The Natural History of Medicinal Plants - Softcover

Sumner, Judith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0881929573 ISBN 13: 9780881929577

Publisher: Timber Press, 2008

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.

This book is only available through print on demand. All interior art is black and white.

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 Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0881929573
• ISBN 13: 9780881929577
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 252