The discovery and development of modern medicines from plants is not usually a straightforward process. Scientists believe that the correct way to discover a new remedy is by knowing the mechanism of action of a plant compound and matching it with the biochemical basis of the disease process. However, it is not usually like that. Careful observation by itself can yield dividends. For example, the antihypertensive action of reserpine was found when psychiatric patients, being treated with Rauvolfia serpentina, had their blood pressure measured as a routine. Academic biochemical research led to the discovery of lidocaine...