Medicinal Plants of the World

by Ben-Erik van Wyk, Michael Wink

Overview

Medicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products. The book gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the best known medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective? The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions. This new edition has an additional 30 plant species, many new and improved photographs and the text has been fully updated to reflect the latest regulatory status of each plant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786393258
Publisher:	CAB International North America
Publication date:	06/08/2017
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	520
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.45(h) x 1.54(d)

About the Author

Ben-Erik van Wyk is a Professor of Botany and holds the DST-NRF National Research Chair in Indigenous Plant Use at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has a research interest in systematic botany and plant utilization.

Michael Wink

Table of Contents

1: Preface
2: Introduction
3: Medicine Systems of the World
4: Plant Parts Used
5: Dosage Forms
6: Use of Medicinal Plant Products
7: Active Ingredients
8: Quality Control and Safety
9: Efficacy of Medicinal Plant Products
10: Regulation of Herbal Remedies and Phytomedicines
11: The Plants in Alphabetical Order
12: Health Disorders and Medicinal Plants
13: Overview of Secondary Metabolites and Their Effects
14: Quick Guide to Commercialized Medicinal Plants
15: Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"Medicinal Plants of the World is a scientifically accurate guide to the best-known and most important medicinal plants of special commercial or historical interest which is a rapidly expanding field."
—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, June 2004

From the Publisher

"Medicinal Plants of the World is a scientifically accurate guide to the best-known and most important medicinal plants of special commercial or historical interest which is a rapidly expanding field."
—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, June 2004

National Gardener

"An in-depth, scientifically accurate, superbly presented, seminal survey and guide to the best-known medicinal plants ... a reference that health care professionals will relish and refer to time and time again."

—Bookwatch, July 2004

Bookwatch

"This stunning new book is a user-friendly guide to 320 plants."
—J. S. Whelan, Choice, September 2004

Choice