Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

"The field of Pharmacognosy, with its roots in ancient practices of medicinal plant use, has evolved into a dynamic scientific discipline integrating phytochemical analysis, biotechnological advancements, and clinical applications. "Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Applications" provides a comprehensive overview of this multifaceted field. It begins with a historical exploration of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, detailing the evolution of medicinal plant use and scientific inquiry. The book covers the classification of crude drugs, ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and complementary medicinal systems, offering insights into cultural and ecological dimensions of plant-based medicines. Practical aspects such as cultivation, collection, preparation, adulteration, and evaluation of plant drugs are discussed in detail. The book elucidates methodologies for extracting bioactive compounds, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, and advanced analytical techniques for quality control. It highlights the therapeutic potential of plant secondary metabolites and the processes of isolation, purification, and characterization of herbal drugs. Biological screening methods and biosynthetic pathways of phytopharmaceuticals are explored, alongside pharmaceutical aids, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, pesticides, and allergens. Comparative Phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, and modern plant biotechnology are explored, along with the emerging field of marine Pharmacognosy. Molecular and Clinical Pharmacognosy bridge research and clinical applications, emphasizing the translation of scientific discoveries into health benefits. This book serves as a resource for students, researchers, and practitioners, combining traditional knowledge with modern advancements to provide a holistic understanding of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry"--