Ancient History of Botany and Ayurveda

Early Descriptions of Medicinal Properties

• The medicinal properties of plants were first described in two Vedas, Rigveda and Atharvaveda, between 3500-1500 B.C.
• These descriptions led to the development of Ayurveda.

Early Plant Medicines

• The earliest plant medicines used in Ayurveda were described with a list of 127 plants.

Binomial Classification

• The binomial classification of plants was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s.
• This system was further developed by Bentham and Hooker in 1862-1863.

Plant Hybrids and Microscopy

• Gregor Mendel made important observations on plant hybrids in 1865.
• The microscope was introduced as an important analytical tool, leading to the development of techniques like clearing, staining, and mounting.

Anatomical Atlas of Crude Drugs

• The first anatomical atlas of crude drugs was published in 1865.

Phytochemistry and Modern Developments

• In the 20th century, significant work was done in the field of phytochemistry, leading to its establishment as a distinct branch of science.
• Constituents isolated from plants were used not only in their natural form but also for semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs.