Bioactive Medicinal Plants

Description

Bioactive principles, also referred as plant secondary metabolites, are derived from the products of plant primary metabolites, which are associated with the process of photosynthesis viz.; carbohydrates, amino acids and simple lipids.Medicinal plants are plants whose extracts can be used directly or indirectly for the treatment of different ailments. In the world more than 30 per cent of the pharmaceutical preparations are based on plants. Scientists throughout the world are trying to explore the precious assets of medicinal plants to help the suffering humanity. They have shown to exhibit chemoprevention and chemotherapeutic effects not only in cell lines but also in some clinical trials. This section offers a few examples of plantderived compounds that have anticancer therapeutic properties and which offer no harm to healthy cells. Herbs, plant extracts, botanicals, spices, and supplements are becoming increasingly popular with patients, including those struggling with serious illnesses like mesothelioma. While there are many unfounded claims about plants and herbs treating or curing cancer, these natural substances should not replace traditional medical treatment. The present book explores the recent developments in the field of botanical medicine. It provides vital information on various bioactive compounds present in plants and their use in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.