Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Pharmacognosy, the science of nature-derived drugs, pharmaceuticals, and poisons, has played a pivotal role in the development of modern medicine. It continues to have an equally important place in healthcare globally, encompassing traditional medicine systems, herbal and nutritional therapies, and the production of potent drugs used in a purified form. Natural sources primarily focus on plants, fungi, and algae, with drug discovery extending to bacteria and marine animals.

Understanding the Scope of Plant-Based Medicines

Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy is a landmark textbook that covers the spectrum of medicinal plant use. It delves into the history, identification, and quality assurance of plant-based medicines, as well as their therapeutic properties, safety, and compatibility with prescribed drugs. This comprehensive guide is aimed at students of all healthcare professions, including pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and complementary therapies.

Key Updates in the Latest Edition

The latest edition of this textbook has been extensively updated to include:

• Antimicrobial natural products: as antibiotics and antiseptics, and their potential as bacterial resistance modifiers
• Anticancer natural products: scope now includes their role in chemoprevention and associated anti-inflammatory mechanisms
• A new chapter on pharmacovigilance for herbal medicines and related products
• Quality assurance and pharmacopoeial methods extended, with many new figures and examples
• Plant medicines of recent scientific interest (popularity, or notoriety) added throughout

Additionally, an enhanced eBook version is included with purchase, offering the ability to search, customize content, make notes, and have content read aloud.

Why This Book Matters

Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy provides essential information for those concerned with the regulation and testing of herbal medicines (phytomedicines), other natural health products, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. It serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students seeking to understand the role of plant-based medicines in modern healthcare.