Positive aspects of weeds as herbal remedies and medicinal plants

Abstract

The weeds are well accepted source of herbal medicines. However, these plants should be managed and removed from agro ecosystems due to their negative impacts on agricultural production systems. However, it is matter of interest that some of well-known weeds are source of drugs and traditional medicine. The weeds have certain biological phytochemicals viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and saponins etc. which are used to treat health disorders. The demand and importance of natural occurring herbal drugs is rising globally. This is due to their social contentment, easy accessibility, cheapness, effectiveness and no side effect claims. The use of herbs and weeds is based on empirical treatment and experiences from many generations with info accessible solely in native magazines. These medicines possess numerous biologically active ingredients associated with health disorders. Thus their potential has not been fully explored. There is need to improve the quality and analysis of herbal products to be fabricated with research advancements in their efficacy. This review identifies bioactive or phytochemicals present in different plant parts of weeds and ways to extract them are discussed. In addition, the medicinal beneficial aspects of weed species, their medicinal utility and major concerning issues are also highlighted.