Uses of Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs).

 MAPs are essential for both human health and ecological balance. Globally, an estimated 50,000–70,000 MAP species are harvested for their medicinal properties, forming the foundation of many healthcare systems and remaining vital to modern pharmaceuticals, as numerous active drug compounds are derived directly or indirectly from natural sources, despite advancements in synthetic chemistry. This is especially true in developing countries, where the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the majority of the population relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare.

Beyond their medicinal uses, MAP cultivation and wild harvesting sustain livelihoods around the world, with roughly one in five people depending on wild plants, algae and fungi for food and income. MAPs also contribute to various industries, including cosmetics, food, and luxury goods. The genetic resources derived from MAPs and traditional knowledge about MAPs are used for diverse applications in agriculture, medicine and conservation. MAPs play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems by stabilizing soils, promoting biodiversity and providing essential resources for pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds.