Health professionals from different disciplines and countries use alternative names for plants and fungi, as well as for the ingredients, substances, and drugs derived from them.
SynonymsThe common names of plants vary across regions, professions, and generations. They are part of our culture, but their meaning may change over time. One plant may have multiple names (synonyms), which makes it difficult to find all relevant clinical trials or published research. |
HomonymsCommon names can also be ambiguous, with a single name being used by different people to refer to different plants (homonyms). Such ambiguity introduces risks, particularly regarding medicinal plants, when communicating which plant should be used. |
Pharmaceutical namesPharmaceutical names can be equally inconsistent. The same name may be used in different pharmacopoeias to refer to drugs derived from different plants, using different plant parts or processed in different ways. |
Scientific botanical nomenclature resolves such ambiguity and confusion
Scientific names for plants and fungi are precise and unique. They retain their meaning over time because they are referenced to physical specimens that define their morphological, chemical, and DNA characteristics. Scientific names are recognised globally across disciplines.
Nonetheless, scientific names can still be misunderstood and are frequently misused.
Reliable research, regulation, and product quality depend on the use of precise, unambiguous names. Effective communication and publication of research, as well as meaningful regulation, require their consistent use. Likewise, searching the literature for clinical trials or related data requires awareness of naming variations.
Plants for Health supports researchers and health professionals by bringing clarity to this complexity, providing guidance on effective publication and access to relevant knowledge. We offer tools and training resources to support high-quality research and the safe use of natural health products.