**2. Naturalness of herb constituents**

The concept of natural is contested by different perspectives cutting across different fields of learning. However, nature may be considered under different possible definitions: pristine ecology and life processes [24]. The definition of nature as pristine ecology is questionable given the successive cataclysmic evolution that gradually disequilibrated the ecology of the primitive man. Natural as life processes governed by

#### *Natural Does Not Mean Safe DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104732*

the laws of science (physics, chemistry, and biology) will provide a better platform for this discourse. Therefore, in the light of herbal medicines, the word "natural" suggests essentially that the product is comprised of ingredients produced by nature processes and not the work of man or interference from man. Excitingly, processes suggest activities and reactions that can be conditioned by the environment. The environmental conditions in which a plant grows influence its phytochemical composition and distribution [11, 13]. Second, anthropogenic activities contaminate air and land in addition to agricultural practices (irrigation, fertilization, and pest control), all of which can induce stress to the subsisting plant organisms [12]. The environment and its activities describe nature and could represent natural in this manner since it facilitates life processes. These processes, however, reflect an ecosystem situation and exposure that is far from that of a pristine environment. Safety of constituents of biological organisms, plants inclusive, in such environment should be considered with caution.
