Foreword -- Acknowledgement -- Chapter I. DEVELOPMENTS IN KNOWLEDGE OF PLANT DERIVED NATURAL PRODUCTS PHARMACOGNOSY IN THE 21ST CENTURY -- Chapter II. QUALITY REQUIREMENTS FOR HERBAL DRUGS; ANALYTICAL METHODS -- Chapter III. BIOSYNTHESIS OF PLANT SUBSTANCES; BIOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS -- Chapter IV. DISCUSSION OF HERBAL DRUGS BASED ON THE BIOGENETIC CLASSIFICATION OF THEIR MAIN ACTIVE COMPONENTS -- Chapter V. BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF COMPOUNDS OF PLANT ORIGIN -- Chapter VI. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY -- Chapter VII. APPENDIX -- Abbreviations.

This book is at once heavy and light, comprehensive and extensive, conservative and modern. A broad spectrum of pharmacognosy is presented in a uniquely holistic manner. Numerous color photographs, didactic illustrations, and precise descriptions introduce the herbs found not only in Europe but throughout the world, showing the uses of herbs, their active ingredients, and the chemical structures and biosynthesis of biologically active molecules with beneficial and harmful effects. This excellent, well-presented encyclopedia on medicinal plants also includes descriptions of analytical and structural research and biotechnological methodology. Herbs and active molecules are classified according to the current biogenetic system. Designed for the professional education and training of students, pharmacists, physicians, and chemists, it is equally aimed at a broader scientific audience interested in botany and the analytical chemistry and biochemistry of natural products. .