The Chemistry of the Active Principles in Plants: Unlocking Herbal Medicine

When we delve into the world of herbal medicine, understanding the “active principle” of plants is key. This term refers to the biologically active compounds within plants that are responsible for their medicinal effects.

What is the Active Principle?

Definition: The active principle is the specific chemical component or group of components in a plant that exerts a therapeutic effect. It’s what makes a herb medicinal, influencing everything from digestion to mental health.