Herbal Medicines: From History to Current Research—A Comprehensive Survey

The use of natural resources, particularly plants, for prophylactic and curative purposes dates back to ancient times and has been employed by various indigenous peoples. To survive, plants produce a variety of substances known as secondary metabolites, which are known for their distinct biological properties useful in treating diverse pathologies. Integrating empirical, traditional, and scientific knowledge has led to an increased use of natural resources as therapeutic solutions. Consequently, regulating the production processes of herbal medicines is vital to ensure their safety and efficacy. With this context, the primary aim of this chapter is to explore herbal medicines and related aspects, offering a historical perspective alongside the advances and processes involved in their extraction and production.