The Constituents of medicinal plants : an introduction to the chemistry and therapeutics of herbal medicine

Overview: This unique book explains in simple terms the commonly occurring chemical constituents of medicinal plants. The major classes of plant constituents such as phenols, terpenes and polysaccharides, are described both in terms of their chemical structures and their pharmacological activities. The presence of specific chemical compounds provides insights into traditional and clinical use of these herbs - as well as potential for adverse reactions. Features include: * Over 100 diagrams of chemical structures.* References to original research studies and clinical trials.* References to plants commonly used throughout Europe, North America and Australasia.Any suggestions that herbal medicine remains untested and unproven are seriously challenged by this book, including as it does hundreds of references to original research studies and clinical trials. However, unlike many texts in this field, it is written by an experienced herbal practitioner with first hand knowledge of the actions and possible risks associated with the use of plant medicine. The first edition of this book - originally designed as an undergraduate text - also became an essential desktop reference for health practitioners, lecturers, researchers, producers and anyone with an interest in how and why medicinal herbs work. This revised edition includes up to date research reports and several additional sections including an expanded introduction to plant molecular structures, making it destined to become a classic in the literature of herbal medicine.