Abstract
This paper supplies significant research which proves that medicinal plants, commonly referred to as medicinal herbs, have been successfully used by man for more than 60 thousand years. The uses of medicinal plants have ranged through the entire spectrum of the physical and psychological maladies that can afflict the human race. The writer of this paper examines the various vaccines made from medicinal plant preparations which are designed for oral consumption as well as the numerous health benefits attained by properly ingesting these herbs. This paper also analyzes the business aspect of the medicine plant trade. Through relevant research, this paper estimates that world sales of medicines derived from plants, discovered and collected by indigenous tribes and cultures in 1990, amounted to some $43 billion.

Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Etiology, Applications and Common Medicinal Plants Today
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"According to Zerner, the majority of the knowledge about medicinal plants today has been accumulated based on empirical observations over long periods of time. Likewise, Crellin and Philpott note that observations of the use of different plants by sick animals has always been a valuable source of information for early practitioners, and many continue to believe this is a valuable source of reliable information concerning the efficacy of medicinal plants today. Even the nonmedicinal uses of these various plant materials has helped the body of knowledge through increased familiarity to the point where, "Nowadays, many herbalists believe that they have an almost intuitive sense of whether or not a plant is medical. Ten of the most popular medicinal plants today are bilberry, cranberry, echinacea, feverfew, Ginkgo biloba, goldenseal, kava kava, milk thistle, saw palmetto, and St. John's wort."

Tags:health, plants, herbs, business, finance, medicine

Abstract
This paper states that cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases throughout the world. The paper then proceeds with an overview of the use of plants as an effective way to prevent and to cure cancer. In particular, the paper identifies the plants and compounds that are extracted from the plants that are being used in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the paper discusses the action of these plant-extracted compounds on the cancer cells. The paper concludes with a commentary on the future use of plants in the fight against cancer.

Outline:
Introduction
The Use of Plants for Medicinal Purposes
Anticancer Compounds in Plants
Treatment of Cancer by Plants
Prevention of Cancer by Plants
Summary

From the Paper
"Cancer is a dreaded disease, however cancer is not incurable. There are a number of positive responses to cancer treatment and more and more people have survived cancer as more and more cure and alternative treatments are being discovered. However, the rates of discovery of these alternative drugs that can be used to treat cancer are not fast enough to become at par with the increasing incidence of this dreaded disease. Several alternative drugs that are used for the treatment of cancer are still in experimental stages and some of the drugs that are being used today have high toxicity levels that could give hazardous side effects to the patients being treated."

Tags:medicinal, purposes, native, tribes, plant, alkaloids, chemotherapy

Abstract
This paper explains that narcotic plants, known for their effects on mind and body since the prehistoric period, were often associated with magic, religious rites, and medicine. Although there are over 60 species of hallucinogens known today that are consumed by people in one part of the world or other, the author focuses on the five major narcotics: tobacco, opium, hemp (marijuana), betel, and coca. The paper relates that the hallucinations that occur because the neuronal messages are changed in a greatly dramatic manner when narcotic plants are consumed.

Table of Contents
Introduction
History of the Use of Narcotic Plants and Hallucinogens
The Major Narcotic Plants
Ergot
Amanita
Marijuana
Opium
Coca
Tobacco
Other Hallucinogens
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Peyote: Botanically known by the name Lophophora williamsii, Peyote is a small grey-green variety of cactus found in northern Mexico and Texas. The Native Americans extensively used peyote particularly in their religious rites. The Aztecs ardently worshiped it and peyotism even grew as a religion among Americans. The compounds that are chemically active include mescaline and peyonine, of which mescaline induces hallucination essentially visual in nature, which enables the user to foresee and predict happenings as if in spiritual union with the divine power. Consumption of peyote causes intoxication accompanied by nausea, body shivers and perspiration for about two hours after which the user normally falls into hallucination."

Tags:ritual, medicine, tobacco, opium, marijuana

Abstract
This paper takes a look at cranberries and how the small berries and leaves of the cranberry plant have been used in traditional medicine by the Native Americans for centuries. The author discusses research and articles that point to cranberries being able to inhibit bacterial adherence, a sign of their potential for use as prevention for urinary tract infections. Other advantages of cranberries as a medicinal food are also examined such as being anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

From the Paper
"Most studies on the effects of cranberries on bacterial adherence use cranberry juice cocktails, and not pure extracted cranberries. Future research should use pure cranberries or a standardized extract to ensure valid results and also to minimize the effect of contaminating variables especially the higher sugar content in cranberry juice cocktails than in plain juice or a standardized extract. Isolating which types of bacteria cranberries inhibit adhesion of in addition to E. Coli would also boost research validity. Researchers may also want to discover whether cranberries are more effective for anti-bacterial adhesion under specific conditions and whether those effects extend beyond their application to the urinary tract."

