Sangrur’s DIET celebrated World Environment Day, during which Principal Madam Ripanjot Kaur specially reached out and made the students of the institute aware about issues related to environmental protection.
World Environment Day, celebrated every year on June 5, is a global event by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage action for environmental protection. It is being celebrated for the 53rd time today since its inception during the Stockholm Conference in 1972.
This year’s theme, hosted by Saudi Arabia, focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, with the slogan “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” More than 150 countries participate in activities such as tree planting, clean-up drives and policy advocacy to address issues such as pollution, deforestation and climate change.
Under this link, World Environment Day is also being celebrated by various organizations in India. DIET, an organization of Sangrur district, also celebrated World Environment Day today.
On this occasion, the institute specially invited Principal Madam Ripanjot Kaur Soni Ji, who is keen on creating awareness about mother tongue and environment.
Where Madam Ripanjot Kaur reached and gave a lecture to the students of DIET on Medicinal value of Plant’s and motivated each person to plant at least 1 tree so that the increasing temperature and pollution on the earth can be curbed. On this occasion, Madam Ripanjot Kaur also expressed concern over the increasing (concrete jungles) human colonies on the earth and the decreasing arable and forest land.
The Medicinal Value of Plants: Nature’s Pharmacy
Plants have been humanity’s first medicine, used for millennia across cultures to heal, soothe, and sustain life. From ancient herbal remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, the medicinal value of plants remains a cornerstone of health and wellness. World Environment Day 2025, with its focus on land restoration, underscores the urgency of preserving plant biodiversity to safeguard these natural resources. This article explores the profound medicinal contributions of plants, their historical and modern significance, and the need to protect them for future generations.
A Historical Perspective
The use of plants for healing dates back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests that Neanderthals used plants like yarrow and chamomile for medicinal purposes 60,000 years ago. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Indigenous cultures, developed sophisticated systems of herbal medicine. The Ebers Papyrus (1550 BCE) from Egypt documents over 700 plant-based remedies, while Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) continue to rely heavily on botanicals like turmeric and ginseng.
Plants provided the foundation for early pharmacology. For instance, willow bark, used by ancient Greeks to relieve pain, led to the discovery of salicylic acid, the precursor to aspirin. Similarly, the opium poppy’s pain-relieving properties inspired morphine and codeine. These examples highlight how traditional knowledge has shaped modern medicine.
The Science Behind Plant-Based Medicine
Plants produce a vast array of bioactive compounds—secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics—that evolved to protect them from environmental threats. These compounds often have therapeutic effects on humans. For example:
● Alkaloids, like quinine from the cinchona tree, are effective against malaria.
● Flavonoids, found in fruits and vegetables, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
● Terpenoids, such as those in eucalyptus, provide antimicrobial benefits.
Approximately 25% of modern prescription drugs are derived from plants, and 70% of small-molecule drugs have botanical origins. Notable examples include:
● Paclitaxel (Taxol), extracted from the Pacific yew tree, used in cancer treatment.
● Artemisinin, derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a critical antimalarial drug.
● Digoxin, sourced from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), used to treat heart conditions.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, plants are integral to nutraceuticals, supplements, and traditional remedies. For instance, aloe vera soothes burns, while ginger alleviates nausea. These accessible, often low-cost options make plant-based medicine vital in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
Key Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
Here are some widely recognized medicinal plants and their applications:
● Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant used for arthritis, digestive issues, and wound healing.
● Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Boosts energy, reduces stress, and supports immunity in TCM and Western herbalism.
● Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Enhances immune function and helps prevent or treat colds.
● Neem (Azadirachta indica): Used in Ayurveda for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, treating skin conditions and infections.
● Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Relieves digestive discomfort and headaches due to its menthol content.
Indigenous communities also rely on lesser-known plants. For example, the San people of Southern Africa use Hoodia gordonii as an appetite suppressant, while the Amazonian tribes use ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) for spiritual and physical healing.
Modern Applications and Challenges
In modern medicine, plants continue to inspire drug discovery. The rise of antibiotic resistance has spurred interest in plant-derived antimicrobials, such as those found in garlic and tea tree oil. Additionally, botanical research is exploring plants’ potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and mental health disorders. For instance, compounds in St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) are studied for depression treatment.
However, the medicinal value of plants faces significant threats:
● Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Over 50,000 medicinal plant species are at risk due to land degradation and overharvesting. The World Health Organization estimates that 15% of medicinal plants are endangered.
● Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures threaten plant growth and potency. For example, drought affects the yield of artemisinin in sweet wormwood.
● Overexploitation: Demand for popular herbs like ginseng has led to unsustainable harvesting, depleting wild populations.
Apart from the Principal and staff of the institution, the students specially honored Principal Madam Ripanjot Kaur Ji for reaching DIET on the occasion of World Environment Day.