ABSTRACT:
In recent years application and search for novel drugs derived from plants have accelerated. A lot of studies are carried with the aim that compounds from plant origin will be included into the arsenal of potent and safe antimicrobial agents. Herbal medicine renders a substantial hope in the development of "leads" for treatment of infectious diseases. The systemic and holistic approach of bioprospecting and ethnopharmacology supported by empirical base serves as a state-of- the-art platform for novel drugs. This study accentuates the relative strengths and differences among the roles of both methodologies. Ethnopharmacology has significant role in drug development with primary focus on empirical facets of indigenous plant use thus identifying remarkably potent pharmacologically active compounds. There is enough evidence supporting this fact. Moreover the initiative includes thorough data on native resources of flora. On the contrary primary objective of bioprospecting sets off towards drug discovery at a global level. There are numerous accounts where this approach aims specifically towards antifungal. The underlying difference being natural compounds in its pure form are exploited as drugs. This being complementary in the former approach where rather than pure form extracts are employed. Fundamental issue with both the approaches also have basic differences. In ethnopharmacology the phytotherapy faces risk with the safety, potency and adequacy of herbal extract preparations. Understanding these technological advances in the field of natural medicine will revolutionize the platform for the future discovery and development of drugs.