Plants as Medicines: From Obsolete to Leading Edge

Wendy Applequist, PhD, Assistant Curator, William L. Brown Center, Missouri Botanical Garden

For most of human history, the words “medicine” and “herb” have been virtually synonymous. Today, although traditional botanical medicines are sometimes scorned as old-fashioned, scientific studies increasingly demonstrate their value — though consumers often have no clear way to judge a medicinal product’s quality. Plants also serve as sources of pharmaceutical drugs; unfortunately, it is certain that lifesaving compounds not yet discovered will be forever lost to humanity through the extinction of thousands of species in the next century. Missouri Botanical Garden botanist, Wendy Applequist, covers the past, present, and future contributions of plants to human health and well-being in this fascinating look at Plants as Medicine.

Photo: Sutherlandia frutescens (cancerbush), a South African plants used by AIDS patient

Location: Saint Louis Zoo Living World Auditorium. Parking is FREE in the Zoo North Lot.

FREE and OPEN to ALL. Adults, teachers, middle and high school students, and the general public are invited to attend these no-cost lectures on topical issues in science. For more information call 314-646-4544 or 314-533-8586. Registration not required.

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