Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy

Pharmacognosy, the study of natural drugs, is essential to modern medicine and healthcare. This textbook covers the history, identification, quality assurance, therapeutic properties, safety, and compatibility of plant-based medicines, including herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. It is aimed at students of all healthcare professions and is updated with recent research and references.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Pharmacognosy, the study of nature-derived drugs, pharmaceuticals, and poisons, has played a pivotal role in the development of modern medicine and continues to hold an equally significant position in healthcare worldwide. This expansive field encompasses a wide range of practices, from traditional medicine systems and herbal and nutritional therapies to the production of potent drugs used exclusively in their purified form. Natural sources primarily revolve around plants, fungi, and algae, but drug discovery also involves bacteria and even marine animals. Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, a landmark textbook authored by esteemed experts in this field, provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse applications of medicinal plants. Spanning from the history and identification of plant-based medicines to their therapeutic properties, safety, and compatibility with prescribed drugs, this book serves as a valuable resource for students and professionals across various healthcare disciplines, including pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and complementary therapies. Moreover, its relevance extends to companies and organizations involved in the regulation and testing of herbal medicines (phytomedicines), other natural health products, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements.

In this edition, the book introduces the concepts and scope of pharmacognosy, delves into the scientific evidence supporting the use of plant-based medicines for a diverse range of health conditions, and offers an extensive and updated referencing section. This includes recent reviews, World Health Organization (WHO) documents, and official documents (where available) to facilitate quick access to further scientific literature.

One notable addition to this edition is the coverage of antimicrobial natural products. These compounds, including antibiotics and antiseptics, hold great potential as antibacterial agents and as agents that can modify bacterial resistance. Understanding the antimicrobial properties of natural products is crucial in the face of growing concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Another important topic addressed in this edition is anticancer natural products. These compounds, derived from plants and other natural sources, have shown promising results in the treatment of cancer. Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy provides valuable insights into the discovery, characterization, and potential therapeutic applications of these compounds, making it an essential resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the field of natural medicine.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 218 x 278 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323834346
Edition number: 4 ed