Environmental Challenges and Medicinal Plants: Sustainable Production Solutions under Adverse Conditions

Medicinal plants are a rich source of natural chemicals that are used to meet the growing needs of humankind for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agrochemicals, and chemical additives. These plants contain bioactive secondary metabolites that have various properties such as antimalarial, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, antifungal, antispasmodic, cardioprotective, antithyroid, and antihistaminic. The production of medicinal plants is facing several challenges due to climate change, which is expected to impact food and pharmaceutical production globally. To ensure sustainable production, multidisciplinary approaches are needed, and a deep understanding of the molecular processes that underlie their extraordinary physiological plasticity is required. This edited volume highlights the recent research on medicinal plants and provides a direction towards the implementation of programs and practices that will enable sustainable production of these plants resilient to challenging environmental conditions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Medicinal plants are a rich source of natural chemicals that meet the ever-growing needs of humankind for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agrochemicals, and chemical additives. These plants contain bioactive secondary metabolites that possess a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antimalarial, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiarthritic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, antifungal, antispasmodic, cardioprotective, antithyroid, and antihistaminic effects. These secondary metabolites play a crucial role in the adaptation of plants to changing environmental conditions and stress, as they are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors.

Since ancient times, humans have relied on medicinal plants for various purposes, and their population continues to meet our demands. However, it is important to consider the accessibility of resources for future generations. As climate change intensifies, we will face challenges in sustaining the supply of pharmaceuticals, particularly medicinal plants. Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative sustainable options to protect these valuable plants from various stresses.

One approach is to develop eco-friendly methodologies and mechanisms to improve the responses of medicinal plants to unfavorable environmental circumstances. This includes identifying genetic variations and molecular mechanisms that confer resistance to stress, as well as exploring innovative cultivation techniques that enhance plant productivity and resilience. Additionally, conservation efforts and sustainable resource management practices are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of medicinal plant production.

In conclusion, medicinal plants supply essential natural chemicals that have significant therapeutic benefits. The growing demand for these compounds highlights the importance of sustainable production and conservation efforts to ensure the availability of these resources for future generations. By developing eco-friendly methodologies and mechanisms, we can enhance the responses of medicinal plants to environmental stresses and improve their productivity, ultimately sustaining the supply of pharmaceuticals as global climate change intensifies.

Weight: 801g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030920524
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022