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 impacts on various aspects of our lives, including nature and plant life. Medicinal plants in particular are affected by these effects. In this article, we will examine the impact of climate change on medicinal plants in more detail and discuss the possible consequences for traditional medicine and healthcare.

Climate change and temperature changes

One of the most significant changes related to climate change is rising temperatures around the world. This leads to the shift in climatic conditions in many regions and affects the growth and development of plants, including medicinal plants.

Changes in habitat

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

Changes in distribution

Climate change also has an impact on the distribution 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 species that require 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 medicinal properties. However, these compounds can be influenced by environmental factors, including climate change.

Change in concentrations

Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall may lead to changes in the concentrations of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. Studies have shown that higher temperatures can reduce levels of phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenols, which are responsible for plants' health-promoting properties.

Change in composition

Climate change can also change the composition of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. This may result in changes to the effectiveness and safety of certain herbal medicines. 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 phytochemicals.

Changes in availability and harvest

Climate change may also affect the availability of medicinal plants, thereby affecting traditional medicine and healthcare.

Changed harvest times

The change in climatic conditions can lead to a shift in the optimal harvest times for medicinal plants. Plants that were traditionally harvested in a particular season could lose their optimal growing and harvesting conditions. This could result in crop failures and the availability of certain medicinal plants could be severely affected.

Changes in availability

Climate change may also lead to reduced availability of medicinal plants. If climatic conditions change drastically, entire ecosystems can be destroyed and plant species could become extinct. This would mean that certain herbal medicines could become completely inaccessible.

Adaptation measures

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

Cultivation in a controlled environment

One way to minimize the impact of climate change on medicinal plants is to promote cultivation in controlled environments. 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

Because climate change can promote the extinction of certain plant species, protecting endangered species is crucial. This can be achieved by preserving protected areas and restricting access to endangered plant species.

Promoting biodiversity and traditional plant knowledge

Another important measure is the promotion of biodiversity and traditional plant knowledge. By protecting and restoring natural habitats, different plant species can be preserved and their adaptability strengthened.

Conclusion

Climate change has a significant impact on medicinal plants. The changes in climatic conditions, especially in terms of temperature and precipitation, affect the availability, chemical composition and harvest of medicinal plants. Mitigating the impact of climate change requires adaptation measures, including cultivation in controlled environments, protecting endangered species and promoting biodiversity and traditional plant knowledge. It is important to take these measures to ensure healthcare and the 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 Perspectives.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.