Medicinal Plants of the World

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. • More than 800 full-colour photographs. • Summary: Health disorders and how to treat them • Overview Secondary Metabolites and their effects • Quick guide to commercialised medicinal plants • Glossary of chemical, medical and pharmaceutical terms • Index.