Recent Progress In Medicinal Plants (Ethnomedicine And Therapeutic Validation)

With growing economy, affluence and changes in lifestyle modern diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases are on the rise especially in the developing countries. Conventional medicinal therapies are associated with high costs and prominent side effects. Medicinal plants offer suitable means to tackle the current grave situation on account of the growing recognition that these are natural products, free from side effects and are easily available at affordable prices. So there has been a spurt in demand for these plant based medicines. Such a backdrop has renewed the interest of scientists in medicinal plant research. However, it is also important that the scientific research in these aspects is documented in a condensed form for easy reference by students, budding scientists and general public. In this regard the Volume 32 titled Ethnomedicine and Therapeutic Validation of Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants will immensely contribute in discovery of new drugs from medicinal plants and also serve as a handy reference material for further research work. The highlight of the volume is an exhaustive compilation of scientific data from more than 17 countries world over, namely Italy, Argentina, India, Sri-Lanka, Brazil, Serbia, Germany, Cameroon, USA, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Iran, Portugal and Hungary. The focus is particularly on medicinal plants which are important in treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This compilation emphasizes the fact that it is important to preserve traditional medicinal system based on plant products but also to focus research on them in order to enhance our scientific knowledge pertaining to their pharmacological properties and active principles. It is further hoped that this volume would be of great use to the scientific league and would also enhance knowledge of general public about medicinal plants and their use in daily life.