The constituents of medicinal plants

This new edition is a comprehensive introduction to the main phytochemical classes found in plants that are understood to confer their therapeutic activity. A major advantage is that the book assumes only a basic understanding of chemistry, making it an ideal primer for students and practitioners alike. However, it quickly brings the reader into more sophisticated territory, without falling into the trap of being overly reductionist or technical. Key features are the many chemical diagrams and the wide-ranging discussion of pharmacological activities and safety considerations. The new third edition has been thoroughly revised to incorporate the latest research. It contains a new chapter on resins and cannabinoids, and additional content on essential oil chemotypes, the important area of mushroom polysaccharides, together with a discussion of phytochemical synergy and updates on the toxicology of plant constituents. Other chapters have been considerably expanded. For example, the polysaccharide chapter now includes more comprehensive sections on seaweeds and fungi than in previous editions, emphasizing in particular their immunomodulatory effects.