Philosophy in Phytopharmacology:Ockham's Razor versus synergy.
Philosophy profoundly influences the sciences. In research models Ockham's Razor is often utilized as an operational principle in understanding the outcomes of modeling. However this principle of parsimony may delay the progress of understanding phytochemical matrices and the emergence of synergy that can arise from their interaction with human biology. Presented is a philosophical argument for synergy and medicinal plants as well as multiple examples of synergic systems occurring in the literature.
Spelman
Kevin
K
Clinical Division, Department of Herbal Medicine, Tai Sophia Institute, 7750 Montpeller Road, Laurel, MD 20723, USA.
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000975:Antioxidants; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D010936:Plant Extracts