Bridging the gap between the ancient art of herbalism and the emerging sciences of ethnopharmocology and phytopharmacotherapy, this book highlights the major breakthroughs in the history of the field and focuses on future directions in the discovery and application of herb-derived medicines. Implementing the concept of reverse pharmacology, it inte

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The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular ef

This volume provides a contemporary overview of new strategies for traditional medicine development. It emphasizes the importance of cataloging ethnomedical information, determining the active principles, and examining the genetic diversity and range of actions of traditional medicines. It discusses the challenges of using traditional medicines for

Interest in the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cosmetic research has grown exponentially during the past decade. Herbal Principles in Cosmetics: Properties and Mechanisms of Action critically examines the botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and molecular aspects of botanical active ingredients used in cosmetics. Along with dermato

This book starts with a general introduction to phytochemistry, followed by chapters on plant constituents, their origins and chemistry, but also discussing animal-, microorganism- and mineral-based drugs. Further chapters cover vitamins, food additives and excipients as well as xenobiotics and poisons. The book also explores the herbal approach to disease management and molecular pharmacognosy and introduces methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant constituents. Phytochemicals are classified as primary (e.g. carbohydrates, lipids, amino acid derivations, etc.) or secondary (e.g. alkaloids, terpenes and terpenoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, etc.) metabolites according to their metabolic route of origin, chemical structure and function. A wide variety of primary and secondary phytochemicals are present in medicinal plants, some of which are active phytomedicines and some of which are pharmaceutical excipients.

Discover herbal alternatives for the treatment of psychological disorders! Reliable and fact-filled, the Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs: A Scientific Analysis of Natural Treatments for Psychiatric Conditions offers psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, physicians, and students in these fields a comprehensive review of the history, pharmacology, chemistry, and uses of medicinal herbs. A valuable resource for understanding today's unregulated herbal marketplace, this essential guide examines such herbs as ginkgo, ginseng, kava kava, linden, German chamomile, St. John's wort, and valerian, among others. The Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs will help you make a well-informed decision on what herbal treatments may be effective and safe for patients, or for you! Figures show that 30 percent of American adults use herbs. The Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs investigates the medical value of over 30 well-known herbs through in-depth evaluations that will give you a fuller understanding of the uses and misuses of these natural remedies. This invaluable guide examines the history, use, and research findings of each herb. The Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs lists the effectiveness of each herb, guidelines for its use, and any precautions you need to be aware of, and also includes the author's recommendations on approved dosages. Containing cutting-edge information about herbal medicine, the Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs will assist readers in making intelligent choices about buying and using herbs. Some of the herbs discussed in this reliable and fact-filled book include: California poppy Chinese and American ginseng kava linden German and Roman chamomile St. John's wort lavender damiana passion flower plus many more! The Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs contains the history, use, phytochemistry, laboratory and clinical studies, and consumer and physician information for each of these widely-used herbs. This important book will help you better understand the role of plants in human psychopathophysiology and its treatment, enlightening you about alternative and proven herbal options for medical care. A Behavioral Science Book Club Main Selection!

This richly illustrated reference guide treats the subject of herbal medicines in an integrated fashion with reference to pharmacognosy, pharmacology and toxicology. It will help to enable internists, phytotherapists, physicians, healthcare practitioners as well as students to understand why, when and how herbal medicines can be used in the treatment of diseases. A great deal of pathology and therapeutic information is also included. Numerous tables as well as figures clarify complex mechanisms and other information. The most important medicinal plants and drugs are illustrated with exceptional color plates.

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists and nurses, are often confronted with patients who use over-the-counter (OTC) herbal medicinal products and food supplements. While taking responsibility for one’s own health and treatment options is encouraged, many patients use these products based on limited (and sometimes inaccurate) information from non-scientific sources, such as the popular press and internet. There is a clear need to offer balanced, well-informed advice to patients, yet a number of studies have shown that, generally, conventionally trained health practitioners consider their knowledge about herbal medicinal products and supplements to be weak. Phytopharmacy fills this knowledge gap, and is intended for use by the busy pharmacist, nurse, or doctor, as well as the ‘expert patient’ and students of pharmacy and herbal medicine. It presents clear, practical and concise monographs on over a hundred popular herbal medicines and plant-based food supplements. Information provided in each monograph includes: • Indications • Summary and appraisal of clinical and pre-clinical evidence • Potential interactions • Contraindications • Possible adverse effects An overview of the current regulatory framework is also outlined, notably the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive. This stipulates that only licensed products or registered traditional herbal medicinal products (THRs), which have assured quality and safety, can now legally be sold OTC. Monographs are included of most of the major herbal ingredients found in THRs, and also some plant-based food supplements, which while not strictly medicines, may also have the potential to exert a physiological effect.

A vast majority of the world’s population lacks access to essential medicines and the provision of safe healthcare services. Medicinal plants and herbal medicines can be applied for pharmacognosy, or the discovery of new drugs, or as an aid for plant physiology studies. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the search for new chemical entities and the expression of resistance of many drugs available in the market has led to a shift in paradigm towards medicinal research. Herbal treatments, the most popular form of folk medicine, may become an important way of increasing access to healthcare services. Advanced Pharmacological Uses of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of drug discovery from natural sources that allow for the effective treatment of human health problems without any side effects, toxicity, or drug resistance. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as ethnobotany, therapeutic applications, and bioactive compounds, this book is ideally designed for pharmacologists, scientists, ethnobotanists, botanists, health researchers, professors, industry professionals, and health students in fields that include pharmaceutical drug development and discovery.