# Chapter 11: Plants as an inspiration in biomedicine

We often do not realise in our daily lives how essential plants are to us, and we would probably start to appreciate their significance only in their absence. However, we don't need an apocalyptic vision to understand that the plant kingdom and its members, with their fascinating abilities, deserve our attention. Plants are indeed a part of our everyday life, and industries that process plants are well-known. Still, we can also find that plant biomass provide energy, in the form of biofuels and subsequently heat. Of course, we should not forget the cosmetic industry, where plant-based ingredients and extracts are highly sought after and popular. At the same time, we must remind ourselves that plants are an integral part of art and relaxation. Indeed, each of us has at least one indoor plant at home and likes to walk in a park or forest, representing an optimal form of relaxation for many. Humans have always been connected to nature, providing us not only with food and shelter but also with refuge and a place to rest. In this chapter, we will focus more closely on two areas in which plants play a significant role - basic research and medicine.