The influence of climate change on medicinal plants

The influence of climate change on medicinal plants

The influence of climate change on medicinal plants

Climate change has far -reaching effects on various aspects of our lives, including nature and the flora. Medicinal plants in particular are affected by these effects. In this article we will examine the influence of climate change on medicinal plants more precisely and discuss the possible consequences for traditional Medicine and health care.

climate change and temperature changes

One of the most significant changes in connection with climate change are increasing temperatures all over the world. This leads to the shift in climatic conditions in many regions and influences the growth and development of plants, including medicinal plants.

changes in the living space

Climate change affects the habitats of medicinal plants because the climatic conditions change. Some plant species are very specialized and require certain temperatures, rainfall and seasons to successfully thrive. If these factors change, the habitats for these plant species can reduce or even disappear.

changes in the distribution

Climate change also has an impact on the spread of medicinal plants. Some plant species could expand into areas that were previously unsuitable for them due to unfavorable climatic conditions. At the same time, other types that need certain climatic conditions could also be displaced from their traditional distribution areas.

effects on chemical ingredients

Medicinal plants contain bioactive chemical compounds that are responsible for their medical properties. However, these connections can be influenced by environmental factors, including climate change.

Change of concentrations

The increasing temperatures and changes in the rainfall can lead to changes in the concentrations of bioactive connections in medicinal plants. Studies have shown that higher temperatures can reduce the content of secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and phenols that are responsible for the health -promoting properties of the plants.

Change of composition

Climate change can also change the composition of the bioactive connections in medicinal plants. This can lead to the effectiveness and safety of certain vegetable medicines change. Some studies have shown that increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere can lead to increased production of carbohydrates, which in turn leads to lower concentrations of secondary plant substances.

Changes in availability and harvest

Climate change can also influence the availability of medicinal plants and thus affect traditional medicine and health care.

changed harvest times

The change in climatic conditions can lead to a shift in optimal harvest times for medicinal plants. Plants that have traditionally been harvested in a certain season could lose their optimal growth and harvesting conditions. This could result in crop failures and the availability of certain medicinal plants.

changes in availability

Climate change can also lead to reduced availability of medicinal plants. If the climatic conditions change drastically, entire ecosystems can be destroyed and plant species could die out. As a result, certain vegetable medicines could become completely inaccessible.

measures to adapt

Adaptation measures are required to alleviate the influence of climate change on medicinal plants. Here are some possible strategies:

extension in controlled environment

One way to minimize the influence of climate change on medicinal plants is to promote cultivation in a controlled environment. Plants are grown in greenhouses or under similar conditions to optimize the climatic conditions and ensure the availability of medicinal plants.

protection of endangered species

Since climate change can favor the extinction of certain plant species, the protection of endangered types is of crucial importance. This can be achieved through the preservation of protected areas and the restriction of access to endangered plant species.

Promotion of biodiversity and traditional plant knowledge

Another important measure is the promotion of biodiversity and traditional plant knowledge. Due to the protection and restoration of natural habitats, different plant species can be preserved and their adaptability.

FAZIT

Climate change has a significant impact on medicinal plants. The changes in climatic conditions, especially in relation to temperature and precipitation, influence the availability, chemical composition and harvest of medicinal plants. In order to reduce the influence of climate change, adaptation measures are required, including the extension in controlled environment, the protection of endangered species and the promotion of biodiversity and traditional plant knowledge. It is important to take these measures to ensure health care and availability of medicinal plants for future generations.

sources:

1. Smith, H. Climate Change Impact on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants . 2009; 15 (3): 205-226.
2. Ziska, L. H. et al. Rising atmospheric CO2 and Plant Biology: The Elephant in the Greenhouse. Annual Review of Plant Biology . 2010; 61: 47-76.
3. Patra, J. K. et al. Climate Change and Herbal Medicine: Emerging Challenges and Future Perspective. Journal of Herbal Medicine . 2017; 10: 101-111.
4. Hanelt, P. et al. Effects of Climate Change on the Ecology of Medicinal Plants. revista brasileira de farmacognosia . 2013; 23 (5): 857-864.