Medicinal And Aromatic Plants Industrial Profiles

The genus Vetiveria is one of the most versatile genera in plant species. The species produces odorous roots from which a precious essential oil is distilled and used in a variety of applications from perfumery to ethnopharmacology. The same roots give the plant particular characteristics that make it a valuable natural barrier against erosion. The book describes the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, essential oil biogenesis and chemical composition, ethnopharmacologu and distillation, as well as the production of plants for oil exploration and for the use of Vetiveria as an ecological tool against erosion, flood, soil pollution and many other applications.

Known usually by their commercial names-star anise, aniseed and fennel, respectively-illicium, pimpinella and foeniculum are spices with a rich history. In addition to their traditional uses, each has multiple applications in botany, chemistry, pharmacology and therapy. The author, along with expert contributors, discusses this range of applications and presents data on the ecological and biological characteristics of these genera. The text gives a full profile for each species, including practices for cultivating, drying and storing the plants. Their performance in the marketplace is also reviewed, with a look at their economic importance and future trends. University professors and students in botany, pharmacology, phytochemistry and medicine will benefit from this volume.

Panax Ginseng has been commonly used in indigenous medicine in the Far East for over 5,000 years. Its man-like appearance ensured that it was quickly accepted as a tonic maintaining the body in good health, inducing rejuvenation and retarding ageing. The vast output of modern research suggests uses for this ancient drug in today's medicine.

Text discusses the multi-purpose uses of fenugreek as forage, food, spice, perfume, insect repellent, dye, herbal medicine, and much more. Describes fenugreek seed as a possible solution to such problems as birth control and gastric disorders. Color and halftone illustrations.

Presents up-to-date information on Poppy and related species, emphasizing its importance and giving a historical evaluation. In the chapters describing the botany and taxonomy of the genus some novel aspects are discussed, e.g., special morphological, structural differentiation.