Amots Dafni
Haifa University, Israel
Title: Medicinal plants of the Bible - Past, present and future
Biography
Biography: Amots Dafni
Abstract
The Holy Land is located in the cultural continuum between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It is logical to assume that
the main medicinal plants used were similar throughout this region. The main species were represented in the families
Solanaceae and Lamiaceae. However, references to medicinal plants in the bible are uncommon and do not reflect the longterm
and regular uses of these plants. While many plants mentioned in the bible have and had medicinal uses most are not
mentioned within a pharmacological context within sacred verses. The main medicinal in the bible are hyssop, myrtle, myrrh,
Balm of Gilead and mandrake. The first four have other ritual uses. The present day use of the plants will be surveyed to
compare them to their ancient applications over the Middle East. It appears that the only plant group that has a pharmacological
future, as a potential source of bioactive compounds, is the species complex known as myrrh (Boswellia spp.).