Botanical Pharmacies: The Blooming Frontier of Biopharming in Horticulture
Sampada C Mareguddikar
Department of Fruit Science, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Sowmya H. M. *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sri Krishnadevaraya College of Horticultural Sciences, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Soura Shuvra Gupta
Department of Soil Science and Ag chemistry, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India.
Arshad Khayum
Department of Post Harvest Technology, Sri Krishnadevaraya College of Horticultural Sciences, Anantapur (A.P.), India.
Basavaraj T.
Department of Vegetable Science, Sri Krishnadevaraya College of Horticultural Sciences, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ayesha Siddiqua
Department of Fruit Sciences, Sri Krishnadevaraya College of Horticultural Sciences, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The emergence of botanical pharmacies marks a revolutionary stride at the crossroads of biotechnology and horticulture. Termed as the "Blooming Frontier of Biopharming in Horticulture," this field exploits the inherent potential of plants to act as living factories for synthesizing of pharmaceutical compounds. Through genetic engineering, specific genes are introduced into plants to trigger the production of valuable medicinal substances, presenting a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional pharmaceutical manufacturing. This innovative approach not only offers a renewable and scalable platform for drug manufacturing but also holds promise for addressing challenges related to the cost and sustainability of pharmaceutical production. While the potential benefits are significant, the field faces challenges regarding regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, and ecological considerations. Striking a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility is vital as botanical pharmacies pave the way for a transformative shift in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Keywords: Innovative, transformative, medicinal, controlled, pharmaceutical manufacturing, public acceptance, botanical pharmacies, human civilization