky patient groups mentioned above.

A ranunculoside is a glycoside which on hydrolysis splits up into ranunculine and glucose. Ranunculosides act as buffers preventing the development of extreme acid or basic conditions. They exhibit chemical similarities with the coumarins. They can be appropriate as diuretics, for rheumatism, or for skin complaints, as sedatives in cases of abdominal and uterine pains, and as antispasmodics in cases of whooping cough. Other ranunculoside genotypes can be used in the treatment of skin conditions (herpes, eczema, erysipelas, pruritis), rheumatic conditions, sciatica, arthritis and rhinitis.

The genepool offers many genotypes with both nutritional and medicinal values. These could be composed in single-genotype products, or in combinations with other natural supplements to render specific effects. Some accessions are exceptionally high on: i) tocopherols (vitamin E) and tocotrienols, ii) soluble and insoluble fibers, iii) important minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium), iv) PER (Protein Efficiency Ratio), v) superior amino acid balance, and vi) the essential amino acid lysine content, which though not produced in the body, it is essential to body functions, and vital to: a) improving growth and maintenance of body and brain cells, b) reducing susceptibility to diseases, etc.

The above genotypes could also be manufactured into a "grain fiber" tablet product to perform these multiple functions: i) to combat diabetes via its particularly high fiber content, and types, which altogether reduce blood glucose, ii) to lower serum and liver cholesterol (via its unique soluble fiber content) in hyperlipoproteinemic patients, iii) to relieve constipation caused by convalescense, advanced age, pregnancy, etc., iv) to act as a protectant against colon cancer via its natural insoluble fiber content, v) to serve as a natural fiber supplement needed to enrich fiber-deficient diets, etc. Such "multi-purpose" product could easily outweigh many "grain-and-fruit fiber" products currently available on the market and only provide a laxative function.

The above genotypes could furthermore be an ideal vehicle for iron fortification. Employing some simple enzymatic procedures on an iron/genotype composite substrate, a higher protein content (26-28%) product can be produced to achieve the following beneficial effects/uses: i) for infants, middle- and old-age groups; ii) during pregnancy, lactation, weaning; iii) for preterm babies (reportedly at risk for iron deficiency); iv) iron-deficiency sufferers, anemics, etc.

Interestingly, the above-mentioned genotypes possess uniquely small starch granules, 1-3 micrometers in diameter, in an appreciable contrast to 3-8 micrometers for rice starch, and 100micrometers for potato starch. Capitalizing on such uniquely small granule size, starch from these genotypes could be included in a wide range of pharmaceuticals, substrates, cosmetics, detergents, thickeners, biodegradable plastics, etc. The unique starch may also be used externally to form a poultice for softening the skin in skin diseases, also as a constituent of dusting powders for application to chafed or irritable areas of the skin, and/or as enema administered in inflammatory conditions of the bowels.

Hespan (hetastarch) and Pentaspan (pentastarch) by Du Pont Pharma are respectively used to increase the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and as a plasma volume expander. Employing this uniquely minute starch granules (1-3 micrometers in diameter), highly promising products could result which could favourably compete with Hespan and Pentaspan pharmacological functions, and possibly save all those "warnings", "precautions" and "adverse effects" associated with these two products (see CPS for further information).

The Medicinal Genepool contains yet more nutritional genotypes that can be utilized singly, or in blends with certain supplements for an endless line of innovative nutritional and medicinal combinations. For example, combinations: i) to treat cancer and cancer-like degenerative diseases; ii) against several bacterial, viral and fungal infections; iii) for the treatment of lethargy, rheumatism, heart trouble, high blood pressure, bronchitis; iv) as pain-killers, blood purifiers, diuretics, etc., etc.

The active constituents of these genotypes are phenols which are combined with sugars. They can be used in some cases of alkaloid poisoning to precipitate the alkaloids and render them harmless. Genotypes in this group are astringent, they cause a thin layer of coagulation to form on wounds and mucus, and thus very effective when used as compresses, or for  inflammations and swellings. They could also be suitable disinfectants, in comforting bronchitis, gastritis and hemorrhoids; as gargles for sore throats and pharyngitis, eye infections, for diarrhea, to treat gastroenteritis, leukorrhea, dysentery, skin eruptions and ulcers, for fever and liver problems, and to lower blood sugar; to reduce blood pressure, bleeding gums and heavy menstruation; as liver and gall bladder stimulants, and to treat the symptoms associated with an unbalanced liver, including hypertension and conjunctivitis.

