Pharmacognosy

Pharmacognosy: Fundamentals, Applications and Strategies, Second Edition represents a comprehensive compilation of the philosophical, scientific and technological aspects of contemporary pharmacognosy. The book examines the impact of the advanced techniques of pharmacognosy on improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicines, and how pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have a crucial role to play in discerning the relationships of active metabolites to bioavailability and function at the active sites, as well as the metabolism of plant constituents. Structured in seven parts, the book covers the foundational aspects of Pharmacognosy, the chemistry of plant metabolites, their effects, other sources of metabolites, crude drugs from animals, basic animal anatomy and physiology, technological applications and biotechnology, and the current trends in research. New to this edition is a chapter on plant metabolites and SARS-Cov-2, extensive updates on existing chapters and the development of a Laboratory Guide to support instructors execute practical activities on the laboratory setting. Covers the main sources of natural bioactive substances Contains practice questions and laboratory exercises at the end of every chapter to test learning and retention Describes how pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics play a crucial role in discerning the relationships of active metabolites to bioavailability and function at active sites Includes a dedicated chapter on the effect of plant metabolites on SARS-CoV-2

This encyclopedic reference work on pharmacognosy covers the study of those natural substances, principally plants, that find a use in medicine. Its popularity and longevity stem from the book's balance between classical (crude and powdered drugs' characterization and examination) and modern (phytochemistry and pharmacology) aspects of this branch of science, as well as the editor's recognition in recent years of the growing importance of complementary medicines, including herbal, homeopathic and aromatherapy. No other book provides such a wealth of detail. A reservoir of knowledge in a field where there is a resurgence of interest - plants as a source of drugs are of growing interest both in complementary medicine fields and in the pharmaceutical industry in their search for new 'lead compounds'. Dr Evans has been associated with the book for over 20 years and is a recognised authority in all parts of the world where pharmacognosy is studied, his knowledge and grasp of the subject matter is unique. Meticulously referenced and kept up to date by the editor, new contributors brought in to cover new areas. New chapter on 'Neuroceuticals'. Addition of many new compounds recently added to British Pharmacopoeia as a result of European harmonisation. Considers development in legal control and standardisation of plant materials previously regarded as 'herbal medicines'. More on the study of safety and efficacy of Chinese and Asian drugs. Quality control issues updated in line with latest guidelines (BP 2007).

This comprehensive textbook primarily aims at fulfilling the syllabus requirements of B.Pharm. students. It is specifically designed to impart knowledge about the alternative systems of medicine and modern pharmacognosy. Additionally, it will also serve as a valuable information resource to other health sciences students and researchers working in the field of herbal technology.

Pharmacognosy is a term derived from the Greek words for drug (pharmakon) and knowledge (gnosis). It is a field of study within Chemistry focused on natural products isolated from different sources and their biological activities. Research on natural products began more than a hundred years ago and has continued up to now with a plethora of research groups discovering new ideas and novel active constituents. This book compiles the latest research in the field and will be of interest to scientists, researchers, and students.