Tabari Biomedical Student Research Journal

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives: In addition to pharmacological effects, medications normally cause adverse side effects. Discovery of plant-based medications for the treatment of various diseases and symptoms such as pain has been a major concern among researchers. During the process of discovering pharmacological drugs of herbal origin, some issues may be neglected in planting and harvesting stages, which influences environmental principles and appropriate behavior toward plants. This study aimed to assess the modifications in human behavior toward medicinal plants in accordance with the principles of the Holy Quran and Islamic teachings.
Materials and Methods: In this review, data on medicinal plants from quranic and ethical sources were extracted from electronic databases and valid scientific websites, including ISI (Web of Science), PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Selected articles had been published during 1992-2016. In addition, non-electronic sources, such as the Holy Quran, scientific interpretations of the Holy Quran and other books were used to collect the required information. 
Results: After Medicinal plants play a pivotal role in industry, medicine, health and human behavior. Positive attitude toward these plants must encompass the planting and growth stages, which is highlighted in the Holy Quran in the Anam, Naml and Nahl suwar. Moreover, teachings of the Prophets and Imams emphasized on the care and exploitation of medicinal plants. God's grace has been granted upon plants and herbs to flourish and benefit mankind. 
Conclusion: Environmental problems and attitude toward plants have been extensively discussed in Islam, emphasizing on justice and rectitude in this regard. Accordingly, care and attention for herbs and trees, as significant living beings, is crucial to maintaining the physical, spiritual and behavioral health of human.