The paradox of natural products as pharmaceuticals -: Experimental evidences of a mango stem bark extract

Recent findings regarding basic, pre-clinical and clinical studies on a mango stem bark extract (MSBE) developed in Cuba (Vimang) on an industrial scale are summarized. Ethnomedical studies, extract reproducibility, biological effects and clinical evaluations in terms of patient quality of life are described as experimental evidences to support the statement that natural products, even being a mixture of compounds, could be as effective as monoceuticals for medical uses. Discussion about the use of monoceuticals versus natureceuticals in health care and medicine is based on effectiveness and availability, taking Vimang as an example of a natural product with supported scientific evidence to be used as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.