The Natural History of Medicinal Plants - Hardcover

Sumner, Judith

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0881924830 ISBN 13: 9780881924831

Publisher: Timber Pr, 2000

Synopsis

Wild and cultivated plants have provided humans with cures for thousands of years. Aspirin, for example, the most widely used drug in the Western pharmacopoeia, was first isolated from willows to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. Writing for the lay reader, the author surveys the history of the use of plants in medicine, the range of chemicals produced by plants, and the prospects for future discoveries.

About this title

Book Description:

Examines the historical use of plants in medicine, the range of chemicals produced by plants, prospect for further discoveries, & zoopharmacognosy.

From the Publisher:

Although we may be tempted to think of these and other plant chemicals existing primarily for our medicinal use, in reality they are defense strategies in a natural world colonized by organisms competing for survival. In this fascinating introduction to the botanical compounds used medicinally, Dr. Sumner describes their biological and ecological importance as toxins and deterrents in protecting plants. An exciting chapter on the new field of zoopharmacognosy provides some interesting examples of birds, primates, and elephants that seemingly recognize and use plants as medicines. The author concludes with a thought-provoking analysis of the issues behind using medicinal plants to improve human needs without destroying the earth’s biodiversity.

About this edition

• Publisher: Timber Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0881924830
• ISBN 13: 9780881924831
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 235