Plant Sources of Formulated Homoeopathic Drugs

A survey was conducted in the homoeopathic pharmacies in Chennai to study the plant sources of formulated homoeopathic drugs that are common and popularly sold in commercial outlets. This study deals with 127 homoeopathic medicinal plants that are used in various formulated preparations such as cosmetics, drops, oils, ointments, powders, tablets and tonics. Medicinal plants that are exclusively used as mother tinctures diluted and prescribed by homoeopathic practitioners for treatment are excluded. Many practitioners of homoeopathic system prescribe formulated drugs manufactured by the pharmaceutical companies that specialize in homoeopathic drugs. Another survey was conducted to explore the most frequent prescriptions given by the homoeopathic practitioners in Tamil Nadu. Plant sources of these prescriptions are studied. It is found that 34 of these plant sources are commonly used as ingredients in many formulated drugs sold in the commercial outlets.