Tags:disease prevention, alternative medicine

Abstract
Cocaine is an effective topical anesthetic and it provides significant blood flow stimulation. Cocaine hydrochloride is a fine white powder derived from the leaves of the plant Erythroxylon coca. "Coca" comes from the Aymara word "khoka" meaning "the tree". The Spaniard's adopted the practice of chewing coca leaves after conquering Peru in the 16th century. There are many different nations that continue to use coca and cocaine actively within the indigenous medical cultures. Cocaine provides benefit to the body and the spirit.

Abstract
Aloe gel is perhaps the most widely recognized herbal remedy in the United States today, used to relieve thermal burn and sunburn, promote wound healing and moisturize and soften skin. Everyone who uses it seems convinced that it works and its millennia of use for the same conditions support that assumption. The paper shows that, in addition, recent research suggests that aloe gel can help stimulate the body's immune system. However, the way aloe works is not yet fully understood. The paper presents an overview of this fascinating plant.

Paper Outline:
Background
Antiseptic
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-viral, Anti-bacterial
Whole-Leaf Aloe Concentrate
Aloe as Laxative
Using Aloe
Growing Aloe Vera
Grow and Heal
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Aloe vera linne or Aloe Barbadensis Miller is a succulent from the Aloe family (400 different species !) with its origin in the African continent. Its thick leaves contain the water supply for the plant to survive long periods of drought. These leaves have a high capacity of retaining the water also in very warm and dry climates and therefore this plant can survive very harsh circumstances where most other vegetation disappears."

Tags:moisterizer, gel, lectin, polysaccharides

From the Paper
"The Medicinal Uses of The Hemp Plant

The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) is a tall Asiatic herb with a widespread distribution. More commonly referred to as marijuana, the plant has long been known for its powerful psychoactive, as well as its medicinal qualities. During the nineteenth century, for example, marijuana was applied to a variety of ailments. More recently, the herb has been considered as an antiemetic and appetite stimulant in patients with cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). Investigations into marijuana's therapeutic efficacy, however, have provided variable results. Many researchers believe, therefore, that there are better drugs available.

Cannabis sativa, or marijuana, is sometimes grown for its fiber. The plant can be used to manufacture of rope, paper, and ..."

Abstract
The paper provides an overview of prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbal medicines and supplementary drugs. The paper discusses the laxity in regulation of dietary supplements currently available in the market that is causing alarm among health care professionals. The paper then explores the reasons behind the increased popularity with OTC drugs and dietary supplements.

From the Paper
"In these modern times, patients and consumers have numerous alternatives in attempting to alleviate their health. Conventional medicine is still the mainstream for treatment of the population's maladies. However, alternative or traditional medicine is rapidly gaining popularity among consumers and patients. These include methods that claim to have a holistic approach in healing. Reflexology and acupuncture are popular procedures in an effort to cure one's pain or illness. The uses of herbs and plants as alternative medicine have been used for centuries by other societies such as China and India. "

Tags:herbs, plants, supplements, regulation, gingko, biloba

Abstract
This paper defines nanotechnology as any technology on the scale of one billionth of a meter, which is aimed at creating things with novel properties. The author points out that medical technology will most likely be the first to benefit from nanotechnology because the field of medicine calls for molecular scale manipulation of matter. The paper discuses the applications of nanotechnology for pinpoint drug delivery, biological samples, regeneration and treatment of heart problems and cancer. Several color pictures and charts are included with the paper.

Table of Contents:
Summary
Introduction
Importance of Nanotechnology
Global Research Efforts
Research Funding
Medical Applications
Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Early Detection of Plaque
Smart Planting
Treatment of Cancer
1RNA Targeted Drug Delivery
New Approach to Neuroscience
Ethical Impacts
Conclusions
Appendix A: Timeline for Application Development

From the Paper
"Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two of the many cancer treatment options available today, when invasive surgery is not an option. Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to treat diseased tissues. This kind of treatment can vary and has a wide range of side-effects because it mostly affects the fast-dividing cells in the patient's body. Radiation therapy is exactly what it sounds like. It uses ionized radiation to control the growth of diseased or cancerous tissues, when a cure is not possible. Of course, these treatments vary depending on the specific type and stage of cancer."

Tags:collaboration, atomic scale, nanoparticles, unstable plaque, nanowires

Abstract
This essay explores the methods employed in traditional Sri Lankan ayurvedic medicine, including natural plant remedies and ritualistic behaviour. A comparison between the benefits of these traditional techniques and modern western medicine is drawn, concluding that much reliance can still be placed on ayurveda and ritual healing.

From the Paper
"Sri Lanka is a unique nation in that the gap between old and new is being closed. This gap-bridging is especially evident with regards to health and medical procedures. For centuries, the inhabitants of Sri Lanka have placed their faith in ayurvedic medicine such as homeopathy, home remedies using various plants and minerals, and numerous ritualistic practices. However, in recent years the tiny island-nation has seen the adoption of more modern Western techniques. This does not mean that people are abandoning traditional beliefs. In many instances, individuals will only turn to Western medicine if all other means fail. Particularly in rural areas, it is clear that "Western medicine is kept separate" (Baker 1998:65) in people's minds. The combination of these different practices has led to an interesting and well-rounded health system."

Tags:health, homeopathy, attana