摘要：
There is a paradigm shift from cure to prevention when it comes
to human health. We want to live a healthy life and prevent sickness
using substances other than pharmaceuticals. The plant-based nutraceutical
products or Natural Health Products (NHPs) as they are some times
referred to are the most important groups that have the potential
to fit the bill. However, these products are sold without proper
science based information in spite of the fact that most researchers
acknowledge the need for such information. Evidence-based scientific
studies to support health and nutraceutical claims related to the
use of medicinal plants and their extracts have to be undertaken.
It is only through critical research efforts that we can provide
strong endorsements for medicinal plant use and ensure consumer
confidence in the industry. Much of the research published on the
medicinal value of plants does not take into account variability
generated from genetic differences among plants and their interaction
with the environment. Research should be directed towards properly
identifying plants with known medicinal properties which have been
grown in environments that are conducive to consistent production
of the active agents attributed to the plants. Production of dependable
medicinal plant products can only be attained if we pay close attention
to these research-based principles. This article was written with
main goals: 1) To discuss the above points in greater detail with
examples; and 2) to highlight life time accomplishments and significant
contributions of a well respected nutritionist Dr. T. K. Basu and
his collaboration in development of fenugreek as a NHP. We believe
that collaboration among clinical and agricultural researchers is
essential to make the NHPs utilized to its potential and the plants
(parts such as seed, foliage or roots) should be developed to the
extent that they can be used directly to take advantage of the synergistic
effect of the chemical constituents.