Candidates in this group contain various bitter compounds with specific beneficial effects to combat illness. Physiologically, all bitters stimulate the body into reflex action setting the glands to work, thus producing various effects. A bitter apertitive, for example, stimulates the appetite and sets in motion the processes of digestion. This also applies to drugs in which the bitter constituent prepares the way for the other active principles. While some bitter genotypes may act as stomach tonics aiding the appetite and digestion, others may act as diuretics, or to stimulate the liver, activating not only the secretion of bile but also its flow.

Other bitter genotypes may be utilized to treat hepatitis, jaundice and arthritis; others against arteriosclerosis, diabetes, or post-operative anemia; to treat some skin disorders, and possibly in mixtures to purify the blood. Other bitters can be used for bronchitis, asthma and infections of the urinary tract; for liver disorders, gall stones, congestion of the uterus, varicose veins, etc., etc.

Some genotypes contain cardenolides which are substances, of a hormonal nature, which affect the heart and kidneys and contain steroid heterosides of the triterpenoid group. They are cardiotonic and as such they affect the contractions of the heart muscle. Under this group, varied genotypes are sedative, reduce muscle spasms, regulate blood pressure and rapid heartbeat; tone the heart, probably by reducing cholesterol levels. Refer ii) Genotypes containing steroids, and iii) Genotypes containing flavonoids for additional sources.

The chemical composition of some saponosides present in some genotypes is similar to that of hormones, their aglycones being choline steroids and therefore similar to some of the above-mentioned cardenolides. Saponosides increase and accelerate the body's ability to absorb some active compounds (for example, their presence increases the body's utilization of calcium and silicon).

Some genotypes in this group can help prevent thrombosis by strengthening vein walls, to be an effective astringent treatment for hemorrhoids; others to help the heart, to treat infections of the urinary tract and some skin complaints, rheumatism; to treat asthma crises, liver disorders, and diabetes. Others to treat respiratory infections; to treat whooping cough and bronchitis; to cure chronic nephritis, arthritis for kidney disorders, stones and hypertrophy of the prostate.

These genotypes contain mixtures of organic compounds such as alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, etc. Some possess properties to stimulate blood circulation and are antirheumatic, while others are antiinflammatory and may be valued in medicines and cosmetics as antihistamines.

Other genotypes could act as blood-purifying preventatives against colds and flu; to clear toxins that cause skin disorders; antidiarrheals; to treat arthritis, cystitis, and kidney stones. Others are: i) anticancers; ii) quinine substitutes for treating fever, stomach and intestinal complaints, and diarrhea; iii) reduce bleeding, inflammation, and hemorrhoids; iv) to kill tuberculosis bacteria, antifungal; v) for gastrointestinal, hepatic and biliary disorders; vi) antidiabetical, for eczema and shingles, to control rapid irregular heartbeats, to treat malaria when quinine is ineffective, etc., etc.

The mucilaginous compounds in some genotypes, taken in small doses, they restrain the peristaltic action of the gut and have an antidiarrheic action; but taken in larger doses they become laxative, causing the food in the intestines to swell, which in turn accelerates its elimination. In other genotypes, when the mucilaginous material passes through the alimentary canal, it coats the organs over which it flows and covers the mucosa with a viscous film; this reduces sensitivity to acids and bitters. These, largely colloidal compounds, are therefore effective in stopping coughs caused by irritation of the mucosa of the respiratory tract.

Genotypes in this group may be used internally to treat bronchial catarrh, bronchitis, asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis, urinary infections, to lower cholesterol levels; and externally to speed healing of wounds, blisters, sores, swellings, insect stings; for earaches, and inflammation of the eyelids as an eyewash, etc., etc.

In brief, genotypes in this group may be utilized singly, or in blends: i) to treat gravel and stones in the kidney, renal disorders; ii) for rheumatism, arthritis and diabetes; iii) as antianemic, hemostatic, diuretic, depurative, galactogenic, blood purifiers; iv) for enlarged spleen, prostate cancer, inflammation of the gall bladder, hepatitis, etc., etc.