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Pulok K. Mukherjee et al.
There are several pharmaceuticals in the market that are highly expensive, due to the fact that these compounds are only found in rare plants and often in extreme low concentrations. Podophyllotoxin and paclitaxel are clear examples of pharmaceuticals that can only be produced through the isolation from plants. To achieve a sustainable source of such compounds scientists all over the world have been experimenting with biotechnological approaches aiming at the development of an alternative production system. With this aim in mind, combinatorial biosynthetic strategies are expected to yield interesting alternatives in the near future. With regard to the production of podophyllotoxin it has been shown that plant cell cultures of Linum flavum L. can be used to convert deoxypodophyllotoxin, a major lignan of Anthriscus sylvestris L. into 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin. The combination of the product of one species and the enzymes of another species to yield a desired product is a good example of combinatorial biosynthesis (62). 5.2. Ethno pharmacology approach Ethnopharmacologic approach is based on botany, chemistry and pharmacology (observation, identification, description and experimental investigation) but other disciplines have made vital contributions. Based on these considerations, ethnopharmacology is defined as “the interdisciplinary scientific exploration of biologically active agents traditionally employed or observed by man�. This study of traditional drugs is not meant to advocate a return to the use of these remedies in their aboriginal form, or to exploit traditional medicine. The objectives of ethnopharmacology are to rescue and document an important cultural heritage before it is lost, and to investigate and evaluate the agents employed. Thus, it plays an immense role in evaluation of natural products and more particularly the herbal drugs from traditional and folklore resources. Field observations and descriptions of the use and effects of traditional remedies, botanical identification, phytochemical and pharmacological studies are all within the scope of ethnopharmacology. It is essential that anthropologists interested in ethnopharmacology seek contact and collaboration with experts in botany, chemistry and pharmacology. Such a multidisciplinary approach presents added advantages. Even in recent times an anthropologist can give a detailed composition of an African poison ordeal without bothering about the chemical composition of the poisonous drink used or even its plant origin. The identification of medicinal plants and other traditional drugs is of course a crucial point, and good ethnopharmacological research can only be based on properly prepared voucher specimens, carefully authenticated by experts. Wherever possible, phytochemical studies